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ajm3s writes:

in response to mrz333:

I'm part of the "Boomer" generation. We’re in our middle to late 50's and purchased a house here in 2009 at auction to live here full time until we can no longer manage because of our age or finances. Our purchase was part of a long range phased plan for retirement which we implemented in 2004 having saved our entire lives in preparation for this time. Our means are modest compared to some on the island. I must admit that Marco was a destination by chance but, in being here, our love for it has grown.
To try to compare values to the insanity period of the mid 2000's is unrealistic. Better to take the values from 1995 and add to that the modest growth one would normally experience in a "non-fad" community. I think saying the values dropped 50% is not accurate given the circumstances of the market in the past 10 years.
I believe there is a wonderful lifestyle here that we all would wish to enhance. Some like it just the way it is and some would support building a resort casino here. I believe that our city would benefit from an increase in resort related "boutique" services with a few modest and well planned developments that would attract home buyers to our Island without diminishing its’ fundamental character.
Boomers have many, many choices on were to spend their retirement. I don't like seeing so many vacant houses and vacant land. Amenities suitable for a full time population must be planned to attract the boomers implemented as they arrive. This would be as simple (or as complex) as trying to get together and develop a plan that Realtors could use to attract new owners. It’s done all the time and has led to what some feel to be wonderful communities.
I would hate to see Marco wither from neglect. You must remember that many boomers have internet based occupations and will not be living a traditional retirement. We are an example of that. We continue to work not so much that we have to but because we love to. Our office is an easy chair, a laptop, a cell phone and an internet connection. We have any number of choices on where to live. With that freedom we can positively benefit a community that would seek to enhance that lifestyle by offering a modest variety of amenities suitable in size to a population in residence who seek an active lifestyle and to support a modest tourism trade. We feel this is of benefit to our community. Currently our opinion is that Marco, as beautiful as she is, is a little lacking in that area.
How else can we get our kids to visit us! Thanks to all for your attention!

There are a host of planned communities that span American history from New Haven, CT

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Have...

and Savanah GA

http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/les...

to those still considered under construction, such as, Ave Maria, FL.

Now ask yourself, when you discovered Marco Island, did you like what you saw and decided to buy here because you wanted a newer community or a larger community, or an investment for rental, or did you have a new vision for what Marco Island should become?

I liked what I saw in 1995 when I first crossed the bridge. Then, what began as a drive in 1997 to "manage" under cityhood, there was a move to "modernize" and promote high end development with all the amenities government could offer. Well time and history have a way of shaping communities; to now you lament the vacant lots and state this island is a "little lacking".

So again, why did you move here? And if you want to improve this island, improve your own lot and do not pretend as some city managers have in the past i.e.Moss leadership, that they know better.

What most city planners fail to recognize, is that better is not more, is not newer, is not a plan that redefines itself over and over again, under the mantra "because times have changed". This is the big fallacy of city planning. I suggest you read the history of Marco Island as a start because it a plan that has a master plan, but falls victim to "investors" pretending to be homeowners. Marco Island was from the onset, a plan to create a city with schools, churches, etc.

As a start you must first look within oneself and define yourself first, because from my perspective, there are many homeowners but they are driven by investment (which is not a bad thing) but in the process they forget to maintain and "water" the lawn. To today, they cannot afford to maintain and "water" the lawn. All under a plan to create an island with higher valuations.

I personally, just love the weather and water and surrounding mangroves, and it was here before planned improvements. Why do we have to plan to make everything so expensive and diminish what is free and all around us? Because the lot across the street is lacking? I think we have a maintenance problem, exacerbated by 5 year plans.

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