It
was a much livelier meeting of the West Villages Improvement District
Supervisory Board than it has been in past. I was really excited to see so many
more residents in attendance, with a particularly noticeable surge from those
in Gran Paradiso. Kudos! Great to see everyone. As a matter of fact, because of
the increase in turnout while having the meeting 'closer to home' there is
discussion of making that permanent, either meeting at one community center or
alternating between the two communities. Except that it was a little harder to
hear board members and others on the panel, I have to admit that it was really
nice not having to go so far into North Port to City Hall to attend.
There
were quite a few points of discussion and many questions from public members in
attendance, and I think I may have missed a couple while in conversations with
my neighbors; however, I will do my best to share all of the key items that I
was able to make notes about. But it is likely going to take me two or three
writing sessions to share all of the information. I will share the question and
answer session to start, as that is likely the more pressing information on the
minds of community members.
First,
after a quorum was established, the meeting was opened to public comment for
questions and requests of items to be added to the agenda. Those questions were
taken, and then Marty Black (Chairman) systematically answered in order what he
could. To follow is the summary points that I gleaned from that discussion:
- The first question
raised, and also brought up again later in the meeting, was regarding the
status of having a traffic light installed on 41 at the entrances of Gran
Paradiso and IslandWalk. It was said that the Board has voiced its concerns to
the City, State, and the developers regarding this issue, but has no way to
compel action on it. The developers are responsible for the installation, but
they cannot do so without the approval of the state DOT. The previous warrant
study conducted did not meet criteria for approval, and there essentially, is
where the holdup lies.
{On a side note, the FDOT website says that they respond
to public requests in this area..."The
District Traffic Operations Offices respond to written letters from the public,
civic organizations, businesses, etc. requesting the need for a traffic signal
to be installed or modified" (Website
Link). Maybe we should flood them with letters or a petition? Our DOT district
contact Information:
1. District
1 Secretary, Billy Hattaway, 801 N. Broadway Ave. , Bartow, FL 33830-3809, Phone:
(863) 519-2300
2. Public
Information Office, Bartow District Headquarters, 801 North Broadway Ave., Bartow,
FL 33830-3809, Phone: (239) 225-1900, FAX (239) 338-2353
3. Southwest
Area Office, 10041 Daniels Parkway, Ft. Myers, FL 33913, Phone: (239) 225-1900,
FAX (239) 338-2353, or Toll Free in Southwest Florida 1-800-292-3368}
- Next question had to do
with mosquitoes and spraying and what is done in the area. The response was
that some is done by the County, and some is a responsibility within the
individual community, so contact your property manager to find out.
- Another questioner was
wondering why there were different size sidewalks in different areas. It was
explained that these were designed according to anticipated demand for use in
each area.
- Still thinking along the
sidewalks was another inquiry as to trimming back invasive plants covering much
of the sidewalk. The question was directed to Mike Smith, responsible for
oversight of and many onsite district maintenance projects. He said that they
have been working to cut back such plants, like the Brazilian peppers.
- Then, a question was
raised about the potential for additional assessments to existing residents for
increased maintenance and projects with all of the growth (many in attendance
also shook their head in agreement with wanting more information along these
lines as well). The short answer for this is that it is not out of the question
that additional assessments could be imposed, but there are none currently
proposed or planned or being discussed by the Board.
- Related to the finance
and funding of the district, it was then posed an inquiry as to the status of
past due assessments and debt owed to the district. The answer is that there is
an option available for the Land Partners to purchase the defaulted property
through redemption. However, the amount owed is $23 million, and this is not
anywhere near a reasonable acquisition cost for them to exercise that option
for the size of the property.
- An additional (second) pedestrian
node on West Villages Parkway, which has been a point of contention for at
least one regular attendee and resident, was brought up and questioned as to
the practicality of the expense. The response was that the second node cost
half of what the original one did and added a symmetry to the location that
seemed appropriate with the Gran Paradiso owners' entrance nearing completion.
- From a question regarding
where the new SMH facility is to be location. Discussion began with mention of
an appraisal for land to be dedicated for a school that is outstanding. Also,
the SMH land swap has been completed, and projections for available services
are said to be 3-5 years. The extended timeframe being attributed to the fact
that SMH is a public entity and must go through particular processes to move
forward on the project.
- The last of the public
questions was to the effect of whether or not the Ranch uses their existing
property for agricultural purposes in order to get tax breaks. The response to
this was that there was a discount for a portion of the land related to this,
but the ongoing use for cattle and such serves other purposes that are of
benefit. First, they bring in revenue to help cover expenses (such as taxes)
while the development gets going. It provides active management of the property
to ensure the land remains in a healthy state and ensures a measure of public
safety through that as well.
I will write about the
rest of the meeting in another post, but it was primarily status updates of
ongoing projects and information that has been shared before. So, that can wait until another day this week.
Still, there are just a couple more items
of note. One was simply that the meeting was held at IslandWalk, because the City of North
Port rescheduled their committee meeting, and our District could no longer use
their auditorium on the designated day or time. It was discussed changing the
meeting day an time going forward in order to make use of the City Hall
facilities again, but the encouraging turnout of more residents was said to
encourage the consideration of hosting the meetings using facilities of the
existing communities in the future.
Appraisals are out for a
public school and for the extension of Manasota Beach road into these
communities. But, projections for the completion of the beach road are likely
15-20 years. Not close to as soon as many have been told in past. The preeminent
project, though, the commercial center joint venture is projected to be open in
the fall of 2017. A meeting is to be held at SCF tonight where a presentation
of information regarding the proposed commercial center will be made. Don't
miss it!
Let me know if there are
ever any specific questions I may answer or get answered for you!
Thanks for reading,
Ali
If
you are considering purchasing a home, I can assist you. My services and
extensive resources are of no cost to you. I am even able to save home buyers
money...including additional cash incentives to new construction buyers which
even the builders' sales reps do not have access. I do not work for any of the wonderful
builders/developers in the West Villages Improvement District, or any others
for that matter. My services and information (including the resources provided
on all of my websites) are wholly independent of these
developers. No other independent professional is more knowledgeable about this
community, and enlisting me to assist with your transaction also serves to fund
these resources to keep them available for you and others on an ongoing basis.
Look
forward to hearing from you!
Ali
Ali
H. Johnston, MHA, MBA in Real Estate
Realtor®,
Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West
Villages Realty LLC
Mobile:
941-539-5771
If
you are considering purchasing a home in this community, I can assist you. My
services and extensive resources are of no cost to you, and in most instances,
I am even able to save home buyers money. I do not work for any of the wonderful
builders/developers in the West Villages Improvement District, or any others
for that matter. My services and information (including the resources provided
on all of my websites) are wholly independent of these
developers. No other independent professional is more knowledgeable about this
community, and enlisting me to assist with your transaction can provide you
with a wealth of information as well as saving you money.
Look
forward to hearing from you!
Ali
Ali
H. Johnston, MHA, MBA in Real Estate
Realtor®,
Lic. Broker #BK3284964
West
Villages Realty LLC
Mobile:
941-539-5771
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