[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Nothing to worry about for those renters. Last call is at nine isn't it?

Er, not exactly, no.

Spanish Springs
City Fire = 11. Gator's Dockside = midnite. McCall's Tavern = 11. Ruby Tuesday closes at 10. World of Beer closes at 9. But it's the exception, not the rule.

Sumter Landing
R.J. Gator's = 9. Sonny's BBQ = 9 Chop House = 11 Cody's = 10. Lighthouse Point closes at 8. Redsauce = 9

Brownwood
Has Cody's, World of Beer, Gator's Dockside, City Fire, and Ricciardi's, which closes at 10.

The outside tiki bar kiosks, when they were open, closed at 9.

So - the squares are still noisy and populated into the late hours, even if the entertainment and tiki bars IN the square stops at 9. When I worked in a shop in Sumter Landing, I'd often get out at 9:30 and it was still pretty lively at the restaurants closest to the squares.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by JoMar

Maybe. You assume that everyone there will have a car and they will all be driving around at the same time. Of course all the business's on 441 have nothing to contribute to the traffic do they? Assume you don't want them to close but if they did all those folks south of 466 wouldn't be traveling up that way would they, and that would reduce traffic, right?

I'm not talking about the traffic ON rte 441/27. I'm talking about people living in the Villages entering and exiting that traffic circle. That includes golf carts - which can't go on 441/27 anyway. It's a pretty scary traffic circle when it's busy. Adding 300 units of apartments less than 2 blocks from that traffic circle means a LOT more traffic driving around that traffic circle, when it's busy.

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Er, not exactly, no.

Spanish Springs
City Fire = 11. Gator's Dockside = midnite. McCall's Tavern = 11. Ruby Tuesday closes at 10. World of Beer closes at 9. But it's the exception, not the rule.

Sumter Landing
R.J. Gator's = 9. Sonny's BBQ = 9 Chop House = 11 Cody's = 10. Lighthouse Point closes at 8. Redsauce = 9

Brownwood
Has Cody's, World of Beer, Gator's Dockside, City Fire, and Ricciardi's, which closes at 10.

The outside tiki bar kiosks, when they were open, closed at 9.

So - the squares are still noisy and populated into the late hours, even if the entertainment and tiki bars IN the square stops at 9. When I worked in a shop in Sumter Landing, I'd often get out at 9:30 and it was still pretty lively at the restaurants closest to the squares.

Even if everything closes at nine I would still not want to hear the bands while I am trying to watch my favorite show on TV

[kcrazorbackfan]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

That is an exaggeration of the facts.

The Villages. Inc. are very successful financially and people who have lived here for awhile dislike to hear unwarranted criticism of the developer.

GG, so true. I truly think the people that criticize The Developers are actually jealous of what they've built for all of us and continue to build for us and future generations.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by perrjojo

Even if everything closes at nine I would still not want to hear the bands while I am trying to watch my favorite show on TV

Well then you definitely wouldn't want to rent an apartment there. Thankfully there are lots of other places to buy or rent in the Villages. Or you could buy some blue-tooth earbuds or a headset and watch your favorite show without any outside noise at all. Not even lawnmowers, or the garbage truck, or golf carts driving by, or a motorcycle revving up in the driveway next door. Or the lady singing off-key at full volume from her karaoke set-up in the driveway.

All these things can happen while you're watching your favorite TV show, no matter where you choose to live in the Villages.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

In the Katie Belle situation, I can't think of anything to object about, as long as it is done on a small scale with long-term exclusive tenants (no sub-letting), and that amenity fees get paid PER UNIT rather than PER BUILDING.

In the situation of Hacienda CC, my concern is traffic. It's just way too close to the Paige Place roundabout and the hospital. In the summer time it's not bad, manageable. In the winter, traffic exiting to 441/27 from the roundabout can get really bad, and there are often accidents coming in FROM 441/27 TO that roundabout. Add another 300 units worth of traffic all condensed around a single building (or couple of buildings) spanning no more than the size of a single New York City block, and you have a nightmare.

I agree with the above post but would add that a high density apartment complex will put additional strain on already very overcrowded amenities. The particular amenities I am concerned about are the executive golf courses and sports pools north of 466. Getting a lane to swim laps in or a t-time at an executive golf course are already very difficult during the busy season, or for that matter just about anytime of the year. These amenities were built a long time ago and were not designed to be shared with high density living units. Although it does not effect us personally, I feel very bad for the residents who live in very close proximity to the proposed high density apartment complex. I suspect many of those residents would not have bought homes in that area had they known what was going to be in their future.

[FromNY]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Er, not exactly, no.

Spanish Springs
City Fire = 11. Gator's Dockside = midnite. McCall's Tavern = 11. Ruby Tuesday closes at 10. World of Beer closes at 9. But it's the exception, not the rule.

Sumter Landing
R.J. Gator's = 9. Sonny's BBQ = 9 Chop House = 11 Cody's = 10. Lighthouse Point closes at 8. Redsauce = 9

Brownwood
Has Cody's, World of Beer, Gator's Dockside, City Fire, and Ricciardi's, which closes at 10.

The outside tiki bar kiosks, when they were open, closed at 9.

So - the squares are still noisy and populated into the late hours, even if the entertainment and tiki bars IN the square stops at 9. When I worked in a shop in Sumter Landing, I'd often get out at 9:30 and it was still pretty lively at the restaurants closest to the squares.

No City Fire in Spanish Springs. And if you are renting in a Town Square you know there will be activity.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

If they can make money at it they will keep doing it and nothing any of us can do to stop it apparently.

You expect them not to want to make money? That’s what businesses do, why would you want them to stop? As businesses go, I’m very impressed with the careful planning and quality of work they do.

[crash]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

That is an exaggeration of the facts.

The Villages. Inc. are very successful financially and people who have lived here for awhile dislike to hear unwarranted criticism of the developer.

It comes down to density there is a reason that zones are established in a planned community. Homes 12 people per acre apartments 80 people If we believe that the 7 acres will hold 280 apartments.

If the developer stuck to the master plan people would not be complaining. If they build apartments in your neighborhood I am sure you would complain about that. I feel the way things are going there will be apartments on the polo died property someday, kind of defeats the idea of a master plan.

[billyb1950]

What a ridiculous proposal. What about 24/7 parking? Uncovered and unsecure? Parking is already at a premium there, especially in-season. Just a thought...maybe they'll consider eliminating the town square and building a garage there with a catwalk to the new apartments? Just sayin'...hey, the way things are going, nothing's off the table these days.

[NotFromAroundHere]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I'm not talking about the traffic ON rte 441/27. I'm talking about people living in the Villages entering and exiting that traffic circle. That includes golf carts - which can't go on 441/27 anyway. It's a pretty scary traffic circle when it's busy. Adding 300 units of apartments less than 2 blocks from that traffic circle means a LOT more traffic driving around that traffic circle, when it's busy.

It's about 1/2 mile. And according to the newspaper, maybe less than 300 units.

But your point is still valid. Traffic isn't great in that area, so adding more isn't ideal.

[Thetwisted2]

Originally Posted by alwann

Apartments planned in former restaurant. Katie Belle's upstairs might become apartments. Daily News reports:

Ryan McCabe, The Villages operations manager. “That sort of small-town, walk-to-everything convenience really appeals to some retirees; and, with the positive response we’ve had at Brownwood, we wanted to offer that same option to folks who love Spanish Springs.”

Oh, go ahead and make it an Airbnb and find some vacant space for RV hook-ups while you're at it. How about Section 8 housing? Good money it that too.

Are the apartments going to have the same age restrictions as village home owners and will apartments have a yearly lease?

[LoriAnn]

It is about time! Younger retirees don’t want those awful dated vaulted ceilings and cheap floating cabinets they put in most of the homes. Downtown condo/apartment living that’s walkable to shops, restaurants and entertainment is a growing trend for new retirees. I hope this is just the beginning of downtown living development. I don’t think “the developers” are worried one bit about a portion of current residents grumbling about apartments. They recognize the growing trend of empty nesters moving toward more urban downtown living options. They’re just adapting and adding one more option.

[joeharing]

Good bye practice field.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by SIRE1

I have a hard time understanding what is the big objection to having apartments in The Villages. First, we can't object to having non-permanent residents living and playing in our community because we probably already have a thousand homes that are being rented in The Villages today (and without any age or time restrictions). Second, we can't object to having living spaces close together because look at the existing row house units that are already around Spanish Springs and Glenview CC that are being enjoyed by their owners. Third, we can't object to having more people in The Villages who will support our local businesses and restaurants so they stay in business because The Villages is already building 100 new homes a month (I'm guessing on that amount). Fourth, we can't object to having large housing structures because look at all the assisted living facilities we have that are filled with residents who can still get out and enjoy The Villages lifestyle. So what is the concern about having apartments in our community? As a seasonal resident, I probably would have chosen that route instead of buying and maintaining the home that I bought. As long as The Villages continues to build recreation facilities that we all can use to go along with those apartments, I say great. After all, The Villages is no longer a small community like it was, but a town of 130,000 + people.

Excellent post to which I would only add that we have been a rental community almost forever due to the number of snowbirds who RENT each year.