[Grandfinch]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

Safety should not be negotiated. If sidewalks are needed for younger people who can't drive to access public places, then don't argue about sidewalks.

To attract skilled working class families, good schools are a necessity. Wildwood residents should consider who will control their destiny.

It is quite evident that The Villages already dictates what does or does not happen in this part of Florida. I refer to issues decided by the counties and state officials. I personally would prefer the Develpers of The Villages be in full control to include eminent domain when referring to these little country towns that are absorbed into The Villages. Trust me, Wildwood and Fruitland Park are benifiting greatly from the presence of 110,000 people with healthy retirements.

That's my story and, I am"....."..........

[xNYer]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

They don't have to spend the money for new schools for people who don't have children like us Villagers.. They can spend the tax money for other stuff was my point.. If 800 homes were multi-age they would need a new school and a half. Been there.

I am glad you enjoy the sidewalks but I doubt it will kill the deal.

It will happen. Just wait.

Here's a bit of history as they were discussing Fruitland Park.
talkofthevillages, expanding into fruitland park - Bing

In Florida school districts are run by County boards. They are funded by county, not by town. There are no impact fees for senior communities, since there are no children attending the schools. The school taxes paid by Village residents go to Sumter county to disburse to the varying schools in the county and do not get sent directly only to Wildwood schools.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by xNYer

In Florida school districts are run by County boards. They are funded by county, not by town. There are no impact fees for senior communities, since there are no children attending the schools. The school taxes paid by Village residents go to Sumter county to disburse to the varying schools in the county and do not get sent directly only to Wildwood schools.

You are right. But the tax money benefits Wildwood as well.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

Safety should not be negotiated. If sidewalks are needed for younger people who can't drive to access public places, then don't argue about sidewalks.

To attract skilled working class families, good schools are a necessity. Wildwood residents should consider who will control their destiny.

Who would the younger people be, who can't drive and need a sidewalk on 466A? If it's a TV neighborhood it would be mostly older people, who if they can't drive would probably be in golf carts. I would think the greater need is for a tunnel under 466A into Pinellas Plaza. But they don't seem to want to put any more tunnels under 466A. (I could be wrong...)

A wider tax base for Wildwood coming from retirees would benefit Wildwood's schools without adding any students.

I'll still miss the moo cows.

[twoplanekid]

I was focusing on previous issues of sidewalks not constructed by The Villages around government buildings which were mentioned by Wildwood officials in their cause for distrust. A Village only development with sidewalks currently implemented by The Villages with no access to Wildwood residents is another issue. Sorry for my confusion on this point.

Is Wildwood a different nut to crack than the other communities surrounding The Villages?

[Chi-Town]

Drive down 301 through Wildwood. Take a couple of side trips on either side of it. Then ask yourself if this is a well managed community adhering to neighborhood codes and a strong business plan. The Villages is a fantastic opportunity for the town, and the funds that it provides should be used for an improved education system and redevelopment where needed. With oversight Wildwood has a good chance.

[Skybo]

Originally Posted by redwitch

TV may be able to ultimately build there but I do think there will have to be some serious concessions and I wouldn't be at al surprised if that means golf cart access for Wildwood residents

Red, I really don't believe that the developer would ever concede to golf cart access. They said that would be a "deal-breaker" when they were negotiating with Fruitland Park. I don't see how they could refuse access to one municipality and allow it for another. IMO, golf cart access from other communities would be a disaster, for many reasons.

[kstew43]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

I lived in Broward County for many years. What is this "misplaced progressive mischief" of which you speak?

Whatever this so-called mischief is, it's hard to believe you had to move such a distance to find solace.
I find your post a little dramatic.

I live in Broward County.....for the past 19 years, seems like the government is doing a good job to me. Charter schools built to assist overcrowding, new highway exits to assist congested areas, and 75 is going to be amazing when its finished. 595 pay express lanes up and going....lots of improvements as of late.
Also our water bill is $52 ....plus FPL is also very economical.

Its going to be very hard for us to leave........

[RLL39]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

I lived in Broward County for many years. What is this "misplaced progressive mischief" of which you speak?

Whatever this so-called mischief is, it's hard to believe you had to move such a distance to find solace.
I find your post a little dramatic.

MiamiDade, Broward and West Palm beach counties, are the 3 largest counties in Florida and they happen to be Democrat controlled counties. As with all large population centers, they demand and are dependant upon government services and generally are controlled by democratic legislatures. (see Detroit, Baltimore, Cincinatti, et al). To travel 250 miles to find "Solace," was a short trip and a breath of fresh air. Obviously, you already know that. We may disagree on our interpretation of "Mischief," and what "Is, Is," but I know we agree on personal responsibility.

[Grandfinch]

Originally Posted by Skybo

Red, I really don't believe that the developer would ever concede to golf cart access. They said that would be a "deal-breaker" when they were negotiating with Fruitland Park. I don't see how they could refuse access to one municipality and allow it for another. IMO, golf cart access from other communities would be a disaster, for many reasons.

I agree. Please no outside golf carts.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

I was focusing on previous issues of sidewalks not constructed by The Villages around government buildings which were mentioned by Wildwood officials in their cause for distrust. A Village only development with sidewalks currently implemented by The Villages with no access to Wildwood residents is another issue. Sorry for my confusion on this point.

Is Wildwood a different nut to crack than the other communities surrounding The Villages?

No different than a gated community development in a the city limits. Happens all the time around the country. The city residents would not have any access to those developments, much less sidewalks for their use.

[outlaw]

Bottom line is there is way too much building going on in The Villages. We need to draw a line somewhere....now that I got in. Jus' sayin'.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by outlaw

bottom line is there is way too much building going on in the villages. We need to draw a line somewhere....now that i got in. Jus' sayin'.

lol

[Skybo]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

I was focusing on previous issues of sidewalks not constructed by The Villages around government buildings which were mentioned by Wildwood officials in their cause for distrust. A Village only development with sidewalks currently implemented by The Villages with no access to Wildwood residents is another issue. Sorry for my confusion on this point.

Is Wildwood a different nut to crack than the other communities surrounding The Villages?

Twoplane, in my personal opinion, it's the voting issue that is of primary concern to the elected officials in Wildwood. I could be wrong, but I believe the sidewalk/tree/golf cart access issues are secondary to the voting bloc concerns, and they may even be just a good excuse for denying the development.

As has been mentioned by other people, Fruitland Park changed their voting procedures so that Villagers would not make up a majority of their voting base for the entire town. What makes Wildwood a "different nut to crack" is that they have already voted down that same type of change, so at least for the time being, that is not an option for them. Wildwood has a much higher population than Fruitland Park, and the number of TV homes in Wildwood will be smaller, so the influx of TV residents wouldn't have as much impact at the polls. But even so, an additional 1600+ residents is no small amount. So it is a major concern for them. And personally, I can understand their thinking. The issues important to retirees may not necessarily reflect the concerns of the entire Wildwood community.

[Skybo]

Originally Posted by outlaw

No different than a gated community development in a the city limits. Happens all the time around the country. The city residents would not have any access to those developments, much less sidewalks for their use.

Outlaw, I may be misunderstanding your post, forgive me if I am. But it is not the same thing at all. TV is not a gated community and the majority of roads are public. In other words, Wildwood residents would be able to walk around the community if they chose to do so, in fact they can do so now, just like any non resident from anywhere else.