Off roading to walmart

[ROCKETMAN]

I have not followed it all that close but whoever owns the property that many villagers use to off road to lowes, walmart, and aldis, could he block that path so that would cut off golf carts traffic?:yuck:

[Biker Dog]

Of Course He Can

[wudda1955]

Yes, he can. It's his property.

[cquick]

I'm sad that The Village Developers didn't think ahead to make it easier for the folks who use golf carts for shopping at Lowe's, Beall's, Walmart, etc. :gc:

[Sandtrap328]

I'm sad that The Village Developers didn't think ahead to make it easier for the folks who use golf carts for shopping at Lowe's, Beall's, Walmart, etc. :gc:

You would think thar Garry Morris would have planned this place better!

[skip0358]

Not to start an argument but we want GC access to Lowe's etc. over property that TV doesn't own but we don't want outsiders coming onto property that they don't own. I know we pay to use the MM paths but taxes are paid on that property that he owns. Do think we can have it both ways. I'm sure I'll get a lot of bashing on this but JMO.

[Penguin]

You would think thar Garry Morris would have planned this place better!

REALLY!!! Have you looked around lately. Sometimes I cant believe what I read here.

[memason]

yeah, I don't what he was thinking.... Why can't we drive to the mall in Orlando?

Sometimes, the comments are bit absurd....

[Sandtrap328]

My tongue is hurting being in my cheek this long!

I am one of the biggest Schwartz-Morse fans in The Villages. Harold had a great idea and Gary is brilliant!

[redwitch]

Since Gary Morris had no say in anything the Morses did, tis a non-issue. Add that to the fact that I'm pretty sure a tongue was firmly planted in cquick's cheek when the comment was made, it becomes an even bigger non-issue.

However, I'm with Skip on the main issue. Of course, I haven't heard of anyone on the prehistoric historic side wanting to deny golf cart access to others. This seems to be a bigger issue with those living further south.

[Madelaine Amee]

My tongue is hurting being in my cheek this long!

I am one of the biggest Schwartz-Morse fans in The Villages. Harold had a great idea and Gary is brilliant!

Some of us caught on ............... Shame to have to explain yourself:pepper2:!

[DonH57]

yeah, I don't what he was thinking.... Why can't we drive to the mall in Orlando?

Sometimes, the comments are bit absurd....

Now we're talking. An express cart path directly into International Drive or even WDW!:pepper2:

[OldManTime]

My tongue is hurting being in my cheek this long!

I am one of the biggest Schwartz-Morse fans in The Villages. Harold had a great idea and Gary is brilliant!

You MUST be a New-Be or you wouldn't have said that !

Harold was Brilliant, all about giving, Gary ½ the brilliance, all about taking

[Cajulian]

Not to start an argument but we want GC access to Lowe's etc. over property that TV doesn't own but we don't want outsiders coming onto property that they don't own. I know we pay to use the MM paths but taxes are paid on that property that he owns. Do think we can have it both ways. I'm sure I'll get a lot of bashing on this but JMO.

No bashing you. It's not necessary. Last year, I said that this issue would come back to bite Villagers, when they could no longer get access across Mr Brown's land to do their shopping. You can't have it both ways. If you want no access into the Villages, then don't expect Special treatment for your needs to shop.

If it gets shut down, then it will definitely hurt some Villages people that work at the businesses along Mr. Brown's land or need access for their grocery or other shopping needs. It will hurt especially if they no longer drive.

Stonecresters only wanted to get to Spanish Springs restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and medical offices. All of which are Public facilities. They never wanted to use free amenities (pools, rec centers, golf courses,etc.) that Villagers pay for. They have all their own amenities. Stealing amenities was the dumbest theory I have ever heard on this topic.

So, No Cake and Ice Cream at the same time. Reciprocate access or end up living only in the Bubble. Reciprocal access has worked well for 12 years until now.

[dbussone]

You MUST be a New-Be or you wouldn't have said that !



Harold was Brilliant, all about giving, Gary ½ the brilliance, all about taking


Actually he's been here since 2012 according to his profile. And your characterization of the developers is hardly held universally.

[dbussone]

Actually he's been here since 2012 according to his profile. And your characterization of the developers is hardly held universally.


Correction 1 year.

[njbchbum]

snipped
Stonecresters only wanted to get to Spanish Springs restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and medical offices. All of which are Public facilities. They never wanted to use free amenities (pools, rec centers, golf courses,etc.) that Villagers pay for. They have all their own amenities. Stealing amenities was the dumbest theory I have ever heard on this topic.



But they did use the MM paths [that they do not fund] to venture beyond the Spanish Springs Square; and they wanted the ability to continue to do that. And don't some of them golf as part of foursomes here in the VIllages?

[janmcn]

No bashing you. It's not necessary. Last year, I said that this issue would come back to bite Villagers, when they could no longer get access across Mr Brown's land to do their shopping. You can't have it both ways. If you want no access into the Villages, then don't expect Special treatment for your needs to shop.

If it gets shut down, then it will definitely hurt some Villages people that work at the businesses along Mr. Brown's land or need access for their grocery or other shopping needs. It will hurt especially if they no longer drive.

Stonecresters only wanted to get to Spanish Springs restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and medical offices. All of which are Public facilities. They never wanted to use free amenities (pools, rec centers, golf courses,etc.) that Villagers pay for. They have all their own amenities. Stealing amenities was the dumbest theory I have ever heard on this topic.

So, No Cake and Ice Cream at the same time. Reciprocate access or end up living only in the Bubble. Reciprocal access has worked well for 12 years until now.


Very well stated. Apparently the path will be closed, probably sooner rather than later. Some accommodations have already been made, such as the hospital running a shuttle service across 441/27 to those needing to reach the medical center.

TV residents still have the option of using the golf cart bridge to go grocery shopping, drug stores, etc. Some just will have to change their choice of stores. Neighbors driving neighbors who don't drive will also help.

Traffic will increase on an already crowded highway. All the golf carts will be replaced by cars added to even more cars.

[Barefoot]

Not to start an argument but we want GC access to Lowe's etc. over property that TV doesn't own but we don't want outsiders coming onto property that they don't own. I know we pay to use the MM paths but taxes are paid on that property that he owns. Do think we can have it both ways. I'm sure I'll get a lot of bashing on this but JMO.

No bashing.
IMHO, Villagers can't expect access to shopping via cart by crossing private property, and then cry foul when others expect similar treatment.

[Topspinmo]

How about special pass for the golf cart gate in question. Too get the pass pay certain amount annually. This fee would be for both ways, that way there would be no whining. This gate pass would only work on the gate in question the money would go into the amenity coffin to make everybody HAPPY! happy!

But, I think that May not be the real issue at all???????

[dbussone]

No bashing.

IMHO, Villagers can't expect access to shopping via cart by crossing private property, and then cry foul when others expect similar treatment.


As a villager I understand and agree.

[Steve9930]

As far as I know there is no plan for Mr. Brown to shutdown access. As for me to get access via the new gate I could care less one way or the other. I'm very happy here with what I have access to via Golf Cart. Not having access to the Villages via Golf Cart saved me money on the new batteries for the cart. I suspect as the snow starts to fly up North there will be more traffic everywhere and I wonder how long before the next inebriated driver blows through the gate again. This discussion goes around and comes around like a bad penny.

[DonH57]

As far as I know there is no plan for Mr. Brown to shutdown access. As for me to get access via the new gate I could care less one way or the other. I'm very happy here with what I have access to via Golf Cart. Not having access to the Villages via Golf Cart saved me money on the new batteries for the cart. I suspect as the snow starts to fly up North there will be more traffic everywhere and I wonder how long before the next inebriated driver blows through the gate again. This discussion goes around and comes around like a bad penny.

You probably saved yourself from wear on the suspension too. I usually only go over there to do a few errands at a time because it would be a pain to cross it every day. With the overall design of the villages I've always why the developer put a gate there to begin with. To my knowledge there are no others adjoining different properties.

[Steve9930]

You probably saved yourself from wear on the suspension too. I usually only go over there to do a few errands at a time because it would be a pain to cross it every day. With the overall design of the villages I've always why the developer put a gate there to begin with. To my knowledge there are no others adjoining different properties.

My Dentist moved over to the Medical Buildings there near the, I think its the urgent care. That is one rough ride past Wal-Mart and then across Mr. Browns Property. Last Time I took the car. That ride pretty much sucks!

[Cajulian]

But they did use the MM paths [that they do not fund] to venture beyond the Spanish Springs Square; and they wanted the ability to continue to do that. And don't some of them golf as part of foursomes here in the VIllages?

Did anyone ever tell you they wanted to go past Spanish Springs? As far as golfing as partners with Villagers, aren't you aware that Villagers regularly play at Stonecrest Golf Club and regularly are allowed to use the lighted Pickleball courts in Stonecrest. They are gladly welcomed to use these facilities. No one in Stonecrest acuses them of stealing amenities.

I just made the point, that Villagers should not complain if their access across Mr. Brown's land to get to Shopping areas is cut off. That's no different than Stonecresters wanting to get to Shopping in Spanish Springs.

[Cajulian]

How about special pass for the golf cart gate in question. Too get the pass pay certain amount annually. This fee would be for both ways, that way there would be no whining. This gate pass would only work on the gate in question the money would go into the amenity coffin to make everybody HAPPY! happy!

But, I think that May not be the real issue at all???????

There was some discussion on this last year. It sounds like a good potential reciprocal idea. Give a little, get a little. Compromise so that it is a win-win situation.

This will all end at some point in time. Either good for both parties or bad for all. Just depends on if the Controlling Parties (Morse/Brown) can see eye to eye on the topic.

[DonH57]

I'm under the impression from what I read in the daily sunny Mr. Brown is building a housing development on his property. He was only asking for access for himself, correct? I would think there would later be a bigger legal issue with others on the property then asking for same access and now you have every other surrounding neighbor later expecting same on lots just like the one in question. I feel that's the only thing the commission is trying to prevent. I'm a villager and if Mr. Brown closed up his path, I have no problem. It's his perfect right to do so. I've always been grateful I've been able to do so in the past.

[Xavier]

I'm under the impression from what I read in the daily sunny Mr. Brown is building a housing development on his property. He was only asking for access for himself, correct? I would think there would later be a bigger legal issue with others on the property then asking for same access and now you have every other surrounding neighbor later expecting same on lots just like the one in question. I feel that's the only thing the commission is trying to prevent. I'm a villager and if Mr. Brown closed up his path, I have no problem. It's his perfect right to do so. I've always been grateful I've been able to do so in the past.

I'll second that emotion.

Xavier

[njbchbum]

There was some discussion on this last year. It sounds like a good potential reciprocal idea. Give a little, get a little. Compromise so that it is a win-win situation.

This will all end at some point in time. Either good for both parties or bad for all. Just depends on if the Controlling Parties (Morse/Brown) can see eye to eye on the topic.

Nice idea...but a fee for a gate pass will not resolve the issue of overcrowding on MM paths - especially during the winter months.

[njbchbum]

Did anyone ever tell you they wanted to go past Spanish Springs? As far as golfing as partners with Villagers, aren't you aware that Villagers regularly play at Stonecrest Golf Club and regularly are allowed to use the lighted Pickleball courts in Stonecrest. They are gladly welcomed to use these facilities. No one in Stonecrest acuses them of stealing amenities.

I just made the point, that Villagers should not complain if their access across Mr. Brown's land to get to Shopping areas is cut off. That's no different than Stonecresters wanting to get to Shopping in Spanish Springs.

replying in PM

[rubicon]

Too many villagers are bouncing all over this issue and they need to stay focused on the main issue at hand.

Forget Ron Brown his business dealings caused him to landlock himself and now he is crying foul.

The majority of villagers should also forget about access to Walmart etc that is a non issue and gaining golf access and losing the gate is a loser.

Stonecrest is not giving up on securing access to The Villages. Why?
Stonecrest solicited the help of a former senator to gain access. Why?
Stonecrest residents who have rental property in The Villages are passing their gate passes to Stonecrest neighbors. Why?

Listen carefully please. We paid premium dollars for a by-in to the Lifestyle in The Villages. We pay for its schools we pay for its facilities and we pay for all amenities which include our multi-modal pathways.

People who chose surrounding communities did so because hey did not want to make the same financial investment that we did.

Why are people from Stonecrest and Iother nearby communities so intent on DEMANDING access? What right do they have in demanding golf cart access utilizing our pathway system?

If a landlord living outside The Villages but renting property in The Villages can hand his friend a gate pass what other forms of ID can he create for him? what about guess passes?

I have been here 8 years and there have been some very clever manners in which outsiders have breached amenities. How about the outsiders who were sneaking on the executive courses late day.

I am probably one of the few that wished the wall remained in place.

I support the installation of the gate and I desire stronger measures for keeping outsiders off our pathways.

The pathways already look like I-4 what do you think they will be like when build out is complete?

Then main focus for villagers should be this YOU PAID PREMIUM DOLLARS AND CONTINUE TO PAY SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS FOR THE PRIVILEDGE OF LIVING HERE. THE MORE PEOPLE USING THESE AMENITIES THE LESS YOUR QUALITY OF LIVING AS THEY ARE INVERSELY RELATED. NON VILLAGERS WANT A FREE RIDE AND THOSE WELL MEANING VILLAGERS WHO DON'T SEEM TO OBJECT FORGET HOW QUICKLY THIS ALL COULD TURN OUT BADLY FOR THEM AND DON'T SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME CONCERN FOR THEIR VILLAGE NEIGHBORS

[Chi-Town]

I have to agree that I have no empathy for those who chose not to live here but want our privileges. And many of those people are the same ones that slam The Villages. Go figure.

[BobnBev]

I don't want outsiders using our MM paths, and I'm not afraid to say so!!!

[Steve9930]

There are two way to use the MM Paths. Rent a cart and buy a street legal cart.

[dbussone]

There are two way to use the MM Paths. Rent a cart and buy a street legal cart.


Can a street legal cart (limited to 35MPH max) legally drive on 441, or cross 441?

[Steve9930]

Can a street legal cart (limited to 35MPH max) legally drive on 441, or cross 441?

A Street Legal Cart can cross any Highway or Road where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 MPH as long as the road on the opposite side is 35 MPH or less. So the short answer is they may cross 441/27. It was interesting today as I saw a cart with a legal Ohio Plate. In Ohio you can get a Lic. Plate on any cart without all the additional equipment involved. I was wondering when that may happen. Now can that cart be operated on Florida Streets since it is a legal street legal cart in Ohio but does not meet the Florida Regulations. I would really like to hear that conversation with the officer. Also since the crossing at Spruce Creek across 441 has been approved it seems that more non-street legal carts are crossing 441 just about anywhere they care to cross.

Street Legal Carts are not allowed to go faster than 25 MPH. You can get a ticket if you are clocked at 35 MPH.

[dbussone]

A Street Legal Cart can cross any Highway or Road where the posted speed limit is greater than 35 MPH as long as the road on the opposite side is 35 MPH or less. So the short answer is they may cross 441/27. It was interesting today as I saw a cart with a legal Ohio Plate. In Ohio you can get a Lic. Plate on any cart without all the additional equipment involved. I was wondering when that may happen. Now can that cart be operated on Florida Streets since it is a legal street legal cart in Ohio but does not meet the Florida Regulations. I would really like to hear that conversation with the officer. Also since the crossing at Spruce Creek across 441 has been approved it seems that more non-street legal carts are crossing 441 just about anywhere they care to cross.

Street Legal Carts are not allowed to go faster than 25 MPH. You can get a ticket if you are clocked at 35 MPH.


Thank you. I learn something new everyday.

[DonH57]

That's pretty interesting about the Ohio golf cart. Just because it's plates may be legal I don't see how being operated in another state makes it legal. Not also to mention the dealing with an insurance company in the event of an accident. I would think the lack of safety equipment would void the legality of having it on a public road.

[memason]

Just what sort of additional safety equipment you think is required for a street legal golf cart?

[Steve9930]

That's pretty interesting about the Ohio golf cart. Just because it's plates may be legal I don't see how being operated in another state makes it legal. Not also to mention the dealing with an insurance company in the event of an accident. I would think the lack of safety equipment would void the legality of having it on a public road.

I have not looked at Florida Law but any auto with an out of state plate is legal to drive in Florida. Now with a legal Ohio Plate and registration to drive as a slow speed vehicle in Ohio would the same law that allows Ohio registered vehicles to operate on Florida roads also be applied to legal Ohio Slow Speed Vehicles?

[champion6]

Just what sort of additional safety equipment you think is required for a street legal golf cart?One-piece windshield (top half doesn't fold down), windshield wiper, brakes on each wheel, seat belts, plus the obvious headlights, tail lights, brake lights, directional signals.

[TheVillageChicken]

One-piece windshield (top half doesn't fold down), windshield wiper, brakes on each wheel, seat belts, plus the obvious headlights, tail lights, brake lights, directional signals.

windshield wiper not required
reflectors on both sides and rear
must have a VIN

must be insured and driver must be licensed

cannot be capable of exceeding 25 mph

[Steve9930]

windshield wiper not required
reflectors on both sides and rear
must have a VIN

must be insured and driver must be licensed

cannot be capable of exceeding 25 mph

I saw a street legal cart the other day at Wal-Mart with a split windshield.

[TheVillageChicken]

I saw a street legal cart the other day at Wal-Mart with a split windshield.

Good for you. Why are you quoting me? I never said they had to have a solid windshield.

[rubicon]

Its not a surprise that street legal carts are committing infractions since the state of Florida doesn't do an annual auto inspection.

As to street legal carts. since going over 20 mph can get a owner a huge fine and the penalty is really to slow speed on the multi-modal paths it would seem that street legal golf carts should not be permitted on multi-modal paths.

It all comes down to one issue some people want something for nothing and if those paying the bill don't speak up aggressively then we all will pay the penalty. This is not personal this is about business and I don't believe those non villagers that want access by golf cart and can't get it will make any difference as to profits because of the villages population along with their guests along with those outside the villages who normally travel by car anyway.
SO THE WE SUPPORT BUSINESS IN TV RED HERRING RESPONSE FROM US SHOULD BE THAT DOG WON'T HUNT

[Steve9930]

Good for you. Why are you quoting me? I never said they had to have a solid windshield.

Because I like you!

[TheVillageChicken]

Because I like you!

'Cause you don't know me. I'm a knuckle dragging grumpy old man....self-absorbed, and mean.

[bkcunningham1]

Just what sort of additional safety equipment you think is required for a street legal golf cart?

What safety equipment is required on a low speed vehicle?

Any low speed vehicle must be equipped with standard safety equipment.

...section 316.2122, Florida Statutes, authorizes the operation of "low-speed vehicles" on specified public roads and requires that such vehicles be equipped with "headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers."[9]





Source: Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2122.html)

Golf Cart and LSV Questions & Answers - Golf Cart Safety (http://www.golfcartsafety.com/questions-answers)

[Steve9930]

'Cause you don't know me. I'm a knuckle dragging grumpy old man....self-absorbed, and mean.

That sounds like 99% of us......:grumpy:

[Steve9930]

What safety equipment is required on a low speed vehicle?

Any low speed vehicle must be equipped with standard safety equipment.

...section 316.2122, Florida Statutes, authorizes the operation of "low-speed vehicles" on specified public roads and requires that such vehicles be equipped with "headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal lamps, taillamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rearview mirrors, windshields, seat belts, and vehicle identification numbers."[9]





Source: Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2122.html)

Golf Cart and LSV Questions & Answers - Golf Cart Safety (http://www.golfcartsafety.com/questions-answers)

The windshield must be classified as AS1 or AS4. They do sell hinged down windshields that are of both specifications. I had not looked into this for sometime and a few years ago the biggest problem to the conversion of a golf cart to an LSV was finding a windshield that qualified. When I went back and looked into it today they are readily available. As solid or hinged. The problem with doing the conversion and spending the money plus the increased cost of insurance is its not cost effective unless you use it all the time. It will take you awhile to recoup your investment by using a low speed vehicle as compared to using your auto if all you want to do is cross 441/27 so you can get to Spanish Springs for shopping or the restaurants. You'll also sacrifice some safety because lets face it, if there is an accident between an auto and Golf Cart, who is coming out the winner?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

No bashing.
IMHO, Villagers can't expect access to shopping via cart by crossing private property, and then cry foul when others expect similar treatment.

I don't think that there was ever an issue with anyone not allowing Villages residents to cross their property to access the Lowes and Wal-Mart areas. The properties between the Paradise Dr gate and Lowes are owned by the medical center and the new assisted living facility both of whom have never had a problem with Villages residents crossing their land. I think that they find it beneficial to their businesses to do so.

The path between Aldi and Wal-Mart is owned by an electric company, Duke, I think. They shut down the path for a short while about a year ago when Duke bought out Progress Energy. They opened it after a brief period after they received a multitude of complaints. I think that they thought it was in their best interested public relations-wise.

The land that the Paradise Gate sits on was owned by The Villages and was given to the CDD during the whole controversy last year. The Villages and or the CDD decided that they didn't want non-residents to use that property to access The Villages with golf carts. That is their prerogative. They have every right to allow or not allow whomever they wish to use their property for whatever reason.

Could the medical facility, assisted living facility and Duke Energy decide to not allow golf carts on their property? Sure, and there's nothing anyone in The Villages could do about it. Do the people who own the Paradise Gate property have an obligation to allow outsiders access to The Villages cart paths though that property? Absolutely not and there is nothing that outsiders and do about that.

The issue is that the people who can allow access either way have their own interest at heart and it happens to work to the benefit of Villages residents who want to access Lowes. Aldi, the medical facility, the assisted living facility, Wal-Mart and everything else over that way. It is to the disadvantage to the people outside The Villages who want to come in by golf cart.

The people wanting access by golf cart in either direction have no choice in the matter and are at the mercy of the people that own those properties. As long as it is in the interest of those businesses to have golf cart access and good public relations the situation will remain as it is. As long as The Villages or the CDD owns the Paradise Gate lot and feel that it is in the best interest of The Villages or the CDD outsiders will not have golf cart access to The Villages no matter how any of the golf cart operators feel about the issue.

[VT2TV]

Too many villagers are bouncing all over this issue and they need to stay focused on the main issue at hand.

Forget Ron Brown his business dealings caused him to landlock himself and now he is crying foul.

The majority of villagers should also forget about access to Walmart etc that is a non issue and gaining golf access and losing the gate is a loser.

Stonecrest is not giving up on securing access to The Villages. Why?
Stonecrest solicited the help of a former senator to gain access. Why?
Stonecrest residents who have rental property in The Villages are passing their gate passes to Stonecrest neighbors. Why?

Listen carefully please. We paid premium dollars for a by-in to the Lifestyle in The Villages. We pay for its schools we pay for its facilities and we pay for all amenities which include our multi-modal pathways.

People who chose surrounding communities did so because hey did not want to make the same financial investment that we did.

Why are people from Stonecrest and Iother nearby communities so intent on DEMANDING access? What right do they have in demanding golf cart access utilizing our pathway system?

If a landlord living outside The Villages but renting property in The Villages can hand his friend a gate pass what other forms of ID can he create for him? what about guess passes?

I have been here 8 years and there have been some very clever manners in which outsiders have breached amenities. How about the outsiders who were sneaking on the executive courses late day.

I am probably one of the few that wished the wall remained in place.

I support the installation of the gate and I desire stronger measures for keeping outsiders off our pathways.

The pathways already look like I-4 what do you think they will be like when build out is complete?

Then main focus for villagers should be this YOU PAID PREMIUM DOLLARS AND CONTINUE TO PAY SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS FOR THE PRIVILEDGE OF LIVING HERE. THE MORE PEOPLE USING THESE AMENITIES THE LESS YOUR QUALITY OF LIVING AS THEY ARE INVERSELY RELATED. NON VILLAGERS WANT A FREE RIDE AND THOSE WELL MEANING VILLAGERS WHO DON'T SEEM TO OBJECT FORGET HOW QUICKLY THIS ALL COULD TURN OUT BADLY FOR THEM AND DON'T SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME CONCERN FOR THEIR VILLAGE NEIGHBORS


I have no knowledge of any specifics, but I have a feeling Mr Brown may have another motive for wanting to initate golf cart crossings from his property on 1 side of TV to his property near the assisted living center. As I think I read on another site, he may be planning to build something on the site that would be beneficial for him to publicize that it has golf cart access to TV. I believe I also read somewhere that he had promised access from the assisted living center to TV, and caught some problems with that. Feel free to let me know if that is not true. I can't imagine any other reason anyone would be willing to go to court or threaten a possible law suit just to have golf cart access to a property.

If it was just Mr. Brown wanting access by golf cart, I don't think many Villagers would be upset by the number of just him. But right is right, and if you don't live in TV, and pay the ammenity fees, you have no right to use the multi-modal pathways. We are not trying to be mean to the residents of SC, and Spruce Creek, even though some use every opportunity to criticize us and call us mean and selfish, and use deceit to try to gain access of the MM paths. But if anyone goes back to where TV is still building houses, that area looks to me large enough to build another couple of thousand houses, not to mention the 2000+ houses yet to be built in Fruitland park. If TV allowed golf cart access to ANYONE, then EVERYONE surrounding would expect the same priviledges. The MM paths are already WAY TOO crowded in the winter.....and actually during the shoulder seasons. TV is far or will be far exceeding a comfortable number of residents in the next couple of years--or sooner, and both the roads and the MM paths will reflect that.

[Steve9930]

I don't think that there was ever an issue with anyone not allowing Villages residents to cross their property to access the Lowes and Wal-Mart areas. The properties between the Paradise Dr gate and Lowes are owned by the medical center and the new assisted living facility both of whom have never had a problem with Villages residents crossing their land. I think that they find it beneficial to their businesses to do so.

The path between Aldi and Wal-Mart is owned by an electric company, Duke, I think. They shut down the path for a short while about a year ago when Duke bought out Progress Energy. They opened it after a brief period after they received a multitude of complaints. I think that they thought it was in their best interested public relations-wise.

The land that the Paradise Gate sits on was owned by The Villages and was given to the CDD during the whole controversy last year. The Villages and or the CDD decided that they didn't want non-residents to use that property to access The Villages with golf carts. That is their prerogative. They have every right to allow or not allow whomever they wish to use their property for whatever reason.

Could the medical facility, assisted living facility and Duke Energy decide to not allow golf carts on their property? Sure, and there's nothing anyone in The Villages could do about it. Do the people who own the Paradise Gate property have an obligation to allow outsiders access to The Villages cart paths though that property? Absolutely not and there is nothing that outsiders and do about that.

The issue is that the people who can allow access either way have their own interest at heart and it happens to work to the benefit of Villages residents who want to access Lowes. Aldi, the medical facility, the assisted living facility, Wal-Mart and everything else over that way. It is to the disadvantage to the people outside The Villages who want to come in by golf cart.

The people wanting access by golf cart in either direction have no choice in the matter and are at the mercy of the people that own those properties. As long as it is in the interest of those businesses to have golf cart access and good public relations the situation will remain as it is. As long as The Villages or the CDD owns the Paradise Gate lot and feel that it is in the best interest of The Villages or the CDD outsiders will not have golf cart access to The Villages no matter how any of the golf cart operators feel about the issue.

Well said. I can add one note about the Duke Energy property since the Developer here at Stonecrest did a great deal of work getting Wal-Mart and Duke to talk to each other. Stonecrest Residents were a bit up in arms when Duke started to close the path down as it would have prevented us from accessing the businesses South of there. Duke started to close the path as I understand it because there were people that sent Duke an invoice for Cart Repairs because they did some damage to their cart as they traveled over the bumpy path. That is what instigated the path closure. I'm sure the Lawyers then told them how they could be liable and it went from there. They used to update us on the negotiations between the two parties but I have not seen anything for sometime now. I think its one of those items that just faded into the background. It could come to the fore front again should there be some sort of incident there. I noticed that some people started to travel on the Western Side of the bushes close to the Substation fence trying to get a smoother ride. There are No Trespassing signs there and if they continue to do that they are going to get Duke upset again. Its a rough ride there, go slow, what's the rush and be careful. It serves us all to keep that path open.

[Steve9930]

I have no knowledge of any specifics, but I have a feeling Mr Brown may have another motive for wanting to initate golf cart crossings from his property on 1 side of TV to his property near the assisted living center. As I think I read on another site, he may be planning to build something on the site that would be beneficial for him to publicize that it has golf cart access to TV. I believe I also read somewhere that he had promised access from the assisted living center to TV, and caught some problems with that. Feel free to let me know if that is not true. I can't imagine any other reason anyone would be willing to go to court or threaten a possible law suit just to have golf cart access to a property.

If it was just Mr. Brown wanting access by golf cart, I don't think many Villagers would be upset by the number of just him. But right is right, and if you don't live in TV, and pay the ammenity fees, you have no right to use the multi-modal pathways. We are not trying to be mean to the residents of SC, and Spruce Creek, even though some use every opportunity to criticize us and call us mean and selfish, and use deceit to try to gain access of the MM paths. But if anyone goes back to where TV is still building houses, that area looks to me large enough to build another couple of thousand houses, not to mention the 2000+ houses yet to be built in Fruitland park. If TV allowed golf cart access to ANYONE, then EVERYONE surrounding would expect the same priviledges. The MM paths are already WAY TOO crowded in the winter.....and actually during the shoulder seasons. TV is far or will be far exceeding a comfortable number of residents in the next couple of years--or sooner, and both the roads and the MM paths will reflect that.
I know for myself I'm quite happy with what I have access to now via Golf Cart. There are some still trying to get access via a cart crossing there at the Hospital. Like I said earlier not having access via Golf Cart to Spanish Springs saved me money. There are some that purchased Street Legal Vehicles so they can still cross. I do not see the advantage $$ wise. Just the increase in the insurance alone is about 20 gallons of gas per year and I have not even put in the increased cost of the cart itself. 20 gallons of gas and it takes my car about a half a gallon for a round trip if I'm going to one of the Restaurants there or one of the Grocery Stores. That's 40 round trips per year plus a safer vehicle, its a no brainer choice for me, drive the car, its more comfortable, safer, quieter, an quicker.