Just finished reading The Independent. My interpretation of the article re the building on Thunderbird is it's pretty much a done deal. The other thing I noticed was not one comment in the opinion section about the exchange meeting or the building. Our members are usually not afraid to speak up, however this edition had something about abortion, a minister speaking (I think) and other benign things. Don't know exactly and not going to get the paper out of the trash. Anyway that was so odd and not in character of the people who live here. I don't know, maybe someone has some influence over what is and isn't published.
I agree the Independent may not have been as independent on this issue as we would like, but I give them credit for publishing my opinion piece without edit even though they trashed me in the article on the subject. Look I get it. Board members are trying to show unity but are not paying attention to the horizon. Having a town crier who yells into the microphone about witnessing the creation of the Sun City universe doesn't carry the day. Eugene McCarthy did the same thing and see where it got him. I believe a board decision to purchase this property would be a good court case for the business judgement rule. (An observation not an opinion or threat) Given the deteriorating state of our recreational centers which are underutilized would a reasonable board member compound these issues by buying a special purpose medical facility fixer upper for which the community has little use? Do current board members have the intellect, judgement and background to make such decisions? Does the board have a disclosed or endorsed long range plan that includes buying old medical facilities? As of yet we do not even have a five-year plan. Does RCSC management have any relevant experience in recreational community planning? Look, I really like it here even though I could afford to be in a number of other 55+ communities. I resigned because I was not willing put my personal assets on the line. It was an educated decision.
I did get the paper out of the recycles and re-read, and yes your opinion piece was the only one pertinent to recent happenings in Sun City. It was just my feeling they pulled the rest out of a pile of "save for later" letters. The performance by the "town crier" was telling everyone what I have been saying, we have nothing left! No shops, no specialty food markets, no banks, (not true) sometimes I physically go to my bank. As for a bank on every corner I'll have to look into that. Regarding the applause mentioned on The Advocates blog the room was almost empty. People were leaving during the speech. Yes a few clapped but it wasn't like Elvis just finished singing Jailhouse Rock as some would have you believe. There was a long thread on another platform all about Sun City residents having to go to Scottsdale for fun shopping and restaurants. Someone said we might as well go to San Diego. As far as passion (as was claimed on the Advocates blog) not my kind of passion. Andrea Bocelli has passion. I was waiting for the speaker to bust out of the orange, turn green, and become the hulk.
I am doubtful now that T-Bird will get bought by RCSC. I've seen The Plaza Companies trucks doing lawn maintenance on the outside of building twice in 2 weeks. Not sure what that means right now. I think if we buy it, it will not become a Rec Center, I think they will use the building for other purposes...but of course, I don't know. The Plaza Companies own medical offices and other commercial building around town and mostly near the area. They are actually a very fine company. I actually am hoping now that maybe they acquire the building and put something medical again in there. Blessings for a good day!
Well John, you learned a lesson about the 4th Estate that I learned in the early 80’s, not to be trusted from my experience. Another thing we can discuss before you leave for the summer or when you return along with the budget, fees, plans, why I am considering voting for Trump ( seriously only kidding on that one), etc. I am not sure about this property thing. The only real viable use would be for corporate offices relocation. Some form of rec center just doesn’t fit. True that real estate for RCSC use is at a premium but is it worth it for $25-30+M purchase and renovation? Don’t know. The PAC at MT center I believe is a potential white elephant. As you are aware John, I think years down the road and in talking with with Gen X and Millennials, they don’t seem to be interested in plays, a band playing Glen Miller and Guy Lombardo’s greatest hits (I grew up listening to them along with Duke). Lectures, they have U Tube for that along with a plethora of other things. Movies, stream on phone anywhere or at home on their 150” TV.They are the tech generations and our thinking must be looking down that road. I even believe that the libraries might go away as they can get digital editions of books from Amazon. I buy my books from Amazon as I collection First editions, First printing although I do love used book stores for out of print books. That’s my view at the moment and hope to see you at the Board meeting before you fly the coop.
I agree with your observations regarding the PAC being a white elephant that future generations won't want. Good point! I am just wondering how big RCSC "corporate" is that they need a corporate administration building? And do the benefits of colocation outweigh the high cost of adding a building to the mix? And what are the options for adding a building if we need one. All of these questions would be answered if someone would put together a business case.
Just thinking! With the upcoming election of new Board Members, (5 positions), and the recent failed attempt to purchase the property on Thunderbird and 111th, I'm wondering if any Directors will resurrect the possible purchase and increase their offer? There's still the future concern about what to do with all the administration offices when they renovate Lake View, which is next on the list, and the longer they wait the value of the property may increase or no longer even be available? I'm not suggesting that they should or shouldn't purchase that property but only thinking that as long as the Lake View renovations are next on the list, this issue really has not gone away!
My two cents is that if Lakeview is to serve as Sun City Center we should have the administration offices located there. My preference would be to hire an urban redevelopment expert to take the data and advise about what works. Just one members opinion.
It would be interesting to learn just how much space is required for the administrative staff? The current building at Lake View is already a 2 story building, so it wouldn't be out of the question for a new facility too remain the same. You could even place the admin offices up and out of the way up on the second floor and keep the lower half for the Clubs?
I wish we would not put the PAC at Lakeview. I feel it is a pristine and relaxing retreat as it was intended. I am worried that shoe-horning in a large building will take away the original charm of the place and it will be lost forever. I love to see the open lake and pretty views sitting there, and this will be gone forever. I also think the area is rather delicate in trying to add more stuff in that serene location. I live close by and enjoy going over there just to relax, walk about and refresh...putting a large building of this kind is going to destroy this signature setting. I am also concerned that we already have a lot of traffic congestion because of the busy hospital and emergency room and medical facilities. This will only complicate the area Only my opinion, but I've lived in this area for 50 years and have my own personal concerns.
You can't put a price tag on the physical beauty and quality of life that the lake has always offered the residents. A PAC can be built at any place.
And it could still be at the Lake View location, but only when they decide to renovate that entire Rec Center!
