Saturday, March 28, 2015

March 24, 2015, WVID Supervisory Board Meeting

The most recent meeting of the West Villages Improvement District Supervisory Board was held last Tuesday, March 24th. The meeting book, which includes the approved minutes from the last meeting as well as the current meeting outline and supplemental materials, can be found at the WVID.org website. The meeting itself was generally uneventful, but some interesting new topics and developments to previously discussed items were raised.

One item that is under consideration is the expansion of district boundaries. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, a new medical facility is of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System is planned by SCF. The specific nature and type of the facility was not discussed, but it was mentioned that SMH plans to use the location to coordinate efforts with SCF nursing school. This could be quite a benefit to the neighborhood, but the real relevance to the WVID entity relative to expansion is in the use of district infrastructure (roads). Also, IslandWalk at the West Villages was permitted for expansion by the City of North Port, but this also is not currently in the plans laid out for the unit.

As time has passed and plans have changed, including potential changes as in the district boundary expansion, it was mentioned that a revised methodology of assessment may be warranted. Yes, even the suggestion of reviewing the annual assessments billed with taxes strikes an immediate, white-hot flame of fear. However, it was said that it is strongly felt that changes going forward will translate to a reduction in these bills, and since that statement came from a voice of experience, that is actually fairly reassuring.

Also, three past items that are progressing or resurfacing:

  • ®    Candidates for district engineering services have been reviewed, and the top 3 will offer presentations and answer questions at the next meeting.
  • ®    Sod replacement along the 41 corridor has been revived. Responsibility for comprehensive review and recommendations generation has been placed with Mike Smith, the district's Operations Supervisor.
  • ®    There may be a possibility of getting the DOT to permit the traffic light on 41 at the entrances of the current communities. This (permit) being sought. The responsibility for installation, though, falls on the developers. So, district representatives are about to open that dialogue with them.


If you'd like more information on anything in particular, just let me know. Also, I would love any feedback on what you would like to see for future blog topics.

Please, comment or email me at: ali-johnston@live.com.

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!
Ali


If you are considering purchasing a home in this community, please let me assist you. My services and extensive resources are of no cost to you, and in most instances, I am able to save home buyers some money.  I do not work for any of the wonderful builders 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 serves also to fund these resources to keep them available for you and others on an ongoing basis.

Please, check out my website, and contact me for more information!
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ali

Aileen “Ali” Johnston, MHA
(currently working on an MBA in Real Estate)
Realtor®, Hoover Realty LLC
Mobile: 941-539-5771





Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Gran Paradiso Princeton II


Check out Lennar's plan promo for the Princeton II.


Step back now ladies...the handsome guy featured is my wonderful husband. ;)


(From http://granparadisovillage.blogspot.com/2015/03/gran-paradiso-princeton-ii.html)


I do not work for any of the wonderful builders 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 serves also to fund these resources to keep them available for you and others on an ongoing basis.

Please, check out my website, and contact me for more information!
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ali

Aileen “Ali” Johnston, MHA
(currently working on an MBA in Real Estate)
Realtor®, Hoover Realty
Mobile: 941-539-5771


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

WVID: Venice Parks

Venice has more than 30 parks ranging in size from tiny pocket parks to the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the more unique parks include Paw Park, where dogs may romp on the beach, and Venetian Waterway Park, where people may bike and hike on a 5-mile stretch along both sides the Intracoastal Waterway.



Parks by amenity type:

Amenities
Parks
Tennis Courts
Basketball CourtsHecksher Park
Pinebrook Park
Boat RampHigel Park
Marina Park
Canoe and Kayak LaunchHigel Park
Venice Myakka River Park
Walking TrailsVenetian Waterway Park
Venice Myakka River Park
Heritage Park
Pinebrook Park Exercise Trail
Biking TrailsVenetian Waterway Park
Venice Myakka River Park
Dog FriendlyPaw Park at Brohard Park Beach
Venetian Waterway Park

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

IslandWalk Model Showcase & New Amenity Expansion Grand Opening

IslandWalk Model Showcase & New Amenity Expansion Grand Opening
Explore the NEW Expanded Amenity Building and enjoy trolley tours of 4 decorated model homes, refreshments, live island music and giveaways.
Event Date: Saturday, February 28th   |   Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Event Location: Phase 3 Amenity Building
Address: Corradino Blvd, Venice, FL 34293

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Venice Beach Recommended for Hassle-free Vacation Destination

http://granparadisovillage.blogspot.com/2015/02/venice-and-siesta-beaches-recommended.html



Check out link below to full article...

If you are considering purchasing a home in this community, please let me assist you. My services and extensive resources are of no cost to you, and in most instances, I am able to save home buyers some money.  I even offer (*with a couple exclusions) $500 towards closing costs to my clients*. I do not work for any of the wonderful builders 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 serves also to fund these resources to keep them available for you and others on an ongoing basis.

Please, check out my website, and contact me for more information!
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ali

Aileen “Ali” Johnston, MHA
(currently working on an MBA in Real Estate)
Realtor®, Hoover Realty
Mobile: 941-539-5771



Friday, January 23, 2015

Gran Paradiso: Venice / North Port New FEMA Flood Mapping

If you haven't heard, the FEMA flood maps are in the process of being updated for this area. The new drafts were recently released, and this past week Q&A open houses were held in Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. It is important if you live in the area or are considering purchasing soon to keep in mind that changes are pending but will not fully take effect until next year. The timeline published on the Sarasota County website says:
®    December 2014* — Preliminary flood maps released
®    January-February 2015* — Start of 90-day public comment period (for filing of appeals and protests)
®    May 2015* — FEMA , federal review begins when 90-day public comment/appeal period ends
®    Early 2016* — New flood maps take effect; new flood insurance requirements also take effect
*        Date subject to change pending completion of review process.
So, if you already own a home, be sure to check the status prior to the end of the appeal period in case you find it necessary to pursue that option.

I went to the meeting in Venice on Wednesday evening to ask some questions in person. The venue where it was held was absolutely packed! I showed up early and there was a line out the door to check in, and many people were already seated inside waiting their turn for an individual property look up to be done by a representative. Oddly enough, I heard that the Sarasota meeting was not nearly so well attended. But, I digress...in Venice, it was a very well run, efficient and informative session. I had to wait for some time until my number was called, but not nearly as long as I expected when I first heard how many numbers were still ahead of mine. When my time came, of course, I wanted to know all of the changes that will be taking place. But naturally, that was not an option, so I asked about a couple specific properties for myself and for family that was out of town at the time. Then, I asked generally about the West Villages neighborhoods of Gran Paradiso and IslandWalk.

To preface, if you live in either of these neighborhoods, please consult the drafted maps or other authoritative source to be sure your specific property is or is not affected. The representative at the open house, though, said these two neighborhoods are predominantly what they call "in the 2%," which means considered to be a moderate risk - where flood insurance is recommended but not required. That is really good news! It also appeared to me that the Mattamy property that is between River Road and the communities of Gran Paradiso and IslandWalk will be considered high risk, so that upcoming development may not pose as much competition as was previously thought. Still, I could be wrong. I did not ask about that area specifically. It was just highlighted on the map that the representative pulled up.

Once again, please consult an authoritative source regarding your specific owned or considered property, and if you are looking in either of these fine communities, give me a call! Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Hope that all helps to clarify some. I would be happy to answer any specific questions for you. If you'd like more information on anything in particular, just let me know. Also, I would love any feedback on what you would like to see for future blog topics.

Comment or email me at: ali-johnston@live.com.

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!
Ali


If you are considering purchasing a home in this community, please let me assist you. My services and extensive resources are of no cost to you, and in most instances, I am able to save home buyers some money.  I even offer (*with a couple exclusions) $500 towards closing costs to my clients*. I do not work for any of the wonderful builders 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 serves also to fund these resources to keep them available for you and others on an ongoing basis.

Please, check out my website, and contact me for more information!
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ali

Aileen “Ali” Johnston, MHA
(currently working on an MBA in Real Estate)
Realtor®, Hoover Realty
Mobile: 941-539-5771

Venice / North Port New FEMA Flood Mapping

If you haven't heard, the FEMA flood maps are in the process of being updated for this area. The new drafts were recently released, and this past week Q&A open houses were held in Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. It is important if you live in the area or are considering purchasing soon to keep in mind that changes are pending but will not fully take effect until next year. The timeline published on the Sarasota County website says:

®    December 2014* — Preliminary flood maps released
®    January-February 2015* — Start of 90-day public comment period (for filing of appeals and protests)
®    May 2015* — FEMA , federal review begins when 90-day public comment/appeal period ends
®    Early 2016* — New flood maps take effect; new flood insurance requirements also take effect
*        Date subject to change pending completion of review process.

So, if you already own a home, be sure to check the status prior to the end of the appeal period in case you find it necessary to pursue that option.

I went to the meeting in Venice on Wednesday evening to ask some questions in person. The venue where it was held was absolutely packed! I showed up early and there was a line out the door to check in, and many people were already seated inside waiting their turn for an individual property look up to be done by a representative. Oddly enough, I heard that the Sarasota meeting was not nearly so well attended. But, I digress...in Venice, it was a very well run, efficient and informative session. I had to wait for some time until my number was called, but not nearly as long as I expected when I first heard how many numbers were still ahead of mine. When my time came, of course, I wanted to know all of the changes that will be taking place. But naturally, that was not an option, so I asked about a couple specific properties for myself and for family that was out of town at the time. Then, I asked generally about the West Villages neighborhoods of Gran Paradiso and IslandWalk.

To preface, if you live in either of these neighborhoods, please consult the drafted maps or other authoritative source to be sure your specific property is or is not affected. The representative at the open house, though, said these two neighborhoods are predominantly what they call "in the 2%," which means considered to be a moderate risk - where flood insurance is recommended but not required. That is really good news! It also appeared to me that the Mattamy property that is between River Road and the communities of Gran Paradiso and IslandWalk will be considered high risk, so that upcoming development may not pose as much competition as was previously thought. Still, I could be wrong. I did not ask about that area specifically. It was just highlighted on the map that the representative pulled up.

Once again, please consult an authoritative source regarding your specific owned or considered property, and if you are looking in either of these fine communities, give me a call! Let me know if I can be of any assistance.

Hope that all helps to clarify some. I would be happy to answer any specific questions for you. If you'd like more information on anything in particular, just let me know. Also, I would love any feedback on what you would like to see for future blog topics.

Comment or email me at: ali-johnston@live.com.

Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!
Ali


If you are considering purchasing a home in this community, please let me assist you. My services and extensive resources are of no cost to you, and in most instances, I am able to save home buyers some money.  I even offer (*with a couple exclusions) $500 towards closing costs to my clients*. I do not work for any of the wonderful builders 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 serves also to fund these resources to keep them available for you and others on an ongoing basis.

Please, check out my website, and contact me for more information!
Look forward to hearing from you!
Ali

Aileen “Ali” Johnston, MHA
(currently working on an MBA in Real Estate)
Realtor®, Hoover Realty
Mobile: 941-539-5771