[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by TomOB67

I am one of your "in-area" guests and have a 365 day pass....so yes it does exist. I DO NOT use your precious executive courses for free...it costs me about 10 bucks plus 3.50 to sit my butt in my residents golf cart.
You do not live in a gated community. It appears that way..somehow TV gets away with those gates that are on county maintained roads that my tax dollars pay for.
I bet all your merchants wouldnt be too happy or succesful if it weren't for the younger generation which has a disposable income to spend on restaurants and other shops in the squares. The squares are and have full public access..they are just like any other town..they are not private and yet so many of the residents feel they live in this "private' community.
Just because you the residents get overcharged by your amenities fees and fooled into thinking you live in a private gated community.....dont take it out on the rest of us that work and spend lots of money in the town squares and area restaurants. Back up, take a look, and aim your anger at the ones that pulled the wool over your eyes---it's almost fraudulent.
On the subject of under 55ers living in your community..its a law and has been forever. SHame on you for not doing your homework or doing some research..thats what you get for listening to your salespeople or other non informed friends. There is noo such thing as a 55+ only community...thats discriminatory and therefore a certain percentage of under 55ers have to be allowed to move in.
You all wanted your family members to be allowed and have a place to live closeby, thats why several other villages have been developed...but when they/we cross into your domain of "sheltered" living...suddenly its a problem.
Lighten up people...remember you are here to relax and enjoy..so do it! You moved to a TOWN called the Villages...not a GATED COMMUNITY.

Tom, of course the shops, restaurants and town squares are open to the public. I don't think this thread is about the use of public facilities. The use of residents' amenities has nothing to do with whether The Villages is a gated community.

Some residents feel that the amenities that are paid for by residents should be limited to resident use with guest passes issued for 30 days for friends and relatives. This seems reasonable to me.