Villages entry check points

[txbob34]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

[Kenswing]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?
Traffic control. It keeps the golf carts from getting squashed as they cross the road at village entrances.

And although people can come and go as they please, Their picture/video is taken for future reference if there are problems.

[retiredguy123]

They contribute to the illusion of security. Also, the gate people can sometimes provide directions and other assistance, and they wave to you. Very friendly.

[JohnN]

maybe we can do like the NFL and just get cardboard cutouts of gate guards.

"illusion of security" is the exact correct term.

[Topspinmo]

Some say Sales gimmick, illusion of security (do have camera 🎥 on them for after the crime fact, like knocking down the gates) with some traffic control at busy hours at certain entry points. I surprised they all haven’t got the 100 grand toilets Recently installed at one of the gates which didn’t have one for 40 years.

[Carla B]

At the Morse gate @ 466 they are essential to keep northbound cars from colliding with each other and with golf carts crossing Morse just behind the gate. It is a demanding job.

[Stu from NYC]

maybe we can do like the NFL and just get cardboard cutouts of gate guards.

"illusion of security" is the exact correct term.

Where can i apply to be a cardboard cutout?

[dewilson58]

One piece to the Friendliest Hometown.


:gc:

[thelegges]

Two lanes merging to one. Gate keeper holds car next to them, to give small head start space for car at card gate.

Other than that gate keeper does not give the allusion of security.

[karostay]

False Security

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's a combination of things.
1. traffic control, especially with gates that merge with golf cart traffic
2. customer service - notice the visitor gate is closest to the gatehouse. If a visitor needs directions, the gate attendant is trained to assist them in getting where they're trying to go.
3. a deterrent to trespassers. It's not a preventative. But it does remind people that someone is always watching. If that can scare off even one house-burglar, then they've proven their value.

[Papa_lecki]

They contribute to the illusion of security. Also, the gate people can sometimes provide directions and other assistance, and they wave to you. Very friendly.

The gate attendants I have interacted with have the most miserable people.

[John_W]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

It's not for outsiders, if you drove a golf cart you would understand. If you were a visitor who actually was seeking information, you would understand. If you were a resident and knew where you were going, you put up the inconvenience so carts can cross the roadway without the fear of this, a speed bump in life.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/137517575_1837490663082124_6684642940599254726_o.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=-4bx4qkciDQAX-hB6Z2&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=6bb26f11d8b58fd6152e7f6194b25d01&oe=601D0C63

[RaunchyRich]

Brunswick GA

[coffeebean]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

Most times the person manning the gate is there to wave "hello". There are those times though when the person manning the gate will answer questions for folks and give directions.

[GRACEALLEMAN]

It makes the gatekeeper feel "big and important and friendly and gives him extra money for poker games. LOL

[Rosebud1949]

Two lanes merging to one. Gate keeper holds car next to them, to give small head start space for car at card gate.

Other than that gate keeper does not give the allusion of security.

CORRECTION Gate keepers are supposed to alternate vehicles coming thru the gates WRONG...so many do not How many of you folk have had to avoid the trucks and other vehicles who are let thru as your barrier goes up and you move forward. Carts "playing chicken" ad the barrier rises does not help

[mrf6969]

They got the idea from "Checkpoint Charlie" Worked for them...

[La lamy]

maybe we can do like the NFL and just get cardboard cutouts of gate guards.

"illusion of security" is the exact correct term.

:1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

[La lamy]

At the Morse gate @ 466 they are essential to keep northbound cars from colliding with each other and with golf carts crossing Morse just behind the gate. It is a demanding job.

That's about the only one I can think of that seems really necessary.

[djwill27]

Originally, I think they were controlled at one time, but the Morse Family took tax money from the state or Feds to maintain the roads which in effect made them public. In a subsequent lawsuit, the Morse family was required to allow the public on The Villages streets and what we have now is the compromise. The cameras do record traffic and have been used to solve some criminal activity that has taken place such as breaking into homes. So not all bad.

[Alaska Butch]

I suspect the security helps reduce insurance rates. Also the “illusion” of security does reduce the likelihood someone unfamiliar with the fact they can be waived through will attempt entry.

[airdale2]

Some of your property taxes goes to maintain and police the streets which makes them public streets.

[airdale2]

Talk to one whom has worked those booths and hear some of their stories of the abuse they sometimes must tolerate.

[Hockey dude]

The gate attendants are there for traffic flow control, directions and Assistance for visitors or new TV residents.

The majority of us are also CPR trained and have phones and radios to call in for emergency assistance when needed.

Each manned gate also has “word maps” that can get you to any street that is nearby that gate. We pass out a fair amount of word maps and directional assistance.

[PugMom]

CORRECTION Gate keepers are supposed to alternate vehicles coming thru the gates WRONG...so many do not How many of you folk have had to avoid the trucks and other vehicles who are let thru as your barrier goes up and you move forward. Carts "playing chicken" ad the barrier rises does not help

you said it!! entrance off 466 has golf carts merging with cars, the paths there are on the road, & can be very scary for a driver when a cart pulls out in front of you. and all those gate workers are friendly--say hello on slow days, exchange a few words-you may even get a smile when they remember you :coolsmiley: they do help by allowing safe roads (@ least the ones i've met). one guy had to call out to warn cart drivers who think they have right-of-way here. he was ready to pull out in front of the beast-car i drive:faint:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

It's a combination of things.
1. traffic control, especially with gates that merge with golf cart traffic
2. customer service - notice the visitor gate is closest to the gatehouse. If a visitor needs directions, the gate attendant is trained to assist them in getting where they're trying to go.
3. a deterrent to trespassers. It's not a preventative. But it does remind people that someone is always watching. If that can scare off even one house-burglar, then they've proven their value.

That's it in a nutshell.

The reason that Wal Mart and a few other stores has greeters is not to be friendly. It's because studies have shown that would be thieves are less likely to steal when they know that an employee has spoken to them and can recognize them. Store greeters are part of their security. I believe that the gate attendants are the same.

[FredJacobs]

Originally, I think they were controlled at one time, but the Morse Family took tax money from the state or Feds to maintain the roads which in effect made them public. In a subsequent lawsuit, the Morse family was required to allow the public on The Villages streets and what we have now is the compromise. The cameras do record traffic and have been used to solve some criminal activity that has taken place such as breaking into homes. So not all bad.

Originally, TV was a "gated community." When the roads needed repair work, the Developer went to the county and was told that as long as the community had private roads, the community was responsible for repairs. What, spend money on road repairs? In the blink of an eye the roads were turned over to the county.

TV advertising never claims that this is a "gated community." The gates are there to space out vehicles so that nearby side roads can have a chance to enter or cross the road. For example, the gate on Belvedere. A few feet south of the gate are two streets - Hialeah Avenue and Green Hill Trail and a little further is Churchill Downs. If it weren't for the gates, traffic from these streets would wait forever for a break before turning North or South.

[giorgio1948]

Where can i apply to be a cardboard cutout?
I think CVS...let us know...

[coconutmama]

It's a combination of things.
1. traffic control, especially with gates that merge with golf cart traffic
2. customer service - notice the visitor gate is closest to the gatehouse. If a visitor needs directions, the gate attendant is trained to assist them in getting where they're trying to go.
3. a deterrent to trespassers. It's not a preventative. But it does remind people that someone is always watching. If that can scare off even one house-burglar, then they've proven their value.

Yes, and it is a shame that the newest villages don’t have them. I like a person in the gatehouses for all the reasons you mentioned

[giorgio1948]

The gate attendants are there for traffic flow control, directions and Assistance for visitors or new TV residents.

The majority of us are also CPR trained and have phones and radios to call in for emergency assistance when needed.

Each manned gate also has “word maps” that can get you to any street that is nearby that gate. We pass out a fair amount of word maps and directional assistance.

Thank you

[Girlcopper]

The gate attendants I have interacted with have the most miserable people.
I have yet to drive thru any gate where the attendant doesnt smile wave and sometimes even wish me a good day.

[oneclickplus]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

Keeping America employed?

[Alicat5977]

Totally Agree

[J1ceasar]

Did the gate keeper help with that accident?

It's not for outsiders, if you drove a golf cart you would understand. If you were a visitor who actually was seeking information, you would understand. If you were a resident and knew where you were going, you put up the inconvenience so carts can cross the roadway without the fear of this, a speed bump in life.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/137517575_1837490663082124_6684642940599254726_o.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=-4bx4qkciDQAX-hB6Z2&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=6bb26f11d8b58fd6152e7f6194b25d01&oe=601D0C63

[photo1902]

Did the gate keeper help with that accident?

That is not an attended gate

[Larchap49]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

For me the best thing about it was when home owners ins. asked if it was a gated community I was able to answer yes with a guard and that lowered my rate. :)

[Waltdisney4life]

The term checkpoint is incorrect they manage the flow of traffic.

[72lions]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

Checkpoints? Really?

[diamond2005]

It's a combination of things.
1. traffic control, especially with gates that merge with golf cart traffic
2. customer service - notice the visitor gate is closest to the gatehouse. If a visitor needs directions, the gate attendant is trained to assist them in getting where they're trying to go.
3. a deterrent to trespassers. It's not a preventative. But it does remind people that someone is always watching. If that can scare off even one house-burglar, then they've proven their value.
Customer Service is a bunch of BS! Pine Ridge and Pine Hills, and several other entry points do not have gates.

[Annie66]

Two lanes merging to one. Gate keeper holds car next to them, to give small head start space for car at card gate.

Other than that gate keeper does not give the allusion of security.

Seems to me, the gate keepers are extraneous. They provide little or no security, and there's a cost to Villagers to have them employed. As for the Morse/466 entrance, there are other options such as redesigning the traffic flow to make that entrance safe without a gatekeeper. I for one am in favor of doing away with the gate keepers.

[MandoMan]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

Whatever we think of the gates and gatehouses, I appreciate them, and also the people who work there. I believe they are an important reason why The Villages has virtually no crime. A burglar would be crazy to go past all these cameras, and also the blessedly nosy neighbors and the neighborhood watch, even though they aren’t armed.

[dhdallas]

They are all ex Walmart greeters. "Oh, I see you are wearing a nice balaclava. Love the crowbar and bolt cutter. Have a nice day."

[jnsbill]

just my 2 cents - the gate keeper at Morse & 466 does an excellent job at alternating car traffic but really needs to look up the road and allow the back up of carts to cross Morse. Also very often the gate keeper at Enrique & El Camino leaves the exit gates in the up position, so if you are traveling towards Spanish Springs you are taking your life in your hands because when the gates are left up cars just buzz right up to the light and the carts cant see around the gate house - somebody is going to get killed

[PoolBrews]

It's a combination of things.
1. traffic control, especially with gates that merge with golf cart traffic
2. customer service - notice the visitor gate is closest to the gatehouse. If a visitor needs directions, the gate attendant is trained to assist them in getting where they're trying to go.
3. a deterrent to trespassers. It's not a preventative. But it does remind people that someone is always watching. If that can scare off even one house-burglar, then they've proven their value.

I don't buy any of these statements.


1) I have never seen a gate attendant do anything to change traffic - they don't stop cars nor alter the flow of traffic. Prime example is at the roundabout entering SS.
2) If it were for customer service, you would have attendants at ALL gates. I see NO attendants at any of the new areas - only in some of the old areas in TV.
3) If it were an actual deterrent, again it would be at all gates - not just a select few. All gates have the cameras, and all vehicle entries are tracked. The gates allow the camera time to get the photo.


The recent spend for a bathroom at one of the gates was a ridiculous waste of our money. The gate should have been changed to an automated gate like all the new ones.

[Polar Bear]

Traffic control.

Other benefits are arguable. But the traffic control benefits in this golf cart community are essential and obvious.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The gate attendants are there for traffic flow control, directions and Assistance for visitors or new TV residents.

The majority of us are also CPR trained and have phones and radios to call in for emergency assistance when needed.

Each manned gate also has “word maps” that can get you to any street that is nearby that gate. We pass out a fair amount of word maps and directional assistance.

And some of us are thankful to you all for that. My favorite is Faith, at the Boone Gate. She always makes eye contact when she lets me through, gives me a cheerful smile and tips her head as though to say "welcome home, friend!" She also has a kickass bumper sticker re: zombies on her car.

[donfey]

LOL There's a LOOOOONG line.....

[024engine]

The gate guards at the Morse & 466 gates have no regard for the golf carts trying to turn left th continue south. That gate guard should stay abreast of the number of carts waiting to turn and stop both incoming lanes of cars, to let the golf carts turn. Believe when I say if this doesn't happen, someone will be killed there. Please, look into this situation before someone dies.

[Bill14564]

I've seen the gates at Morse & 466 mentioned a couple of times here but where are they? Yes, I know, Morse and 466 but I've driven up Morse past 466 in both a car and a golf cart. I remember a traffic light for the car and a tunnel for the cart but I don't remember any gate.

EDIT: Thank you John41 and John_W. I didn't remember that but now I see it. With that backup and the southbound carts crossing the road I see what the problem is.

[John41]

I've seen the gates at Morse & 466 mentioned a couple of times here but where are they? Yes, I know, Morse and 466 but I've driven up Morse past 466 in both a car and a golf cart. I remember a traffic light for the car and a tunnel for the cart but I don't remember any gate.

Right after crossing 466 on Morse going northbound there are gates. Southbound golf carts must cross over
Morse before the gates to continue south on the cart path. It is potentially dangerous.

[John_W]

I've seen the gates at Morse & 466 mentioned a couple of times here but where are they? Yes, I know, Morse and 466 but I've driven up Morse past 466 in both a car and a golf cart. I remember a traffic light for the car and a tunnel for the cart but I don't remember any gate.

You might be thinking of Buena Vista. Driving on Morse in a car and when you crossed 466 going possibly to Spanish Springs, you would of stopped and then gone through this.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/137197959_1837934569704400_7307176573347693071_o.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=_MncysuhFaoAX-G6dMV&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=5530d102559128faf8940bf5542c808f&oe=601D6715

[Villages Kahuna]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please? Slows down traffic, provides “eyes on” all visitors, and records all visitors on video.

[kendi]

The answer to your question is explained in the latest VCDD e-bulletin. See link below.
https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20210107001301

[stebooo]

There is a reduction in homeowners insurance as a gated community

[jump4]

There are numerous, expensive gates throughout the Villages. Some are manned (which adds to the cost), but many are not. Assuming gates offer some value to residents (e.g. traffic control), what is the rational for having some but not all be manned?

[allan1954]

Just part of the show, folks.

[NoMoSno]

The gate guards at the Morse & 466 gates have no regard for the golf carts trying to turn left th continue south. That gate guard should stay abreast of the number of carts waiting to turn and stop both incoming lanes of cars, to let the golf carts turn. Believe when I say if this doesn't happen, someone will be killed there. Please, look into this situation before someone dies.
5 or 6 years ago someone was killed there.

[Bilyclub]

There are numerous, expensive gates throughout the Villages. Some are manned (which adds to the cost), but many are not. Assuming gates offer some value to residents (e.g. traffic control), what is the rational for having some but not all be manned?

I'm thinking cost would be a factor. It appears that the main entrances are the ones that are manned. Not everybody knows about the red button.

[tvbound]

During one of our rental visits, I was playing golf at Cherry Hill and really had to use a restroom. Not knowing my way around, I went to one of the gates with a person present at the gate (can't recall which one, but near a tunnel) and asked if I could use a bathroom "on an emergency basis." They let me and as I went through a back room to the restroom, I was surprised to see a number of people watching a bank of monitors of cameras, that were at gates where no one was working. It surprised me to see this, but also gave me a little reassurance, since I already knew TV isn't actually a "gated community" - as most people interpret it.

[dadoiron]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

It up holds the illusion of a safe and orderly community.

Part of the builder's overall Disney illusion experience.

[dewilson58]

It up holds the illusion of a safe and orderly community.


No illusion.....................it IS safe & orderly. :ho:

[bagboy]

5 or 6 years ago someone was killed there.

Man Dies in Golf Cart Collision in The Villages | Schulman Law Group (http://www.schulaw.com/car-accidents/man-dies-in-golf-cart-collision-in-the-villages/)

You might be thinking of this accident. It didn't happen at or near the 466/Morse gate.

[Bilyclub]

No illusion.....................it IS safe & orderly. :ho:


Yes it is. The Police do a good job on the perimeter, but some would rather they write speeding tickets all day.

[Worldseries27]

Dont discount the protection the gate cameras provide. Criminals fear all types of surveillance. Witness recent hit and run cases solved fairly quickly in tv

[Nick Kelly]

I live in Alhambra and there is only one exit and out of the Village. It is great to have it manned !!!! Great security ! They are nice people too ! It is great to have a real set of eyes on the entrance and exit.
The human mind is the best computer !

[Rodneysblue]

What is the purpose of having manned check points when anyone can go and come as they please?

As a point of information, the appearance of security.

[coffeebean]

CORRECTION Gate keepers are supposed to alternate vehicles coming thru the gates WRONG...so many do not How many of you folk have had to avoid the trucks and other vehicles who are let thru as your barrier goes up and you move forward. Carts "playing chicken" ad the barrier rises does not help
That happened to me at the Odell south gate which is manned. My gate came up and I began to proceed and a truck zoomed past me and whipped in front of my car. I was quite startled to say the least. I said to myself, "where the hell did he come from?". Gotta be careful out there.

[coffeebean]

Yes, and it is a shame that the newest villages don’t have them. I like a person in the gatehouses for all the reasons you mentioned

Which villages are you referring to, the villages south of 44?

[Bilyclub]

It looks like the main gate at Fenney was the last one to be staffed by a person.

[Steve Mosher]

We are a gated community, not a secured community. The roads belong to the developer for the first 2 years and then are turned over to the county for ongoing maintenance, except those roads in a villa neighborhood, they continue to be owned by the developer. Gate guards are helpful in assisting visitors and new contractors find their way. Also, all gate areas are camera populated for identifying vehicular violations.

[eddie888]

They are very important. I am 60 years old and I had a heart problem driving. I pulled into the gate and told him I am Having a problem breathing. He pulled over my car for me. Told me to lean back and stay in the car. He called the ambulance they were there within five minutes. Don’t ever Think they are not valuable. As well as the people that drive around. They are a great help. Amen

[Topspinmo]

It's not for outsiders, if you drove a golf cart you would understand. If you were a visitor who actually was seeking information, you would understand. If you were a resident and knew where you were going, you put up the inconvenience so carts can cross the roadway without the fear of this, a speed bump in life.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/137517575_1837490663082124_6684642940599254726_o.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=-4bx4qkciDQAX-hB6Z2&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=6bb26f11d8b58fd6152e7f6194b25d01&oe=601D0C63


What I don’t understand that should of never happen.

If can’t drive don’t drive golf cart, but that would remove 1/3 to 1/2 of golf cart traffic.

[Incoblack1]

The manned gates serve a purpose by answering questions for newcomers - but they are only needed in a few high traffic locations. Cameras are useful but can operate independently. Traffic control can be accomplished with STOP and YIELD signs where necessary. If gates are retained for residents, they need increased sensitivity (so you don't have to lower your window) or the gate cards should be replaced by transponders issued to residents.

[Topspinmo]

The manned gates serve a purpose by answering questions for newcomers - but they are only needed in a few high traffic locations. Cameras are useful but can operate independently. Traffic control can be accomplished with STOP and YIELD signs where necessary. If gates are retained for residents, they need increased sensitivity (so you don't have to lower your window) or the gate cards should be replaced by transponders issued to residents.

I don’t know why they just don’t open automatically with couple seconds delay like the exit gates. But, it would be nice if the would pick up the gate card without rolling done the window. So, will work if get close enough

[Marathon Man]

CORRECTION Gate keepers are supposed to alternate vehicles coming thru the gates WRONG...so many do not How many of you folk have had to avoid the trucks and other vehicles who are let thru as your barrier goes up and you move forward. Carts "playing chicken" ad the barrier rises does not help

Maybe it was the trucks turn to go.

[JayK!]

Illusion of security. Traffic flow management.

[Fuzz323]

It up holds the illusion of a safe and orderly community.

Part of the builder's overall Disney illusion experience.

The smoke and mirrors part of it is also used by some of the real estate sales folks who are interested in having you believe this is a secure facility. The guy that sold us our first home used his gate card EVERY time we went thru a gate when we were looking at new homes. He never went to the visitor lane if it was a manned gate. The strong inference was that without a gate card you did not get in.
Drank the kool-aid we did! :welcome:

[Bill14564]

The smoke and mirrors part of it is also used by some of the real estate sales folks who are interested in having you believe this is a secure facility. The guy that sold us our first home used his gate card EVERY time we went thru a gate when we were looking at new homes. He never went to the visitor lane if it was a manned gate. The strong inference was that without a gate card you did not get in.
Drank the kool-aid we did! :welcome:

I go to the resident lane EVERY time I go through a gate and use my card. I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything, I'm trying to considerate and not make the attendant get up for no reason. Perhaps the people that sell homes do the same thing for the same reason.

Our agent explained that the button could be used as well but she still used her card every time. It just seems like the right thing to do.

[photo1902]

Maybe it was the trucks turn to go.

I’m firmly convinced that at least some “residents” feel the resident entry has priority over the guest entry, despite who arrived first at the gates. So they’ll race from the gate, cutting off the vehicle exiting the visitor side