Since we're addressing the topic of gates, I'm wondering if anyone can help me understand something I've tried to comprehend.
I've heard it said that The Villages is not a gated community but rather a community with gates. It's my understanding that the purpose of the gates is to interrupt vehicular traffic so that carts have a chance to cross the roadway. The roads, although perhaps originally private property, are now public property of the county. Therefore no one can be excluded (hence the "non-resident" lane and the "red button" on single lane gated entrances). However, there are some locations where cart traffic is not an issue, but there is still a gate (e.g., Chula Vista and 466 - that one puzzles me).
My question is, why does a resident need a gate "card"? Why don't the "entrance" gates work like the "exit" gates. Presumably they serve the same purpose. The gate stays down until a vehicle approaches and then closes again after the vehicle passes. Presumably, that allows at least one cart to cross during the vehicle's delay. Is it a timing issue - a fear that vehicles will crowd the vehicle in front of them and the gate will never close until the last vehicle is through? Whether that's an issue with the exits or not, it doesn't seem to require the use of a card to get "out" past the same cart crossing.
What have I misunderstood?
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