[nevjudbaker]

Originally Posted by ctmurray

Most existing residents don't like the idea, but there is demand for apartment living. The Lofts at Brownwood have sold well. The developer wants to convert the second floor of commercial space in Spanish Springs to apartments. I was not here in the glory days of HH restaurant but it was failing at the end. The developer offered the building to the AAC, but after the fiasco of a previous restaurant that had to be torn down and rebuilt as a rec center (name escapes me at the moment), the AAC turned down the offer.

The Loft’s apartments are rentals for 55+. They are not to be bought like a condo. Many older people want to be within walking distance to the squares, shopping & restaurants without maintenance of a home. The small living area is easy to keep up & by renting one does not have to deal with maintenance. The Loft’s recreation bldg, pool & outside BBQ area is for everyone in the Villages. Many come to use the pool table & etc in the game area of the rec center, cookout & sit under the covered area by the fireplace with their friends. The cooking area needs to be reserved. You would get a pool, rec center & outdoor cooking. I don’t know if the golf course is part of the plans to build an apartment complex or if the golf course would stay. Anyway that is how the Loft Apartments are set up. We do have a small dog park but it is only for residents. Many hated the idea of the Loft’s but now the members of the surrounding areas are enjoying the pool, rec center & cook out area. On the screened in patios many meet their friends to play cards or games. It is a very nice area. Plus they have lowered the rent which was extremely high. Now it is still high end but affordable.

Many have wanted a 55+ apartment compound so this gives you a positive side to think about on the apartment plans. They are for the older people who are not ready for independent living with tiny living areas. 55+ is much different than just apartments. It is quiet with no kids running up & down the halls, Outside area is kept up by the Villages. .

The apartments being built around the Villages are for any age & are not part of the Villages so if you moved there you couldn’t take advantage of the Villages amenities.

Just to give the naysayers something to think about. Come visit the Trillium Rec center & pool to see the advantages that would come in your area if the apartments are set up like The Loft’s.

[rogerk]

They did NOT rescind the property tax increase! The previous BOCC lowered it. The new commissioners voted to INCREASE the impact fees, a tax!

[jellybeanrt]

I agree with you. Greed third family generation.

[Holpat39]

Were you worried about the "greed" when you bought into The Village Lifestyle? Should the developer have stopped building before you moved here? You wouldn't be here if not for the "Greed".

[toeser]

Big apartment buildings are totally inappropriate for that area. That would really be sticking it in the face of people who paid a premium for nearby golf course lots. Plus, Morse Blvd. does not need more density development in the area.

What would be far, far more appropriate would be townhouses similar to those near Glenview or Spanish Springs. The developer could make their bucks and nearby residents would be a lot happier.

[donassaid]

Wrong, wrong, wrong. They can only do what the Supervisors and planning commissioners allow and approve of in that zoning ordinance.

[toeser]

Originally Posted by leejan121

I would hope the developer would consider something along the lines of Edna’s on the Green. This would give residents in the northern end of the Villages a great option. Include multiple food trucks. I don’t believe Edna’s is run by TV so lease arrangements would need to be made.

This nearby resident absolutely does not want commercial development that would add to the traffic in the area, plus, I don't want to be looking at food trucks.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by jellybeanrt

I agree with you. Greed third family generation.

Or capitalism

[SERENITY52]

Originally Posted by Polish Golfer

I have talked with a lot of residents about apartments being suggested in place of the Hacienda Hills Country Club, restaurant and swimming pool that the developer destroyed. Not one person who I spoke with in the past months wanted apartments! The developer should built back a club house with restaurant and swimming pool. He should forget about building an apartment where Hacienda Hills Country Club was. There are so-many apartments being built around The Villages now, I just can’t understand the logic of building more. Except for creed!

The developers don't give a damn about the residents. Hacienda Hills was wonderful the way it was before it was destroyed.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by SERENITY52

The developers don't give a damn about the residents. Hacienda Hills was wonderful the way it was before it was destroyed.

Rundown and health violations. Yeah, wonderful.

[JoMar]

Does anyone know what the final plans are? Are you sure no pool, no tennis courts, no restaurant?

[Marathon Man]

I really really really don't understand why people continue to live in a place that they are unhappy with. Why not go find a place where you do not hate the people who built it, that is not growing because no one is moving there, and that never changes (including improvements)?

You know, a place like Spruce Creek. Have you seen it?

[jmcica@aol.com]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

I really really really don't understand why people continue to live in a place that they are unhappy with. Why not go find a place where you do not hate the people who built it, that is not growing because no one is moving there, and that never changes (including improvements)?

You know, a place like Spruce Creek. Have you seen it?

Love reading these ������

[milling73]

It is true that many residents are opposed to apartments being built in the location. However it is also true that many are anticipating and hopeful of their arrival. Consider this:
1) whatever is built will be attractive, probably following the same theme of the area.
2) there are many residents in this area who are long-term, alone, or of the age who would greatly appreciate the maintenance free living of an apartment, and yet which also allows independence and continued usage of The Villages amenities.
And
3) the Brownwood apartments are at a cost level that reflects home values of that area. They are also at a price that not all who would like to live in an apartment - can afford.
The Hacienda area, while extremely beautiful with well-maintained homes, is an older section with a lower price point. Also the complex will not have the “walk to stores/restaurants” convenience as Brownwood.

Thus the hope the rent at these apartments will be at more moderate rates and will allow many to continue living here.

[NoMoSno]

I wish there was a way to get cart traffic off the Morse Blvd. roundabout.
It can be a challenge having to dodge entering/exiting cars.
When the apartments are built car and cart traffic will increase at that roundabout.