Entrance Gate Cards - Why do they bother?

[EdFNJ]

LOL! EDIT: THIS POST IN NO WAY SUGGESTS REMOVING GATES JUST THE NEED FOR GATE CARDS! I LOVE THE GATES. GATES ARE MY FRIEND! GATES ARE WONDERFUL!

In my 2 years 2 months and (as of now) 13 days living here full time I still haven't been able to figure out a REAL need for these cards. Aside from them being a real PITA, what purpose do they really serve? Yes, I know there may be 1 or 2 exceptions where there is no "red button" or gate keeper but:

Obvious fact this isn't a gated community so it obviously isn't security.

Purpose of gates themselves seems to be to break up traffic so golf carts can pass across which is great (but often doesn't help but it's better than nothing).

If you don't have a card, forgot your card or simply don't want to use it for any one of many reasons you can just push the button or wave at the gate person if one is there.

So why not simply eliminate the cards and leave the automatic gates to still open and close on entry automatically as they do now when you LEAVE a village which will still serve the same traffic purpose?

No matter how it's done drivers will still break the gates or try to speed through them.

That being said, if we absolutely must for some unknown reason have these special cards why not make window stickers transponders like Sunpass available that can be read without having to use your card manually? It can be an extra cost option for those who don't want cards and I know many would be willing to pay a 1-time fee for them. Answer to that is probably $$$$ because the ancient reading system would probably be quite expensive to update so I'd rather see them eliminated. KEEP the gates, get rid of the cards.

[tophcfa]

I think they are actually there for security. They slow vehicles down enough so a clear picture can be taken of every passing. That way, if there is trouble they can go back to the digital recordings and hopefully find the violator. Not a bad idea in my opinion.

[mtdjed]

Perhaps those in the know could explain total value.

Some thoughts come to mind as to why we have gates. Slow down the traffic somewhat like speed bumps. Discourage random drive through traffic. Allow for clear photo of auto license and ID. Note that there is at least 1 gate for golf cart entrance only. Gate is not manned and no red button to open. Seems designed to keep golf carts from out of The Villages out.

I have been here 12 years and have had no problems

[Topspinmo]

I have yet went through gate that didn’t have red button? I sure the million dollar homes don’t want riff raft snooping around, so they probably have separate passes? When the calumet gate entry broken, they put the stop sign before the guard shack, which even it cars entering stop ( most don’t) you can’t see golf carts due to blind spot from the shack.

IMO this is safety hazard, they should put the stop sign after the shack. That way when you stop you can see if curt is crossing. IMO when the put the stop sign the need speed bump down cause some just barrel through 15 mph or faster and don’t even stop. Somebody going to get t-boned in golf cart

[EdFNJ]

The only 1 without button I have noticed is the little gate iin the historic side in the medical center area for carts only. There may be others, but have never seen any. We drive around looking at million dollar homes all the time just for fun. Bridgeport (saw a $1.3mill home with a 2800sq ft garage for sale a few weeks ago!), Pine Hills and a few other areas. Never a problem getting in or out through any gates. Most newer areas aren't even manned.

They can still take pictures (they do have devices that record pictures that move, even an iPhone can do it) :) so I don't think clear photos are an issue. I think it just started out that way many years ago and they just continued the "tradition." I don't find it a "problem," it usually works fine, I just find it an unnecessary annoyance that (IMO) serves no real purpose.

[CFrance]

The only 1 without button I have noticed is the little gate iin the historic side in the medical center area for carts only. There may be others, but have never seen any. We drive around looking at million dollar homes all the time just for fun. Bridgeport (saw a $1.3mill home with a 2800sq ft garage for sale a few weeks ago!), Pine Hills and a few other areas. Never a problem getting in or out through any gates. Most newer areas aren't even manned.

They can still take pictures (they do have devices that record pictures that move, even an iPhone can do it) :) so I don't think clear photos are an issue. I think it just started out that way many years ago and they just continued the "tradition." I don't find it a "problem," it usually works fine, I just find it an unnecessary annoyance that (IMO) serves no real purpose.
I think there's no button at the Belvedere gate up by the high school. I could be wrong.

[queasy27]

I agree. Seems like an automatic gate would serve the same purpose of slowing down speeders in general and allowing time for the automatic cameras to take photos. Certainly there are frequent complaints from residents about the negatives associated with overuse of automatic windows, rain, card functionality, etc.

It's possible that personal and aggregate data from the cards is collected and perhaps used to identify traffic patterns or even for individual police investigations with a warrant. Whether or not those requirements outweigh the inconveniences is, alas, not my decision to make.

[Parker]

Yes, there is a button at the Belvedere gate by the high school.

[birdiebill]

Since this is a "golf cart community", I am so glad there are gates. We love going most places by golf carts and if it were not for the gates, people in golf carts would really have problems crossing main streets that run off Morse and Buena Vista. For example, a golf cart traveling on the MMP along Morse crossing Bonita where there is no gate, the golf cart driver has to really beware of traffic coming off Morse onto Bonita. Autos coming off Morse seldom slow down much as they turn onto Bonita. It is a dangerous crossing. On the other hand crossing Hillsborough or Pinellas without gates in place would at times be impossible for the golf cart due to the heavy traffic in and out of Morse/Buena Vista at these intersections. Whether in a golf cart or in an auto, we all have to be alert and SHARE the road.

[ColdNoMore]

They're simply there to give a false sense of security...of supposedly living in a 'gated community.'

Of which...we don't. :ohdear:

An automatic gate at the entrance, as a vehicle approaches, would accomplish the exact same thing...of 'slowing' traffic.

The fact that it's set up that way when you leave, and yet the same golf carts cross those lanes also...eviscerates any argument that they're there for "safety." :oops:

[ColdNoMore]

Since this is a "golf cart community", I am so glad there are gates. We love going most places by golf carts and if it were not for the gates, people in golf carts would really have problems crossing main streets that run off Morse and Buena Vista. For example, a golf cart traveling on the MMP along Morse crossing Bonita where there is no gate, the golf cart driver has to really beware of traffic coming off Morse onto Bonita. Autos coming off Morse seldom slow down much as they turn onto Bonita. It is a dangerous crossing. On the other hand crossing Hillsborough or Pinellas without gates in place would at times be impossible for the golf cart due to the heavy traffic in and out of Morse/Buena Vista at these intersections. Whether in a golf cart or in an auto, we all have to be alert and SHARE the road.

And yet, the gates automatically go up...when leaving a Village.

So basically, they only (supposedly) protect golf traffic...in one direction. :shrug:

[twoplanekid]

Perhaps those in the know could explain total value.

Some thoughts come to mind as to why we have gates. Slow down the traffic somewhat like speed bumps. Discourage random drive through traffic. Allow for clear photo of auto license and ID. Note that there is at least 1 gate for golf cart entrance only. Gate is not manned and no red button to open. Seems designed to keep golf carts from out of The Villages out.

I have been here 12 years and have had no problems

It is my understanding that the exotic computerized gate recognition system that was to be implemented to help law enforcement quickly identify tags has been delayed. Apparently there are issues with night lighting upgrades at the gates that would require a substantial increase in costs. So, that camera/computer system is on hold. Pictures are still being taken by the older system.

[petsetc]

Respectfully, I've owned here since early 2015 and have seen numerous threads on this topic. My question is, if you don't like the gates, why did you buy here and/or why do you continue to live here?

And if the gates bother you that much and you think they should change, are you actively participating in the District government to make change, or just ranting on TOTV with your morning coffee hoping someone else will do something?

Personally, I like the arrangement which is why I am still here - Happy as a Clam.

[justjim]

There are several threads regarding our safety gates. And that is the primary reason for the gates. Safety for those in their golf carts and the possibility of tracking down somebody that committed a burglary or something worse. Accidents still happen - and that is why they are called accidents. Fore!

[gatorbill1]

When you use your gate card, there is a record of each of your entrance past gates and what time

[DeanFL]

Yes...drop the cards and simply implant microchips into each resident.

Imagine...no bulky or easily forgotten cards or ID. Go anywhere in The Villages with easy ID & admittance:

Approach the gate and hear on a loudspeaker "Welcome to Lake Sumter Entry Gate #4 Wally and Wanda, enjoy your day".
Or entry to Brownwood for music and dance..."Welcome back Wally...where's Wanda? Is that a new Lady with you...?"
Or entering Bluefin ..."Welcome back Wally. You will be seated in the Cheap Section due to your last 3% tip to waitstaff".
Or entering Palmer golf course in cart..."Wally you owe us your trail fees - stop or spike strips will be utilized".
Or entering TV Singles Club..."Wanda - where's Wally? Is he not with you due to his cheating at Brownwood last week?"

[PoolBrews]

The issue with having the gates automatically open is that they are currently set to stay open as long as vehicles are traveling through. They don't close after each vehicle. If that happens on entrance as well, it would severely disrupt golf cart traffic. Case in point - the intersection when entering Spanish Springs from the north - sometimes you can't get through unless a kind driver stops and waves you through.

[luperona9]

In general thieves will avoid risk. Going through a gate to steal and having to roll down your window and press a button is extra risk.

We do have crime in the villages, but certainly less because of the gates.

Gates may have saved a life or two as well, no way to tell, but golf carting is safer for sure.

Plus I love telling people that I live in a Semi-gated community.

One Thumbs up for gates.

[anothersteve]

You last six posters make too much sense......... stop it.
:)
Steve

[luperona9]

Real gated communities pay a LOT more fees as they own and maintain the streets.

Our system is genius!

That is one reason I salute Harold at SS when I pass.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190418/ab86c05fa034d66cdce415b8ade21f69.jpg

[coffeebean]

Certainly there are frequent complaints from residents about the negatives associated with overuse of automatic windows, rain, card functionality, etc.



I'm lucky that the two most frequent gates I go through (Mallory and Odell South) work every time for my gate pass with the car window up.

[Polar Bear]

Kudos to all those who explained the purpose and benefits of the gates. I’ll never understand the “logic” of the gate haters.

[EdFNJ]

Since this is a "golf cart community", I am so glad there are gates. We love going most places by golf carts and if it were not for the gates, people in golf carts would really have problems crossing main streets that run off Morse and Buena Vista. For example, a golf cart traveling on the MMP along Morse crossing Bonita where there is no gate, the golf cart driver has to really beware of traffic coming off Morse onto Bonita. Autos coming off Morse seldom slow down much as they turn onto Bonita. It is a dangerous crossing. On the other hand crossing Hillsborough or Pinellas without gates in place would at times be impossible for the golf cart due to the heavy traffic in and out of Morse/Buena Vista at these intersections. Whether in a golf cart or in an auto, we all have to be alert and SHARE the road.

NEVER suggested GATES should be removed, quite the opposite. Just get rid of the gate CARDS and have all gates automatically open after a minimal delay as they do anyway. The gates are a necessity especially for the safety of golf cart drivers.

[EdFNJ]

Respectfully, I've owned here since early 2015 and have seen numerous threads on this topic. My question is, if you don't like the gates, why did you buy here and/or why do you continue to live here?

And if the gates bother you that much and you think they should change, are you actively participating in the District government to make change, or just ranting on TOTV with your morning coffee hoping someone else will do something?

Personally, I like the arrangement which is why I am still here - Happy as a Clam.


GEEZ FOLKS READ THE OP BEFORE MAKING COMMENTS! Assuming that post was directed to me since I started the thread and since you didn't quote anyone in your reply I NEVER SUGGESTED getting rid of gates, only GATE CARDS.

That and the old refrain of "if you don't like x y or z you shouldn't have moved here" is really getting old. 1000 positives outweigh a few negatives and last I checked we all still have the right to an opinion whether others agree or not on a specific issue..

[EdFNJ]

When you use your gate card, there is a record of each of your entrance past gates and what time
Which is totally meaningless since I (or anyone) can just as easily push the red button or go through the manned gate without the card. That plus why is it anyone's business what time I come or go? I don't want my wife subpoenaing the records to find I slipped out at 4am while she was sleeping. :D

[ColdNoMore]

GEEZ FOLKS READ THE OP BEFORE MAKING COMMENTS! Assuming that post was directed to me since I started the thread and since you didn't quote anyone in your reply I NEVER SUGGESTED getting rid of gates, only GATE CARDS.

That and the old refrain of "if you don't like x y or z you shouldn't have moved here" is really getting old. 1000 positives outweigh a few negatives and last I checked we all still have the right to an opinion whether others agree or not on a specific issue..

:bigbow:

[EdFNJ]

In general thieves will avoid risk. Going through a gate to steal and having to roll down your window and press a button is extra risk.

We do have crime in the villages, but certainly less because of the gates.

Gates may have saved a life or two as well, no way to tell, but golf carting is safer for sure.

Plus I love telling people that I live in a Semi-gated community.

One Thumbs up for gates.


OMG, why has this gone so far off topic? WHO SAID TO GET RID OF GATES ??? Even the title of the thread Entrance Gate Cards - Why do they bother? (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/entrance-gate-cards-why-do-they-bother-290016-post1643059/#post1643059) Clearly suggest the question.

[anothersteve]

I have to use my gate key when I drive my truck through some of the gates. I can't reach the button with the window down so I just use it at all the gates. That could be one of the reasons. Buttons are too low for some.
Steve

[ColdNoMore]

I think it's appropriate to remind some people, that our streets...ARE PUBLIC PROPERTY. :oops:

Except for the Villa areas, they are maintained by the county and are NO DIFFERENT... than any other public street in the county.

Having pointed this out, how does everyone feel now about having gates on every single county street and needing to have a card or push a button...to utilize that which your taxes are paying to maintain? :ohdear:

Not to mention about possibly having your license plate recorded...every time you use any public road?

Not that it matters to me, but there are a lot of folks who lament...a loss of privacy these days. :shrug:

[Velvet]

There are so many gates. You drive, you stop, you drive you stop, you drive you stop. I feel comforted by having all the gates but to pull out your gate card each time is such a nuisance. And to get out of your car because you can’t reach the button.... I would like to see gate passes that can be attached to your vehicle. They could be timed to stop your car so the golf carts can pass.

[Bogie Shooter]

LOL! EDIT: THIS POST IN NO WAY SUGGESTS REMOVING GATES JUST THE NEED FOR GATE CARDS! I LOVE THE GATES. GATES ARE MY FRIEND! GATES ARE WONDERFUL!

In my 2 years 2 months and (as of now) 13 days living here full time I still haven't been able to figure out a REAL need for these cards. Aside from them being a real PITA, what purpose do they really serve? Yes, I know there may be 1 or 2 exceptions where there is no "red button" or gate keeper but:

Obvious fact this isn't a gated community so it obviously isn't security.

Purpose of gates themselves seems to be to break up traffic so golf carts can pass across which is great (but often doesn't help but it's better than nothing).

If you don't have a card, forgot your card or simply don't want to use it for any one of many reasons you can just push the button or wave at the gate person if one is there.

So why not simply eliminate the cards and leave the automatic gates to still open and close on entry automatically as they do now when you LEAVE a village which will still serve the same traffic purpose?

No matter how it's done drivers will still break the gates or try to speed through them.

That being said, if we absolutely must for some unknown reason have these special cards why not make window stickers transponders like Sunpass available that can be read without having to use your card manually? It can be an extra cost option for those who don't want cards and I know many would be willing to pay a 1-time fee for them. Answer to that is probably $$$$ because the ancient reading system would probably be quite expensive to update so I'd rather see them eliminated. KEEP the gates, get rid of the cards.
17 years and still don’t find the cards a pita.

[EdFNJ]

17 years and still don’t find the cards a pita.


:coolsmiley: Your opinion has been counted. :)

[EdFNJ]

There are so many gates. You drive, you stop, you drive you stop, you drive you stop. I feel comforted by having all the gates but to pull out your gate card each time is such a nuisance. And to get out of your car because you can’t reach the button.... I would like to see gate passes that can be attached to your vehicle. They could be timed to stop your car so the golf carts can pass.


Thank you for even more clearly stating the point I was trying to make than I could. :D

[EdFNJ]

Oy vey, as I prepare for Erev Pesach I can not say more.


Thank G-d for that. Have a zissen Pesach.

[Bogie Shooter]

:coolsmiley: Your opinion has been counted. :)

As is yours.

[luperona9]

Thank G-d for that. Have a zissen Pesach.
Thank you.... But cash is better. [emoji56][emoji12][emoji3]

[thetruth]

Respectfully, I've owned here since early 2015 and have seen numerous threads on this topic. My question is, if you don't like the gates, why did you buy here and/or why do you continue to live here?

And if the gates bother you that much and you think they should change, are you actively participating in the District government to make change, or just ranting on TOTV with your morning coffee hoping someone else will do something?

Personally, I like the arrangement which is why I am still here - Happy as a Clam.

No matter where there is no shortage of people who complain.
Most when asked do they have a better idea they are offended or say but, does................

Far as the gates, I wonder what the cost would be to have them all work the same-stay up or need to get a card signal after each vehicle. Also, going through those gates on a bike is at best dangerous.

Security? In most cases people thinking security are not criminals. Would someone intent on crime worry about breaking the cross bar? Heck they get broken so often they simply fall off the clip that holds them and the crew gets paid to snap them back in.

[Velvet]

Thank G-d for that. Have a zissen Pesach.


And to you. Your post brought a smile to me.

[Nucky]

And to you. Your post brought a smile to me.
I like your post Velvet keep up the good work.

Ed my boy, what do I do on days that I have a rental since I'm envisioning your suggestion as being like my Sun Pass. Stuck on the window. I'm with ya cause I support all you Wise (Smart) Guys from Jersey. I picked up what you were laying down in your original post. I don't see where extending it slightly into the gate also is a bigga deal!

[EdFNJ]

I like your post Velvet keep up the good work.

Ed my boy, what do I do on days that I have a rental since I'm envisioning your suggestion as being like my Sun Pass. Stuck on the window. I'm with ya cause I support all you Wise (Smart) Guys from Jersey. I picked up what you were laying down in your original post. I don't see where extending it slightly into the gate also is a bigga deal!

:D My father lived in an actual GATED COMMUNITY down in Pembroke Pines FL and every car had a little 1" x 3" electronic non-removable sticker attached to the inside window so you would drive up to the residents gate and go through without having to open windows, or dig for your card or have a card to lose or have it stolen or illegally pass to a friend who came to visit. Such security! Each home was allocated 2 "stickers" and could buy more if needed. It was a pleasure especially in the middle of "rainy season" when if you opened your window you could get very wet when on the way to dinner or a show.

That's what I'd like to see here but I understand it may be quite expensive to modify all the gates to "modern" capability and I know cash flow is tough here in TV for the Devs :D which is why I would like to see the gates remain but the CARDS go away (edit: unless updated to more modern technology).

[JoMar]

I agree. Seems like an automatic gate would serve the same purpose of slowing down speeders in general and allowing time for the automatic cameras to take photos. Certainly there are frequent complaints from residents about the negatives associated with overuse of automatic windows, rain, card functionality, etc.

It's possible that personal and aggregate data from the cards is collected and perhaps used to identify traffic patterns or even for individual police investigations with a warrant. Whether or not those requirements outweigh the inconveniences is, alas, not my decision to make.

I suspect both your assumptions, collect data and help investigations, are part of it. Because we use cards it also takes longer to get through the gate, we must stop and therefore give the carts more flexibility. On those ends where the gates are automatic, cars don't stop so carts take longer to access. Now if we can just train the gate folks to not put up the gate in the visitor lane until the car is ready to move.

[Barefoot]

I think there's no button at the Belvedere gate up by the high school. There is a button at the Belvedere gate by the school. And also the golf cart gate has a button.

Just like Petsetc, we are happy as clams to winter in The Villages.

[yabbadu]

How many times is this post about gates going to appear??? We are NOT a gated community!!!!!!!
Gates primary purpose is traffic control that allows Golf carts to cross roads. Some traffic monitoring does occur BUT that is NOT its primary purpose. We have over 60,000 golf carts in this community! Can you imagine trying to cross a street without gates. There are a few and its scary. SO, keep the gates and move on folks...........

[Marathon Man]

What a great community we live in when this is one of the most common complaints.

Here is an idea. Rather than starting (yet another) on-line discussion, how about you go to the Service Center in Sumter Landing. Walk up to the nice ladies at the front desk and ask who the person is that can explain why cards are needed to open gates.