In the latest twist in the long and winding road to improve Morse Boulevard, the Amenity Authority Committee is now hoping to pay the Developer to take on the difficult task.
AAC member Jim Vaccaro, a longtime advocate for improvements to the busy thoroughfare north of County Road 466, made the surprise suggestion during Wednesday’s meeting at Savannah Center.
Vaccaro’s idea quickly gained traction with fellow AAC members, who one month ago had deadlocked 3-3 over the controversial project.
The idea makes sense as the Developer has built The Villages’ infrastructure through the decades and then turned it over to municipalities. AAC members acknowledged that it has been a successful formula, providing the solid infrastructure base for Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
“He can navigate all of the working with the county and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) better than we can,” said Vaccaro, as he peddled the idea to his fellow AAC members.
Vaccaro also believed this route could open up the amenity reserve treasure chest.
The idea appealed to AAC member Don Deakin, who has stubbornly rejected the notion of using “settlement” money to pay for the massive project, as was originally suggested by Sumter County Commissioner Deb Butterfield. Deakin has been concerned about depleting the millions of dollars in settlement money and said he prefers to tap the AAC’s reserves of amenity money. But up until now, the use of amenity money has been off the table.
However, the AAC’s legal counsel, Kevin Stone, said he will need to research the legality of using amenity money to reimburse the Developer for the Morse Boulevard project.
Stone is expected to report back at the August meeting.