A long-time Villages official on Friday restated his adamant opposition to the acquisition of Hacienda Hills Country Club by the Amenity Authority Committee.
The AAC on Wednesday halted a presentation by Recreation Director John Rohan about possible uses for the country club which closed its doors in April. AAC members said they wanted to see a price tag before considering uses for the property. District Manager Richard Baier said it is anticipated a price tag for Hacienda Hills Country Club will be revealed at the AAC’s meeting in September.
Community Development District 3 Supervisor Gail Lazenby once again went on record Friday in his staunch opposition to the acquisition of the country club.
The longtime resident and former member of The Villages Public Safety Department said he remembers when Hacienda Hills Country Club was the “premiere restaurant” in The Villages.
But that was then and this is now.
“From my personal perspective I don’t want to see the AAC take over that property and convert it to a recreation center. I think it would be wasteful spending,” Lazenby said.
John Wilcox, CDD 3’s representative on the AAC, said the committee has heard a similar message from residents.
“The comments we have heard have been very strong against the Hacienda property,” Wilcox said.
Lazenby said he is concerned that the Developer might come back with a greatly reduced price.
“We thought getting El Santiago was ‘what a deal’ until the building – which was full of mold – and had to be demolished,” Lazenby said.
The El Santiago Club restaurant was purchased in 2013 from the Developer for $350,000. The AAC had to pay to demolish the building to make room for the new El Santiago Recreation Center.
Lazenby said the residents don’t need to take Hacienda Hills Country Club off the Developer’s hands.
“If the Developer wants to sell it. Fine. Let him sell it,” Lazenby said.
