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  #31  
Old 07-04-2015, 01:34 PM
Warren Kiefer Warren Kiefer is offline
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thank you.

I was amazed enough that anybody is defending the vha to do a little more digging. Frankly, i don't have "inside" information on the subject, and my conclusion that the vha is clearly in the pocket of the developer has been based on facts available to anybody who pays the least bit of attention to the subject.

Here is what twenty minutes of research on the cozy relationship between presidents of the vha and the developer turned up. I don't know if it is merely the tip of the iceberg or the whole berg (i've included links to substantiating information where the information is not general knowledge):

incredibly, one vha president, while purportedly safeguarding the interests of the homeowners, was actually on the payroll of the developer. monthly poa bulletin and roger kass | the villages homeowners association | zoominfo.com

furthermore, a more-recent vha president, shortly after leaving office was elected a sumter county commissioner with the backing of the republican party, something one would think would be very difficult without developer backing. one of his campaign contributors was developer executive, pete wahl. search candidate reports disclosure: I am a registered republican, and this is not a criticism of that party. It is a criticism of the lack of independence of the vha.

Perhaps the best history (although somewhat outdated) of the unsavory relationship between the vha and the developer is found here:
monthly poa bulletin

the developer has done many things to be proud of in making the villages what it is today, but his relationship with the vha is not one of them.
excellent and absolutely correct. You did leave out another person, don burgess.
  #32  
Old 07-04-2015, 01:38 PM
Big O Big O is offline
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Thank you.

I was amazed enough that anybody is defending the VHA to do a little more digging. Frankly, I don't have "inside" information on the subject, and my conclusion that the VHA is clearly in the pocket of the Developer has been based on facts available to anybody who pays the least bit of attention to the subject.

Here is what twenty minutes of research on the cozy relationship between presidents of the VHA and the Developer turned up. I don't know if it is merely the tip of the iceberg or the whole berg (I've included links to substantiating information where the information is not general knowledge):

Incredibly, one VHA president, while purportedly safeguarding the interests of the homeowners, was actually on the payroll of the Developer. MONTHLY POA BULLETIN and Roger Kass | The Villages Homeowners Association | ZoomInfo.com

Furthermore, a more-recent VHA president, shortly after leaving office was elected a Sumter County Commissioner with the backing of the Republican Party, something one would think would be very difficult without Developer backing. One of his campaign contributors was Developer executive, Pete Wahl. Search Candidate Reports DISCLOSURE: I am a registered Republican, and this is not a criticism of that Party. It is a criticism of the lack of independence of the VHA.

Perhaps the best history (although somewhat outdated) of the unsavory relationship between the VHA and the Developer is found here:
MONTHLY POA BULLETIN

The Developer has done many things to be proud of in making The Villages what it is today, but his relationship with the VHA is not one of them.
I am not a supporter of the VHA. I don't know what they do. However, I am definitely against the POA. They seem to me to be nothing but whiners and obstructionists. If The Developer says up they say down. If there is an anti Developer view they take it. As I said before, I beleive it is political and I haven't seen anything to change my mind.
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Old 07-04-2015, 01:39 PM
Warren Kiefer Warren Kiefer is offline
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and why don't the supporters of the vha present any facts to demonstrate that it is really a true homeowners' association and not merely a front organization of the developer?

In any event, in response to your request, here is just a partial list of the poa's accomplishments (copied verbatim from the poa4us.org website):

the lawsuit settlement - villagers achieved a friendly class action lawsuit settlement with the developer in 2008 valued at $43 million. The key points of the settlement were: Provision for reserve funds for eventual repair and replacement of our facilities north of hwy. 466; provision for renovation of the recreation trails north of hwy 446; creation of the aac (amenity authority committee) which allows residents elected by residents to make decisions about the expenditure of amenity funds north of hwy. 466; and payoff of the paradise recreation center renovation debt.

defeat of the sumter county hospital tax - we opposed the creation of this taxing district which would have taxed sumter county residents about $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and also given 20% of the tax off the top to the developer's foundation.

expansion of the hospital - after the defeat of the sumter hospital tax, the owner of our hospital, the leesburg regional medical center, said it would delay construction of the expansion. We called this morally wrong to delay expansion of our life-saving hospital. After a series of hard-hitting stories in the bulletin, lrmc finally relented and proceeded with the expansion.

hospital emergency room - we noticed continuing poor service and performance in our hospital's er over the years. We documented over 125 instances of serious problems in the er. We publicized the problems. In response, lrmc brought in a new ceo of the hospital, a new director of the er, dedicated more resources and staff to the er, hired more nurses, established better training programs, and brought in three villagers to sit on the board of the hospital's parent organization.

moffitt cancer center - we advocated bringing this cancer center to the villages for what we believed would be one of the crown jewels in the medical facilities of the villages. We organized a letter-writing program, researched the demographics, argued for bringing the center here, and voiced our hopes to the appropriate decision-makers.

vinyl siding - sloppy work and installation procedures characterized the building effort of the contractors for homes in the villages south of hwy 466 in the 2005-2008 time period. Credit has to go to ray micucci and his wife lori for spearheading the inspection of over 1,500 homes and prodding the work of the warranty department and various contractors to repair the problems.

activity policy reversal - the center districts voted to restrict residents from gathering to protest anything. A liability insurance policy for $1 million was also required 30 days in advance of any protest gathering. The poa opposed this action, calling it a violation of our constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, and argued against it in the bulletin. The center districts backed down and rescinded the rule.

paradise center - the original recreation center on the east side of hwy 441/27 was deteriorating and an absolute disgrace. We did a survey, organized residents, pleaded with the vccdd to renovate the center, advocated renovation in the bulletin, and were eventually successful in getting this $5 million project off the ground.

irs/bonds - we are waiting on this one. But, what we did do was caution restraint rather than wild speculation, and we identified the developer as the only one to benefit financially from the issuance of the bonds as tax exempt. If we get the negative outcome, we trust that the developer will do what is necessary to protect residents from any adverse impact.

performing arts center - we began advocating for this center early in 2010 and gave this idea the publicity it needed which helped secure the support of many villagers. We presented the facts on the undesirability of the church on the square as a performing arts center. We will continue our support until the dream becomes a reality.

conflict of interests by district employees - we documented the fact that some center district employees were in line to benefit financially from certain dealings with the developer. We viewed this as a conflict of interests. As a result, one center district employee was re-assigned, and any dealing like this in the future will be scrutinized for any potential conflict of interests problems.

forgotten $200,000 billing - somehow or another, a vccdd bill to the developer for about $200,000 for expenses related to his use of the savannah center was never issued. A poa director, irving yedwab, noticed the problem and we publicized the situation in the bulletin. The developer did pay up once the bill was issued.

sexual offended database - we published the state of florida sexual offender database for our area in the bulletin and brought it to our meetings for review. Some opposed this move; but, we felt it appropriate to publicize names and addresses so that residents could judge for themselves how best to react to any nearby offenders.

purchase of common property - the then district manager also thought it unnecessary to publish details explaining the various common property purchases by the center districts from the developer. We analyzed many of these deals and published detailed explanations in the bulletin. Unfortunately, the district manager's reluctance to publish details has caused huge misunderstandings on the part of residents which continue to confuse to this day.

center district financial statements - we were the first organization to publish the financial statements of the two center districts. Prior to that the district manager said that it was not important to provide that information for residents. Thankfully, the center districts now routinely publish this information and includes it on their website (village community development districts)..

bob evans restaurant - the developer wanted to build a bob evans restaurant on the east side of hwy. 441/27. He used a heavy-handed approach with near-by residents to try to force them to approve a zoning change from residential to commercial. We publicized the issue in the bulletin and the local opposition to this plan. The developer finally relented and the restaurant was located on hwy. 466.

violence on the squares - we reported in the bulletin on several instances of violence on the squares. As a result, center district administration worked with local law enforcement to provide a heightened law enforcement presence on the squares.

poa surveys - we conducted five surveys through the bulletin over the years detailing attitudes about life in the villages. Some of the actions were later addressed by the developer and the center districts.

wind mitigation - we publicized the details of this state program to save residents literally hundreds of dollars annually on their home insurance for older homes.
this is a wonderful job of presenting absolute facts and not providing a single personal opinion.
  #34  
Old 07-04-2015, 01:42 PM
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excellent and absolutely correct. You did leave out another person, don burgess.
What is the story there? As I said, I don't claim any special knowledge of the intricacies of the relationship between the VHA and the Developer. I just know that it smells.
  #35  
Old 07-04-2015, 01:44 PM
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this is a wonderful job of presenting absolute facts and not providing a single personal opinion.
Thank you, but personal opinions are the only ones I have.
  #36  
Old 07-04-2015, 01:49 PM
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I am not a supporter of the VHA. I don't know what they do. However, I am definitely against the POA. They seem to me to be nothing but whiners and obstructionists. If The Developer says up they say down. If there is an anti Developer view they take it. As I said before, I beleive it is political and I haven't seen anything to change my mind.
As Daniel Moynihan said, "You are entitled to your own opinion. You are not entitled to your own facts."

Would you please point out at least one specific instance in which POA opposition to an action by the Developer has been wrong.
  #37  
Old 07-04-2015, 02:03 PM
Big O Big O is offline
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As Daniel Moynihan said, "You are entitled to your own opinion. You are not entitled to your own facts."

Would you please point out at least one specific instance in which POA opposition to an action by the Developer has been wrong.
There do not seem to be many absolute right and wrong issues for anything anymore, but degrees of right and wrong. I can sue anyone for anything and maybe get something out of it. Does that make me absolutely right? No it doesn't. It means my lawyer was a pain in the as* and someone paid him to go away. I beleive that because of political differences the POA has taken the obstructionist road. Was I here when most of this happened? No. I can only make my decision based on the monthly POA publication and the antagonistic rhetoric on this thread. I'm out.
  #38  
Old 07-04-2015, 07:29 PM
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Advogado, thank you for posting the accomplishments of the POA for people to see the good things they have done. But again why did you feel it necessary to belittle the VHA in your next post? The POA should feel they can stand on their merits which you listed, not by belittling their "rival" organization.
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  #39  
Old 07-04-2015, 10:04 PM
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Advogado, thank you for posting the accomplishments of the POA for people to see the good things they have done. But again why did you feel it necessary to belittle the VHA in your next post? The POA should feel they can stand on their merits which you listed, not by belittling their "rival" organization.
I do not think that setting forth the facts regarding the relationship between the Developer and the VHA is "belittling" the VHA. Many Villagers are not aware of that relationship. And judging from the tone of some of the posts in this thread, some Villagers do not want to be aware of it.

In fact, I do not purport to know all the details about the relationship between the VHA and the Developer. But since my last post, I have done some more research on the subject and have learned, by checking Sumter County Board of Elections records, that a second VHA president, upon leaving office, has been supported financially and politically by the Developer in the ex-president's election as County Commissioner. (Refer to my earlier post regarding financial and political ties between the Developer and two other VHA presidents.)

I take it that you are not offended by an organization, in our community, representing itself as a "homeowners' association" despite such a relationship with the Developer. I am.
  #40  
Old 07-05-2015, 05:49 AM
kansasr kansasr is offline
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And why don't the supporters of the VHA present any facts to demonstrate that it is really a true homeowners' association and not merely a front organization of the Developer?

In any event, in response to your request, here is just a partial list of the POA's accomplishments (copied verbatim from the poa4us.org website):

The Lawsuit Settlement - Villagers achieved a friendly class action lawsuit settlement with the developer in 2008 valued at $43 million. The key points of the settlement were: Provision for Reserve funds for eventual repair and replacement of our facilities north of Hwy. 466; provision for renovation of the recreation trails north of Hwy 446; creation of the AAC (Amenity Authority Committee) which allows residents elected by residents to make decisions about the expenditure of amenity funds north of Hwy. 466; and payoff of the Paradise Recreation Center renovation debt.

Defeat of the Sumter County Hospital Tax - We opposed the creation of this taxing district which would have taxed Sumter County residents about $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and also given 20% of the tax off the top to the developer's foundation.

Expansion of the Hospital - After the defeat of the Sumter Hospital Tax, the owner of our hospital, the Leesburg Regional Medical Center, said it would delay construction of the expansion. We called this morally wrong to delay expansion of our life-saving hospital. After a series of hard-hitting stories in the Bulletin, LRMC finally relented and proceeded with the expansion.

Hospital Emergency Room - We noticed continuing poor service and performance in our hospital's ER over the years. We documented over 125 instances of serious problems in the ER. We publicized the problems. In response, LRMC brought in a new CEO of the hospital, a new director of the ER, dedicated more resources and staff to the ER, hired more nurses, established better training programs, and brought in three Villagers to sit on the Board of the hospital's parent organization.

Moffitt Cancer Center - We advocated bringing this cancer center to The Villages for what we believed would be one of the crown jewels in the medical facilities of The Villages. We organized a letter-writing program, researched the demographics, argued for bringing the center here, and voiced our hopes to the appropriate decision-makers.

Vinyl Siding - Sloppy work and installation procedures characterized the building effort of the contractors for homes in The Villages south of Hwy 466 in the 2005-2008 time period. Credit has to go to Ray Micucci and his wife Lori for spearheading the inspection of over 1,500 homes and prodding the work of the warranty department and various contractors to repair the problems.

Activity Policy Reversal - The Center Districts voted to restrict residents from gathering to protest anything. A liability insurance policy for $1 million was also required 30 days in advance of any protest gathering. The POA opposed this action, calling it a violation of our Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, and argued against it in the Bulletin. The Center Districts backed down and rescinded the rule.

Paradise Center - The original recreation center on the east side of Hwy 441/27 was deteriorating and an absolute disgrace. We did a survey, organized residents, pleaded with the VCCDD to renovate the center, advocated renovation in the Bulletin, and were eventually successful in getting this $5 million project off the ground.

IRS/Bonds - We are waiting on this one. But, what we did do was caution restraint rather than wild speculation, and we identified the developer as the only one to benefit financially from the issuance of the bonds as tax exempt. If we get the negative outcome, we trust that the developer will do what is necessary to protect residents from any adverse impact.

Performing Arts Center - We began advocating for this center early in 2010 and gave this idea the publicity it needed which helped secure the support of many Villagers. We presented the facts on the undesirability of the Church on the Square as a performing arts center. We will continue our support until the dream becomes a reality.

Conflict of Interests by District Employees - We documented the fact that some Center District employees were in line to benefit financially from certain dealings with the developer. We viewed this as a conflict of interests. As a result, one Center District employee was re-assigned, and any dealing like this in the future will be scrutinized for any potential conflict of interests problems.

Forgotten $200,000 Billing - Somehow or another, a VCCDD bill to the developer for about $200,000 for expenses related to his use of the Savannah Center was never issued. A POA director, Irving Yedwab, noticed the problem and we publicized the situation in the Bulletin. The developer did pay up once the bill was issued.

Sexual Offended Database - We published the State of Florida Sexual Offender Database for our area in the Bulletin and brought it to our meetings for review. Some opposed this move; but, we felt it appropriate to publicize names and addresses so that residents could judge for themselves how best to react to any nearby offenders.

Purchase of Common Property - The then District Manager also thought it unnecessary to publish details explaining the various common property purchases by the Center Districts from the developer. We analyzed many of these deals and published detailed explanations in the Bulletin. Unfortunately, the District Manager's reluctance to publish details has caused huge misunderstandings on the part of residents which continue to confuse to this day.

Center District Financial Statements - We were the first organization to publish the financial statements of the two Center Districts. Prior to that the District Manager said that it was not important to provide that information for residents. Thankfully, the Center Districts now routinely publish this information and includes it on their website (Village Community Development Districts)..

Bob Evans Restaurant - The developer wanted to build a Bob Evans restaurant on the east side of Hwy. 441/27. He used a heavy-handed approach with near-by residents to try to force them to approve a zoning change from residential to commercial. We publicized the issue in the Bulletin and the local opposition to this plan. The developer finally relented and the restaurant was located on Hwy. 466.

Violence on the Squares - We reported in the Bulletin on several instances of violence on the Squares. As a result, Center District administration worked with local law enforcement to provide a heightened law enforcement presence on the Squares.

POA Surveys - We conducted five Surveys through the Bulletin over the years detailing attitudes about life in The Villages. Some of the actions were later addressed by the developer and the Center Districts.

Wind Mitigation - We publicized the details of this state program to save residents literally hundreds of dollars annually on their home insurance for older homes.
I would also add CELL PHONE COVERAGE. When AT&T's coverage was very poor just north of 466A, the POA worked with them to secure low cost units that would provide coverage within your house until AT&T was able to add additional towers. They are now acting as a conduit to Verizon for similar problems south of 466A
  #41  
Old 07-05-2015, 06:19 AM
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Advogado, thank you for posting the accomplishments of the POA for people to see the good things they have done. But again why did you feel it necessary to belittle the VHA in your next post? The POA should feel they can stand on their merits which you listed, not by belittling their "rival" organization.
Thnonne.....I understand that you fully support the VHA and you definitely have the right to do so.....Please explain to us that don't understand... why? It seems from reading your posts it's because you feel POA backers attack the VHA ? Please give me a reason why I should change my mind....as in what have they done for the HOMEOWNERS that have had problems???
  #42  
Old 07-05-2015, 06:22 AM
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There do not seem to be many absolute right and wrong issues for anything anymore, but degrees of right and wrong. I can sue anyone for anything and maybe get something out of it. Does that make me absolutely right? No it doesn't. It means my lawyer was a pain in the as* and someone paid him to go away. I beleive that because of political differences the POA has taken the obstructionist road. Was I here when most of this happened? No. I can only make my decision based on the monthly POA publication and the antagonistic rhetoric on this thread. I'm out.


Don't be out.

I have to agree.



Avogado, does anyone actively involved in leadership of the POA live south of 466?

Please name them and their position.
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Old 07-05-2015, 06:46 AM
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Don't be out.

I have to agree.



Avogado, does anyone actively involved in leadership of the POA live south of 466?

Please name them and their position.
Offhand, I don't know. I guess you could determine that by checking the list of officers and directors against the phone book.
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Old 07-05-2015, 06:48 AM
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Offhand, I don't know. I guess you could determine that by checking the list of officers and directors against the phone book.


Yup. I thought so.
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Old 07-05-2015, 07:13 AM
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And why don't the supporters of the VHA present any facts to demonstrate that it is really a true homeowners' association and not merely a front organization of the Developer?

In any event, in response to your request, here is just a partial list of the POA's accomplishments (copied verbatim from the poa4us.org website):

The Lawsuit Settlement - Villagers achieved a friendly class action lawsuit settlement with the developer in 2008 valued at $43 million. The key points of the settlement were: Provision for Reserve funds for eventual repair and replacement of our facilities north of Hwy. 466; provision for renovation of the recreation trails north of Hwy 446; creation of the AAC (Amenity Authority Committee) which allows residents elected by residents to make decisions about the expenditure of amenity funds north of Hwy. 466; and payoff of the Paradise Recreation Center renovation debt.

Defeat of the Sumter County Hospital Tax - We opposed the creation of this taxing district which would have taxed Sumter County residents about $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and also given 20% of the tax off the top to the developer's foundation.

Expansion of the Hospital - After the defeat of the Sumter Hospital Tax, the owner of our hospital, the Leesburg Regional Medical Center, said it would delay construction of the expansion. We called this morally wrong to delay expansion of our life-saving hospital. After a series of hard-hitting stories in the Bulletin, LRMC finally relented and proceeded with the expansion.

Hospital Emergency Room - We noticed continuing poor service and performance in our hospital's ER over the years. We documented over 125 instances of serious problems in the ER. We publicized the problems. In response, LRMC brought in a new CEO of the hospital, a new director of the ER, dedicated more resources and staff to the ER, hired more nurses, established better training programs, and brought in three Villagers to sit on the Board of the hospital's parent organization.

Moffitt Cancer Center - We advocated bringing this cancer center to The Villages for what we believed would be one of the crown jewels in the medical facilities of The Villages. We organized a letter-writing program, researched the demographics, argued for bringing the center here, and voiced our hopes to the appropriate decision-makers.

Vinyl Siding - Sloppy work and installation procedures characterized the building effort of the contractors for homes in The Villages south of Hwy 466 in the 2005-2008 time period. Credit has to go to Ray Micucci and his wife Lori for spearheading the inspection of over 1,500 homes and prodding the work of the warranty department and various contractors to repair the problems.

Activity Policy Reversal - The Center Districts voted to restrict residents from gathering to protest anything. A liability insurance policy for $1 million was also required 30 days in advance of any protest gathering. The POA opposed this action, calling it a violation of our Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, and argued against it in the Bulletin. The Center Districts backed down and rescinded the rule.

Paradise Center - The original recreation center on the east side of Hwy 441/27 was deteriorating and an absolute disgrace. We did a survey, organized residents, pleaded with the VCCDD to renovate the center, advocated renovation in the Bulletin, and were eventually successful in getting this $5 million project off the ground.

IRS/Bonds - We are waiting on this one. But, what we did do was caution restraint rather than wild speculation, and we identified the developer as the only one to benefit financially from the issuance of the bonds as tax exempt. If we get the negative outcome, we trust that the developer will do what is necessary to protect residents from any adverse impact.

Performing Arts Center - We began advocating for this center early in 2010 and gave this idea the publicity it needed which helped secure the support of many Villagers. We presented the facts on the undesirability of the Church on the Square as a performing arts center. We will continue our support until the dream becomes a reality.

Conflict of Interests by District Employees - We documented the fact that some Center District employees were in line to benefit financially from certain dealings with the developer. We viewed this as a conflict of interests. As a result, one Center District employee was re-assigned, and any dealing like this in the future will be scrutinized for any potential conflict of interests problems.

Forgotten $200,000 Billing - Somehow or another, a VCCDD bill to the developer for about $200,000 for expenses related to his use of the Savannah Center was never issued. A POA director, Irving Yedwab, noticed the problem and we publicized the situation in the Bulletin. The developer did pay up once the bill was issued.

Sexual Offended Database - We published the State of Florida Sexual Offender Database for our area in the Bulletin and brought it to our meetings for review. Some opposed this move; but, we felt it appropriate to publicize names and addresses so that residents could judge for themselves how best to react to any nearby offenders.

Purchase of Common Property - The then District Manager also thought it unnecessary to publish details explaining the various common property purchases by the Center Districts from the developer. We analyzed many of these deals and published detailed explanations in the Bulletin. Unfortunately, the District Manager's reluctance to publish details has caused huge misunderstandings on the part of residents which continue to confuse to this day.

Center District Financial Statements - We were the first organization to publish the financial statements of the two Center Districts. Prior to that the District Manager said that it was not important to provide that information for residents. Thankfully, the Center Districts now routinely publish this information and includes it on their website (Village Community Development Districts)..

Bob Evans Restaurant - The developer wanted to build a Bob Evans restaurant on the east side of Hwy. 441/27. He used a heavy-handed approach with near-by residents to try to force them to approve a zoning change from residential to commercial. We publicized the issue in the Bulletin and the local opposition to this plan. The developer finally relented and the restaurant was located on Hwy. 466.

Violence on the Squares - We reported in the Bulletin on several instances of violence on the Squares. As a result, Center District administration worked with local law enforcement to provide a heightened law enforcement presence on the Squares.

POA Surveys - We conducted five Surveys through the Bulletin over the years detailing attitudes about life in The Villages. Some of the actions were later addressed by the developer and the Center Districts.

Wind Mitigation - We publicized the details of this state program to save residents literally hundreds of dollars annually on their home insurance for older homes.

AND, I credit the presence and profile of the POA with the FACT that so many Villagers have had their roofs replaced, at no cost, after that bad run of Owens-Corning shingles.

The developer, obviously, could wield influence over Owens-Corning and did, BUT like I said -- I credit the presence and profile of the POA with seeing us through the Owens-Corning mess.

I like the balance and advocacy the POA provides for homeowners. I am glad they are here and, of course, I am a member.

Anyone who wants to read the POA bulletin, including archives, can go to poa4us.org.
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