A longtime supervisor in Community Development District 3 has warned his Amenity Authority Committee representative against the possible acquisition of Hacienda Hills Country Club.
Earlier in the week, the AAC heard from a packed house who vehemently opposed any purchase of the country club, which has been offered as an “opportunity” from the Developer.
AAC member John Wilcox provided an update Friday morning to the CDD 3 Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Gail Lazenby, who has served in elected office for 20 years, left no doubt about his feelings about Hacienda Hills.
“I don’t want to see the AAC purchasing the property or even accepting that property,” Lazenby said.
He said he was speaking only for himself and not the CDD 3 board.
Lazenby pointed out that he’s been in The Villages for a long time, and unlike newer residents, he has witnessed the acquisition by the AAC of properties at Silver Lake, Chula Vista and El Santiago. Those restaurants were converted into recreation centers at residents’ expense.
“Three-quarters of the people here only know Chula Vista as a recreation center,” Lazenby said.
The Developer, in Wednesday’s “Evening with the Developer” presentation before the VHA, dangled a non-descript carrot for users of the priority pool at Hacienda Hills. He briefly mentioned some kind of poolside food service. The restaurant at Hacienda Hills closed last month.
District Manager Richard Baier said he and Recreation Director John Rohan, as well as recreation staffers, are looking at possible uses for Hacienda Hills. They are expected to bring ideas back to the AAC in August.
