The Villages is continuing its outward-in approach in developing the area south of State Road 44, which eventually could include more than 26,000 homes.
Wildwood city commissioners this week approved several ordinances to facilitate the massive Villages of Southern Oaks.
Beginning with the Village of Fenney at the outer edge of the development, the first three Southern Oaks phases are under way south of the Florida Turnpike. Plans for a retail plaza north of the turnpike along County Road 468 and extension of Buena Vista Boulevard also are in the works.
Buena Vista will run behind River Birch Plaza, ending at CR 468, according to a site plan endorsed by the city commission. Instead of extending Buena Vista from SR 44, the project will begin at CR 468 and head north.
Across the turnpike, construction of the Southern Oaks third phase has begun. The commission approved an amendment to Community Development District 12, which includes Fenney and the first three phases.
The estimated budget for CDD 12 calls for $153.9 million in infrastructure costs, including $90.2 million for the storm water system, $40 million for subdivision roads and drainage, $5.5 million for multi-modal trails and tunnels as well as $18.4 million for landscaping, irrigation, walls and fences.
A total of 3,637 homes will be built in CDD 12, including 1,700 villas, 1,928 standard homes and nine premier homes.
Magnolia Plaza, another retail center, will be located south of the turnpike, along with the Everglades Regional Recreation Center, golf courses and a softball complex.
Commissioners also approved age-restricted zoning for about 1,500 acres south of SR 44, west of Buena Vista and on both sides of CR 468. This property will be among the northernmost portions of Southern Oaks.
They also approved a comprehensive plan for a 41-acre portion of the property near Buena Vista.