[champion6]

From the online news site:

The Villages has abandoned a plan for apartments at the site of the former Hacienda Hills Country Club.

Villagers living within 500 feet of the site – where more than 200 apartments had been proposed – received a pleasant surprise Wednesday afternoon when they got a sneak peak of The Villages’ revised plan for the property.

Instead of apartment buildings, The Villages plans to build 25 villas at the site. The villas, yet unnamed, will be owned by residents of Florida’s Friendliest Hometown. There will also be two pickleball courts and a resort-style swimming pool.

Noticeably absent from the site plan was a previously promised restaurant.

But that didn’t necessarily upset neighbors of the property.

“Not having a restaurant means there won’t be as much traffic,” said Maria Guerrera of the Village Hacienda South.

Neighbors were thrilled that the apartment idea has been dropped. They had been worried about the possibility of a multi-story apartment building looming over them. They were also nervous about the increased noise and the less-invested nature of apartment dwellers.

[CFrance]

I'm glad they are keeping the flavor of TV by adding another village.

[Kenswing]

It appears that The Villages doesn't really want to be in the apartment renting business. They scrapped the Richmond Lofts as well as this project. Maybe they saw all the apartments going up in the surrounding area and just didn't feel they could compete.

[stanley]

They must be up to something!..........

[Velvet]

This is wonderful news!

[TNGary]

Thank you for sharing OP, much appreciated,
I suspect these will sell fairly fast, nice location between SS & LSL plus close to all of the conveniences/stores etc

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I still think they could've done just fine with a few townhouse buildings, like the ones that surround Spanish Springs Town Square.

[tophcfa]

News that put a big smile on my face : )

The site plan also shows a pro shop for the golf course, also welcome news.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by stanley

They must be up to something!..........

That is unfair and uncalled for. I am so happy for the worried neighbors and I am glad they thought of it.

Since 2008 when we first moved here, I have constantly been more than satisfied with the decisions made by this family. All they get from some is criticism.

I think people some people are just jealous that their hard work and their sacrifice and the risks they took with their own money has paid off, and not only that, their business employs thousands of people.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

News that put a big smile on my face : )

The site plan also shows a pro shop for the golf course, also welcome news.

Also says the pro shop is an existing building

[swooner]

Maybe they will use one of the Villas as a small clubhouse and Pro shop to justify the name "Country Club"!

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I still think they could've done just fine with a few townhouse buildings, like the ones that surround Spanish Springs Town Square.

Actually, I have always thought those townhouse buildings look very out of place in a retirement community with the all the rest being single story dwellings. As a general rule, stairs are not senior friendly, practical or safe.

I'm very happy for the new plans, especially for those living so close to the site. Win win.

[toeser]

This is the best use of the property while being fair to existing area residents.

[merrymini]

They made a business decision. Do you think, if the apartments in Brownwood were going at a good clip, that they would abandon their plans for an apartment building? No sir, the apartment thingee, besides being out of character, must not be selling like hot cakes, or they would be slapping them up everywhere.

[LateBoomer]

awesome!