The Villages is planning a major revitalization of the La Plaza Grande North Plaza on the Historic Side of The Villages.
Most of the existing structures, including El Ranchito restaurant, date back to the 1980s and the days of Villages founder Harold Schwartz. A tire store was added in 2010.
According to an application filed last week with the Town of Lady Lake, five buildings will be demolished and replaced with three new ones.
Also, 149 parking spaces will be added.
“Parking spaces that currently exist along La Grande Boulevard are known to cause congestion when backing vehicles exiting the parking spaces inhibit traffic. By removing perpendicular spaces along La Grande Boulevard, the reconfiguration will allow for better traffic flow and circulation through the development and will improve safety for drivers as well as pedestrians traveling to and from parked vehicles,” according to a traffic analysis prepared for The Villages by Richard Barr of Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.
Most of the trees at the site would be protected under the town’s code, according to Michael Pape of Michael Pape & Associates. Pape’s association with The Villages dates back to 1986, he noted in a report that was part of the application that The Villages filed with the town. He said he is familiar with the history of the trees at that location.
“The existing canopy species are mostly Laurel Oak, Magnolia and Drake Elm; the ornamental trees are mostly Ligustrum and Crape Myrtle. There are many Sabal Palms. There are some overgrown Junipers – long past their useful life and in poor condition that would unfortunately be classified as ‘protected’ trees,” Pape wrote.
The plan will go before the Lady Lake Planning and Zoning Board in September.
