Historic Side Ongoing Gate Problem

[Nucky]

Several days ago there were several bars missing from the gate. Tonight the entire gate coming back into the Historic Operation is missing. Gone Finito, Adios! How long before they Powers That Be Will Pull The Plug as they did before I moved here. I wouldn't blame them one bit. I've seen people lend their entry card to others who didn't have a card TO GET BACK ONTO OUR PROPERTY.

I don't know what the real answer is but insiders or outsiders abusing our part of The Villages or any part shouldn't stand. It's so nice to shoot over to Wawa for a coffee or a Sangwich! I hope they figure something heavy-duty out to stop this abuse. Golf Cart traffic has increased greatly over there recently. :blahblahblah:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Do you mean the Boone Gate? Or the golf cart gate that leads to the parking lots behind the medical buildings and Walmart and Aldis?

[tophcfa]

Several days ago there were several bars missing from the gate. Tonight the entire gate coming back into the Historic Operation is missing. Gone Finito, Adios! How long before they Powers That Be Will Pull The Plug as they did before I moved here. I wouldn't blame them one bit. I've seen people lend their entry card to others who didn't have a card TO GET BACK ONTO OUR PROPERTY.

I don't know what the real answer is but insiders or outsiders abusing our part of The Villages or any part shouldn't stand. It's so nice to shoot over to Wawa for a coffee or a Sangwich! I hope they figure something heavy-duty out to stop this abuse. Golf Cart traffic has increased greatly over there recently. :blahblahblah:

I agree that people, obviously those without a valid gate pass, are a constant problem with the gate in question. I hope that whatever is done to fix the problem does not involve a complete closure so that Villages residents can no longer use the gate. I use the gate frequently to take the golf cart to Lowel's. I guess the security camera at the gate does not discourage people from vandalizing it. It is a shame that people without a valid gate pass feel entitled to break the gate to gain access to the cart paths that amenity paying Villages residents pay for.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I agree that people, obviously those without a valid gate pass, are a constant problem with the gate in question. I hope that whatever is done to fix the problem does not involve a complete closure so that Villages residents can no longer use the gate. I use the gate frequently to take the golf cart to Lowel's. I guess the security camera at the gate does not discourage people from vandalizing it. It is a shame that people without a valid gate pass feel entitled to break the gate to gain access to the cart paths that amenity paying Villages residents pay for.

The only place they could be coming -from- if they're not from the Villages, is Stonecrest. That's the only place I can think of that has golf cart access to the same stores and medical centers.

Maybe the POA, or the VHA, should get in touch with the POA at Stonecrest and remind them - kindly of course - that their residents are not permitted to use those gates. And maybe if they don't do what's necessary to keep their own residents in line, perhaps their POA should start being billed for the gate replacements.

[Cajulian]

The only place they could be coming -from- if they're not from the Villages, is Stonecrest. That's the only place I can think of that has golf cart access to the same stores and medical centers.

Maybe the POA, or the VHA, should get in touch with the POA at Stonecrest and remind them - kindly of course - that their residents are not permitted to use those gates. And maybe if they don't do what's necessary to keep their own residents in line, perhaps their POA should start being billed for the gate replacements.

Jazuela, maybe you should get some proof from the cameras of who is causing damage to the gates. In many situations The Villages has proven that it has been Villages residents in many gates being damaged across the Villages.

It’s not ethical to accuse and slander Stonecrest and expect their POA to pay for damages when all you have for proof is your speculation.

By the way do you use the paved golf cart path between Aldi’s and Walmart. You know, the one that Stonecrest residents paid for out of their own pockets to improve the dirt path that was there before. And Stonecrest people did this and you get the benefit of it with no contribution to maintain it. And you still badmouth them.

Maybe you should do the right thing and consider reciprocal use of that cart path and the gate.

[Velvet]

To verify who is responsible, would it be legal to set up a private camera to videotape what’s happening at the gate?

[dewilson58]

:pray:

[TVMayor]

The only place they could be coming -from- if they're not from the Villages, is Stonecrest. That's the only place I can think of that has golf cart access to the same stores and medical centers.

Maybe the POA, or the VHA, should get in touch with the POA at Stonecrest and remind them - kindly of course - that their residents are not permitted to use those gates. And maybe if they don't do what's necessary to keep their own residents in line, perhaps their POA should start being billed for the gate replacements.
Ya but…….

Did you know Spruce Creek residents can cross 441 at SE176th St legally, that is the entrance to Spruce Creek. They can then make a right on SE 112th Court Road (the road on the back side of Sonic Drive-in) which will take them to Walmart and from Walmart you know the rest.

A rental home in my neighborhood is owned by a resident of Spruce Creek and he arrives to do maintenance by golf cart.

[redwitch]

Since golf cart ownership can’t be identified, cameras are pretty useless. The best solution would be a true gate rather than just an arm. A golf cart could do damage to itself but not the gate. Of course, this won’t prevent illegal use of gate cards but at least there wouldn’t be the constant breakage.

Another solution would be no gate and just freedom of movement. Yes, this would mean Spruce Creek and Stonecreek residents could use the golf cart paths, but, as was pointed out, we have the benefit of a paved path paid for and maintained by Stonecrest. Seems like a reasonable trade.

[CWGUY]

Ya but…….

Did you know Spruce Creek residents can cross 441 at SE176th St legally, that is the entrance to Spruce Creek. They can then make a right on SE 112th Court Road (the road on the back side of Sonic Drive-in) which will take them to Walmart and from Walmart you know the rest.

A rental home in my neighborhood is owned by a resident of Spruce Creek and he arrives to do maintenance by golf cart.


:ho: I agree. Residents of Spruce Creek and Stonecrest come to The Villages by cart. I also know of one person from Oakland Hills who has a cart and uses it in The Villages. :faint:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The only place they could be coming -from- if they're not from the Villages, is Stonecrest. That's the only place I can think of that has golf cart access to the same stores and medical centers.

Maybe the POA, or the VHA, should get in touch with the POA at Stonecrest and remind them - kindly of course - that their residents are not permitted to use those gates. And maybe if they don't do what's necessary to keep their own residents in line, perhaps their POA should start being billed for the gate replacements.

Jazuela, maybe you should get some proof from the cameras of who is causing damage to the gates. In many situations The Villages has proven that it has been Villages residents in many gates being damaged across the Villages.

It’s not ethical to accuse and slander Stonecrest and expect their POA to pay for damages when all you have for proof is your speculation.

By the way do you use the paved golf cart path between Aldi’s and Walmart. You know, the one that Stonecrest residents paid for out of their own pockets to improve the dirt path that was there before. And Stonecrest people did this and you get the benefit of it with no contribution to maintain it. And you still badmouth them.

Maybe you should do the right thing and consider reciprocal use of that cart path and the gate.

This thread was started by someone who has observed that NON-Villages residents have been crashing the gate. As I posted in the post you responded to - my response was IF THE OP'S SUPPOSITION IS TRUE - then the only place I could think of where those golf carts could be coming from, is Stonecrest.

However I've just been informed by the post directly above me that Spruce Creek also has access to that path, that leads to our golf cart gate.

The Walmart path is open to anyone who can pass it; Stonecrest doesn't own that property, they merely agreed to cover the cost of paving it. It is an open-access golf cart path and residency in one specific development is not required for its use.

Residency of The Villages to use the Villages gate from that path to the Villages residents - and back out again - is required in order to use the gate. The only thing on the other side of that gate, is Villages residences, and Villages-exclusive amenities.

Supposedly there are cameras - I've seen them, but don't know if they operate or record. But if they do, it would seem a logical step to take a look at them and learn who is crashing the gate.

And - as I said before: IF IT IS someone from outside the Villages - whichever development those gate-breakers are coming from - should be held responsible for their repair and for reminding THEIR residents that they are not permitted to use that particular gate, since it leads to private property, not to commerce of any sort that they would need access to.

[CWGUY]

Since golf cart ownership can’t be identified, cameras are pretty useless. The best solution would be a true gate rather than just an arm. A golf cart could do damage to itself but not the gate. Of course, this won’t prevent illegal use of gate cards but at least there wouldn’t be the constant breakage.

Another solution would be no gate and just freedom of movement. Yes, this would mean Spruce Creek and Stonecreek residents could use the golf cart paths, but, as was pointed out, we have the benefit of a paved path paid for and maintained by Stonecrest. Seems like a reasonable trade.

:ohdear: Would it seem like a reasonable trade if you owned and rented GOLF CART ACCESSIBLE property? :icon_wink:

[tophcfa]

Ya but…….

Did you know Spruce Creek residents can cross 441 at SE176th St legally, that is the entrance to Spruce Creek. They can then make a right on SE 112th Court Road (the road on the back side of Sonic Drive-in) which will take them to Walmart and from Walmart you know the rest.

A rental home in my neighborhood is owned by a resident of Spruce Creek and he arrives to do maintenance by golf cart.

If he owns a rental home in the Villages then he pays Villages amenity fees and should have two valid gate passes, so he has a right to use the gate in question and access the Villages golf cart paths.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The access at the Villages gate is to allow residents into their own residential area. It is a "back door" from public property to private property.

The Walmart path is a path from public to public. As far as I know, Villagers should not be gaining access to Stonecrest or Spruce Creek private residential property with their golf carts. If any of us are doing that, and we shouldn't be, then either of those developers should absolutely be calling the Villages to account on it.

[graciegirl]

The access at the Villages gate is to allow residents into their own residential area. It is a "back door" from public property to private property.

The Walmart path is a path from public to public. As far as I know, Villagers should not be gaining access to Stonecrest or Spruce Creek private residential property with their golf carts. If any of us are doing that, and we shouldn't be, then either of those developers should absolutely be calling the Villages to account on it.

You are right on except I think we are allowed to go to Stonecrest. I don't know about Spruce Creek. Anyone can come into The Villages driving a car. My objection is that it just adds more golf cart traffic on our paths maintained by The Villages. I recall two accidents involving golf carts from outside areas that caused harm to villagers. We have enough bad drivers without more golf carts. Including us OLD people.

[Nucky]

I was careful to not accuse anyone of anything because I don't know for sure. I did mention that I saw gate cards being shared between two different Golf Carts. This has happened several different times. The people look at you as if they are intimidating you while they are doing the card sharing. If I'm gonna get down over an issue, this isn't the one I would choose. When I've been asked for my card by a stranger I just point to my ears, shrug and drive away.

The Gate is constructed differently than most. It is a square white ALUMINUM GATE that is very slow to open and close on the articulated arm that folds inward. That in itself sends most people into orbit. My answer would be a substantially heavier gate that would damage anything that ran into it and was impossible to be disassembled. Aluminum can be manipulated by some of the customers who are legit or otherwise. I like the picture dewilson58 supplied but imagine the cost would be through the roof.

I don't know the answer. I'm just reporting the news. Not making the news. My answer would be a very unpopular one if I owned the joint but I'll hold it back for now. What a shame that adults can't be trusted to do the right thing when nobody but a camera is looking. I guess it's the way of the world to do what feels good now instead of what is the right thing to do. Shameful.

[tophcfa]

You are right on except I think we are allowed to go to Stonecrest. I don't know about Spruce Creek. Anyone can come into The Villages driving a car. My objection is that it just adds more golf cart traffic on our paths maintained by The Villages. I recall two accidents involving golf carts from outside areas that caused harm to villagers. We have enough bad drivers without more golf carts. Including us OLD people.

You are correct, Villagers are allowed to go to Stonecrest. I know this because last winter we drove our golf cart there to play 18 holes. Their golf course is not bad and it is much less expensive and easier to get a t-time there during the busy winter season. We plan to return again for a round of golf this winter.

[Velvet]

The gate is missing, the persons who did it need to pay for it, whether they are Villagers or Whoever. Either the camera there recorded the event or not. If not then why are there cameras there if they do not record critical incidents?
If someone asked to use my Village ID I would say, sure that will be $1908 because that’s what I pay per year to use it.

[rustyp]

The gate is missing, the persons who did it need to pay for it, whether they are Villagers or Whoever. Either the camera there recorded the event or not. If not then why are there cameras there if they do not record critical incidents?
If someone asked to use my Village ID I would say, sure that will be $1908 because that’s what I pay per year to use it.

The gate is missing probably because it is being repaired. This is commonplace with this gate. Usually it is gone for a couple days and caution tapes put up. You will most likely see Villages Watch sitting in their truck observing from time to time while the gate is gone. The aluminum bars break at the welds when hit.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The downside to the whole gate pass issue, is that if the golf cart without the pass is in front of you, then you're pretty much at their mercy. Either you swipe YOUR card to let them through, or you're stuck in the medical center parking lot unable to get home because that is the -only- way to get from that medical center to the Villages via golf cart.

Would probably be more useful to have the windshield magnetic-digital stickers that so many other communities have for their gates. I imagine the stickers would be more prone to theft though, unfortunately.

[Bogie Shooter]

The downside to the whole gate pass issue, is that if the golf cart without the pass is in front of you, then you're pretty much at their mercy. Either you swipe YOUR card to let them through, or you're stuck in the medical center parking lot unable to get home because that is the -only- way to get from that medical center to the Villages via golf cart.

Would probably be more useful to have the windshield magnetic-digital stickers that so many other communities have for their gates. I imagine the stickers would be more prone to theft though, unfortunately.
So, are the mag stickers a good or bad idea....or what?

[Velvet]

What would happen if we had 2 passes? One would permanently attach to your vehicle (not stealable) like a sunpass (Villagers who want one would pay for it) and a Village ID you could use for other purposes. I’d love to be able to drive up to the gate and just have it open automatically.

[Nucky]

So, are the mag stickers a good or bad idea....or what?

At least it was a good thought. That would mean re-arming a lot of people with a Sun-Pass like device. That's what we are supposed to be doing looking for solutions. We already know the problem. I like the idea of a very sturdy gate with the hardware to disassemble the arm and gate mechanism impossible to get to by an amateur and if someone tried to run thru the gate you would find the Cart at the point of impact.

I would be freaking out if I lived near this open gate. I know all gates are open after a certain time but there is just something about the one we're discussing that is a little bit more distressing. The people in that hood should be ringing the right phone off the hook till a solution is found.

[tophcfa]

What would happen if we had 2 passes? One would permanently attach to your vehicle (not stealable) like a sunpass (Villagers who want one would pay for it) and a Village ID you could use for other purposes. I’d love to be able to drive up to the gate and just have it open automatically.

It's a good thought, but it wouldn't keep people without valid gate pass from breaking the gate.

[CWGUY]

So, are the mag stickers a good or bad idea....or what?

:confused: Yeah I'm confused too! But if I liked them so much..... I would move to where they have them! :clap2:

[Chatbrat]

AS long as there is a RED button to operate the gate, the idea of a gate PASS is ludicrous--anyone can access any and all gates in TV, their purpose is vehicle control, not security-- really wish we could program a vehicles homelink to operate the gates, was able to do that in NC--gated community

[CWGUY]

AS long as there is a RED button to operate the gate, the idea of a gate PASS is ludicrous--anyone can access any and all gates in TV, their purpose is vehicle control, not security-- really wish we could program a vehicles homelink to operate the gates, was able to do that in NC--gated community

:ohdear: NO RED BUTTONS THERE! :ho:

[njbchbum]

AS long as there is a RED button to operate the gate, the idea of a gate PASS is ludicrous--anyone can access any and all gates in TV, their purpose is vehicle control, not security-- really wish we could program a vehicles homelink to operate the gates, was able to do that in NC--gated community

The Paradise Gate [the gate in this topic] does not have the red button and cannot be accessed without a gate card - necessary for ingress AND egress - unless one chooses to destroy the gate without the use of a gate card.

Homelink would be cool!

[Velvet]

A real gated community, that would be classy! But how would the workers get in, lawn mowers etc? And how much would it cost to switch over.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The Paradise Gate [the gate in this topic] does not have the red button and cannot be accessed without a gate card - necessary for ingress AND egress - unless one chooses to destroy the gate without the use of a gate card.

Homelink would be cool!

The gate in this topic is a also only a golf cart gate. There's no way to get a car through it.

To Bogie Shooter: I like the IDEA of a mag strip. The ones I've used and seen in other communities could be peeled off the windshield, and that would make them impractical for golf carts, that generally don't have doors you can lock to give some measure of security against theft.

Velvet brings up a possibility of a mag strip that can't be stolen - I'm reminded of stickers for different stores where, if you try to peel them off, they rip and become useless. The downside to THAT, is vandalism, random ne'er do wells ripping them intentionally.

It's called brainstorming, Bogie Shooter. It's a fun exercise when you have a challenge that interests you.

[Aces4]

A real gated community, that would be classy! But how would the workers get in, lawn mowers etc? And how much would it cost to switch over.

I believe they are talking about the hole on the wall on the historical side only.

Anyone been to Disney with finger print technology? Might weed out some problem individuals and Disney updates the info constantly.

[Velvet]

Well, we could start with the historic side as a gated community, everything else started there.

[Aces4]

Well, we could start with the historic side as a gated community, everything else started there.

Cheaper to put up a wall like the developer tried several years ago. The rest of the Villagers use their cars when necessary, no reason Historical side can’t. You don’t want to be paying for private roads as a gated community.

[SIRE1]

I don't understand why everyone is so worried about Stonecrest residents being able to drive a golf cart into The Villages.

They can already drive their car where ever they want to go within The Villages. They already can come to the squares and dance to music in the squares. They already come to our restaurants and stores and keep those businesses profitable so they can remain open for the rest of us Villagers. They already can come to our country clubs and play golf. And they can already come to the polo field, attend golf fest, and all the other "special" events.

But even though they can do all those things, they can NOT play on our Executive courses, swim in our pools, play on our pickle-ball courts, or use any of our other amenity functions.

So why are we so upset that they want to drive their cart on our cart paths???? Think about it.

[JoelJohnson]

How about a gate that is tall enough that nobody could pass the key card over to someone else? Maybe offset the gates with a barrier between the sides? Sounds harsh, but it would be better than no gate at all!

[Nucky]

Cheaper to put up a wall like the developer tried several years ago. The rest of the Villagers use their cars when necessary, no reason Historical side can’t. You don’t want to be paying for private roads as a gated community.

I see your point but solving the problem we are facing now would only cause other problems for people who have been here a lot longer than PROBABLY you and I combined.

When I'm Upset about this I think Build The Wall. That's not a good answer. It would hurt very elderly people (constructive) and those who have looked forward to going to Wawa for Golf Cart Gas and Meatball Sangwiches and the Best Coffee In The Villages since the project was announced almost 2 years ago. (kidding)

Onward for constructive ideas.

Aces, what is there in your Village that's important to you that would upset you if it was taken away? See how the wall would hurt others? I'm sure there is something that would hurt your Village if it was taken from you. We don't want to act like that, do we? We are a Community :pray: not Enemies! Let's work on an answer and we can sing Kumbaya, later. :1rotfl:

You said: The rest of the Villagers use their cars when necessary, no reason Historical side can’t.

I said: We're talking about a Golf Cart Gate, not cars but since we are slightly off-topic when Irma passed thru or over or around us did you have power? We didn't for between 6 & 8 days. I know its a different subject but those of us who suffered feel like we suffered enough on the Hysterical Side. Our Electrical Equipment was supposedly underwater as per a Duke Energy Repairman. We don't want to be penalized anymore because it is the easy way out. I did my best to express myself in a proper manner. Please keep this thread positive until we get an idea that's an answer. Peace Out! :bigbow: If you haven't seen the gate take a ride. It's really nice over her.

[Aces4]

I see your point but solving the problem we are facing now would only cause other problems for people who have been here a lot longer than PROBABLY you and I combined.

When I'm Upset about this I think Build The Wall. That's not a good answer. It would hurt very elderly people (constructive) and those who have looked forward to going to Wawa for Golf Cart Gas and Meatball Sangwiches and the Best Coffee In The Villages since the project was announced almost 2 years ago. (kidding)

Onward for constructive ideas.

Aces, what is there in your Village that's important to you that would upset you if it was taken away? See how the wall would hurt others? I'm sure there is something that would hurt your Village if it was taken from you. We don't want to act like that, do we? We are a Community :pray: not Enemies! Let's work on an answer and we can sing Kumbaya, later. :1rotfl:

You said: The rest of the Villagers use their cars when necessary, no reason Historical side can’t.

I said: We're talking about a Golf Cart Gate, not cars but since we are slightly off-topic when Irma passed thru or over or around us did you have power? We didn't for between 6 & 8 days. I know its a different subject but those of us who suffered feel like we suffered enough on the Hysterical Side. Our Electrical Equipment was supposedly underwater as per a Duke Energy Repairman. We don't want to be penalized anymore because it is the easy way out. I did my best to express myself in a proper manner. Please keep this thread positive until we get an idea that's an answer. Peace Out! :bigbow: If you haven't seen the gate take a ride. It's really nice over her.

Nucky, I’ve been here over 15 years. We have to get in our cars for many trips in the 466a area. We could break down the fence in the Trailwinds area for convenience and many other areas because we too enjoy our golf carts.

Were you living here several years ago when an outsider riding around on our golf cart paths went over the centerline and severely injured a biking Villager? There are reasons for the boundaries and trying to keep the number of carts on our paths to a limit.

No animosity, the Historic side can deal with their choices but then shouldn’t complain about the encroachers. Just a thought but you could move between 466 and 466a and have better electrical service:coolsmiley:

[tophcfa]

Cheaper to put up a wall like the developer tried several years ago. The rest of the Villagers use their cars when necessary, no reason Historical side can’t. You don’t want to be paying for private roads as a gated community.

We don't live in the historic section, although we like the area very much and strongly considered buying there. We use the gate in question very often and feel the Villages would be loosing something valuable if "the wall" was put back up. And not all Villagers own a car, some depend exclusively on their golf cart for transportation. We finally picked up a used car for our Villages home, but we survived just fine for several years with only a golf cart (in part because the gate gave us access to places we needed to get to for supplies). Other people depend on the gate for access to medical providers or to get to work.

As I see it, there are only two viable solutions to the gate problem at hand. One would be to have the gate manned 24/7 by a gate attendant that would only allow access to people with a valid Villages ID. The other would be to install a virtually indestructible gate that can only be opened with a valid Villages gate card (along with security cameras for additional protection).

One solution mentioned, removing the gate and allowing anyone access, is simply not an option. This would set a dangerous precedent that anyone, from any property abutting the entire perimeter of the Villages, is free to drive their golf carts on the cart paths that are maintained by the amenity fees paid for by Villages property owners. Many of the golf cart paths are already often overcrowded and dangerous. Allowing a potentially very large number of non-Villagers golf cart access, who are unfamiliar with the cart traffic system, would be a very bad idea. It's already bad enough during busy season when the wave of Villager's guests try to navigate the cart traffic system.

[Aces4]

We don't live in the historic section, although we like the area very much and strongly considered buying there. We use the gate in question very often and feel the Villages would be loosing something valuable if "the wall" was put back up. And not all Villagers own a car, some depend exclusively on their golf cart for transportation. We finally picked up a used car for our Villages home, but we survived just fine for several years with only a golf cart (in part because the gate gave us access to places we needed to get to for supplies). Other people depend on the gate for access to medical providers or to get to work.

As I see it, there are only two viable solutions to the gate problem at hand. One would be to have the gate manned 24/7 by a gate attendant that would only allow access to people with a valid Villages ID. The other would be to install a virtually indestructible gate that can only be opened with a valid Villages gate card (along with security cameras for additional protection).

One solution mentioned, removing the gate and allowing anyone access, is simply not an option. This would set a dangerous precedent that anyone, from any property abutting the entire perimeter of the Villages, is free to drive their golf carts on the cart paths that are maintained by the amenity fees paid for by Villages property owners. Many of the golf cart paths are already often overcrowded and dangerous. Allowing a potentially very large number of non-Villagers golf cart access, who are unfamiliar with the cart traffic system, would be a very bad idea. It's already bad enough during busy season when the wave of Villager's guests try to navigate the cart traffic system.

I think there should be a three hundred dollar fine for anyone caught trespassing on the paths but as I said earlier, I don’t think any extra cash should be spent on gates when the Historical area residents want to share their neighborhoods with open gates rather than walls.

I have no problem with their decision, enjoy!

[memason]

Well, I'm gonna go against conventional wisdom here, but that gate was put there to solve a problem that never existed. For years and years, there was no gate at that location and I remember, there was a ****ing contest between the Morse family and another nearby developer that caused; first, the impassable wall and then, after an outpouring of criticism, the current gate was constructed. (sorry...run on sentence)

...and for those of of you worried about paying for the cart paths....ok, I get that. I live in Sumter county and pay for the upkeep of the roads in this county...ie 466, 466a, etc. However, all of you folks come to Sumter county and drive your cars on the roads I'm paying for... We, in Sumter county, aren't advocating for a gate to keep everyone, who isn't paying for it, out! That's ridiculous, right ?? So is the gate!

The Morse family has done a lot of good things, but they are the ones that created this controversy.....The gate should be permanently removed and allow free flow of golf carts through that location.

Just one man's opinion.....

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Well, I'm gonna go against conventional wisdom here, but that gate was put there to solve a problem that never existed. For years and years, there was no gate at that location and I remember, there was a ****ing contest between the Morse family and another nearby developer that caused; first, the impassable wall and then, after an outpouring of criticism, the current gate was constructed. (sorry...run on sentence)

...and for those of of you worried about paying for the cart paths....ok, I get that. I live in Sumter county and pay for the upkeep of the roads in this county...ie 466, 466a, etc. However, all of you folks come to Sumter county and drive your cars on the roads I'm paying for... We, in Sumter county, aren't advocating for a gate to keep everyone, who isn't paying for it, out! That's ridiculous, right ?? So is the gate!

The Morse family has done a lot of good things, but they are the ones that created this controversy.....The gate should be permanently removed and allow free flow of golf carts through that location.

Just one man's opinion.....

I like the idea of a gate, but it would probably be better to have a red button at it to allow people in and out without needing a gate pass. For the purpose of traffic control rather than security.

Otherwise you'll see people driving cars through that opening, which is only able to handle the width of 2 golf carts each going in the opposite direction of the other.

That golf cart path is sandwiched between the side yards of two residential homes. So it can't be widened to accommodate a car going in each direction, it has to be exclusively a golf cart path.

[Aces4]

Well, I'm gonna go against conventional wisdom here, but that gate was put there to solve a problem that never existed. For years and years, there was no gate at that location and I remember, there was a ****ing contest between the Morse family and another nearby developer that caused; first, the impassable wall and then, after an outpouring of criticism, the current gate was constructed. (sorry...run on sentence)

...and for those of of you worried about paying for the cart paths....ok, I get that. I live in Sumter county and pay for the upkeep of the roads in this county...ie 466, 466a, etc. However, all of you folks come to Sumter county and drive your cars on the roads I'm paying for... We, in Sumter county, aren't advocating for a gate to keep everyone, who isn't paying for it, out! That's ridiculous, right ?? So is the gate!

The Morse family has done a lot of good things, but they are the ones that created this controversy.....The gate should be permanently removed and allow free flow of golf carts through that location.

Just one man's opinion.....

That would be great! All areas of The Villages would then need to open up to locales carts want to reach. Hear that sucking sound? Opening up the walls of the paths would lower property values in a heart beat and many, many of us would move to the outlining neighborhoods just as quickly and love to use the amenities, thank you for ponying up and paying for my luxuries after I move out.

[Harry Gilbert]

During one of the previous dust ups I asked about MMP ownership. I emailed Ms Tutt and this is what I got.

Harry Gilbert
Dec 14, 2013, 9:08 AM
to janet.tutt

Ms Tutt,

I’ve been following the recent dust up on TOTV concerning the use of the Multi Model paths there. With the amount of opinions expressed that the paths were bought and now maintained through the use of amenity fees and the fact that the road system is County owned and maintained has garnered my curiosity. Here in NJ and from what I can find about most states, these types of trails are a gov’t function and not a homeowner owned property. So instead of trying to decide which of the opinions have merit I’ll come right out and ask. Are these paths privately owned and maintained by The Villages VCDD or are they part of the County transportation system?

Thank you for your time


Tutt, Janet <Janet.Tutt@districtgov.org>
Dec 15, 2013, 8:53 PM
to me

Good Evening,

The paths ARE owned by the Community Development Districts (which are government entities). They are maintained through the assessments (taxes) each of the Districts levy on residents annually. The “on road” paths are the responsibility of the government entity that owns the road.

Hopefully this helps.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Have a great week and happy holidays!

Janet





Janet Y. Tutt
District Manager
Village Community Development Districts
3251 Wedgewood Lane
The Villages, Florida 32162
352.751.3939
Cell 352.267.4523

"Hospitality, Stewardship, Innovation & Creativity, Hard Work"

Note: Under Florida Law, email communications are public records. If you do not want your email address or email contents released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic email to this entity.

[Rollie]

Anyone have an idea when the gate will be fixed. It's been almost 2 weeks.

Rollie

[CWGUY]

Anyone have an idea when the gate will be fixed. It's been almost 2 weeks.

Rollie

:confused: Do you think someone posting here is involved in the repairing of Villages gates? :icon_wink:

Try asking someone from DPM using this link:

VCDD District Property Management (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/District-Property-Management/district-property-management.aspx) :ho:

[Topspinmo]

If he owns a rental home in the Villages then he pays Villages amenity fees and should have two valid gate passes, so he has a right to use the gate in question and access the Villages golf cart paths.

No when he has renters, he gives up those passes.

[justjim]

:ohdear: Would it seem like a reasonable trade if you owned and rented GOLF CART ACCESSIBLE property? :icon_wink:

Don’t we residents of TV own and maintain the multi-modal trails? Maybe I’m missing something here. I remember the “WallGate” incident a few years ago when the Developer built a wall so those from TV could no longer get to Lowe’s, WalMart, doctors and points north of the historical area by golf cart. There were “screams” throughout “paradise” much louder than the Goblins and Ghouls on Halloween. Be careful what you wish for. I agree much of the problem could be solved by a different “strong” gate.

[blueash]

All government records are supposed to be open to the public. That seemingly would include video from the cameras that the CDD operates. Perhaps someone who lives in the affected area could ask their CDD representative to report back to the citizenry about the operation of the cameras, who is anyone is reviewing the images when there is gate damage, and what fines if any have been collected. If no one is actually reviewing the camera data, or the images are inadequate to find the offenders, that also would be useful to know.

Does the electronic system record the identification of the card each time it is used to for access? If so it should be very simple for the system to identify when it is used twice in sequence at that gate and likely also the seconds interval between the swipes. 1-10 seconds, you were waiting for the gate, got impatient, and swiped again. 11-60 seconds, the next person was using your card.

[CWGUY]

All government records are supposed to be open to the public. That seemingly would include video from the cameras that the CDD operates. Perhaps someone who lives in the affected area could ask their CDD representative to report back to the citizenry about the operation of the cameras, who is anyone is reviewing the images when there is gate damage, and what fines if any have been collected. If no one is actually reviewing the camera data, or the images are inadequate to find the offenders, that also would be useful to know.

Does the electronic system record the identification of the card each time it is used to for access? If so it should be very simple for the system to identify when it is used twice in sequence at that gate and likely also the seconds interval between the swipes. 1-10 seconds, you were waiting for the gate, got impatient, and swiped again. 11-60 seconds, the next person was using your card.

:ho: Gate operations is a function of Community Watch - Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Watch/intro.aspx)

Public Records is a function of the District Clerk - VCDD District Clerk (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/clerk/clerk.aspx)