Golf Cart ID's

[downeaster]

From another thread, it was suggested that carts have some kind of identification sticker to be able to report these kinds of incidents to the authorities. I, at first, thought this was an un necessary thing, now, I'm not so sure.

Kahuna: I made that suggestion two years ago to We need a manner of identifying who is traveling on our multi-modal pathways

The above two quotes were taken from another thread ("golf cart rage"). I didn't want the subject to get lost and I believe it is worth a dedicated thread.

I am in agreement with Kahuna and rubicon. We need some way to identify golf cart ownership for a number of reasons. The positives far out rank the negatives.

[raynitsche]

I believe it's a great idea. Illegally parked carts have no fear because it can't be enforced.
Carts taking down the gates would be identifiable. The idiots that drive as such would also be known.

[graciegirl]

If this could be done in such a way as our ID cards are given out, and required for all carts...which would be a tuffy.(There would always be some that refused) WITHOUT being a big expense and hassle,,,,,


Then what would happen when carts would be sold and transferred? Maybe our picture ID on them?


It looks easy, but probably would be very challenging and some would abuse the system, etc.etc. I certainly don't want an expensive "government" even if it is CDD government, program.


Gracie, the fiscal conservative.


Some call me tight.

[blueeagle65]

I would also vote for this concept - even if 'we' had to fund it by purchasing a tag or sticker.

[123Cookie]

you forget the biggest offenders are typically those that rent carts - now whom is responsible the renter or the rentee.... I think the problem can be fixed very easily - before someone can rent a cart - they are give a two or three page list of rules and regulations of cart-men-ship - that they must read and then take a 10 question test on this reading - if below seventy no cart that day!!! -- it is not so much the carts as it is the ignorance of basic rules - ie driving on the major highways here, using the rotaries, blowing off stop signs, and a big one making a left hand turn from right cart lane, etc.

[Yosemite]

Our cars, boats, even our dogs have licenses. If it becomes too much of a problem for the government, they will implement cart registration. Renting a cart will be like renting a car; the powers that be will have no problem tracking you down. I'd like to see an EZ Pass type of system replace gate cards. The same type of transponder could be used in golf carts for both identification and easy access through the gates. Considering how huge the Villages will be in the not so distant future, it would be a real convenience, worth the cost of implementation.

[Jim 9922]

Yes, there are some advantages, but it is also a bureaucrat's dream - a whole new entity for more fees, more rules, more paperwork, more bureaucrats, more restrictions, more regulations, more telling you what you can and can't do, ----!!!

[Big O]

Yes, there are some advantages, but it is also a bureaucrat's dream - a whole new entity for more fees, more rules, more paperwork, more bureaucrats, more restrictions, more regulations, more telling you what you can and can't do, ----!!!

Exactly!

[dmorhome]

someone from the villages dahhhhhhhh




The above two quotes were taken from another thread ("golf cart rage"). I didn't want the subject to get lost and I believe it is worth a dedicated thread.

I am in agreement with Kahuna and rubicon. We need some way to identify golf cart ownership for a number of reasons. The positives far out rank the negatives.

[graciegirl]

Friends here reported on this forum that their expensive car was run into by a golf cart, sideswiped and the culprit hit them and ran.


Left them with expensive damage.


Also if we had tags of some kind we could identify those who might be here and up to no good. The fellow who stole the cart from in front of the Publix at Mulberry lived off campus in a trailer park nearby but he was able to get in somehow and rob places here.


Not failsafe but a start. And perhaps being easily identifiable would give pause to some grandparents handing the cart keys over to some of their grandkids who aren't good drivers and a little wild and reckless.


P.S. I meant NO harm by saying trailer park. A lot of happy and wonderful people enjoy modular homes all over Florida.

[DaleMN]

Tear down this wall. !!!! :doh:

[CFrance]

I would also vote for this concept - even if 'we' had to fund it by purchasing a tag or sticker.

Me too. All we need is a license plate big enough that a camera can read, or a person can read and write down. Even rental carts should have them if they're rented to people in TV. that way the idiots mowing down the gates who get photographed but never caught could be made to pay for the repairs, and the people causing road hazards could be reported. I would be happy to pay for such a tag. Of course, I don't have a golf cart... heh-heh:o

But I still pay amentity fees.

[Bogie Shooter]

Thank you for your contribution.

[VT2TV]

I would love if the Villages required a LARGE easily seen tag of some sort to be placed on all carts. I can't believe it would be very expensive to manage it. There would be so many great reasons to know who is in the golf carts if you have a reason to know. However, there would have to be someone who has the authority to actually do something about problems if any issues came up. One of the hardest thing in the Villages is to find someone who has the authority, everyone I have ever asked says 'I am not allowed to actually do anything." ie keep people from saving seats, make people obey any guidelines, etc. There was a guy one day at one of the pools who jumped into the pool in his underwear---the community watch person was there--but when some of the residents told the person about what was happening, his reply was that we would have to call 911, that the CW people aren't allowed to get involved. I personally observed a fight getting ready to happen at the square one night, walked all around the square, found one of the "events people" and told them about it. Their response was to call 911. Now I don't blame them if that is what they are told to do, but we need "someone" who has the authority to act when needed other than the police.

[villagerjack]

Yes, there are some advantages, but it is also a bureaucrat's dream - a whole new entity for more fees, more rules, more paperwork, more bureaucrats, more restrictions, more regulations, more telling you what you can and can't do, ----!!!

You are so right...more BIG BROTHER.

[mrdarcy]

Below is an excerpt from the Peachtree City, GA government website. Peachtree City has 90+ miles of cart path. It's the 2nd largest golf cart community in the United States. The Villages is the largest. P'tree City requires owners to register carts and they have a mechanism for owner sale/transfer also. I'm guessing our District governments would have the legal authority to require cart registration too.

NOTICE:
All carts must have the new WHITE Peachtree City decals issued in 2011 (or current Tyrone decals) and have the correct owner information on file. The white decals are valid until 2016. Cart owners must register within 10 days of cart purchase and notify the City of any changes in ownership or owner contact information within 10 business days.

[Parker]

I lived in Peachtree City for many years. Those stickers were helpful for identification, but were large and ugly, stuck to both sides of the cart, often crooked or wrinkled due to the difficulty of application. Hopefully, if they do that here, they'll find a more attractive version.

[Golfingnut]

I lived in Peachtree City for many years. Those stickers were helpful for identification, but were large and ugly, stuck to both sides of the cart, often crooked or wrinkled due to the difficulty of application. Hopefully, if they do that here, they'll find a more attractive version.

We had those also, and you could not miss it.

[Bogie Shooter]

Below is an excerpt from the Peachtree City, GA government website. Peachtree City has 90+ miles of cart path. It's the 2nd largest golf cart community in the United States. The Villages is the largest. P'tree City requires owners to register carts and they have a mechanism for owner sale/transfer also. I'm guessing our District governments would have the legal authority to require cart registration too.

NOTICE:
All carts must have the new WHITE Peachtree City decals issued in 2011 (or current Tyrone decals) and have the correct owner information on file. The white decals are valid until 2016. Cart owners must register within 10 days of cart purchase and notify the City of any changes in ownership or owner contact information within 10 business days.

Looking at their website it appears they have a very large police force.

[Steve9930]

Personally I believe all Golf Carts that will be driven on a public street should be licensed and have proof of insurance. Just because a vehicle is limited in speed does not mean it is limited in its ability to cause a problem. Put a license plate on it even if its a Motor Cycle Tag. I would bet that most of the carts now are illegal anyway. To be classified as a Golf Cart it must not be capable of exceeding a maximum speed. I've clocked plenty that were well over the 19 MPH and no plate on the back of the cart. Insure it and license it if it goes on any street.

[Big O]

Below is an excerpt from the Peachtree City, GA government website. Peachtree City has 90+ miles of cart path. It's the 2nd largest golf cart community in the United States. The Villages is the largest. P'tree City requires owners to register carts and they have a mechanism for owner sale/transfer also. I'm guessing our District governments would have the legal authority to require cart registration too.

NOTICE:
All carts must have the new WHITE Peachtree City decals issued in 2011 (or current Tyrone decals) and have the correct owner information on file. The white decals are valid until 2016. Cart owners must register within 10 days of cart purchase and notify the City of any changes in ownership or owner contact information within 10 business days.

Is this a free service or did it come with a cost that has risen a few times or maybe even every year. We've all been down this path before but I guess a lot of us can't remember it.

[Bogie Shooter]

Personally I believe all Golf Carts that will be driven on a public street should be licensed and have proof of insurance. Just because a vehicle is limited in speed does not mean it is limited in its ability to cause a problem. Put a license plate on it even if its a Motor Cycle Tag. I would bet that most of the carts now are illegal anyway. To be classified as a Golf Cart it must not be capable of exceeding a maximum speed. I've clocked plenty that were well over the 19 MPH and no plate on the back of the cart. Insure it and license it if it goes on any street.

Who do you propose to be the licenseing agency?

[graciegirl]

Is this a free service or did it come with a cost that has risen a few times or maybe even every year. We've all been down this path before but I guess a lot of us can't remember it.



I agree with that Big O. (Go Bucks)


And I am not interested in having them registered for revenue or insurance...just identifiable.


But that path is fraught (Cyndy used that word yesterday) with bureaucratic difficulties. Only the naïve would think otherwise.

[Big O]

I agree with that Big O. (Go Bucks)


And I am not interested in having them registered for revenue or insurance...just identifiable.


But that path is fraught (Cyndy used that word yesterday) with bureaucratic difficulties. Only the naïve would think otherwise.

Maybe this is something the districts could do like Visitor ID's.

[CFrance]

Maybe this is something the districts could do like Visitor ID's.

I think the benefits would be two-fold: one, identifying the people who break the gate arms and having them pay for repairs, and two, being able to I.D. and track down anyone doing anything illegal so the police can apprehend them.

Yes, you would have to call 911, but if you do that now and the cart leaves the scene, you have no way to track them down.

Maybe a small one-time registration fee to cover the cost of the license plate.

[graciegirl]

I think the benefits would be two-fold: one, identifying the people who break the gate arms and having them pay for repairs, and two, being able to I.D. and track down anyone doing anything illegal so the police can apprehend them.

Yes, you would have to call 911, but if you do that now and the cart leaves the scene, you have no way to track them down.

Maybe a small one-time registration fee to cover the cost of the license plate.



You are on the right path.........BUT...I read this forum and there is such hue and cry over the cost of sharing a meal. omigosh...eight dollars for a golf cart tag? I can hear it now.

[CFrance]

You are on the right path.........BUT...I read this forum and there is such hue and cry over the cost of sharing a meal. omigosh...eight dollars for a golf cart tag? I can hear it now.
I hear ya, Gracie. But if it took place upon the purchasing of a golf cart and you knew about the requirement when you became a homeowner, and it was just a one-time charge, maybe it would fly...?

Another benefit... identifying a stolen cart, although cart theft is rare.

[bimmertl]

Last estimate I heard regarding carts in TV was 50,000. Theft is rare and so is hit and run etc. when you consider the number of carts here. You can't consider registering 50,000 carts for the small number of incidents. So if somebody didn't want to "register" one then what?

Want to do something illegal, take it off, cover it up or steal a sticker from somebody else and put in on your cart.

On the other hand, at $8 a cart it comes to $400,000. I'll provide the stickers!

[memason]

For me, I see very little [if any] upside to registering golf carts...

As for broken gates, we have cars breaking gates every day at all the resident entrances. They all have tags, but I suspect none are caught or made to pay for the damages. Certainly, some gates are damaged by golf carts, but putting a tag or some sort of identifying sticker on a cart would not stop that.

As for speeding carts....who really cares? Somehow, someone driving a cart at 25mph doesn't get my blood pressure up. We already have laws for that and the Sheriff is in charge of enforcing the laws.

Who would administer such a program? This would be a huge administrative nightmare. I don't believe The Villages would touch this with a 10ft. pole! The districts would never be able to agree on anything of this magnitude. They can't even agree to stripping the cart paths for increased safety.

Resident infraction reporting...to whom would you report? The Sheriff? I'm sure they would like that... This would be similar to the deed restriction, which are complaint driven. No one really wants to report their neighbor, unless it's really bad.

So, this is one of those things I see as not broken; therefore, no fix required.

Just an opinion and not something I would be willing to pay [or vote] for, given the choice.

[graciegirl]

For me, I see very little [if any] upside to registering golf carts...

As for broken gates, we have cars breaking gates every day at all the resident entrances. They all have tags, but I suspect none are caught or made to pay for the damages. Certainly, some gates are damaged by golf carts, but putting a tag or some sort of identifying sticker on a cart would not stop that.

As for speeding carts....who really cares? Somehow, someone driving a cart at 25mph doesn't get my blood pressure up. We already have laws for that and the Sheriff is in charge of enforcing the laws.

Who would administer such a program? This would be a huge administrative nightmare. I don't believe The Villages would touch this with a 10ft. pole! The districts would never be able to agree on anything of this magnitude. They can't even agree to stripping the cart paths for increased safety.

Resident infraction reporting...to whom would you report? The Sheriff? I'm sure they would like that... This would be similar to the deed restriction, which are complaint driven. No one really wants to report their neighbor, unless it's really bad.

So, this is one of those things I see as not broken; therefore, no fix required.

Just an opinion and not something I would be willing to pay [or vote] for, given the choice.



Very good thoughts.

[Steve9930]

Who do you propose to be the licenseing agency?

Why are you saying I've proposed to be the licensing agency? I said if it runs on a public road the state should require it have a license. Now you have tracking of who owns the vehicle. Where do you see a problem?

[Steve9930]

Looking at their website it appears they have a very large police force.

If Peachtree City has a police force, then Peachtree is a true city. They have the authority to issue regulations and laws. The Villages is a CDD. They do not have the same authority as a city or county. I do not believe The Villages would be able to do what Peachtree has done.

[Steve9930]

There have been a few posts about Peachtree City so I went up and checked out their website. They are in fact a real city. Therefore they can issue such requirements as the Golf Cart sticker. The sticker is $12 per year with a $5 transfer fee. Evidently there are also people who do not live in Peachtree City but do have access to the Golf Cart Paths. Their fee is $60 per year since they do not pay Peachtree City Property taxes. So the Peachtree City Golf Cart paths are open to all.

[bluedog103]

Who would enforce this sort of thing? Not Community watch, they have no enforcement authority. Not the State Police, Florida doesn't require golf cart registration or identification. Not the Sheriff, there's no county law requiring this and we have three counties to convince of the necessity. Not the local police departments for the same reasons above. Any local requirement would be a farce without any means of enforcement. Further, despite "The Gate" there are many carts from outside TV on our local streets. Also, there are many cart rental businesses in the area who routinely drop off rentals in TV. I really don't see cart registration or a cart I.D. requirement ever happening.

[Bogie Shooter]

Personally I believe all Golf Carts that will be driven on a public street should be licensed and have proof of insurance. Just because a vehicle is limited in speed does not mean it is limited in its ability to cause a problem. Put a license plate on it even if its a Motor Cycle Tag. I would bet that most of the carts now are illegal anyway. To be classified as a Golf Cart it must not be capable of exceeding a maximum speed. I've clocked plenty that were well over the 19 MPH and no plate on the back of the cart. Insure it and license it if it goes on any street.

Why are you saying I've proposed to be the licensing agency? I said if it runs on a public road the state should require it have a license. Now you have tracking of who owns the vehicle. Where do you see a problem?

Just wondering who would issue these license plates?
Don't see a problem yet.

[Steve9930]

Just wondering who would issue these license plates?
Don't see a problem yet.

Who issues your plate for your automobile?

[Bogie Shooter]

Who issues your plate for your automobile?

Is that who you think should issue the plates?

[graciegirl]

Steve, How would you do it in Stonecrest?

[Big O]

Ok, so we pay 8 bucks for a sticker and hire a police force to enforce the golf cart laws. Then we find out that that 8 bucks is not enough to pay for the police force since we began allowing double dip pensions. The politicians start looking at bicycles, since they use the roadways too. So we then start charging 25 bucks for golf carts and eight for bicycles. Then of course we need more law enforcement. By this time a new contract is negotiated increasing......ad infinitum.

[rubicon]

Perhaps the genesis for speaking with the district and eventually Community Watch concerning identification of cart/cart owners started when I learned that a guy from Oxford who could not drive a car because he was legally blind switched to a golf cart and began using our multi-modal pathways until he ran down a pedestrian.

I believe this issue should be explored for its administration, costs, etc

It can be managed and I know that personally for me if I am in an accident with another cart I want to know who it is and an exchange of information including a golf cart ID would be beneficial. This program can be managed and I do not believe it has to cost that much.

I have to stop my wife says dinner is ready

[Bogie Shooter]

Perhaps the genesis for speaking with the district and eventually Community Watch concerning identification of cart/cart owners started when I learned that a guy from Oxford who could not drive a car because he was legally blind switched to a golf cart and began using our multi-modal pathways until he ran down a pedestrian.

I believe this issue should be explored for its administration, costs, etc

It can be managed and I know that personally for me if I am in an accident with another cart I want to know who it is and an exchange of information including a golf cart ID would be beneficial. This program can be managed and I do not believe it has to cost that much.

I have to stop my wife says dinner is ready

But how will Steve9930 from Stonecrest be able to get a license if it is administrated by the District?

[Steve9930]

But how will Steve9930 from Stonecrest be able to get a license if it is administrated by the District?

Steve from Stonecrest does not need a license from the administration District. Since I do not drive my Golf Cart on your golf cart paths. Don't need to do so. Also the district may provide a sticker to its residents for its own purpose.

[Steve9930]

Is that who you think should issue the plates?

The state is the only one with authority to issue plates. Who else would issue a plate? The carts are on public roads just like any other vehicle. A little more revenue for the state would not hurt. The carts are using public roads so they can pay for some of the road maintenance via a license. Gets in my pocket book also. I don't have a problem with the idea. Maybe the state should also issue a special drivers license for Golf Carts used on public roads. This way it will improve safety by having to be tested just like driving a car or motorcycle.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Bad idea IMHO?... We do not need to go there. Already to much control being levied on us all. 99% of the drivers out there are fine!

[rubicon]

What I have learned is when someone says why there isn't a problem you learn that there isn't problems immediately apparent to viewers.

The district issues resident identification and guest passes on a daily basis some folks here are trying to complicate the process. I believe it is an excellent idea to identify who are using private multi-modal pathways. I reject the fly by the pants philosophy expressed by some here. I suspect that those fulltime residents find a greater need than others.

This program does not need to cost that much can be merged with present programs in place now and I am not advocating any kind of vehicle registration just identification. In fact the Districts were remissed in not doing this at the outset. Rental carts by homeowner have the homeowner's ID and for public each rental cart has an assigned ID. There are many safety issue, emergency issues, etc that can be developed. I mean if you find something out of the ordinary and call for assistance and all you can say is its a black cart with black and gold sunbrella well you have narrowed it down to about 10,000 carts

Finally I am not heavily invested here but I do believe it should be explored at the district level to determine if it I workable and cost efficient. In other words don't dismiss it out of hand.

I got to go now my wife is calling me for breakfast

[Golfingnut]

What I have learned is when someone says why there isn't a problem you learn that there isn't problems immediately apparent to viewers.

The district issues resident identification and guest passes on a daily basis some folks here are trying to complicate the process. I believe it is an excellent idea to identify who are using private multi-modal pathways. I reject the fly by the pants philosophy expressed by some here. I suspect that those fulltime residents find a greater need than others.

This program does not need to cost that much can be merged with present programs in place now and I am not advocating any kind of vehicle registration just identification. In fact the Districts were remissed in not doing this at the outset. Rental carts by homeowner have the homeowner's ID and for public each rental cart has an assigned ID. There are many safety issue, emergency issues, etc that can be developed. I mean if you find something out of the ordinary and call for assistance and all you can say is its a black cart with black and gold sunbrella well you have narrowed it down to about 10,000 carts

Finally I am not heavily invested here but I do believe it should be explored at the district level to determine if it I workable and cost efficient. In other words don't dismiss it out of hand.

I got to go now my wife is calling me for breakfast

I think you nailed it. I don't like too much regulation, but some sort of tracking and identification could not hurt anything and I see possible helpful indicators.

[mulligan]

A major part of the problem as I see it is that Community Watch has no policing power, and the Sheriffs and Police are bound by State, County and City ordinance. You would have to get some or all of these political entities to enact ordinances which then could be enforced. IMHO, there's a can of worms none of us really wants opened.

[VT2TV]

I am in favor of identifying golf carts for many reason-not only would it aid in determining which carts are doing something wrong or even illegal, but it would (as I believe Gracie brought up) also possibly help identify which grandparents are letting underage kids drive the carts. And if it is a motorized vehicle that drives on public roads, it should be governed. I think there are far more infractions than the 1% that was mentioned on here. On a daily basis, I see people breaking actual laws, and doing very, very unsafe things with the golf cart. I have seen more than 1 set of kids strapped in the cart in the place of the golf bags. One day a child will die from that. I have no problem paying towards the ID of the carts, and I also think it should be discussed for the Villages and residents to pay a fee to provide security guards-or whatever you want to call it-who do have some authority to monitor situations and manage them without having to depend on the police. I am sure that will go over like a lead balloon with some people on here, but I have also found that lots of time, the ones who protest will be the first people to need something.
Lastly, with the expansion of the Villages into areas that do not totally border the rest of the Villages-like Fruitland Park-that has all sorts of homes and trailers and communities that are between the Fruitland Villages and the rest of the Village area, there may be plenty areas where their golf carts find their way onto our golfcart paths. I can see it will be very important to be able to identify who should and should not be there. By the time we have build-out in TV, the pathways are going to be crowded enough.

JMHO.........

[mulligan]

We have a more than adequate police force. There are no cart ID laws to enforce. The only private paths are the multi-modal paths like those along Morse and Buena Vista. The cart lanes on the other roads are on PUBLIC roads. Anybody can use them. Lets not make a mountain out of a molehill.

[rubicon]

VT2TV has listed a number of excellent reasons why it is feasible.

Some believe that since community Watch has no policing power that it would be a waste. However, if this is true then all Community Watch does now is a waste. Is neighborhood watch a waste? Is a school crossing guard a waste? I think not. By placing some of those community watch people behind the steering wheels of carts vis a vis cars we have the same effect as neighborhood watch.

The multi-modal pathways are The Villages highways for golf carts, bicycles, pedestrians and they need to be watched so they can be managed better and infractions, dangerous situations, etc immediately reported. Again community watch is an extension of an existing program same as village ID's etc. Problems can be complex but solutions are simple if there is agreement and a willingness to listen

a feasibility study would be a good start

[CFrance]

VT2TV has listed a number of excellent reasons why it is feasible.

Some believe that since community Watch has no policing power that it would be a waste. However, if this is true then all Community Watch does now is a waste. Is neighborhood watch a waste? Is a school crossing guard a waste? I think not. By placing some of those community watch people behind the steering wheels of carts vis a vis cars we have the same effect as neighborhood watch.

The multi-modal pathways are The Villages highways for golf carts, bicycles, pedestrians and they need to be watched so they can be managed better and infractions, dangerous situations, etc immediately reported. Again community watch is an extension of an existing program same as village ID's etc. Problems can be complex but solutions are simple if there is agreement and a willingness to listen

a feasibility study would be a good start

Putting some community watch in golf carts on the paths is an excellent idea. Sometimes just having presence is a deterrent, too.

[Harry Gilbert]

Steve from Stonecrest does not need a license from the administration District. Since I do not drive my Golf Cart on your golf cart paths. Don't need to do so. Also the district may provide a sticker to its residents for its own purpose.

Actually there is more of a twist to this issue. I was curious as to the ownership of the paths so I asked. Seems that the paths are owned and maintained by the CDD in which it is located. The funding comes from the CDD assesment (taxes) NOT amenity fees. So that makes them public property Just like any bike, walking etc. path in any other city. Open to ALL.

[Steve9930]

Actually there is more of a twist to this issue. I was curious as to the ownership of the paths so I asked. Seems that the paths are owned and maintained by the CDD in which it is located. The funding comes from the CDD assesment (taxes) NOT amenity fees. So that makes them public property Just like any bike, walking etc. path in any other city. Open to ALL.

That is very interesting. So if that's the case then the Cart Gates would be illegal. This whole CDD animal is very interesting. How its funded and who benefits from the existence of the CDD.

[Harry Gilbert]

I actually wondered about that but the CDD would have the right to end its paths anywhere they want and in a matter they chose as long as it is on there side of the "line"

[rubicon]

Actually there is more of a twist to this issue. I was curious as to the ownership of the paths so I asked. Seems that the paths are owned and maintained by the CDD in which it is located. The funding comes from the CDD assesment (taxes) NOT amenity fees. So that makes them public property Just like any bike, walking etc. path in any other city. Open to ALL.

To whom did you address that question? and exactly what question(s) did you pose? You said CDD taxes. If multi-modal pathways are public then taxes should have to be applied evenly throughout Sumter, Lake and Marion counties. This response seems incongruent and does not fit with villagers understanding of the nature of The Villages because it defines The Villages as a sort of hybrid which may not sit well with some residents.

I will await your reply

Personal Best Regards:

[Harry Gilbert]

To whom did you address that question? and exactly what question(s) did you pose? You said CDD taxes. If multi-modal pathways are public then taxes should have to be applied evenly throughout Sumter, Lake and Marion counties. This response seems incongruent and does not fit with villagers understanding of the nature of The Villages because it defines The Villages as a sort of hybrid which may not sit well with some residents.

I will await your reply

Personal Best Regards:

Fair question.

I contacted a VERY WELL respected official of the CDD through the district gov website. And seeing as i did not think to ask if I could repost her reply nor did she give permission I will paraphrase.

Simply I asked " who owns the multi model paths" The reply was that the cart paths on roadways are owned by the govt entity in which they are located (county roads) and The paths ARE owned by the CDD's (which are government entities). They are maintained through the assessments (taxes) each of the Districts levy on residents annually.

Hope that helps to clear things up

[Steve9930]

To whom did you address that question? and exactly what question(s) did you pose? You said CDD taxes. If multi-modal pathways are public then taxes should have to be applied evenly throughout Sumter, Lake and Marion counties. This response seems incongruent and does not fit with villagers understanding of the nature of The Villages because it defines The Villages as a sort of hybrid which may not sit well with some residents.

I will await your reply

Personal Best Regards:

Well The Villages is sort of a Hybrid. Its not a Town or City, Its not a county, its has no authority to make laws, or authority to enforce them. Its a Political entity which is allowed to issue Tax Free Bonds, paid for by the residence, which the proceeds from built the transportation, sewage, and drainage infrastructure. It consist of several separate CDD Districts with board members who are supposed to be land owners of the community. Elected by the community. There are assessments which are levied on a particular CDD and then there are assessments which are levied on all CDD Districts. CDDs exist to allow developers to build while making others pay for the construction and others to get very wealthy easily with little risk to the developer. The Villages have made Gary Morse and his Family a very rich and powerful man.

[graciegirl]

Well The Villages is sort of a Hybrid. Its not a Town or City, Its not a county, its has no authority to make laws, or authority to enforce them. Its a Political entity which is allowed to issue Tax Free Bonds, paid for by the residence, which the proceeds from built the transportation, sewage, and drainage infrastructure. It consist of several separate CDD Districts with board members who are supposed to be land owners of the community. Elected by the community. There are assessments which are levied on a particular CDD and then there are assessments which are levied on all CDD Districts. CDDs exist to allow developers to build while making others pay for the construction and others to get very wealthy easily with little risk to the developer. The Villages have made Gary Morse and his Family a very rich and powerful man.





Good!

[Bogie Shooter]

Actually there is more of a twist to this issue. I was curious as to the ownership of the paths so I asked. Seems that the paths are owned and maintained by the CDD in which it is located. The funding comes from the CDD assesment (taxes) NOT amenity fees. So that makes them public property Just like any bike, walking etc. path in any other city. Open to ALL.

Open to those that pay the assesment.

[Bogie Shooter]

How is that homeowners association working over there in Stonecrest?

[Steve9930]

Open to those that pay the assesment.

Actually that statement is only partially true. Village amenities such as pools and recreation facilities are closed to the public. Everything else is accessible. If I care to do so, I can run a Golf Cart just about anywhere I please. Don't care to because there is no reason to.

[rubicon]

Fair question.

I contacted a VERY WELL respected official of the CDD through the district gov website. And seeing as i did not think to ask if I could repost her reply nor did she give permission I will paraphrase.

Simply I asked " who owns the multi model paths" The reply was that the cart paths on roadways are owned by the govt entity in which they are located (county roads) and The paths ARE owned by the CDD's (which are government entities). They are maintained through the assessments (taxes) each of the Districts levy on residents annually.

Hope that helps to clear things up

harry Gilbert: Perhaps I am a poor reader but what I interpret from the above-stated comments the cart paths you are talking about are the diamond lanes on roads such as Canal, and not the multi-modal paths on Buena Vista, adjacent to 466, etc I can understand that since Canal, etc belong to a county this would be so. it also is verified in that this is where people speeding in cart get their tickets vis a vis on multi-modal paths,

Am I confused???????????? I mean were talking apples an oranges here.

[Harry Gilbert]

harry Gilbert: Perhaps I am a poor reader but what I interpret from the above-stated comments the cart paths you are talking about are the diamond lanes on roads such as Canal, and not the multi-modal paths on Buena Vista, adjacent to 466, etc I can understand that since Canal, etc belong to a county this would be so. it also is verified in that this is where people speeding in cart get their tickets vis a vis on multi-modal paths,

Am I confused???????????? I mean were talking apples an oranges here.


in paraphrasing I left out "multi modal" sorry. I went back and fixed my earlier post. From the email I received it was definitely 2 separate forms of paths, the roadways and the mm paths