The Amenity Authority Committee is debating the possibility of retrofitting an old church as opposed to buying 40 acres of land on County Road 42 for a new recreation center.
The new recreation center would serve residents of the Marion County section of The Villages where the Developer wants to build 300 new villas.
At Wednesday’s AAC meeting, an update was given on the ongoing negotiations between District officials and the First Baptist Church which moved into a new facility nearly three years ago. It’s the church’s former home which is the focus of current negotiations.
“It was made clear that a new neighborhood recreation center would be built on each of the parcels where the villas will be built,” said Gary Moyer, an AAC member and vice president of development for The Villages.
However, he acknowledged that residents had expressed that those facilities, which Moyer described as a “postal station and a pool,” would not be adequate for the recreational needs of the residents of that area. Hence the negotiations regarding the church.
Late last year, AAC members expressed their desire to explore the possibility of purchasing 40 acres of land for sale on County Road 42. The owner of the 40 acres has said his asking price is $3 million. On Wednesday, audience members encouraged the exploration of that potential purchase.
Villager George Zitterell questioned the wisdom of trying to retrofit the 11-year-old church building.
“If purchased, extensive renovation must also be considered and would include the exterior, interior, AC units, a pool and outdoor sport facilities,” he said.
Others agreed that retrofitting the church might not yield the desired result.
“Why not build something fresh?” asked John Chipriano of the Village of Chatham.
Community Development District 4 Supervisor Jim Brockman echoed the sentiment.
“Maybe the $3 million is a bargain,” he said.
AAC member Don Deakin, who first raised the possibility of purchasing the 40 acres, said he thought the AAC could purchase the 40 acres and build on the back end and resell the front 20 acres for commercial development.
“As a governmental body, you cannot purchase property speculatively,” cautioned AAC attorney Lewis Stone.
AAC member Carl Bell said it would be wonderful to see the Developer purchase the 40 acres.
“Not at that price,” Moyer quipped.
