[carole131]

Terry ("don't shoot the messenger") Upton spoke at the Marion County Democrats meeting last evening. He appeared to be uncomfortable in delivering his speech about the Wellness Center move. The audience asked all the right questions:
Located on the SECOND & THIRD floors at La Reina? How do people get upstairs (I was thinking of not so much the handicapped as the fact that a lot of us don't move as well as we used to, & that we are happy with our homes that do not contain stairs).

Two elevators are included in the plans. Imagine elevators containing wheelchairs & walkers, along with other members of the center.

PARKING? That should be very awkward, what with all the activities going on at the Square. I can imagine the "discussions" when members park at the hotel, Church on the Square, etc.

The AQUATIC CENTER? Check this out for some responses about the need of Villagers (some of whom were attracted here or "prescribed" indoor pool exercise: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/...,2237495.story
Mr. Upton dangled the carrot of the possibility that the Aquatic Center would be retained as a Membership plan. However, the facility is privately-owned & expensive to maintain, so...

The relocation is a ridiculous plan, & the points that Mr. Upton made about extra exercise & massage rooms don't warrant this move. The taking over of the Wellness Center site is the developer's idea, probably for his own benefit.

[Ooper]

Originally Posted by carole131

The taking over of the Wellness Center site is the developer's idea, probably for his own benefit.

Duh.... ya think?

[billethkid]

interest of TV (the owners/developers that is). And what ever they do is usually of benefit to us residents of TV. That being said, TV will always do what is in the best interest of TV, like moving the wellness center...which utilizes empty space at Riaz and in turn frees up very rentable space adjacent the hospital....and may not be in the best interest if the residents of TV.

And at some point if a better offer comes from an outside firm/organization that has better profit than the Wellness Center please know it will move ....AGAIN!!!!

btk

[musicman]

Originally Posted by billethkid

interest of TV (the owners/developers that is). And what ever they do is usually of benefit to us residents of TV. That being said, TV will always do what is in the best interest of TV, like moving the wellness center...which utilizes empty space at Riaz and in turn frees up very rentable space adjacent the hospital....and may not be in the best interest if the residents of TV.

And at some point if a better offer comes from an outside firm/organization that has better profit than the Wellness Center please know it will move ....AGAIN!!!!

btk

I believe that TV (developer) ALWAYS does what is in its best interest and if it benefits residents, that's just a little bonus. Most residents that I have spoken to are against the move, especially in regards to the loss of the pool.

TV restricts free trade in the area. I recently visited Quest labs in Lady Lake (they were packed) and asked why they don't open another lab on the Sumter side. The young lady told me that they have been trying, but TV WILL NOT RENT THEM SPACE. TV apparently has an exclusivity agreement with The Villages Clinical to be the only lab on Village property! I had heard something like this before, but didn't think it could possibly be true. Apparently, though, it is common. By the way, I was also told that Mr. Upton is the person that oversees all medical properties and dictates who does and does not get in. I'm sure he is probably acting at the direction of his bosses. Are there other agreements with doctors, lawyers, restaurants, etc? Perhaps this is why we have a shortage of medical facilities/practitioners in the area?

As I have stated before (in a Restaurant thread) I would think that TV would bend over backward to encourage business to come here. THAT would benefit TV and residents!!

[billethkid]

have THE say who gets what (or not).
There are those who view TV must have a conflict of interest in some of these matters and transactions because of their ownership or involvement...like the banks, the liquor stores, the wellness center or any other enterprise the family or the executives are involved in.....however let there be no mistake they are well counseled in what ever they do (and don't do).

TV first priority is to take care of TV first and foremost and I have no issue with the concept, EXCEPT when the actions have obvious benefit to the TV owners/developers only and no benefit or an undesirable impact on residents.

One satisfaction we all enjoy is that for the most part we as residents have we we expected and agreed to....and like me very satisfied. And as usual we will always pick on the minority (not race) issues that truly are dumb or we don't understand.

The further away from the roots of Schwartz, the more likely for some things unfavorable to residents to occur!!!!!

BTK