I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent article in The Villages Daily Sun concerning the Villages Home Association’s (VHA) position on Morse Boulevard.
The VHA suggests that the Amenity Authority Committee (AAC) should use its funds to implement safety changes recommended by Sumter County. However, this proposal incorrectly equates “public funds” (county tax revenue) with the private amenity fees paid by AAC residents. If these improvements are necessary, the county should demonstrate responsible stewardship of public funds by financing the project itself.
Safety on Morse Boulevard has been a documented issue for over 15 years, resulting in numerous accidents and fatalities. Despite consistent resident requests for improvements during my eight years here, there has been a lack of significant action from the county. Furthermore, I question the transparency regarding these incidents, as many of these accidents and deaths appear to go unreported by the Daily Sun.
It is inappropriate to ask the AAC to use resident amenity fees to rectify safety issues on a roadway that is the 14th most dangerous in the county—a situation created by the Developer and the county. The responsibility for funding these essential safety improvements lies with Sumter County, not with the private funds of AAC residents.
James Vaccaro is a member of the Amenity Authority Committee and a long-time proponent for improved safety on Morse Boulevard.