[Singerlady]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Can you link us to credible proof that the developer did/said/planned/ had such a thought?

Apartments are not awful. I imagine they will look like the complex on 466 for people who are living there independently.

We are of an age where downsizing to a beautiful apartment is something we think about. If the developer builds it, it will be beautiful and a lovely haven just like all of our homes.

Why are we having apartments at all and not age-restricted? I didn’t buy into this kind of retirement community and I bet you didn’t either.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Are you familiar with just how the AAC was formed? The AAC is made up of districts 1-4.

No one can openly discuss the "lawsuit". But many of us have views. My opinion is that the area got "control" of that area as a result of winning a lawsuit against the Developer.

I always think of that area sort of running it's own railroad since then. Keeping it's dollars separate, making it's own decision about how the roadways are maintained etc. Maybe I am wrong to connect the area with the POA but for a long time the governing folks lived in that area. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I am not a HUGE fan of the VHA either. So many times you see people wanting to run things that have not much experience in running things.

I really don’t know what that comment has to do with my post. I haven’t mentioned the AAC or that argument.

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by crydzanich

It seems to me that everyone commenting that they don’t see a problem are not from that area. It doesn’t effect them so it isn’t worth talking about. I will probably be 6 feet under, but I’d like to be a fly on the wall when in a few years the developers kids and grandkids decide to plop down an apartment complex where Evans Prairie or Belle Glade are now.. I think there is a reason why no Country Clubs are being built in the southern part of the Villahes.

Originally Posted by JoMar

They are building two Country Clubs in the southern part of the Villages, pay attention.

[Northwoods]

Originally Posted by Mleeja

There are going to be apartments built at this location. This was the developers prerogative. It is their land. The AAC made a bad deal in giving away so much of the Amenity Fees. Let's look at some positives.

For the people bemoaning the fact the restaurant is gone, there will be a new restaurant. It will be up to the residents to patronize this restaurant to make it an ongoing concern. If they (we) had done this with Hacienda Hills, maybe we would not be having this discussion. We will get a new pool open to ALL residents. The former pool was only open to Priority Country Club members. I am not a Priority Member, are you? I am willing to bet most people commenting here are not. From what I have read it will be a resort style pool with a swim up bar. Nice change from the other pools. There will be other amenities, such as a walking trail and sports courts. If the restaurant and pool is modeled after The Fenney Grill and pool complex this will be a nice addition area.

You had me at "resort style pool with swim up bar." SWIM UP BAR!!!! I vote YES!!
I already love this place.

[TNGary]

Does anyone really expect any significant push-back from the county regarding not approving the proposal for the apartment complex?
Do the math, estimated value of $100K per unit including infrastructure and such puts the project at a property value of over $28,000,000. The county will ask the normal questions about traffic and intrusion of views and such. Developers will counter-offer with the normal such as turning lanes and enhanced shrubs. Perhaps I am missing something, if so please advise, thank you.

[selevanl]

Forewarning: in my previous life, I was a RE investor.

What was the $ dollar value associated with “fair market value” to buy HH? El Santiago went for $340k or so right? If this price was anywhere in keeping with that, then realize that commercial buildings OUTSIDE the villages are selling for millions similarly sized without the extra acreage this has.

It sounds to me like if AAC was a real estate developer, they might have turned down a really good deal. Since they’re not and can’t see beyond simply keeping it in its current use, the real estate developer who owns the property (and clearly wasn’t making money in its current form) has decided to invest a few MM to build out in exchange for a huge income stream. That’s their prerogative and that’s really all there is to it. They won’t do it everywhere bc if they did, it would decrease the appeal of the villages. So maybe they’re just making their common use space a more “efficient” use.

That said, if they want to play hardball and ask for use of your amenities, AAC is under no need to grant it to them. Or, there’s a world of negotiation bw an even exchange of amenities with no fees, and no exchange at all. Sounds like a raw deal was made both times and the AAC was listening to villagers’ wishes that weren’t based in realities. But that’s just me.

[selevanl]

The Morse family isn’t santa clause. If they’re losing money on something that is worth millions, they’re going to try to optimize the space.

One more thing, would you rather have a parking lot or have use of brand spanking new group of amenities (not paid for by your fees).

ps I think that’s BS about a parking lot. The walk to the hospital is too far, but they could have made it into a space that required as little $ to maintain as possible, if they didn’t want to invest dollars.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Mleeja

Gracie,
I live north of 466 and follow the activities of the AAC closely. You are correct the AAC was formed as a result of the law suit against the developer. The members are elected from CCDs 1-4 and Lady Lake. There is one member from the Spanish Springs Commercial District. This person is elected (appointed) by the developer.

Of the current AAC members, I believe there is only one that is associated with the POA. There are more POA members on the CDD boards in your area than on the AAC.

The AAC, CCDs and PWAC are all non-political. But when organizations such as the POA start backing candidates and getting representative elected it is political. Just not our traditional republican vs democrat.

Thank God the family stay well clear of any politics around the elections of commissioners.
Would not want large sums of money backing any candidates, or false candidates being put forward to stop thousand having a vote!!

[npwalters]

Originally Posted by selevanl

The Morse family isn’t santa clause. If they’re losing money on something that is worth millions, they’re going to try to optimize the space.

One more thing, would you rather have a parking lot or have use of brand spanking new group of amenities (not paid for by your fees).

ps I think that’s BS about a parking lot. The walk to the hospital is too far, but they could have made it into a space that required as little $ to maintain as possible, if they didn’t want to invest dollars.

Yes, a parking lot would be preferable.

[aletarw]

Yes

[aletarw]

Originally Posted by shut the front door

AAC voted 4-1 for the apartments at Hacienda.
The most infuriating part is this:
"It was clear that the Developer had vowed to put a parking garage or big box retailer at the Hacienda Hills site if the AAC did not go along with the apartment complex."

The idea of a big box store is ludicrous. There is not enough space.
A parking garage for the hospital is equally ridiculous because it's too far and not needed.

Both of those ideas were scare tactics.

[aletarw]

Originally Posted by selevanl

Forewarning: in my previous life, I was a RE investor.

What was the $ dollar value associated with “fair market value” to buy HH? El Santiago went for $340k or so right? If this price was anywhere in keeping with that, then realize that commercial buildings OUTSIDE the villages are selling for millions similarly sized without the extra acreage this has.

It sounds to me like if AAC was a real estate developer, they might have turned down a really good deal. Since they’re not and can’t see beyond simply keeping it in its current use, the real estate developer who owns the property (and clearly wasn’t making money in its current form) has decided to invest a few MM to build out in exchange for a huge income stream. That’s their prerogative and that’s really all there is to it. They won’t do it everywhere bc if they did, it would decrease the appeal of the villages. So maybe they’re just making their common use space a more “efficient” use.

That said, if they want to play hardball and ask for use of your amenities, AAC is under no need to grant it to them. Or, there’s a world of negotiation bw an even exchange of amenities with no fees, and no exchange at all. Sounds like a raw deal was made both times and the AAC was listening to villagers’ wishes that weren’t based in realities. But that’s just me.

The AAC gave the developer the amenity fees ( minus $15) from 286 units which is approximately $500k per year. In exchange, we get a new postal blog and use of the pool.

We have lost a restaurant, tennis court, and hot tub.

We gained new pool and approx 500 new vehicles traversing Morse blvd.

[aletarw]

Originally Posted by Jayhawk

The head of "the other news source" worked for The Villages several years ago and has an axe to grind. Most stories have a negative color towards The Villages.

Blvd. Someone recently said...the daily sun is all rainbows and lollipops. The ************** prints the news that the Sun will not print.

[JimJohnson]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Can you link us to credible proof that the developer did/said/planned/ had such a thought?

Apartments are not awful. I imagine they will look like the complex on 466 for people who are living there independently.

We are of an age where downsizing to a beautiful apartment is something we think about. If the developer builds it, it will be beautiful and a lovely haven just like all of our homes.

Very well said and very true.

[Chellybean]

Welcome to the dog and pony show, All BS as far as i am concerned and it with be business as usual and the villagers will pay for it.