Villages
center under microscope
After
critics cited mildew and leaks, officials gave
the
green light to a study of Paradise Center. |
COURTESY : Orlando Sentinel
Published December 30, 2003
BY Lisa Emmerich
THE VILLAGES -- Officials from the
government arm of The Villages approved up to $20,000 for an engineering
study of the deteriorating Paradise Center, the community's oldest recreation
building.
| Critics of the center
collected surveys this month aimed at gauging the building's problems and
exploring possibilities for renovation. The Property Owners' Association
distributed the questionnaire to hundreds of residents in its December
newsletter, quizzing them about problems they have noticed in the center.
Association officials said they heard complaints
of termite damage, rats, leaks in the roof and mildew.
Paradise Center, at 1403 Paradise Drive,
is known as the recreational hub of the east side of the retirement |
| Seen in an October photo, Paradise Center serves as the recreational
hub of the east side of The Villages community. |
|
community. Bingo games, card tournaments and
craft classes take place most every day. But association members said the
center should measure up to its newer sister facilities, such as the immaculate
Savannah Center. They want to see the center razed, and a new one constructed
in its place. To that end, association officials said they plan to turn
the residents' surveys over to the Village Center Community Development
District board when the results are collected.
"The Villages needs to stay up-to-date
and have attractive-looking facilities," said association president Joe
Gorman. "The Paradise Center the way it is now is a shabby-looking structure
that is an embarrassment."
District administrator Pete Wahl said engineers
would complete the study by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2004,
and then officials would "begin the process of formulating a plan" to improve
the facility. Wahl said earlier that tearing down the facility would be
unlikely. |
