[G.R.I.T.S.]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Do you visit this square often? Any square?

I do. Still my fav.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

The Developer doesn’t need nightly entertainment in Spanish Springs to attract home buyers anymore. All the development is many miles south. Little marketing benefit would be lost in discontinuing nightly entertainment or events like the monthly drive-in. Those enjoying those events are probably already Villages homeowners, or residents of surrounding communities.

By discontinuing nightly entertainment at Spanish Springs the entire town square could be re-purposed to a large, attractive parking lot. It could be gated with assigned spaces for use by renters in the planned apartments as well as the rumored apartments in the two stories of existing health club space in the La Riena Building. Parking for new apartment renters? Solved! Complaints from renters about too much noise? Solved!

If the movie theatres are re-purposed into a re-located health club as rumored, the main entrance could be in the rear, with parking spaces immediately behind the theater space made private, gated, for use by health club members only.

Complaints would be temporary, coming only from those not likely to be new home buyers. All the businesses in the area, including the Developer-owned Sharon, would likely view the idea favorably. Of course, the Developer owns all the commercial space in the area, so commercial renters would view the idea of less parking pressure very favorably.

New apartments on two floors of the La Riena building is based on a rumor, but it makes sense based on health club employees already having been told of the relocation plan to the theatre space when the health club lease in the La Riena building expires.

Negatives to the idea?

Sarcasm at it's best.

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I'll answer the question applied to myself: Yup, I visit Spanish Springs town square regularly. At least once a week, and I drive through it more often than that to get from my house (in the historic section) to other parts of the Villages.

At 50 new units, you'd need 75 parking spaces reserved for residents of those units. Behind the MPV building there are enough for units in that building, without needing any reserved on the street. The Katie Belle's building would need spaces off to the side in the back, closer to Amerikano's, in order to accommodate off-street parking for non-resident patrons of the square and employees.

It's absolutely do-able, but yes it would also absolutely change the complexion of the Square. Currently, residential units surround the Square in the townhouses, and there's a hotel at (not in) the Square with sectioned-off parking spaces in the back. As long as the parking spaces are reserved, and the reservations can actually be enforced (via gate pass or numeric passcode for example), and the spaces are not on the street-side, it should be fine.

My objection to the Katie Belles' thing was its isolation, parking logistics, and the Morse family's ridiculous comparison to Brownwood Lofts, which have amenities on-site and were built on the perimeter of the square, and not just repurposed buildings at the square itself.

But if you repurpose upper floors of a couple of buildings surrounding the square, with resident parking behind and some on-site amenities, then the residents of the square will feel more like a community to each other - and us "regular visitors" will have a more "village-like" atmosphere to visit.

Agree 100%. This type of arrangement is very prevalent in other areas. Also need to mention that these renters would be much more likely go to the restauarants in the square.

[RaymondD]

It seems to me you’re ignoring the 1,000’s of homes North of Spanish Springs. As it is I drive 25 minutes to get to Spanish Springs for music and entertainment. Obviously I’m North of Spanish Springs and I don’t always want to drive 40 minutes to go to Lake Sumter. Personally, I think your idea is self centered, inconsiderate, and intolerable. Sounds more like destroy their area and leave ours alone. Maybe management should think about building an apartments down South of 466a, they have open land for both apartments and a parking areas with no impact to the current squares. Of Course, that’s just a thought !!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Excuse me but they did build apartments below 466a and others have built many more apartments and I’m not whining

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by charlieo1126@gmail.com

Excuse me but they did build apartments below 466a and others have built many more apartments and I’m not whining

That's because you don't feel entitled.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

That's because you don't feel entitled.

The question is, is it in our best interest that they build a lot of apartments around spanish springs. You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

My answer would be no but of course we do not have the power to influence this at all.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

Based on what evidence? You sound like you know something, so please share.

[npwalters]

A repeat from a previous post.

Don't like the sound of the entertainment venue in YOUR part of TV being closed? Thats because you are entitled.

"I think we should take this to it's logical conclusion if we use the OPs logic (which I still hope was tongue in cheek). Sumter County has already rolled over to allow apartments in Sumter Landing. There are no new houses being built in that area. So let's close that square too!

The new venue south of the turnpike will be ready in a couple of years so when that happens lets close Brownwood. They will be built out in that area.

When the development ends south of the turnpike.....close down the entertainment venue. After all, its a business and nothing is owed to the current residents."

[Number 10 GI]

What are we up to now, dead horse number 2391 to be beaten into a bloody pulp?

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Jayhawk

Based on what evidence? You sound like you know something, so please share.

Common sense. Do you really think they would go to all this effort just for 7 apts?

If you think so this is your opportunity to buy a gently used bridge.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

The question is, is it in our best interest that they build a lot of apartments around spanish springs. You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

My answer would be no but of course we do not have the power to influence this at all.

There it is.
The issue with "you" entitlement folks.
You said it.
"is it in our best interest"

It does not matter what your best interest is.
You are not entitled.
There was no guarantee.
There was no promise.
OMG.
You purchased a home in a DEVELOPER's plat.
Things change to maintain profitability.
You don't get to choose, it's the developer's choice.
YOU have an option to purchase, invest, do something with commercial property if you wish.
If you don't wish, your interest does not matter.
Where in God's green earth did you think your entitlement was born.

Think you for stating the issue......"not in my best interest".

WHAT A JOKE.
I enjoyed it.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

The question is, is it in our best interest that they build a lot of apartments around spanish springs. You know they are not about to stop at 7 more likely a 100 or more.

Originally Posted by Jayhawk

Based on what evidence? You sound like you know something, so please share.

Ample evidence would be the developer managing to squeeze approximately an additional 150 amenity rights from the Amenity Authority Committee.

[Two Bills]

Does anyone honestly believe 'Da Family' will close Spanish Springs Square, and stop nightly entertainment?
It is the squares that promote/are a major part of the lifestyle, and sells houses.
Stop that, and development ends, then TV just becomes another housing conglomeration.
Spanish Springs is an old lady, and she needs a new wardrobe, and updating.
It's like KB's was, tired and out of date.
I am damned sure if I owned SS, I would be doing similar.
Empty property is negative balance on the books.
The Villages is a business, not a charity!

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Two Bills

Does anyone honestly believe 'Da Family' will close Spanish Springs Square, and stop nightly entertainment?

You can count them on one hand.