Ask Your Government
Background: Your Villages Homeowner's Association meets once each quarter with persons from the Development Districts (VCCDD and SLCDD) and The Developer. Most of the questions below originated with residents and were passed on through their VHA Neighborhood Representatives or VHA Regional Board Members. These meetings seek to promote a meaningful dialogue between the residents and those who are in a position to affect our way of life here in The Villages. If you have questions/concerns, feel free to contact Chuck Wildzunas by simply clicking on "Contact Us" in the menu above and then leave your message.
Our next meeting will be in January 2011. Answers to the questions from all of the 2010 meetings appear below.
From the October 2010 Meeting (will be published in the November issue of the Villages Voice)
VHA Quarterly Town Hall Meeting with The Villages and District Government
Issues and questions from residents to their VHA representatives are discussed with The Villages and District Government Officials quarterly in a Town Hall Meeting format. This is a summary of this quarter’s meeting.
Buildings / Grounds / Maintenance and Upkeep
When will the repairs be complete on the pond adjacent Morse Boulevard and Freedom Pointe?
Repairs should have been completed by late October and the fill water will occur naturally over the next several weeks.
What is the current plan to resolve the HVAC noise from the VA Outpatient Clinic affecting homeowners in the Village of Briarwood Meadows?
This is an ongoing issue being worked by the contractors completing the VA Clinic. Several possible solutions are being considered with the most viable to be determined shortly.
Can the street sign at Espana Street and Cimmaron be relocated so that trucks making this turn do not repeatedly damage it?
This signage has been evaluated by Sumter County and relocation has already taken place that should be satisfactory to residents and preclude future damage by passing traffic.
Are there any improvements or relocation of the Paradise Dog Park where the sandy area under the shade trees cannot seem to grow grass?
District recognizes that there is non-grassy area under the shade trees, but there is no current plan to address the problem. The issue will however, be revisited upon completion of the multimodal path renovations.
Tree and shrub trimming. Some cars paths have low hanging tree branches that hit golf carts. Also the environmental area along the fence line along Carrera and De La Vista has not had the fire line cutback in about a year, which has previously provided a 25 to 50-foot buffer.
Tree and shrub trimming is on a period maintenance schedule. If residents have a particular issue requiring attention, a call to Customer Service will get problem areas remedied.
Throughout last fall and winter season the Mulberry swimming pool had recurring heater problems. Has this been resolved?
The heater problem has been resolved. It was a known issue that was compounded in an effort to obtain some short term savings by running a single heater, while delaying the order for the backup (and defective) second heater. In the meantime, the only working heater also failed. It shouldn’t happen again.
Policy
Is the entertainment policy change succeeding at Katie Belle’s that’s bringing in shows like John Davidson. Is program expanding to other Venues with ticket sales to non-Villagers?
The initial up-close-and-personal shows have been positive as determined by feedback to the Entertainment Department. Tickets will continue to be offered for the first two weeks of availability to Villagers only. No other policy changes are currently contemplated in Villager vs non-Villager ticket offerings. Public venue admissions will continue to be discounted to Villagers.
Guest ID Policy. Is there a plan to review the policy of residents or single residents having guests from within the tri-county area to functions at amenities?
The recent review of Guest ID policies, including single residents and in-area (tri-county) is not on a schedule for another review.
Management
After six months how is the Deed Compliance enforcement succeeding under new changes in statute? Are there any changes in reporting or end results involved? Is Community Watch participating is the reporting or notification of any violations?
The new deed compliance and enforcement program is working well and District Boards are pleased. Residents have also been active and supportive. From March through September Deed Compliance Officers have made 6335 visits concerning complaints. 645 Deed Violations have been issued which have resolved the great majority of discrepancies. Hearings are scheduled to close out unresolved complaints, which may result in fines authorized under the new program. While deed compliance is not a priority for Community Watch, CW does have a list of flagrant violations to either report on or make notifications.
Juvenile nuisance is a continuing issue at Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing. Some residents have safety concerns leaving the late movies at the Squares. Has there been any difference since school reopened?
Sumter County Sheriff Deputies and Lady Lake Police, as well as, Community Watch are sensitive to residents’ concerns in this area. Patrol schedules are adjusted as necessary to provide a uniformed presence and control in these areas. Residents are encouraged to call CW or police as appropriate to attend to control issues.
Is there any action pending or planned for the house in Harmeswood on Larranaga Drive that has been vacant for six years?
The property is being maintained by the owner. The issue of trimming a large tree will be evaluated.
Development
With the opening of Tarpon Boil Executive Golf Course, are all recreation facilities north of CR466A complete?
Tarpon Boil is the 29th and final executive golf course north of CR466A. There will be two more Village/Neighborhood Recreation Centers opening this year and a third next summer. The third recreation center will be Sterling Heights completing the facilities build-out that will also bring infrastructure to the Southern Star and Yankee Clipper Executive Golf Courses permitting those two courses to split from their current 18-hole-only status.
What are the prospects of restaurant and retail businesses coming to the Mulberry area along CR42 now that the VA Outpatient Clinic is open?
The VA Clinic has been generating area interest by additional medical and professional clients and is expected to draw commercial and retail interest to support the hundreds of VA Clinic staffers and patients using the facility daily.
What is the expected time frame of golf cart accessibility opening to the new Sumter County Services Building on CR466A at Powell Drive?
It is anticipated that golf cart access will become available in about one year. Access by golf cart to The Villages and Sumter County Services Building will be determined by the rate of residential and commercial development surrounding the area.
What are the construction plans for projects underway including numbers at Waterside Bungalows, premier homes along CR466 adjacent Palmer Legends Country Club, medical center across from Waterfront Inn, and southeast corner of Morse and CR466 (across from the Lutheran Church)?
The waterside bungalows are initially planned as rental units and not for sale. Construction of the bungalows is progress rapidly and on schedule. The residential construction along CR466 adjacent Palmer Legends Country Club is a premier community of 53 units called Village of Bridgeport at Laurel Valley. Discussions continue with potential medical groups interested in the Medical Complex and Surgical Center at Sumter Landing across from the Waterfront Inn. There are no current plans for the southeast corner of Morse Boulevard and CR466.
What is the plan for the building in The Villages Health System complex that housed the old wellness center?
The old wellness center building has been leased by TVHS to be used for improving and expanding services of The Villages hospital. The old wellness center building will be renovated to include a staff cafeteria, meeting room, laboratory and an urgent care center. The renovation is part of a program to improve overall emergency and urgent care. The new urgent care center will be in close proximity to TVHS emergency room and TVHS services and be staffed by physicians. Other key components of the renovation include the addition of 25 private beds on TVHS thirds floor and another 17 observation beds in the location of the current staff cafeteria that is being relocated to the old wellness center.
Are there updates on the Moffitt Cancer Center at TVHS and Foundation?
Ground breaking has taken place for the Moffitt Cancer Center at TVHS and construction will be visible very soon. The Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation has been created for Villagers to raise funds and direct their use toward the specialized equipment needed for the Center.
Are there plans for accommodating existing activities that use the Church on The Square, during possible renovations and after completion of a performing arts center at that site? What are some of the variables and decisions remaining to make a performing arts center happen at Spanish Springs?
Discussions will be taking place among the AAC, VCCDD, and SLCDD leaders and The Villages to answer many of these and related questions over the next several months.
END OF OCTOBER MEETING
July 2010 Meeting
VHA Quarterly Town Hall Meeting with The Villages and District Government
Buildings / Grounds / Maintenance and Upkeep
Q: An increasing number of air conditioning units are failing for various reasons. Is there a manufacturing problem beyond normal wear and tear maintenance involved that residents should be aware of?
A: None that Home Warranty has been made aware of or currently tracking. (Note: Residents of Emmalee Villas have been experiencing air conditioner failures and are collecting data for Home Warranty.)
Q: Ponds on the 9th green of Mira Mesa and at the post office of Valle Verde are covered with pond scum and have an odor. Is the maintenance matter or some treatment planned for correction of this issue?
A: The pond on Mira Mesa has an invasive plant (hydrilla) that has been treated and will be treated again. The resulting algae and decaying plant, plus warm weather reduces the oxygen levels. Valle Verde is being treated also.
Q: Valle Verde post office was recently cleaned, but an unattractive appearance remains from a mold or residue in the curbing area. Is this treatable or fixable?
A: Curbing is generally not treated. But this curbing appears to have a treatable residue which will be chemically cleaned on the next pressure washing.
Policy
Q: After the multimodal path improvement project is completed, which funds will be used for the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the improved paths?
A: The ownership of the improved paths will be within their respective numbered districts, which will also be responsible for the associated maintenance costs.
Q: The scam warning in the Daily Sun concerning subscription solicitation for the Daily Sun suggests that a weekly or periodic “Scam Alert” might be useful for residents.
A: The Daily Sun will report on confirmed problems but a regular column does not appear to be warranted. In extreme cases Sumter County Sheriff may issue a CodeRED alert or make a posting on his new facebook page.
Q: Is there an entertainment policy change at Katie Belle’s, bringing in shows like John Davidson with tickets being sold?
A: The Entertainment Department recently started booking headliner acts (John Davidson was the first) in response to residents’ favorable reviews of similar shows at Katie Belle’s. Periodic booking of acts like Rita Coolidge, Charo and Chubby Checker have been made through December and will go on into 2011 if residents continue to support and enjoy this variety. Tickets through The Villages Box Office for the up-close-and-personal, 400-seat venue of Katie Belle’s will be offered exclusively to Villagers for two weeks before offering non-Villagers a chance to attend at a higher price.
Q: The burned out house on Spartanburg in Virginia Trace has finally had a ruling with a time limit for action by the end of summer. Any update of actual physical progress?
A: August 27th is the deadline given to the owners for action on this property. The insurance company has made payment to the owner and bids are being taken for clearing the property. The amenities fee payments are current. Rebuild plans are not known.
Q: Community Watch has undergone a series of policy changes and upgrades over the last six months. Are there measureable results being achieved by these changes?
A: The numbers of complaints have gone down and compliments have gone up. CW has been undergoing an educational and training program to improve overall services. CW has taken on the responsibility of removing dead animals. CW assists law enforcement and participates in crowd and traffic control. CW assists in gate repair, closely monitors solicitors and out of area guests, and is alert to open garage doors. CW is effective in lost resident searches and providing homeowner and highway aid. CW no longer provides routine courier services, but has modified its vehicle types to accommodate transportation for multiple passenger and carrying more and larger equipment.
Q: Has the new resident ID card scanning performance improved with the acquisition of new scanners?
A: Yes, as the issuing of new ID’s reaches the half-way mark of about 40,000, the new scanners have helped and personnel are becoming more proficient in their use.
Management
Q: Can Deed Compliance force the improvement in the appearance of a chronic violator (as in the case of a Sabal Chase residence)?
A: Deed Compliance will have a property maintained (mowed) about every 3-4 weeks depending on the season. Neighbors can assist in this process by keeping Deed Compliance informed of a chronic violator to maintain on open record on the property and to start legal notifications and processes as early as possible.
Q: Graffiti is becoming a repeated offense with spray painting on the Paradise Golf Bridge. Is law enforcement working on resolving the matter?
A: Community Watch and Lady Lake police are aggressively working this issue and are optimistic about resolving the matter soon.
Q: Juvenile nuisance is a recurring issue at Spanish Springs and starting at Lake Sumter Landing. Is increased presence of law enforcement and uniformed personnel planned for the summer?
A: Law enforcement has increased its presence throughout the summer and over the weekend when the square attendance is highest. Community Watch has also increased a uniform presence of officers and vehicles.
Q: Is it ever less expensive to use potable water than irrigation water for outside use?
A: It may appear that reclaimed water is expensive and it is. Potable, which is used for outside hose connections, also has several additional costs beyond the per-gallon fee. Potable water consumption determines sewer rates and has a utility tax. The expensive tiered rate program is designed to discourage overuse and water waste.
Q: Are there considerations for limitation on the use of multimodal paths and posting of speed limits?
A: Not at this time. There is no means to enforce any restrictions or limits placed on the use of multimodal paths in The Villages. However, the possibilities of legislative changes for achieving some restrictions in multimodal paths are being reviewed.
Q: Can a golf cart crossing be posted for golf carts crossing Buenos Aires to the medical and professional offices at Spanish Plaines?
A: This is a matter for Sumter County to decide. Currently there are no restrictions to crossing of use by golf carts on Buenos Aires Boulevard. Sumter County lifted the restriction of golf cart use on Buenos Aires in July 2007. (Note: Since there is no dedicated golf cart crossing area on Buenos Aires or automobile warning alert of golf cart crossing on this 4-lane street, considerable care should be taken by automobile drivers and golf cart drivers. Sumter County Commissioners are currently considering a request for a dedicated golf cart crossing on Buenos Aires.)
Q: Can additional safety and cautionary postings be made for the golf cart bridge over SR441/27 to discourage golf cart overtaking (passing going same direction) on this narrow overpass?
A: Of course it’s possible to make additional posting. But drivers using this steep and narrow bridge should always exercise care in crossing which includes driving slowly and being courteous.
Development
Q: Are there any construction issues either delaying or complicating the scheduled opening of the VA Clinic at Mulberry (such as air conditioning noise)?
A: There are no known issues that might delay the planned opening of the VA Clinic is late summer. A noise issue with the clinic’s air conditioning plant is being addressed.
Q: What are the prospects of restaurant and retail businesses coming to the Mulberry area along CR42?
A: The Villages is working actively with a number of prospects and optimistic that with the opening of the clinic, additional commercial properties with join the Mulberry region. (There is no new news from Sweet Tomatoes as a result of Villagers’ corresponding to its management.)
Q: What is the role of the Warranty Department on issues such as the blistered shingle matter being discussed between residents and Owens Corning?
A: Home Warranty has been monitoring the blistering shingle issue and support residents with information about the matter, about shingle warranties, and contact data with Owens Corning.
Q: What is the status of the 40-bed Long Term Acute Care Promises Hospital on Rainey Trail?
A: Promises Hospital exterior is complete and interior equipment and furnishings are near complete. Discussions are currently in progress to determine commencement of operations.
Town Hall Meeting
April 2010
VHA Town Hall Meeting with District Government and The Villages
Buildings / Grounds / Maintenance and Upkeep
When will landscaping improvements begin on Mira Mesa to repair damage cause by recent severe weather?
Landscaping work commences on April 22nd, including sodding and tree trimming. Work will not be planned or accomplished along the golf cart path until the AAC completes its discussions on path improvements.
What is the status of the gate standardization program? What will the new standards for length and opening/closing operation?
The program is still under discussion and planning. The standardization will include gate lengths, timing for opening and closing, gate arm markings and colors. The traffic control function of the gates will ensure that intended photos are taken of entering traffic, as well as, conform with law enforcement requirements.
Ponds and sinkholes. Does the aerator need repaired/replaced for the pond on Tierra del Sol golf course number three green? What is the status of repairs/plans for the drained pond on the Lopez Golf Course second hole green? What is the status of sinkhole activity in The Villages?
Tierra del Sol’s aerator has been replaced. Liner replacement started on April 14th on Lopez golf course.
The only reports of possible sinkhole related activity in the areas mentioned would be the Lime Grove Villas in the Village of Poinciana. Some residents have had their property bored following some surface settlement within the Villas. We have not had anything reported on District property other than our usual problems related to golf course ponds. We have had a number of reported sinkholes which have turned out to be drop inlets along the side of the streets. These usually turn out to be storm water connections which were not adequately sealed during the initial installation.
Dog parks. Is there any consideration for additional changes to the dog park east of 441/27 such as additional improvements or relocation? Is there any plan for dog park(s) south of CR466 or CR466A?
There are no plans to make more changes to the Paradise area dog park. Recommendations and suggestions may be made to the AAC. There are no current plans for additional dog parks south of CR466 or CR466A.
Policy
New Resident ID cards. How will the new program prevent a new card from being improperly used (i.e. by an owner who rented out his property or giving it to someone else to use). What is the cost of replacement of an ID after March 2011? Are there any exceptions for persons who can’t renew during the first year?
The new counterfeit-proof Resident ID program is going quite well. Facility monitors are still getting used to scanning the new ID’s and your patience is appreciated through the transition period. Additional new scanners are on order to speed up the scanning process.
The Renters’ ID program is unchanged. Long-term renters still have paper ID’s with “resident” on the card after the landlord owner has forfeited amenity privileges. Short-term renters generally have guest ID’s (or as agreed upon with landlord/owner) without full amenity privileges.
Old Resident ID are will not work after March 15, 2011. There will be no time extension for free replacement and the ID’s will cost $15 after March 15th.
Can the results of the Resident Survey be available online for resident viewing?
District results are available online. The Villages (Developer) survey results have been available in the past and will see if they may be available again.
Management
Deed compliance. How is the new deed compliance program working? What can be done to ensure that a vacant home stays in compliance with community standards? Can anything be done to assist in the delays being experienced by Sumter County to remedy the fire-damaged home in Virginia Trace?
The new program is going well and the transition should be seamless to residents. Deed compliance is aware of any home that may vacant for an extended period. If a resident or neighbor is in doubt, don’t hesitate to notify Deed Compliance or inquire about its status. Deed Compliance is working with Sumter County through the various legal delays related to the damaged house in Virginia Trace.
Is there any update/development in the IRS review?
The IRS has request additional information and documentation, which has been provided as part of its review. The District continues to support the review and respond in a timely manner to bring about a resolution as quickly as possible.
What is the status of upgrade planning status of the Savannah Center?
The Savannah Center options are still being developed and analyzed. District is working with the Entertainment Department and Recreation Department to provide the AAC with additional information to make any decision about changes.
Will 3D capability become available in our movie theaters?
3D is expected to be more available and The Villages theaters are looking at the possibility of adding the capability.
Development
Current Construction. What is the new development across from and adjacent to the Waterfront Inn? What will be included in all of the construction at CR466A and CR139, and when will it be golf cart accessible?
The new construction across from the Waterfront Inn are medical facilities and offices. The construction adjacent the Waterfront will be guest cottages called Waterfront Bungalows, and not available for sale.
The CR466A at CR139 is a commercial areas with tenants to be determined. The large construction underway is the new Sumter County Administration Building that will house many county services, county officers, administrators, constitutional officers and a county library. This site will become golf cart accessible as home construction takes place in this location, but not immediately. Opening of the Admin Building is planned for this Fall.
What are development plans for Sumter Landing’s continued retail/commercial growth (rumors included Sweet Tomato and Panera Bread)?
Discussion are in progress with these, as well as, dozens (even 100’s) of retailers and restaurants. Announcements will be made as soon as possible for new arrivals, but cannot precede any formal agreements
What features in new developments south of CR466A and Brownwood will be different from current developments? Is there consideration of including some older and popular features (e.g. waterfall feature at swimming pool)?
Brownwood is still a work in the planning stage, but will reflect Old Florida with crackers and Indians influence in the design. A waterfall feature is not being considered, since changes in permitting has already made this feature difficult to repeat.
Brownwood is highly anticipated as an old Florida setting. What are some of unique features being planned and is there a possibility of reintroducing buffalo?
As in the previous answer, the features may make Brownwood have somewhat of an old west look, but live buffalo will not be among the features.
Are there plans for any additional churches south of CR466 or 466A?
There are numerous churches already adjacent The Villages new sections along CR462, with additional churches and expansions planned. No new churches are planned for in The Villages.
Recreation Facilities. The Villages has more than doubled since the last bowling center was opened. Any additional bowling centers planned? Are there any plans for an indoor recreation facility like a gymnasium?
Discussions for additional lanes have been in progress with bowling vendors to support the needs of The Villages’ bowlers and recreation users. There are no plans for an indoor recreation facility like a gymnasium. However, The Villages does have an agreement for use of The Villages Charter School gymnasium, track and field, and parking lot (for stick ball) in exchange for TV Charter use of a sports pool for its swimming team.
What is the status of improving access to the Florida Turnpike and I-75 with new exits?
A Florida Turnpike exit is planned for 2014. There is no funding to support an exit from I-75.
Are there any development plans for The Villages beyond the current boundaries?
No.
VHA TOWN HALL MEETING
January 2010
VHA Town Hall Meeting with The Villages and District Government
Buildings / Grounds / Maintenance and Upkeep
Hickory Grove Villas road appears to need repair or even resurfacing ahead of a scheduled maintenance. Please review. Also is District 5 some asphalt edges are breaking up. Is there a plan to install concrete borders along the asphalt as in some other districts?
Numbered district boards are evaluating paved streets, and will be prioritizing the repairs and cosmetic upgrades necessary. Residents can participate by attending their respective district meetings. Ribbon curbing is planned along asphalt paving.
Are the cart paths in Mira Mesa region on a maintenance or upgrade schedule, as they are currently in need of repair?
Cart paths north of CR466 are essentially on hold until the plans are set and approved for the multimodal path upgrades related to the El Camino / Buena Vista project. However, some alternate and additional cart paths may be optional add-ons to take advantage of the larger project economies of scale.
Some of the executive golf courses and common areas have been significantly damaged by the recent freeze. Will any repairs and improvements be conducted before Spring (i.e. Mira Mesa Executive Golf Course)?
It may be a couple of months until the full extent of the freeze damage is revealed. Therefore, very little repair and replacement of landscaping will take place, outside of some tree thinning.
Is there a delay in rebuilding the fire destroyed home in Virginia Trace?
The matter is currently before the code enforcement board of Sumter County.
Some hot water tanks have expansion tanks and/or relief valves that have failed resulting in loss of water and/or damage. Is this a warranty/contractor/routine maintenance issue?
This is a yes / yes / yes answer, depending on circumstances and age of the home. The Villages has used relief valves in the past, which are still authorized by code. The Villages is currently using expansion tanks by preference and choice. If there is a question of responsibility for a system failure, contact home warranty for determination.
Common area landscaping. Is pine straw used in favor over other ground cover as a cost issue or other considerations? Also intersections, roundabouts and some parking lots (i.e. Walmart) have hedges and plants that periodically become hazards as obstructions to the view of oncoming traffic. How can schedules changes be requested?
Pine straw is used because it lowers the pH making it advantageous to most of The Villages landscaping plants. Cypress mulch eventually forms a barrier to water and nutrients needed by the root systems of plants in the bed. For requests to remedy landscaping trimming issues related to traffic safety, call Customer Service 753-4508.
Policy
Are there any restrictions in use of multimodal trails or golf cart paths by non-residents in any regions of The Villages?
No, none throughout The Villages, including regions of Lady Lake and Lake County.
The Mix is a popular neighborhood weekly publication of the Daily Sun that continues to draw frequent resident comment due to its regional distribution, dividing The Villages. Is there a planned review of this policy that might result in a unified Mix, or is there a more likely possibility of a North, Central, and South Mix in the future?
The practical reason for dividing The Mix by regions is to permit its publication to be funded by the respective region commercial advertisers, who either are limited by advertising budgets and/or wish to target their neighborhood patrons. Your comments and recommendations on The Mix are welcome by the publisher and editors.
Management
When deed compliance changes go into effect, which districts will be involved and will residents in those districts actually see any difference as a result?
Districts 1 through 4 are affected through their district boards, plus the Lady Lake region through the AAC. The remedies for code violations will still be encouraged through urging by neighboring residents, and the transition is expected to be seamless.
Irrigation system failures have resulted in some residents receiving exorbitant water bills. Is it possible for the water utility to notify residents of a potential water system failure prior to receipt of a bill days or weeks after a meter reading that clearly identified a problem?
No, utility companies are not able to respond yet to this level of monitoring and notification.
What are the benefits of being a 55 plus community? What percentage of our homes is in compliance? How are rentals forced to comply with the rules as resident owners are?
The classification of a 55-plus community allows the more efficient use of common services needed and desired by a senior population, and conversely, without having to provide unnecessary services that at younger population needs. A 55-plus community must maintain households that are 80% and higher occupied by a 55 year old. The Villages is currently 95.73%. Renters are subject to the same restrictions as owners.
What’s the best way to check on the license and insurance of a local contractor?
The local county government building departments have a listing of licensed contractors. Additional handy references are Seniors vs. Crime, the Better Business Bureau, The Villages Home Warranty Department, and recommendations from your friends and neighbors.
Development
Is there consideration or a possibility of establishing an access from Belle Meade Avenue to the new VA Clinic at Mulberry?
No, there is not adequate access and easements to provide a shortcut access to the new VA Clinic, which is scheduled to open about August this year.
Construction is nearing completion in areas north of CR466A. Does that mean that development is also near completion?
Development is expected to continue and evolve, just as it has in the areas of Spanish Springs which has long-completed residential building. New commercial, retail and restaurant businesses continue to show strong interest throughout The Villages. Healthcare providers will continue improving and growing services for the foreseeable future.
When will construction of homes begin south of CR466A? When construction is completed to CR44, will The Villages then be complete?
Residential building south of CR466A is dependent upon sales north or 466A. There are no plans to growing south of CR44, but that will not complete development. Just as development continues in regions further north in The Villages, so will development in the south regions.
Safety and Security
The Villages is a gated community with some accesses open, some gates with various controls and others manned. Is there a policy driving the gates and accesses to conform to a standard level of security and operation? Has security been reduced in some regions?
Standardization of gate operations is currently under review. Watch for updates on the District Government website. Security compromises have not been made at any region gate.
Are there working cameras on all accesses and gates, and can they be centrally monitored?
There are cameras at all access gates. Gates north of CR466 are recorded but do not have a central monitoring capability. If you have a gate or camera issue or report, contact Community Watch at 753-0550.
What enforcement functions can Community Watch perform, such as trespassing, soliciting, and improper use of golf carts? Where can law enforcement issue tickets to violators (on streets only or cart paths and streets)?
Community Watch is The Villages eyes and ears, but has no law enforcement authority. CW aggressively pursues solicitors and closely cooperates with local law enforcement on other issues. Tickets may be issued on city and county roads (used by golf carts). Law enforcement cannot issue speeding tickets on multimodal trails (cart paths), but can ticket reckless driving (which could include speeding) on the cart paths.
Fire Hydrants. Will there be any retrofitting of additional hydrants existing water mains? What is the frequency of testing of hydrants?
There are no current plans to retrofit water mains such as in the enclave region with additional fire hydrants. The Villages fire trucks and pumpers have sufficient hose length and water to serve the needs of all regions of The Villages. Hydrants are tested every 6 months.
Do fire trucks and ambulances both show up for fire and medical emergency calls?
Generally yes. Fire trucks and ambulances combined can respond to every medical emergency and fire trucks can perform every function as an emergency medical team of an ambulance except transportation.