A new gate record

[twoplanekid]

I would have to believe our gates at Buena Vista to Hillsborough Trail have set a new record in the past 30 day for the most broken gate arms. For several days, the gate would last only one day before needing to be fixed. If it isn’t the entrance it’s the exit gate that was hit. Maybe the sun is brighter this summer because of climate change to then blind drivers so they can’t see gates. One is down again today

[thelegges]

In 07 the sun was so bright on my way to Seabreeze I almost ran into the gate. Not sure how bad global warming was then, but it would have been my fault even if the sun was blinding at the time

[Bill14564]

Would love to see a list of the excuses given for hitting a gate.

[village dreamer]

make them pay $1000 for repairs , then see how many get busted .

[Laker14]

Damn snowbirds!!!

[Topspinmo]

I would have to believe our gates at Buena Vista to Hillsborough Trail have set a new record in the past 30 day for the most broken gate arms. For several days, the gate would last only one day before needing to be fixed. If it isn’t the entrance it’s the exit gate that was hit. Maybe the sun is brighter this summer because of climate change to then blind drivers so they can’t see gates. One is down again today

Piggyback runner’s IMO see it all time where I live and many close calls.

[Topspinmo]

make them pay $1000 for repairs , then see how many get busted .


Got to catch them first, then got make them pay, odds are not going to happen.

[GpaVader]

The one thing I think they need to do is put a sign up when they first put them in. I would bet many times people don't think about it if they've been driving through there without one, and then they finally put one in. Just something that says traffic change ahead, like they do when they put new lights or stop signs in...

[Bonanza]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

[Bill14564]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

The source for the "well over a million dollars" statement?

The gates definitely DO control traffic. Crossing those entrances on foot, on a bicycle, or on a golf cart would be very dangerous without the gates.

[Dond1959]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

It is really for the golf cart crossing at the road. Think of what would happen if no gates and cars coming through at 40 to 50 mph. Many places have very limited visibility for the golf carts, so seeing the gate being down does provide some level of assurance that you won’t be mowed down by a car. Of course if the car runs through the gate going fast not much you can do.

[Bonanza]

It is really for the golf cart crossing at the road. Think of what would happen if no gates and cars coming through at 40 to 50 mph. Many places have very limited visibility for the golf carts, so seeing the gate being down does provide some level of assurance that you won’t be mowed down by a car. Of course if the car runs through the gate going fast not much you can do.

Cars are NOT going at the rate of 40 or 50 mpg when entering or exiting the gates! You are NOT going at that rate of speed when you have to make a right-hand turn from the circle into the Village nor are you going at that rate of speed when exiting and coming upon the circle.

It is incumbent upon those in a golf cart to slow down and/or stop before crossing the entrance to a Village, just like you would do when on foot before crossing a street. The problem is they don't do that! Automobiles ALWAYS have the right of way in this case.

[Bonanza]

The source for the "well over a million dollars" statement?

The gates definitely DO control traffic. Crossing those entrances on foot, on a bicycle, or on a golf cart would be very dangerous without the gates.

It would not be dangerous if people watched what they were doing instead of realizing they are the ones who need to stop first and then continue on when the coast is clear.

I've said it before; it is no different than crossing a street but somehow. many in a golf cart think they either are invincible or indestructible and plow on through without a care in the world. The onus is on them to watch out!

[DonH57]

Would love to see a list of the excuses given for hitting a gate.

Me too. Like the old David Letterman's top ten list! LOL
I can only imagine some of them.

[photo1902]

I would have to believe our gates at Buena Vista to Hillsborough Trail have set a new record in the past 30 day for the most broken gate arms. For several days, the gate would last only one day before needing to be fixed. If it isn’t the entrance it’s the exit gate that was hit. Maybe the sun is brighter this summer because of climate change to then blind drivers so they can’t see gates. One is down again today

The issue was with the motor at that gate.

[DonH57]

The source for the "well over a million dollars" statement?

The gates definitely DO control traffic. Crossing those entrances on foot, on a bicycle, or on a golf cart would be very dangerous without the gates.

Exactly. The developer had nothing to do with the gates it's the Florida department of public safety's requirement on public roads with multi modal and pedestrian crossings with vehicular traffic. I've seen similar in other states. I don't know who started the rumors of it all being the developer's idea.

[Bonanza]

The source for the "well over a million dollars" statement?

The gates definitely DO control traffic. Crossing those entrances on foot, on a bicycle, or on a golf cart would be very dangerous without the gates.

The costs are readily available for residents to see what maintenance, utilities, salaries, etc. run for all the gates. Do your homework and you will see that the totals for these gates are very expensive.

There are very few people crossing entrances on foot. And it is the responsibility of those on a bicycle or golf cart to make sure it is safe for them to cross the entrance to a Village. I will repeat . . . it is THEIR responsibility to do that! Cars have the right of way.

[Bill14564]

It would not be dangerous if people watched what they were doing instead of realizing they are the ones who need to stop first and then continue on when the coast is clear.

I've said it before; it is no different than crossing a street but somehow. many in a golf cart think they either are invincible or indestructible and plow on through without a care in the world. The onus is on them to watch out!

Sure, about the same as crossing a four-lane street with no crosswalks, no signals, and poor visibility. Quite dangerous.

My guess: you don't drive around the Villages in a golf cart and may not even live here.

[rsimpson]

It is really for the golf cart crossing at the road. Think of what would happen if no gates and cars coming through at 40 to 50 mph. Many places have very limited visibility for the golf carts, so seeing the gate being down does provide some level of assurance that you won’t be mowed down by a car. Of course if the car runs through the gate going fast not much you can do.

Agree 100% - without the gates to slow down cars, there would be many (more) collisions. Visibility from a cart, navigating the variious curves at crossways, looking around shrubs, trees, signs, poles, etc. is brutal.

[Bill14564]

The costs are readily available for residents to see what maintenance, utilities, salaries, etc. run for all the gates. Do your homework and you will see that the totals for these gates are very expensive.

There are very few people crossing entrances on foot. And it is the responsibility of those on a bicycle or golf cart to make sure it is safe for them to cross the entrance to a Village. I will repeat . . . it is THEIR responsibility to do that! Cars have the right of way.

I was pretty sure you had no source - thank you for proving that.

[Bill14564]

I was pretty sure you had no source - thank you for proving that.

The cost most likely is over a million dollars though. 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and even $10 per hour gives close to $100,000 in salary for each gatehouse. We certainly have more than 10 gatehouses. Add in electricity and maintenance and it's a pretty good number.

We may not need the attendants, even as helpful as they are, but the gates are invaluable.

[kcrazorbackfan]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

That was one of the most inept statements I’ve ever read. Apparently you don’t drive a golf cart. If you do, next time you see one down, go thru it in a cart - your pucker factor will go up a little bit.

[twoplanekid]

From the budget figures for Lake Sumter CDD found on Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org), a figure of $37,000 is found for gate repair fees collected and $357,000 for gate maintenance. I wonder how may accidents occur at the no gate crossing by carts at Old Mill Run and Canal St that are very busy streets near Lake Sumter Landing?

More information on Gate Attendant duties and staffing found here ->
Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Watch/positionGateAttendant.aspx)

[Bonanza]

That was one of the most inept statements I’ve ever read. Apparently you don’t drive a golf cart. If you do, next time you see one down, go thru it in a cart - your pucker factor will go up a little bit.

Inept? Seriously??? Just because you don't agree with me doesn't make my sentence "Inept" and your use of the word, in this case, is a poor example of what you might be trying to say. You might try respecting what others say before you make inane comments.

I have driven golf carts many times and don't choose to own one. "Pucker" that! A very dear friend was in a horrible golf cart accident last year and almost died. He is still showing signs of that accident although he has recovered pretty well.

[kkingston57]

It is really for the golf cart crossing at the road. Think of what would happen if no gates and cars coming through at 40 to 50 mph. Many places have very limited visibility for the golf carts, so seeing the gate being down does provide some level of assurance that you won’t be mowed down by a car. Of course if the car runs through the gate going fast not much you can do.

A speed bump could work to slow cars down and cost a lot less than these gates and the salaries of the "guards"

[Bonanza]

I was pretty sure you had no source - thank you for proving that.

I guess you have no clue as to what the gate "amenity" runs for each one. If you think it costs peanuts to run those operations, you are living in the dark ages. No, sir. I did my homework and you can do yours.

Just because you are lazy and don't believe me, I really don't care. It isn't my job to show you the ropes. That information is available to anyone.

[Bonanza]

A speed bump could work to slow cars down and cost a lot less than these gates and the salaries of the "guards"

Well said and well taken. Thank you!

That would work and the speed bumps could even be speed humps that are less offensive.

[twoplanekid]

correction on my post #23 - I should have included figures from Village Center CDD. Including both the totals for gate repairs collected would be 37 plus 24 ($61,000) and then 357 plus 209 for a total of $566,000 for gate maintenance. These figures should be the totals for the Villages unless the figures don't include the areas south of 44.

[Laker14]

The costs are readily available for residents to see what maintenance, utilities, salaries, etc. run for all the gates. Do your homework and you will see that the totals for these gates are very expensive.

There are very few people crossing entrances on foot. And it is the responsibility of those on a bicycle or golf cart to make sure it is safe for them to cross the entrance to a Village. I will repeat . . . it is THEIR responsibility to do that! Cars have the right of way.

Since it's "readily available", support your claim and provide us the link.
Thanks in advance.

[schwarz]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!
We should keep the gates to slow down traffic BUT eliminate the attendant. They certainly could be reassigned to the rec centers or as patrol drivers. The gate attendants at the Boone gate tend, more often than not, to simply raise the gate and wave folks through, meaning that they neither stop nor slow them down...but enablec them to enter to intersection at a pretty decent speed. If the attendant wasn't there, everyone would have to stop as they are supposed to do. The attendant creates a dangerous situation in their desire perhaps to be a nice person.

[Laker14]

Inept? Seriously??? Just because you don't agree with me doesn't make my sentence "Inept" and your use of the word, in this case, is a poor example of what you might be trying to say. You might try respecting what others say before you make inane comments.

I have driven golf carts many times and don't choose to own one. "Pucker" that! A very dear friend was in a horrible golf cart accident last year and almost died. He is still showing signs of that accident although he has recovered pretty well.

So you don't own a golf cart, but feel enlightened enough to tell us that the gates are not beneficial for those of us who do and need to cross busy streets.
Right.

[twoplanekid]

Since it's "readily available", support your claim and provide us the link.
Thanks in advance.

IN looking at the budget figures on Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org), I would say the cost for gate maintenance would be at least $500,000 per year as calculated in my previous post plus 13 - 24 hour staffed gates at 13x24x $10 per hour x 365 days = $1,138,800 plus 10 gates staffed at say ~1/2 that at 569,400 for a total of at least $1,708,200. Other cost would be utilities and other services so I would say that cost to man and maintain gates could easily be near 2.5 to 3 million per year.

follow this link for gate staffing information
Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Watch/positionGateAttendant.aspx)

[Papa_lecki]

A speed bump could work to slow cars down and cost a lot less than these gates and the salaries of the "guards"

Isn’t the purpose to make the cars STOP, not slow them down.

[Bill14564]

Isn’t the purpose to make the cars STOP, not slow them down.

And to spread the cars out thereby giving those trying to cross a break in traffic to do so. A speed bump would slow cars a bit but would allow a steady stream of cars with no breaks.

[Bonanza]

So you don't own a golf cart, but feel enlightened enough to tell us that the gates are not beneficial for those of us who do and need to cross busy streets.
Right.

Yes, "right!" I have enough golf cart experience to be able to speak effectively about them. Don't second guess me.

No one needs to own a golf cart to feel "enlightened" regarding what the gates do or don't do! Everyone knows that. I have been through the gates thousands of times as have many others. In addition, there are no gates located right at a busy street.

[Bonanza]

And to spread the cars out thereby giving those trying to cross a break in traffic to do so. A speed bump would slow cars a bit but would allow a steady stream of cars with no breaks.

Other than at the Morse gate, there are very few "steady streams of cars" at gates. Please stop exaggerating by creating a mountain out of a molehill!

It is the responsibility of a golf cart to wait until vehicular traffic permits them to cross a Village entrance. The few cars waiting in line to go through a gate come first! If an automobile driver waves one on, that's fine. But otherwise, they wait.

[Bonanza]

Since it's "readily available", support your claim and provide us the link.
Thanks in advance.

If you read all the comments, others in this thread have already given statistics that support most, but not all of the gate costs .

[Rwirish]

The gate us scheduled to close after each car goes thru. How many times to multiple cars go thru when the gate is up fir the car ahead? One car at a time, less gate crashes.

[Joe C.]

Gates aren't manned 24/7. Go thru the gates after midnight, and you'll see that there is no attendant.

IMHO, sometimes the gates are hard to see, even though they are red and white. For me, it appears that the horizontal bar just blends into the scenery, especially at the exit gates. I would prefer that they were shiny yellow and red like the bumpers and backs of the fire trucks and ambulances. Easier to see.

[tsmall22204]

This is a silly post and response. On one hand they complain about how fast the golf carts drive, how many unsafe acts the bicyclists commit, cars driving in MMPs, and people feeling privileged. The gates are necessary because operating a vehicle causes problems or perceived problems. I

[crash]

make them pay $1000 for repairs , then see how many get busted .

They put in the cameras exactly for this reason.The charge is $200 I believe. They have 2 guys whose full time job is to fix the gates.

[Glorantha]

The gates help space out traffic allowing bike cyclists, carts and pedestrians openings to cross. I have seen similar gates on on-ramps to interstates in densely populated urbane areas help space traffic.

[Mushkie]

Got to catch them first, then got make them pay, odds are not going to happen.

They catch them a lot because there are video cameras of the crashing !!

[Laker14]

IN looking at the budget figures on Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org), I would say the cost for gate maintenance would be at least $500,000 per year as calculated in my previous post plus 13 - 24 hour staffed gates at 13x24x $10 per hour x 365 days = $1,138,800 plus 10 gates staffed at say ~1/2 that at 569,400 for a total of at least $1,708,200. Other cost would be utilities and other services so I would say that cost to man and maintain gates could easily be near 2.5 to 3 million be year.

follow this link for gate staffing information
Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Community-Watch/positionGateAttendant.aspx)

thank you for the information.

[Laker14]

Yes, "right!" I have enough golf cart experience to be able to speak effectively about them. Don't second guess me.

No one needs to own a golf cart to feel "enlightened" regarding what the gates do or don't do! Everyone knows that. I have been through the gates thousands of times as have many others. In addition, there are no gates located right at a busy street.

But since you don't own a cart, or use a cart, you, of course, see no benefit in the gates. Most residents of TV do use golf carts, and use them a lot. So those of us who do use golf carts a lot see everyday the value of having a gate arm come down and stop traffic in order to let at least one car across. During busy times, the carts would be backed up a long way waiting for a natural break in the stream of traffic. That's a fact.
I'm not "second guessing " you. I'm telling you you are just plain wrong in saying they don't help.

As far as the expense, using Two Plane Kid's numbers from the District site, of $3Million/year, and dividing it by the estimated 130,000 people who live in TV, that comes to about $23/year per person, or $46 per household.

Most of us are more than happy to pay that amount in order to have the cart traffic moving along, and don't mind the moment of inconvenience it causes us when we are in our cars.

[Flyers999]

make them pay $1000 for repairs , then see how many get busted .

Stroke of genius! Turn gates into a moneymaker. Get rid of all the stop signs and replace them with gates.

[dhdallas]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

I agree 100%. The gates are nothing more than a marketing tool so TV can appear to be a gated community. They are as artificial as everything else here. A speed bump would work better than the ridiculous gates.

[Ken D.]

I can only assume the cars have physical damage after hitting a gate. I would think that alone is a deterrent.

[NoMo50]

I agree 100%. The gates are nothing more than a marketing tool so TV can appear to be a gated community. They are as artificial as everything else here. A speed bump would work better than the ridiculous gates.

What is "artificial" here?

[Bay Kid]

Can't blame the snowbirds. Maybe visitors?

[star20166@yahoo.com]

Going rate is $250.00

[NoMo50]

They put in the cameras exactly for this reason.The charge is $200 I believe. They have 2 guys whose full time job is to fix the gates.

I spoke to an employee with the Property Management division about this topic a few months ago, when the gate at our village was being taken out nearly every week. He said there is an employee in the office who tracks down people who damage the gates, and they send them a bill for the damages. According to him, replacing just the gate arm was a $300 charge. Well over $1,000 if the motor and/or control box is damaged.

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread is on its way to 100 posts just like an endless roundabout thread.

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree 100%. The gates are nothing more than a marketing tool so TV can appear to be a gated community. They are as artificial as everything else here. A speed bump would work better than the ridiculous gates.

Well, that's a nice broad brush..................

[4557Spahr]

You never know if the gate is up for good or if it’s going to come down on your car. Consistency would be helpful. Up or down? They need to make up their minds.

[Dantes]

The district is very big on making people pay for damage
The cameras catch the tag they file a report. Police fine them and insurance pays

[Bilyclub]

The gates are good and serve a purpose. Anybody who says there are never lines of cars streaming thru gates has never taken the Buena Vista MMP during the day. St. Charles and Bailey Tr. are ridiculous and dangerous to cross at times.

[GpaVader]

Not all gates serve the purpose of providing a safe crossing. We just had our gates installed at The Hammocks at Fenney. There is no crossing there or anyplace to close to it. The location is purely to slow in and outbound traffic. No attendant, while it has a card reader and a button neither is required, simply approach the gate and it opens. On approaching or exiting vehicles, it will slow the first one down but it will allow for a steady stream of vehicles to go through it.

[Bill14564]

You never know if the gate is up for good or if it’s going to come down on your car. Consistency would be helpful. Up or down? They need to make up their minds.

Unless it is broken in the up position then it is going to come down.

Gates into a neighborhood come down between each and every vehicle. Yes, it is possible to tailgate someone and maybe make it through the gate but it will be coming down on you.

Gates out of a neighborhood are activated by a sensor (in the ground or a light beam, I don't know). If you are close enough behind the car in front of you then it will usually sense your vehicle and keep the gate up for you. If you are not close enough then the gate will come down. If you are unsure, watch the arm for two seconds and you will either see it move or not. Really very simple.

[Ramone]

In 07 the sun was so bright on my way to Seabreeze I almost ran into the gate. Not sure how bad global warming was then, but it would have been my fault even if the sun was blinding at the time

The Sun was not anymore or less bright in 2007 than today. Sun in the eyes at gate was same. Just more drivers here every year with limited driving ability.

[Laker14]

The gates are good and serve a purpose. Anybody who says there are never lines of cars streaming thru gates has never taken the Buena Vista MMP during the day. St. Charles and Bailey Tr. are ridiculous and dangerous to cross at times.

Amen, Brother. St. Charles, just off BV, would be impossible without the gates. It's really bad even with the gates.

Where BV MMP crosses Old Mill Run there is no gate, and it's not unusual to have 15 or 20 carts waiting to cross there. A gate probably wouldn't be workable with the car traffic on Old Mill there, but it's a good indication of how useful they are in other places.

[MrFlorida]

If they can't stop for the gate, do you think they would stop for a cart crossing the road just beyond ?

[reggiethurlow]

I agree, the gates are not needed.

[twoplanekid]

The district is very big on making people pay for damage
The cameras catch the tag they file a report. Police fine them and insurance pays

I would hope so yet the amount collected according to the budget figures found on the district website is $61,000 for gate repairs collect (repair fines) and $566,000 for gate maintenance ( wonder how much of this is for breakage).

[justjim]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

As said many many times. The gates are there to protect the golf carts and to slow down careless drivers. Safety always has a cost. Most of the time the car/person that knocks down the gate pays the costs. It doesn’t cost you or me…

[mikeycereal]

The complex where I lived at previously before moving here had such a slow gate (when it was even working) everyone piggybacked. Tried that here a month ago and had to stop and back up quickly because that arm was coming down fast. New village and no one was behind me but from now on I wait the few seconds. You really don't know the gate speed until you witness it. So like another said in this thread, probably some piggybackers on a good % of the breaks.

[Bogie Shooter]

The complex where I lived at previously before moving here had such a slow gate (when it was even working) everyone piggybacked. Tried that here a month ago and had to stop and back up quickly because that arm was coming down fast. New village and no one was behind me but from now on I wait the few seconds. You really don't know the gate speed until you witness it. So like another said in this thread, probably some piggybackers on a good % of the breaks.

Tried that piggy back huh? What was your motive? Saving 10 seconds?

[larrytx219]

GREAT POINT! This is why we need a simple registration decal like most large apartment complexes use. The cameras will catch the number and the police can assist. Not a license registration, just a decal with their number.

[Pat La Rosa]

If you go through the gates at dusk the color of the gate blends with the background. They should paint the gate Yellow instead of White and it will be easier to see when you are approaching it.

[Bill14564]

If you go through the gates at dusk the color of the gate blends with the background. They should paint the gate Yellow instead of White and it will be easier to see when you are approaching it.

There is (almost) always a gate. If you don't see it, stop and look harder.

Are people really thinking, "Let's see there are gates at nearly every entrance and exit and they are always attached to those white boxes on the side of the road. I am at the entrance and I see the white box but I don't see a gate. This must be the exception! I'll just barrel on through!"

A different color scheme might help with visibility but it won't help with careless or clueless drivers. Plus, on other threads it has been asserted that the current red/white coloring is a State or local requirement (I don't know if that's true).

[Bilyclub]

Not all gates serve the purpose of providing a safe crossing. We just had our gates installed at The Hammocks at Fenney. There is no crossing there or anyplace to close to it. The location is purely to slow in and outbound traffic. No attendant, while it has a card reader and a button neither is required, simply approach the gate and it opens. On approaching or exiting vehicles, it will slow the first one down but it will allow for a steady stream of vehicles to go through it.

The gate goes up automatically because it's new. I'm pretty sure they call it contractor mode or something like that. They will eventually switch over to the card and button mode.

[barnacle44]

I would have to believe our gates at Buena Vista to Hillsborough Trail have set a new record in the past 30 day for the most broken gate arms. For several days, the gate would last only one day before needing to be fixed. If it isn’t the entrance it’s the exit gate that was hit. Maybe the sun is brighter this summer because of climate change to then blind drivers so they can’t see gates. One is down again today




I think some blinking lights on the bars would help.

[Joe C.]

NO SPEED BUMPS .....PLEASE
For those of us with bad backs, speed bumps and golf carts just don't work right.

How about a heavy duty, solid steel (2 ton) horizontal bar .... that would work just fine. It would damage the vehicle, and the driver would probably learn to pay attention.

Or how about those tire shredders that some parking garages have where people who enter the wrong way encounter. Now that would be fun to watch !!!

[kcrazorbackfan]

Inept? Seriously??? Just because you don't agree with me doesn't make my sentence "Inept" and your use of the word, in this case, is a poor example of what you might be trying to say. You might try respecting what others say before you make inane comments.

I have driven golf carts many times and don't choose to own one. "Pucker" that! A very dear friend was in a horrible golf cart accident last year and almost died. He is still showing signs of that accident although he has recovered pretty well.

Probably wasn’t because a gate was down though.

People without carts are always the first to chime in about the gates needing to be taken down. I got your attention so I did get my point across.

I do respect others, except when someone makes an “inane” (your words) comment about taking the gates down or making some other kind of goofy suggestion.

If some of you don’t like the gates or the guard shacks or community watch or the flowers planted at the entrances/roundabouts or anything else The Developer has done, pool your resources together and scratch out a check and build your own nirvana.

[DaleDivine]

Unless it is broken in the up position then it is going to come down.

Gates into a neighborhood come down between each and every vehicle. Yes, it is possible to tailgate someone and maybe make it through the gate but it will be coming down on you.

Gates out of a neighborhood are activated by a sensor (in the ground or a light beam, I don't know). If you are close enough behind the car in front of you then it will usually sense your vehicle and keep the gate up for you. If you are not close enough then the gate will come down. If you are unsure, watch the arm for two seconds and you will either see it move or not. Really very simple.

Gates don't always come down after the first vehicle. What about all of the work trucks in TV with trailers. They make it through ok...
:shrug::bowdown::shrug:

[DaleDivine]

If you go through the gates at dusk the color of the gate blends with the background. They should paint the gate Yellow instead of White and it will be easier to see when you are approaching it.

Paint the gate arms like at Water Oak community. Theirs are very bright. And also they could put flashing lites on them powered by solar panels.

:bigbow::bigbow:

[DaleDivine]

NO SPEED BUMPS .....PLEASE
For those of us with bad backs, speed bumps and golf carts just don't work right.

How about a heavy duty, solid steel (2 ton) horizontal bar .... that would work just fine. It would damage the vehicle, and the driver would probably learn to pay attention.

Or how about those tire shredders that some parking garages have where people who enter the wrong way encounter. Now that would be fun to watch !!!

I'm sure some cars like Corvettes ride very low (from factory) and would do considerable damage after hitting a few of those speed bumps.

:BigApplause::BigApplause::(

[DaleDivine]

Cars are NOT going at the rate of 40 or 50 mpg when entering or exiting the gates! You are NOT going at that rate of speed when you have to make a right-hand turn from the circle into the Village nor are you going at that rate of speed when exiting and coming upon the circle.

It is incumbent upon those in a golf cart to slow down and/or stop before crossing the entrance to a Village, just like you would do when on foot before crossing a street. The problem is they don't do that! Automobiles ALWAYS have the right of way in this case.

You obviously have not been paying attention to the speed of cars when the gates
are removed for possible hurricane evacuation. TV puts up STOP signs at the gates but they may as well just forget that. And people DO go through at a higher rate of speed because they don't want to have to wait 10 seconds for a cart to cross.
I want to move into that make believe world that you live in where everything you design is perfect.

:popcorn::cus::popcorn:

[Bill14564]

Gates don't always come down after the first vehicle. What about all of the work trucks in TV with trailers. They make it through ok...
:shrug::bowdown::shrug:

I have never seen a gate into a neighborhood that did not go down between vehicles. Could it happen? Sure, stuff happens, and if you identify the gate I'll check it out just for fun.

Why would a truck with a trailer not make it through? Smart car, Prius, Corvette, Dodge Ram... size doesn't matter. A truck with a trailer is just a longer vehicle.

[mikeycereal]

Tried that piggy back huh? What was your motive? Saving 10 seconds?

Motive? Going in the gate I think. 10 seconds is way too long. I'm a 5 second guy. (that's what she said.)

[wisbad1]

I would have to believe our gates at Buena Vista to Hillsborough Trail have set a new record in the past 30 day for the most broken gate arms. For several days, the gate would last only one day before needing to be fixed. If it isn’t the entrance it’s the exit gate that was hit. Maybe the sun is brighter this summer because of climate change to then blind drivers so they can’t see gates. One is down again today
Maybe it’s the same blind or stupid guy

[MrFlorida]

If there were no gates, then it would be the golf carts getting crushed , no thanks, I'll keep the gates. At least they give you a chance to cross the road .

[pabotticelli]

Piggyback runner’s IMO see it all time where I live and many close calls.

Yes many piggyback runners. Very disturbing and dangerous!

[rhood]

Exactly. The developer had nothing to do with the gates it's the Florida department of public safety's requirement on public roads with multi modal and pedestrian crossings with vehicular traffic. I've seen similar in other states. I don't know who started the rumors of it all being the developer's idea.

Can you cite the source ?

[dougawhite]

I would have to believe our gates at Buena Vista to Hillsborough Trail have set a new record in the past 30 day for the most broken gate arms.

Lynnhaven Blvd at Rainey Trail beat ya. Twice a day this week!

[Joe Sacco]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

I doubt it could be put to better use. Community Watch and gate personnel are looking out for your community. Swing by one of the unsupervised neighborhoods in the local area and check out the managers outlook on traffic and crime. Everyone here is free to pursue the lifestyle at will, unencumbered by common traffic issues. I believe the current system should remain as is.

[mkjelenbaas]

I would have to believe our gates at Buena Vista to Hillsborough Trail have set a new record in the past 30 day for the most broken gate arms. For several days, the gate would last only one day before needing to be fixed. If it isn’t the entrance it’s the exit gate that was hit. Maybe the sun is brighter this summer because of climate change to then blind drivers so they can’t see gates. One is down again today
Who cares?

[Bogie Shooter]

Who cares?

80+ posters.:1rotfl:

[brianherlihy]

get rid of them dont need

[daca55]

The gates are needed to control traffic. They need to be redesigned. If they were a heavy grade of rubber and they should have some give to them so when hit they flex and come back to original position. Right now there’s no flex as they are rigid and when hit they break.

[Wyseguy]

Would love to see a list of the excuses given for hitting a gate.

Have a gate at the entrance and exit of my driveway in NY. One Saturday night someone missed the turn and hit the gate, corrected, backed up, hit the stone wall and then further down the mountain hit the exit gate. Police were looking at the damage with me Sunday Morning when the culprit pulls up (obvious to me it was in a different car) and confesses to all of the damage. Police chief asked what happened. His excuse, " The curve was really difficult to make because I had been drinking and was a bit drunk."

[Wyseguy]

The gates are needed to control traffic. They need to be redesigned. If they were a heavy grade of rubber and they should have some give to them so when hit they flex and come back to original position. Right now there’s no flex as they are rigid and when hit they break.

Gate arms that stop traffic are often times held to the structure with vinyl nuts made to break off if hit. It is cheaper to replace a bolt vs the arm.If the arm is off look at the video and find the culprit. Are there any spelled out penalties for breaking a gate arm?

[MrFlorida]

get rid of them dont need

Obviously you don't cross the roads in a golf cart, the gates are there to slow cars down so you can cross safely. Without them, it would be a free for all....

[forebubba]

The solution is to get rid of the gates. YES -- get rid of them! Many would like to believe that they control traffic. Nonsense! The developer put them there to make would-be buyers believe they are buying into a truly gated community. Between the maintenance of the gates, utilities, and salaries for those keystone cops who "man" the gates, it costs well over a million dollars a year. That money could surely be put to better use!

If you drive a golf cart you would see the gates are useful if for nothing else safety.
Have you seen cars drive though where the gates are down. Some dont even touch the brakes.
The design is bad because the is no counter balance on the arm. They would last much longer if the motor and gears did not have to lift the entire weight of the arm. An easy fix.

[Matzy]

I think we have to understand what does it mean when talking about “RIGHT”, I disagree, because there is no RIGHT. There are a lot of different traffic regulations not rights. If there a pedestrian, golf-cart, bicycle is/are crossing the street you do not have any right to run it over, .
In my understanding the gates are a kindly way of slowing down the traffic (beside it is a sign to enter a villages) and a reminder that everyone should accept each other as a user of the road.

[Luggage]

We are in a different community, but a big sign that says $250 fine would be a help, as well as speed bumps. Sometimes you see the gate going up or going down and your head simply does not click to stop your car it's a real annoyance but if you only use plastic nuts to hold the gate on the bar will not break and it will not lwill not be a cost to high .

[Laker14]

We are in a different community, but a big sign that says $250 fine would be a help, as well as speed bumps. Sometimes you see the gate going up or going down and your head simply does not click to stop your car it's a real annoyance but if you only use plastic nuts to hold the gate on the bar will not break and it will not lwill not be a cost to high .

Are you in TV?

[Bogie Shooter]

We are in a different community, but a big sign that says $250 fine would be a help, as well as speed bumps. Sometimes you see the gate going up or going down and your head simply does not click to stop your car it's a real annoyance but if you only use plastic nuts to hold the gate on the bar will not break and it will not lwill not be a cost to high .

Are you in TV?

Annoyance to a non villager, sorry.

[Bonanza]

The gates help space out traffic allowing bike cyclists, carts and pedestrians openings to cross. I have seen similar gates on on-ramps to interstates in densely populated urbane areas help space traffic.

TV gates do not "space out" traffic. The cars going through the gates are still one after the other.

What you are describing is completely different from the Village gates. I have never seen a gate controlling access on to an Interstate, but I have seen red and green lights (similar to traffic lights) which thread auto access on a highway ramp. They are electronically operated and controlled by the autos themselves. In addition, when you enter the highway, the cars stream onto a dedicated lane that merges with the existing traffic.

[Bonanza]

But since you don't own a cart, or use a cart, you, of course, see no benefit in the gates. Most residents of TV do use golf carts, and use them a lot. So those of us who do use golf carts a lot see everyday the value of having a gate arm come down and stop traffic in order to let at least one car across. During busy times, the carts would be backed up a long way waiting for a natural break in the stream of traffic. That's a fact.
I'm not "second guessing " you. I'm telling you you are just plain wrong in saying they don't help.

As far as the expense, using Two Plane Kid's numbers from the District site, of $3Million/year, and dividing it by the estimated 130,000 people who live in TV, that comes to about $23/year per person, or $46 per household.

Most of us are more than happy to pay that amount in order to have the cart traffic moving along, and don't mind the moment of inconvenience it causes us when we are in our cars.

You ARE second-guessing me! I did own a golf cart for quite a while and subsequently, chose to sell it. I have never seen the benefit of the gates and I truly believe those who think they are terrific are a product of Morse's brainwashing and giving residents a false sense of security as to their benefit.

Yes, the gates do stop traffic momentarily but when there is another car directly behind that one, there is still not enough time for a golf cart to safely cross the entrance to a village. They still have to wait!

Your breaking the cost down to $23.00 per year, per person is laughingly ridiculous and probably not very accurate, but what difference does it make??? :a040:

[biker1]

You could not be more wrong. There is ample time for a golf cart to cross the entrance to a Village when the arm comes down and before it goes back up for the next car. I experience this every day at the entrance to not only my Village but also other Villages. It is usually a two-step process with a stop in the middle of the crossing area. Without the gates providing flow control, it would be dangerous for golf carts crossing the entrances to the Villages. Sorry you don’t agree but that is the reality of the situation. Language such as “brainwashing” is disingenuous, at best, and should be avoided.

You ARE second-guessing me! I did own a golf cart for quite a while and subsequently, chose to sell it. I have never seen the benefit of the gates and I truly believe those who think they are terrific are a product of Morse's brainwashing and giving residents a false sense of security as to their benefit.

Yes, the gates do stop traffic momentarily but when there is another car directly behind that one, there is still not enough time for a golf cart to safely cross the entrance to a village. They still have to wait!

Your breaking the cost down to $23.00 per year, per person is laughingly ridiculous and probably not very accurate, but what difference does it make??? :a040:

[Bonanza]

You could not be more wrong. There is ample time for a golf cart to cross the entrance to a Village when the arm comes down and before it goes back up for the next car. I experience this every day at the entrance to not only my Village but also other Villages. It is usually a two-step process with a stop in the middle of the crossing area. Without the gates providing flow control, it would be dangerous for golf carts crossing the entrances to the Villages. Sorry you don’t agree but that is the reality of the situation. Language such as “brainwashing” is disingenuous, at best, and should be avoided.

What I have stated is logical and not wrong and your your "opinion" is not realistic. I have stated what really happens at the entrances. What you have written is wishful thinking.

When there are back-to-back cars in line to get through a village gate, there is not "ample time" for a golf cart to cross between them! It's virtually impossible unless a driver leaves some room and lets the golf cart pass. Back-to-back cars waiting to pass through the gate do not provide any time or space for a golf cart. Period!

My use of brainwashing is not disingenuous. The developer, has passed on to Villages' real estate agents, the thought that each village is part of a gated community, making would-be buyers think they are buying into a safe and secure gated community. The agents may not lie when asked direct questions, but that is the illusion they attempt to create.

[Laker14]

You ARE second-guessing me! I did own a golf cart for quite a while and subsequently, chose to sell it. I have never seen the benefit of the gates and I truly believe those who think they are terrific are a product of Morse's brainwashing and giving residents a false sense of security as to their benefit.

Yes, the gates do stop traffic momentarily but when there is another car directly behind that one, there is still not enough time for a golf cart to safely cross the entrance to a village. They still have to wait!

Your breaking the cost down to $23.00 per year, per person is laughingly ridiculous and probably not very accurate, but what difference does it make??? :a040:

Nope. No false sense of security for me. I well understand that anyone can pass through the gate.

Wrong again. Knowing the arm is coming down in between cars allows a waiting cart to get at least half-way across. That's all the cart needs, is half-way once, half-way twice, and it's through the intersection. It works, over and over again. If you can't see that it's because you don't drive a cart every day.

As far as breaking down the cost to $23 per year per person being "laughingly ridiculous", I used twoplanekid's numbers from the District website, using his higher estimate of $3Million per year and divided it by the population of TV which I understand to be in excess of 130,000.

When I divide 3Million by 130,000 I get 23. Do you have different numbers you can support, or does your calculator come up with a different number?

[golfing eagles]

You ARE second-guessing me! I did own a golf cart for quite a while and subsequently, chose to sell it. I have never seen the benefit of the gates and I truly believe those who think they are terrific are a product of Morse's brainwashing and giving residents a false sense of security as to their benefit.



You could not be more wrong. There is ample time for a golf cart to cross the entrance to a Village when the arm comes down and before it goes back up for the next car. I experience this every day at the entrance to not only my Village but also other Villages. It is usually a two-step process with a stop in the middle of the crossing area. Without the gates providing flow control, it would be dangerous for golf carts crossing the entrances to the Villages. Sorry you don’t agree but that is the reality of the situation. Language such as “brainwashing” is disingenuous, at best, and should be avoided.

What I have stated is logical and not wrong and your your "opinion" is not realistic. I have stated what really happens at the entrances. What you have written is wishful thinking.

When there are back-to-back cars in line to get through a village gate, there is not "ample time" for a golf cart to cross between them! It's virtually impossible unless a driver leaves some room and lets the golf cart pass. Back-to-back cars waiting to pass through the gate do not provide any time or space for a golf cart. Period!

My use of brainwashing is not disingenuous. The developer, has passed on to Villages' real estate agents, the thought that each village is part of a gated community, making would-be buyers think they are buying into a safe and secure gated community. The agents may not lie when asked direct questions, but that is the illusion they attempt to create.

This is real easy to resolve. There are 50,000 golf carts in TV, and EVERY SINGLE DRIVER OF ONE knows that there is ample time to cross behind the gates. The statement "I did own a golf cart for quite a while and subsequently, chose to sell it" simply does not pass the smell test. And for those that don't want to be "second-guessed", all I can state is:

[biker1]

2 year olds and the clueless - people not worth arguing with.


What I have stated is logical and not wrong and your your "opinion" is not realistic. I have stated what really happens at the entrances. What you have written is wishful thinking.

When there are back-to-back cars in line to get through a village gate, there is not "ample time" for a golf cart to cross between them! It's virtually impossible unless a driver leaves some room and lets the golf cart pass. Back-to-back cars waiting to pass through the gate do not provide any time or space for a golf cart. Period!

My use of brainwashing is not disingenuous. The developer, has passed on to Villages' real estate agents, the thought that each village is part of a gated community, making would-be buyers think they are buying into a safe and secure gated community. The agents may not lie when asked direct questions, but that is the illusion they attempt to create.

[golfing eagles]

2 year olds and the clueless - people not worth arguing with.

True. I wonder if dementia is playing a role here. Then again, I just saw a poll that indicated 14% of Americans have a plan for the zombie apocalypse

[Bilyclub]

Some people view reality in a way most normal persons can't comprehend.

[Bonanza]

Nope. No false sense of security for me. I well understand that anyone can pass through the gate.

Wrong again. Knowing the arm is coming down in between cars allows a waiting cart to get at least half-way across. That's all the cart needs, is half-way once, half-way twice, and it's through the intersection. It works, over and over again. If you can't see that it's because you don't drive a cart every day.

As far as breaking down the cost to $23 per year per person being "laughingly ridiculous", I used twoplanekid's numbers from the District website, using his higher estimate of $3Million per year and divided it by the population of TV which I understand to be in excess of 130,000.

When I divide 3Million by 130,000 I get 23. Do you have different numbers you can support, or does your calculator come up with a different number?

YOU may understand that anyone can enter any village, however, if you read what I wrote (duh) potential buyers do NOT know that; they are led to believe that TV is a gated community.

YOU may think getting halfway across the entrances works but if you watch the golf carts, most don't do that. They would have to be pressing the pedal to the metal because they really do not have a lot of time when the cars are backed up to enter a community. I have driven a cart for enough years to know exactly how the gates, etc. work.

It IS laughingly ridiculous that you even attempt to break down the cost to a per person amount. Not only ridiculous but downright dumb. Regardless of what the figure actually IS -- that's a helluva lot of money, and not money well spent.

[Bonanza]

This is real easy to resolve. There are 50,000 golf carts in TV, and EVERY SINGLE DRIVER OF ONE knows that there is ample time to cross behind the gates. The statement "I did own a golf cart for quite a while and subsequently, chose to sell it" simply does not pass the smell test. And for those that don't want to be "second-guessed", all I can state is:

So exactly what are you smelling??!?
We got rid of our golf cart and chose not to get another one.
So what is your problem with that?
chilout

[golfing eagles]

So exactly what are you smelling??!?
We got rid of our golf cart and chose not to get another one.
So what is your problem with that?
chilout


Considering the concept that there isn't enough time to cross at a gate is not shared by the other 50,000+ cart drivers in TV, there is absolutely no problem with you giving up your cart, in fact, I applaud your action. It's better for me, better for you, and certainly better for anyone who would get stuck behind you at a gate crossing.

[Bonanza]

Considering the concept that there isn't enough time to cross at a gate is not shared by the other 50,000+ cart drivers in TV, there is absolutely no problem with you giving up your cart, in fact, I applaud your action. It's better for me, better for you, and certainly better for anyone who would get stuck behind you at a gate crossing.

It's funny, but I don't see anything close to 50,000 golf carts going halfway across a village entrance. You must have spent years sitting there counting them and I wonder if you got all their signatures to verify your probable inaccuracy.

Anyone behind me at a gate would breeze right on through after me with no problem . . . in a car, that is. :icon_wink:

[golfing eagles]

It's funny, but I don't see anything close to 50,000 golf carts going halfway across a village entrance. You must have spent years sitting there counting them and I wonder if you got all their signatures to verify your probable inaccuracy.

Anyone behind me at a gate would breeze right on through after me with no problem . . . in a car, that is. :icon_wink:

Don't be obtuse.

"The carts are hard to miss. The Villages, a retirement community where most of the inhabitants are over the age of 60, is home to approximately 125,000 people and more than 50,000 golf carts, according to Babiarz Law Firm of The Villages."

And that was from December, 2018. How many more now?

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread is on its way to 100 posts just like an endless roundabout thread.

Like I said……….:shrug:

[Laker14]

It's funny, but I don't see anything close to 50,000 golf carts going halfway across a village entrance. You must have spent years sitting there counting them and I wonder if you got all their signatures to verify your probable inaccuracy.

Anyone behind me at a gate would breeze right on through after me with no problem . . . in a car, that is. :icon_wink:

On second thought, I'm sure you are right.

[JMintzer]

Yes, the gates do stop traffic momentarily but when there is another car directly behind that one, there is still not enough time for a golf cart to safely cross the entrance to a village. They still have to wait! not very accurate, but what difference does it make??? :a040:

Sorry, but not true...

It is quite easy to cross half way and wait until the gate goes down. That will give you more than enough time to cross before the gate goes up again and a another car comes thru...

And what I stated is MY real world experience and what I observe happening every single day, day after day...