The Villages has reportedly withdrawn its plan to build nearly 800 homes in Wildwood.
The Villages Vice President for Development Gary Moyer wrote in a letter sent to the City of Wildwood that city officials made too many requests that would be a “disservice to our residents and business partners.”
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Moyer had implored Wildwood commissioners in an April 15 meeting to work with The Villages on the plan for 785 new homes on County Road 466A across from Pinellas Plaza. The Villages General Counsel Steve Roy in that April 15 meeting, told a story about a young Wildwood woman who had moved to New York and returned to the area thanks to a job opportunity in The Villages.
“Your children don’t have to leave the area anymore because of job opportunities in The Villages,” Roy said, describing the young woman who had found work as a phlebotomist at Creekside Medical.
On Monday night, Wildwood Assistant City Manager Jason McHugh had indicated that talks with The Villages were ongoing.
But Wildwood leaders have outlined their opposition to The Villages’ plans. At the core of the opposition is the prospect of Wildwood losing its identity when it was to become overwhelmed by The Villages.