The Villages will bring millions of new dollars to the city of Wildwood over the coming years as the Village of Southern Oaks is developed.
Wildwood commissioners held a workshop session Wednesday morning in which an overview was presented of the partnership between The Villages and Wildwood. Gary Lester, The Villages vice president of community relations, and Gary Moyer, The Villages vice president of development, were in attendance at the meeting held at Wildwood City Hall.
“I was assured this is a partnership that will be mutually beneficial. It’s a good partnership,” Mayor Ed Wolf said. “The city of Wildwood is going to get some notoriety for being the fastest-growing city in the area.”
In May, city commissioners are expected to approve an amendment to the city’s Future land Use Map for the rezoning of 4,518 acres for The Villages age-restricted development. The city has already annexed 412 acres between Florida’s Turnpike and County Road 468E that will be part of the Village of Southern Oaks. There will be a maximum density of 15 homes per acre.
Wildwood will reap millions of dollars in revenue from franchise fees, water use and ad valorem taxes.
Assistant City Manager Jason McHugh said there is very little risk in this development, because The Villages has a proven track record of success.
Of course, there will be some expenses to the city, such as more money needed for police and parks and recreation.
However, much of the income will be “easy,” said City Manager Bill Ed Cannon.
For example, The Villages will honor the city’s existing contract with Waste Management and the city will benefit from an 8 percent franchise fee.
“We just open an envelope and take the check out,” Cannon said. “There’s no work for us.”
