[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Hopeful2

It was after reading Ryan Erisman's monthly newsletter today, that I became concerned. I indeed hoped that there was no validity to it and that was my reason for posting the thread ("...say it isn't so"). My husband and I are about to purchase a home just a stone's throw from Brownwood.

The Village Squares are open to adults and teenagers who live outside The Villages. All three squares are open to "outsiders". If you are concerned about teenagers hanging around movie theaters and the town squares, it happens. If you are making life decisions based on Ryan Erisman's ridiculous monthly newsletters, then best of luck to you.

[buggyone]

Personally, I would choose to live further away from Wildwood and closer to the interior of The Villages.

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by claricecolin

What exactly are they doing? How are they being disruptive? What about their behavior makes you feel unsafe?

Exactly.....

Do folks moving here seriously believe that only people over 55 live here?

[Happinow]

It doesn't matter which square you are at. Kids, teenagers and under age people who are running around with no real purpose aren't what we signed up for at The Villages. Some of us moved from this type of atmosphere to get away from it. Running around the squares serves no purpose except to be disruptive. Someone needs to get a handle on it right away before it becomes a playground. Word travels fast amongst kids that the squares are a place to go to play around. We want to go enjoy the squares without being afraid of a group of kids running about intimidating us. Even if no physical damage is done by kids, sometimes their behavior is damaging enough among elderly people. Let's not allow the squares to become an alternative to hanging out at a mall. No good can come from it. Yes, I know,they are public squares but I feel like we have paid for them and should be able to enjoy them.

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by Happinow

It doesn't matter which square you are at. Kids, teenagers and under age people who are running around with no real purpose aren't what we signed up for at The Villages. Some of us moved from this type of atmosphere to get away from it. Running around the squares serves no purpose except to be disruptive. Someone needs to get a handle on it right away before it becomes a playground. Word travels fast amongst kids that the squares are a place to go to play around. We want to go enjoy the squares without being afraid of a group of kids running about intimidating us. Even if no physical damage is done by kids, sometimes their behavior is damaging enough among elderly people. Let's not allow the squares to become an alternative to hanging out at a mall. No good can come from it. Yes, I know,they are public squares but I feel like we have paid for them and should be able to enjoy them.

Boy howdy........YIKES!!!!!

[Vernster]

Originally Posted by sharoni

Some members of our family were visiting and when they left the movie theater, those same bunch of kids were running all over Brownwood AGAIN. So for those tho haven't seen this, only a matter of time...Anyone know where this bunch of black kids are coming from? Doesn't matter their color, just that they are disruptive and making us feel unsafe.

If it "Doesn't matter their color" I would think there was no need to mention the color of their skin.

[billethkid]

there are always going to be some of the old farts who think TV is in fact for over 55s and anybody younger especially teens and as stated black teens make some feel unsafe.

The invitation was say it isn't so....well it is not. Brownwood is no different tha LSL or SS town centers. It wasn't that many months ago when someone here was complaining about the teens "hanging around" LSL and making them nervous.

Once agian not only the isolated incident being treated as a general condition but embellished by someone who has THEIR OWN specific idea what constitutes safety in the MIND.

Anybody who is a resident of TV and frequents the town centers and appreciates the fact there is more to the social profile of the TV than what they see in the mirror.

The majority of us beleive we live in one of the safest environments on the planet.......the minority exception is noted.

btk

[Hopeful2]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

The Village Squares are open to adults and teenagers who live outside The Villages. All three squares are open to "outsiders". If you are concerned about teenagers hanging around movie theaters and the town squares, it happens. If you are making life decisions based on Ryan Erisman's ridiculous monthly newsletters, then best of luck to you.

I am aware of the fact that the squares are open to all. Please forgive my ignorance on the issue of Ryan Erisman's credibility. I thought that the many good people who respond to questions and posts here - could speak first hand to the issue of whether there are concerns about Brownwood. I'm not sure what you mean by your statement " If you are making life decisions based on Ryan Erisman's ridiculous monthly newsletters, then best of luck to you."

[graciegirl]

I am not sure what Bare means either, but I do know that I have been reading her posts for years and that is the strongest statement she has ever made and the first one ever to be critical of anyone.

I know there is some good reason. Barefoot is fair and kind and considered and trustworthy.

I also agree with Billethekids's post above.

There was some vandalism at Lake Sumter Landing square a few months back. There was graffiti in and messed up public restroom. And a car windshield was broken where people parked who were picked up by buses for cruise vacation. These were two separate instances.

But how old the vandals were, we don't know.

When you have a public square, you have people who do not live here, but I know that my neighbor in Hadley, a retired New York Police Officer was hired to be an undercover security person at LSL, so I conclude that is done at all squares.

We are as safe here as any place on this earth.

In MY very humble opinion.

[PaPaLarry]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

The Village Squares are open to adults and teenagers who live outside The Villages. All three squares are open to "outsiders". If you are concerned about teenagers hanging around movie theaters and the town squares, it happens. If you are making life decisions based on Ryan Erisman's ridiculous monthly newsletters, then best of luck to you.

Well said!!!!!!!!!!

[PaPaLarry]

If I remember correctly, going back all those years (LOL) we as teenagers hung around downtown also. Brownwood is an attraction, that will bring all types of people, not just teenagers. I'm sure the Police have things under control! Billiethekid, Barefoot, and Gracie, hit the nail on the head, with their good explanations. Brownwood is for all of us, and the businesses there need the revenue. Lets not be negative about our Hometown!! Enjoy your next visit to Brownwood!!!

[ssmith]

Wow, I do understand that the kids there need places to hang out and most are likely harmless and this is probably way over exaggerated however....

I do get intimidated when I see a pack of teens (that is what I called them when my own son hung out with his friends) all hanging out together...you just never know.... Once while visiting there we found some sitting in our golf cart in the parking lot....no apparent issues and they did move but it was a bit intimidating....just saying.

Glad for the police that do patrol there.

[Jhooman]

Last week we attended Scooter's event at Sumter. Old folks, Young folks and Regular folks were running around being silly. He' a nut and we all loved his joy of being completely out there.

During the show he called up the cross country team and had them dance on stage with him. It was wonderful seeing the joy of these kids doing their "Thang". What's amazing, Scooter kept up with them. The audience loved it and gave these kids a huge applause.

I've seen old folks get out of control in the squares, too much booze, then they get in their carts and drive. Now that's scary.

What I love about this community, it's not sterile, it's inviting to all age groups. There's a dynamic pulse here. If this community was a closed community, I would find it rigid and boring.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Vernster

If it "Doesn't matter their color" I would think there was no need to mention the color of their skin.

I agree!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by billethkid

there are always going to be some of the old farts who think TV is in fact for over 55s and anybody younger especially teens and as stated black teens make some feel unsafe.

The invitation was say it isn't so....well it is not. Brownwood is no different tha LSL or SS town centers. It wasn't that many months ago when someone here was complaining about the teens "hanging around" LSL and making them nervous.

Once agian not only the isolated incident being treated as a general condition but embellished by someone who has THEIR OWN specific idea what constitutes safety in the MIND.

Anybody who is a resident of TV and frequents the town centers and appreciates the fact there is more to the social profile of the TV than what they see in the mirror.

The majority of us beleive we live in one of the safest environments on the planet.......the minority exception is noted.

btk

As usual the voice of reason, thanks.