Do we really need Gate Cards?

[mrf0151]

Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.

[JoMar]

Because some folks have short arms, cards let TV collect data, cards let you place alternative openers on your mirrors keeping your arm dry are a couple.

[Altavia]

The cards create the illusion of a gated community.

(The entry gates could work like exit gates as they do sometimes during construction)

[Goldwingnut]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.

[alwann]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.

In general, gates, good. Guest gates side-by-side with Resident gates, not good. Frequent races occur to see who can get through first. There are numerous locations where the Guest gates are obscured and carts crossing can't see whether a car is that Guest lane. Extra caution required.

[MightyDog]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.
A bit more. They are also a security measure in the sense that license plates are being photo-captured as you drive thru the gates. The major gates, anyway, have photo cameras positioned towards the back of your car.

[GpaVader]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.

Which is exactly why they are not needed everywhere. I understand the traffic control aspect of it but if you look at Fenney or many of the areas south, many don't have cart or pedestrian crossing at or near the area. It's a waste of resources.

[dewilson58]

Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.

Totally a personal choice.
If you don't like them, push away.

:ohdear:

[dewilson58]

The cards create the illusion of a gated community.



Did you fall for that?!?!?! :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Villagevip]

Cards make you feel legit... : )

[kansasr]

The same could be accomplished by having arms that open automatically as you approach, like the exit gates...but that would destroy the illusion of a gated community.

[Altavia]

Did you fall for that?!?!?! :1rotfl::1rotfl:

If you don't know, you don't know :1rotfl:

[Altavia]

In general, gates, good. Guest gates side-by-side with Resident gates, not good. Frequent races occur to see who can get through first. There are numerous locations where the Guest gates are obscured and carts crossing can't see whether a car is that Guest lane. Extra caution required.

The question is regarding the need for gate cards...

[JohnN]

gate cards are essential to slow auto traffic down so the golf carts can run their stop signs and get across faster

[Dusty_Star]

I would like to see the gate attendants slow down the incoming guest traffic. On a gate entrance I use frequently they open the gate as soon as they see a truck or car heading their way. The end result is the entering guest traffic has no slow down what so ever & they frequently just speed through the entrance.

[Bill14564]

I would like to see the gate attendants slow down the incoming guest traffic. On a gate entrance I use frequently they open the gate as soon as they see a truck or car heading their way. The end result is the entering guest traffic has no slow down what so ever & they frequently just speed through the entrance.

I see that every so often in my neighborhood. I write to Community Watch and suggest that it creates a dangerous situation and the practice usually stops - at least for a while.

[Dusty_Star]

I see that every so often in my neighborhood. I write to Community Watch and suggest that it creates a dangerous situation and the practice usually stops - at least for a while.

Oh, that's a good idea. I'll try it. I think the gate attendant thinks he is doing a very good job of getting the traffic through quickly - with nary a thought about why the gates are there in the first place.

[tophcfa]

I need our card to get through the gate with no red button that provides golf cart access to places like Lowel’s, WaWa, Walmart, Tropical Smoothie, BJ’s, and Aldi. Otherwise, the red buttons work just fine. The gate has no red button because it’s there to keep non Villagers from bringing their golf carts into the bubble (nothing prohibits them from entering by automobile).

[Dusty_Star]

I need our card to get through the gate with no red button that provides golf cart access to places like Lowel’s, WaWa, Walmart, Tropical Smoothie, BJ’s, and Aldi. Otherwise, the red buttons work just fine. The gate has no red button because it’s there to keep non Villagers from bringing their golf carts into the bubble (nothing prohibits them from entering by automobile).

That's interesting. This post from about a week ago, was from a user who does not live in The Villages, but says in his post that the cart paths are the only thing he wants out of The Villages, & made his cart street legal to get to them. He must come from a neighboring development on another side from the Lowes, WaWa, etc. entrance you mentioned. I wonder what ever does he want out of the MMPs if they are the ONLY thing he wants? Smells fishy to me.

04-02-2024, 08:45 AM
ChicagoNative ChicagoNative is offline
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We are also among the great unwashed who are not IN the bubble, but share a border on two sides of our community. We’re about a quarter mile from accessing a road with a golf cart lane. We used 24Hr. Cart Club to make ours street legal. 352-661-0562, Joey Faulkner. His is a family-owned company and they are fantastic to work with. They handled EVERYTHING for us, including pickup and drop off of the cart.

Yes, you will pay car insurance rates and their fee for doing whatever needs to be done to your cart. (Extra reflectors, wiper, etc). For us it was well worth it as the golf cart paths were the only thing we wanted out of the Villages. We’re not golfers and we don’t give a fig about “3000 clubs”. We figure that what we pay in insurance is worth NOT having to pay an inflated price for the house, a bond, CDD, etc.
With a street legal LSV, you are able to travel on any road with a speed limit of 35mph or less, and you can cross “the sixes” as long as you are at a light.

[Altavia]

That's interesting. This post from about a week ago, was from a user who does not live in The Villages, but says in his post that the cart paths are the only thing he wants out of The Villages, & made his cart street legal to get to them. He must come from a neighboring development on another side from the Lowes, WaWa, etc. entrance you mentioned. I wonder what ever does he want out of the MMPs if they are the ONLY thing he wants? Smells fishy to me.



The City of Wildwood downtown redevelopment plan includes adding a cart path along 44A connecting to Brownwood.

[Bill14564]

The City of Wildwood downtown redevelopment plan includes adding a cart path along 44A connecting to Brownwood.

Does that path go to Brownwood or to the intersection with Powell Rd? Since Powell Rd has a 35mph speed limit, golf carts would not be allowed to cross. It will be interesting to see if the cart path is ever built and whether it is allowed to connect to the Villages side of the street.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

gate cards are essential to slow auto traffic down so the golf carts can run their stop signs and get across faster

Actually no. Entry gates require you to stop and either swipe your card or push the red button. You have to stop with or without a card, unless a gate attendant opens it for you first.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I would like to see the gate attendants slow down the incoming guest traffic. On a gate entrance I use frequently they open the gate as soon as they see a truck or car heading their way. The end result is the entering guest traffic has no slow down what so ever & they frequently just speed through the entrance.

There are a couple of newer gate attendants where I am, who leave the gate opened and wave at people coming in. Meanwhile, on the other side of the gate is Paradise Road and a 3-way stop-sign, where people are sitting in their vehicles trying to figure out when it'll be their turn to go. In front of the gate, is a stop sign. That stop sign is completely ignored when the attendant opens the gate and waves people through.

Meanwhile, residents using the "right lane" gate, will want to take a left after the gate onto Paradise, while visitors using the "left lane" gate will want to take a right after the gate onto Paradise.

By leaving the visitor gate open all the time without consideration of traffic at the resident gate, it opens up the opportunity for crashes. It's even more harrowing when you're walking up Paradise from the postal station, on the correct (left) side of the road, and have to walk across that entry where people coming from the left gate are heading toward you, people coming from the right gate are going straight, the car in front of you is hoping to take a right while the car on the right of you wants to go out the gate.

And then - one of those people coming in from the gate that the attendant leaves open, decides they're going to stop all traffic by stopping to let you walk across. But the OTHER guy in the other lane wasn't planning on stopping (since why should he, he doesn't have a stop sign, he's already gone through the gate). And you just stand there waving everyone on and hoping they'll get out of your way so you can continue your walk and get home before the fire ants start climbing up your ankles.

[tophcfa]

Oh, that's a good idea. I'll try it. I think the gate attendant thinks he is doing a very good job of getting the traffic through quickly - with nary a thought about why the gates are there in the first place.

Sounds like the two gates on Morse just north of 466. The gate attendants simply stagger the cars going through the two gates, sending the cars through as fast as possible without leaving breaks for the golf carts that need to pass in front of the automobile traffic. Wouldn’t it be nice if the gate attendants left some space between the automotive traffic every three or four cars for a couple of golf carts to crossover! It’s a real issue during busy season weekdays when the traffic at that spot is congested. I suppose it’s asking too much of the gate attendants to periodically turn their head around and check to see how long the golf cart backup is behind them?

[Pairadocs]

correct Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.

Well of course not, LOL, we asked the same question a long time ago...LOL ! But, even though everyone "else" (non residents) breezes through actually faster than residents, you have to admit the "visual" makes quite an impact on the vanity of perspective residents. Makes those of us who can't afford the expensive of a private community at least "feel" like we are among the "elite", LOL ! It would be nice if, like some developments, you did not HAVE to purchase them. Had a single friend buy here and at closing they made her BUY TWO even though she adamantly stated she did not want "a spare" and did not want to pay for two. But that's the rule she was told, right on her papers at closing, $100, TWO passes ! Could really add up to real money, and it's probably needed judging by how many times we go in and out of our village and and see a man, or men, working on gates that have been driven through while DOWN ! ? We definitely see this once a week, not exaggerating. Personally I don't think, no matter how much it costs in repairs, that will ever change, it's been a sure winner for sales so why change when it works so well.

[Pairadocs]

Sounds like the two gates on Morse just north of 466. The gate attendants simply stagger the cars going through the two gates, sending the cars through as fast as possible without leaving breaks for the golf carts that need to pass in front of the automobile traffic. Wouldn’t it be nice if the gate attendants left some space between the automotive traffic every three or four cars for a couple of golf carts to crossover! It’s a real issue during busy season weekdays when the traffic at that spot is congested. I suppose it’s asking too much of the gate attendants to periodically turn their head around and check to see how long the golf cart backup is behind them?

I've never written about that on social media, but you really "HIT THE NAIL on the head" as they say, I have never gone that path in auto or car and not said those very same words to myself... WHY, WHY, WHY.... are the actually waiting until the first fatality to change things ? ?

[Pairadocs]

Because some folks have short arms, cards let TV collect data, cards let you place alternative openers on your mirrors keeping your arm dry are a couple.

Often wonder if rolling down automatic windows thousands of times more often than people who live in ordinary developments would need to, turns out to be expensive for residents, maybe most trade cars before a window would ever fail, but I'm sure it's not an inexpensive repair !

[Pairadocs]

The cards create the illusion of a gated community.

(The entry gates could work like exit gates as they do sometimes during construction)

Bingo, you get first prize. It's been a winning advertising illusion since the 1960's, don't think it's going away even if pass prices or amenity fees need to be raised.

[retiredguy123]

Often wonder if rolling down automatic windows thousands of times more often than people who live in ordinary developments would need to, turns out to be expensive for residents, maybe most trade cars before a window would ever fail, but I'm sure it's not an inexpensive repair !
I have a cloned sticker on my outside mirror which I made myself with a 20 dollar device bought from Amazon. No need to power down the window.

[Pairadocs]

In general, gates, good. Guest gates side-by-side with Resident gates, not good. Frequent races occur to see who can get through first. There are numerous locations where the Guest gates are obscured and carts crossing can't see whether a car is that Guest lane. Extra caution required.

Absolutely, and many manned gates hold up residents trying to get to their homes while signaling general traffic to go through for some time. Not that I don't realize traffic on main roads like 466 can't be backed up forever, but then you have to ask WHY at the (unmanned) gate near the high school and library, are cars allowed to be backed up onto and even across 466, blocking everything, and so close together in a line that backs up for as much as a block on 466, that no golf carts can cross by the library, and no teachers, parents, or students can even exit the high school. What a nightmare, a place to be avoided and not just when school is out. Summers are a bit better, but not much.

[fdpaq0580]

Did you fall for that?!?!?! :1rotfl::1rotfl:

Did you not fall for it before you bought here? Key word was "illusion".

[dhdallas]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.

The purpose of the gates is give the impression of a truly gated community which is used as a marketing tool. A speed bump would do a better job if slowing traffic was the reason AND it would be a lot less expensive.

[JustSomeGuy]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.

Lake Denham has a gate at Meggison and 470 but no gate at the closest road to Leesburg.... Chandler Rd (but a great entrance sign invites you to the Villages!). Makes no sense.

Also no cart path crossing at that gate on 470 either. Happens much earlier where they force a cross over to the left side of Meggison before Chandler Rd. No guard house or gate there makes no sense but saved them money. You have access to all of The Villages until just before Sawgrass Grove... no license plate camera the entire trip if you enter on Chandler RD and exit Chandler RD. That includes many Rec centers and hundreds of homes open to anyone who decides to visit them.

[jimdecastro]

Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.

At least you have a gate. Newell doesn't. Originally, I thought budget Kutz; but every other Village has one…

[Ignatz]

Lake Denham has a gate at Meggison and 470 but no gate at the closest road to Leesburg.... Chandler Rd (but a great entrance sign invites you to the Villages!). Makes no sense.

Also no cart path crossing at that gate on 470 either. Happens much earlier where they force a cross over to the left side of Meggison before Chandler Rd. No guard house or gate there makes no sense but saved them money. You have access to all of The Villages until just before Sawgrass Grove... no license plate camera the entire trip if you enter on Chandler RD and exit Chandler RD. That includes many Rec centers and hundreds of homes open to anyone who decides to visit them.

Was the gate on Chandler removed? I haven’t gone that ways in months.

[msilagy]

Many people visiting or driving thru think this is a gated community. My Dr up north and his wife drove thru and told me he wished they could have driven in some of the neighborhoods but it was gated. That's the assumption. Lots more in this world to be concerned about.

[Goldwingnut]

The Chandler entry is different than most because the road from Chadler up to the Enclave is on Leesburg Property, the developer negotiated a limited right-of-way to build the road to the Enclave, but it had to be freely accessible since it was city property. If you enter Chandler from the south there is a gate on the right going into the veranda/cyv community, one at the Enclave, and one just past the turnoff to the Enclave, combined these help to control the access to the community.
What has happened in the last decade or so for manned gates is that there is generally only one manned gate going into a segment of a community and it is normally on the main road feeding the area, this gives an opportunity for receiving directions and information from a live person for visitors and residents alike. Yes, there are exceptions - Marsh Bend trail has manned gates at Warm Springs and 301(2 major feeders), no gate at Linden/MG, no manned gates for St Johns or StC, Hawkins, and CH, and the list goes on. Several years ago it was decided that every gate, manned or unmanned would have cameras for the license plate capture that goes back to Community Watch, and I have not seen a departure from this plan as I drive the community.

[Normal]

At least you have a gate. Newell doesn't. Originally, I thought budget Kutz; but every other Village has one…

They need gates on the Meggison Freeway for sure. It’s fairly difficult to even cross in some areas.

[Bellavita]

Security hit the button it takes a photo

Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.

[Marathon Man]

At least you have a gate. Newell doesn't. Originally, I thought budget Kutz; but every other Village has one…

Not every village has a gate. There are several that don't. However, you do need to enter a gate to get to any village, and if you have done that, then you need not go through a second one to get to the next village. The gates are located where the public areas meet the residential areas.

[Marathon Man]

The purpose of the gates is give the impression of a truly gated community which is used as a marketing tool. A speed bump would do a better job if slowing traffic was the reason AND it would be a lot less expensive.

No speed bumps. Repeat, no speed bumps.

[JoelJohnson]

There are some gates, that after hours, need the card, no red button.

[coconutmama]

Sounds like the two gates on Morse just north of 466. The gate attendants simply stagger the cars going through the two gates, sending the cars through as fast as possible without leaving breaks for the golf carts that need to pass in front of the automobile traffic. Wouldn’t it be nice if the gate attendants left some space between the automotive traffic every three or four cars for a couple of golf carts to crossover! It’s a real issue during busy season weekdays when the traffic at that spot is congested. I suppose it’s asking too much of the gate attendants to periodically turn their head around and check to see how long the golf cart backup is behind them?

Totally agree that this is a very dangerous situation. There has to be a way that the gate attendant can be notified of the carts waiting to cross the traffic behind the gate & pause the car flow for a few seconds.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Not every village has a gate. There are several that don't. However, you do need to enter a gate to get to any village, and if you have done that, then you need not go through a second one to get to the next village. The gates are located where the public areas meet the residential areas.

CW for the most part is staffing the important entries. The public/private makeup of TV makes a gated community concept a moot point...mentioned many times here. CDD site makes that point clear. CW has an observe and report only function... they're not LEO. Do you need gates and cards, not necessarily. But what you do need to maintain a consistent quality of life is deterrents. What's in place, while not perfect, serves that (limited) purpose.

[cjrjck]

I would like to see the gate attendants slow down the incoming guest traffic. On a gate entrance I use frequently they open the gate as soon as they see a truck or car heading their way. The end result is the entering guest traffic has no slow down what so ever & they frequently just speed through the entrance.

Then use the left lane. I do in those cases. The few places I see this happening regularly are intersections that would create dangerous situations if the traffic were to back up such as the northbound gate at 466 and Morse. I've seen times where even expedited flows of traffic were not enough to keep the intersection there clear of northbound vehicles.

[Sandy and Ed]

In general, gates, good. Guest gates side-by-side with Resident gates, not good. Frequent races occur to see who can get through first. There are numerous locations where the Guest gates are obscured and carts crossing can't see whether a car is that Guest lane. Extra caution required.
IMHO, the gate guards on those side by side gates should be, indeed, gate keepers and use the zipper method to allow visitors to pass. Oftentimes I see the gate guard raise the visitor gate at exactly the same time a resident gains card access. “Gee, I wonder who will win this time??”

[Sandy and Ed]

The purpose of the gates is give the impression of a truly gated community which is used as a marketing tool. A speed bump would do a better job if slowing traffic was the reason AND it would be a lot less expensive.
Yeah. That would really improve the ambience of the community not to mention the undercarriage of our vehicles.

[Sandy and Ed]

Lake Denham has a gate at Meggison and 470 but no gate at the closest road to Leesburg.... Chandler Rd (but a great entrance sign invites you to the Villages!). Makes no sense.

Also no cart path crossing at that gate on 470 either. Happens much earlier where they force a cross over to the left side of Meggison before Chandler Rd. No guard house or gate there makes no sense but saved them money. You have access to all of The Villages until just before Sawgrass Grove... no license plate camera the entire trip if you enter on Chandler RD and exit Chandler RD. That includes many Rec centers and hundreds of homes open to anyone who decides to visit them.
Hope this is on someone’s radar at the developer’s table. Only consideration would be for roads that were open to the public where a gate would not be appropriate. Rec centers?? Really??

[Dilligas]

The same could be accomplished by having arms that open automatically as you approach, like the exit gates...but that would destroy the illusion of a gated community.
No, then the gate crashes who try to piggyback a gate opening, will bring down more arms. The cards and buttons force separation.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Totally a personal choice.
If you don't like them, push away.

:ohdear:
Walls, gates, card ids, car gate card identification... there is a theme involved somewhere in the logic of The Villages "dream."

I feel a song brewing from Sound of Music. Not sure where that tune got dusted off in my mind filing cabinet... but it goes something like this... "these are a few of my favorite things"... comfort music from the 70's i guess.

(Lol I know what ya'll will be singing for a bit)

[Burnie]

We have lived here for a bit over 20 years. When we first moved here The Villages was indeed a gated community. Then when Sumter County took over the roads in our area, things changed. Even then, Marion county remained "gated". The "historic side" was gated. I don't remember when, but at some point Lady Lake took over on the historic side. I also don't know when the Marion County area opened up. The "little red buttons" initially were used as a call box to request that the gate be opened, and the gate attendants asked where you were going before raising the gate. This all changed over time, making it easier for visitors to come in. Personally, I like the idea of the gates. It's not that inconvenient, and it makes me feel "comfy". So what if it helps sell houses?

[Bill14564]

Lake Denham has a gate at Meggison and 470 but no gate at the closest road to Leesburg.... Chandler Rd (but a great entrance sign invites you to the Villages!). Makes no sense.

Also no cart path crossing at that gate on 470 either. Happens much earlier where they force a cross over to the left side of Meggison before Chandler Rd. No guard house or gate there makes no sense but saved them money. You have access to all of The Villages until just before Sawgrass Grove... no license plate camera the entire trip if you enter on Chandler RD and exit Chandler RD. That includes many Rec centers and hundreds of homes open to anyone who decides to visit them.

Is Chandler rd open for traffic yet or is it still a construction zone? Do you not think there will be a gate on Chandler at 470 when the construction is complete?


Yes, until then the unwashed hordes will be able to drive down to 470, across to Chandler, through the construction, then up Meggison to the unguarded Rec centers.

Of course, the unwashed could just push the red button at either end of Meggison….

[JRcorvette]

Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.

A lot of people can not reach the button! How are they wasting money???

[Rodneysblue]

Because some folks have short arms, cards let TV collect data, cards let you place alternative openers on your mirrors keeping your arm dry are a couple.

Don’t need a mirror unit, I just put it up to the window and it works perfectly.

[retiredguy123]

Don’t need a mirror unit, I just put it up to the window and it works perfectly.
Not on all vehicles.

[bsloan1960]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.... and it is a great idea that works very well. Imagine the carnage without the cars having to stop.

[Dsritchey]

Yours arms must be longer than mine. I am only 5 foot tall

[jump4]

The Chandler entry is different than most because the road from Chadler up to the Enclave is on Leesburg Property, the developer negotiated a limited right-of-way to build the road to the Enclave, but it had to be freely accessible since it was city property.

I thought all roads within the Villages are open to the public, aka "freely accessible".:shrug:

[jump4]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.

Yes, but...

1. What is the rationale for having some gates manned and others not? Why am I paying for manned gates when the gates into my village are unmanned?

2. What is the purpose of gate cards, and what is the associated cost?

:sigh:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The purpose of the gates is give the impression of a truly gated community which is used as a marketing tool. A speed bump would do a better job if slowing traffic was the reason AND it would be a lot less expensive.

Gates STOP traffic. Speed bumps do not. So no, speed bumps wouldn't do a better job of slowing down traffic.

[Normal]

I thought all roads within the Villages are open to the public, aka "freely accessible".:shrug:

Should be. Local taxes cover all maintenance of the roads.

[jimjamuser]

Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.
The gates are all about pretending and giving an ILLUSION of security to new and potentially new TV Land residents. The Villages do NOT own the roads, they are public. Other Florida developments DO own the roads and can, therefore, give their residents real TRUE security. TV Land residents have greater activities and other advantages that make up for the imaginary gate security.

[JMintzer]

The purpose of the gates is give the impression of a truly gated community which is used as a marketing tool. A speed bump would do a better job if slowing traffic was the reason AND it would be a lot less expensive.

No it wouldn't...

[JMintzer]

Is Chandler rd open for traffic yet or is it still a construction zone? Do you not think there will be a gate on Chandler at 470 when the construction is complete?


Yes, until then the unwashed hordes will be able to drive down to 470, across to Chandler, through the construction, then up Meggison to the unguarded Rec centers.

Of course, the unwashed could just push the red button at either end of Meggison….

Many of the rec centers are "unguarded"... But they do have people at the front desk... Where's the problem?

[JMintzer]

Don’t need a mirror unit, I just put it up to the window and it works perfectly.

Mine didn't... But the mirror chip does...

[Dusty_Star]

.... Had a single friend buy here and at closing they made her BUY TWO even though she adamantly stated she did not want "a spare" and did not want to pay for two. But that's the rule she was told, right on her papers at closing, $100, TWO passes !...

& had your single friend ever met that 'special' person, was she to say: sorry no. I only purchased one gate key.

I think the policy was/is correct.

[Shipping up to Boston]

& had your single friend ever met that 'special' person, was she to say: sorry no. I only purchased one gate key.

I think the policy was/is correct.

The last thing I’m thinking about at closing....after spending hundreds of thousands....is an extra $50!

[Bill14564]

Many of the rec centers are "unguarded"... But they do have people at the front desk... Where's the problem?

The problem is my apparent failed attempt at sarcasm.

To me it would be preferable to have a gate at the 470 end of Chandler for consistency, and that may still happen. But if it doesn’t it won’t be the end of the Villages as we know it.

[Maker]

The gated areas have large obstructions preventing a clear view of cars by carts, and of carts by cars. That is dangerous and prohibited at normal intersections. Landscaping, mechanicals, and huge signs often make crossing traffic hard to see.
When gate arms are missing, traffic needs to negotiate this crossing under these lousy safety conditions, yet, no collisions happen.

I am 100% for the removal of gates, obstructive landscaping, and huge signs that block sight lines.

[Bill14564]

The gated areas have large obstructions preventing a clear view of cars by carts, and of carts by cars. That is dangerous and prohibited at normal intersections. Landscaping, mechanicals, and huge signs often make crossing traffic hard to see.
When gate arms are missing, traffic needs to negotiate this crossing under these lousy safety conditions, yet, no collisions happen.

I am 100% for the removal of gates, obstructive landscaping, and huge signs that block sight lines.

There was a collision reported on this forum. I believe it was earlier this year. I personally have had two near misses with cars that chose not to stop at missing gates. I am 100% for keeping gates.

[Shipping up to Boston]

The problem is my apparent failed attempt at sarcasm.

To me it would be preferable to have a gate at the 470 end of Chandler for consistency, and that may still happen. But if it doesn’t it won’t be the end of the Villages as we know it.

.....’won’t be the end of the Villages as we know it’
Nope, that’s what this forum does on any given day!*

*sarcasm

[retiredguy123]

correct

Well of course not, LOL, we asked the same question a long time ago...LOL ! But, even though everyone "else" (non residents) breezes through actually faster than residents, you have to admit the "visual" makes quite an impact on the vanity of perspective residents. Makes those of us who can't afford the expensive of a private community at least "feel" like we are among the "elite", LOL ! It would be nice if, like some developments, you did not HAVE to purchase them. Had a single friend buy here and at closing they made her BUY TWO even though she adamantly stated she did not want "a spare" and did not want to pay for two. But that's the rule she was told, right on her papers at closing, $100, TWO passes ! Could really add up to real money, and it's probably needed judging by how many times we go in and out of our village and and see a man, or men, working on gates that have been driven through while DOWN ! ? We definitely see this once a week, not exaggerating. Personally I don't think, no matter how much it costs in repairs, that will ever change, it's been a sure winner for sales so why change when it works so well.
I don't know why she was charged $100, but gate cards only cost $15 each.

"Public Records
Gate Card Services
When replacing gate cards, the homeowner should bring all remaining gate cards as they are issued in sets of two. Lost or stolen gate cards will be replaced at a $15.00 charge per card. Homeowners can also purchase additional gate cards for a $15.00 charge. A total of four gate cards can be issued per home. The payment types accepted are Cash, Check, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.

If the homeowner can not be present to replace a lost card or to purchase an additional card, the homeowner must complete the Gate Card Authorization form and have it notarized. Please click here for the Gate Card Authorization Form."

[Shipping up to Boston]

I don't know why she was charged $100, but gate cards only cost $15 each.

"Public Records
Gate Card Services
When replacing gate cards, the homeowner should bring all remaining gate cards as they are issued in sets of two. Lost or stolen gate cards will be replaced at a $15.00 charge per card. Homeowners can also purchase additional gate cards for a $15.00 charge. A total of four gate cards can be issued per home. The payment types accepted are Cash, Check, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.

If the homeowner can not be present to replace a lost card or to purchase an additional card, the homeowner must complete the Gate Card Authorization form and have it notarized. Please click here for the Gate Card Authorization Form."

.....123...bringing receipts!

Question...this paragraph states ‘replacing gate cards’ and additional replacements for lost or stolen $15.
Is that also the same cost for the original application? Is there language for that as well?

[retiredguy123]

.....123...bringing receipts!

Question...this paragraph states ‘replacing gate cards’ and additional replacements for lost or stolen $15.
Is that also the same cost for the original application? Is there language for that as well?
I bought a new house from The Villages. They gave me 2 gate cards and didn't charge me anything.

Update: Note that I called the administration office today and they told me that every new house comes with 2 free gate cards. There is no $100 fee. So, it sounds like the woman who was charged $100 was buying a resale and the seller or the agent was charging her for the cards.

[JMintzer]

The problem is my apparent failed attempt at sarcasm.

To me it would be preferable to have a gate at the 470 end of Chandler for consistency, and that may still happen. But if it doesn’t it won’t be the end of the Villages as we know it.

You didn't include the sign, Sheldon!

https://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2zbluIBGu1qdm8qco1_400.gif

[JMintzer]

The problem is my apparent failed attempt at sarcasm.

To me it would be preferable to have a gate at the 470 end of Chandler for consistency, and that may still happen. But if it doesn’t it won’t be the end of the Villages as we know it.

Oh, and "The end of the Villages as we know it..." sounds like a new hit for R.E.M.

[Dusty_Star]

The gated areas have large obstructions preventing a clear view of cars by carts, and of carts by cars. That is dangerous and prohibited at normal intersections. Landscaping, mechanicals, and huge signs often make crossing traffic hard to see.
When gate arms are missing, traffic needs to negotiate this crossing under these lousy safety conditions, yet, no collisions happen.

I am 100% for the removal of gates, obstructive landscaping, and huge signs that block sight lines.

& I am completely against uglifying the Villages. The gates, landscaping, & signs stay.

[Dusty_Star]

I bought a new house from The Villages. They gave me 2 gate cards and didn't charge me anything.

Update: Note that I called the administration office today and they told me that every new house comes with 2 free gate cards. There is no $100 fee. So, it sounds like the woman who was charged $100 was buying a resale and the seller or the agent was charging her for the cards.

I bought a resale (last year) & was given two gate cards for free. They also took a very nice photo, also for free, which they then used for my ID. Ooh, & they gave me a key chain, a telephone book, a reusable shopping bag, some brochures, golf info, & probably other things which I have now forgotten, all for a smile.


But I do have a very charming smile :evil6:

[Topspinmo]

gate cards are essential to slow auto traffic down so the golf carts can run their stop signs and get across faster
Don’t forget about biker’s :a040:

[vintageogauge]

The gates are all about pretending and giving an ILLUSION of security to new and potentially new TV Land residents. The Villages do NOT own the roads, they are public. Other Florida developments DO own the roads and can, therefore, give their residents real TRUE security. TV Land residents have greater activities and other advantages that make up for the imaginary gate security.

And you would probably be the first to complain about the cost to maintain all of the hundreds of miles of roads if TV owned them LOL.

[Red Rose]

I would like to see the gate attendants slow down the incoming guest traffic. On a gate entrance I use frequently they open the gate as soon as they see a truck or car heading their way. The end result is the entering guest traffic has no slow down what so ever & they frequently just speed through the entrance.

Like the Morse gate? Some of those attendants forget it’s also a golf cart crossing. They open that visitors gate and the cars just zip thru like the start of the Kentucky Derby. It’s unbelievable. Can’t someone train them better to close the visitors gate after every car? That will slow them down and give the carts a chance to get across. That is a real pet peeve of mine. The attendants don’t seem to ever consider the golf carts trying to cross.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I bought a resale (last year) & was given two gate cards for free. They also took a very nice photo, also for free, which they then used for my ID. Ooh, & they gave me a key chain, a telephone book, a reusable shopping bag, some brochures, golf info, & probably other things which I have now forgotten, all for a smile.


But I do have a very charming smile :evil6:

What’s a telephone book?! ;)

[MrChip72]

The purpose of the gates is to slow traffic down to allow safe crossing of golf carts, nothing more.

What about the entrances that do not have golf cart crossings anywhere nearby? The entrance to DeLuna off of 301 for example? Or the entrance from Pinellas Plaza?

[Bonanza]

Why do we really need Gate Cards when all we need to do is hit the red button for entrance to all the gates? Seems like a waste of money.

Every aspect regarding the gates are a waste of money to the tune of well over a million dollars a year.
The gates were not created to permit a safe thoroughfare for golf carts.
That's what the Morse family would like you to believe.
They were created as part of the mental "eye candy" for buyers and it has worked!

[Normal]

Every aspect regarding the gates are a waste of money to the tune of well over a million dollars a year.
The gates were not created to permit a safe thoroughfare for golf carts.
That's what the Morse family would like you to believe.
They were created as part of the mental "eye candy" for buyers and it has worked!

Yes, by happenstance they CAN be useful, at other times they are of no value what so ever. Case and point, the exit from Ezel Recreation near Meggison that goes onto St. Catherine which has a gate.

[Maker]

There was a collision reported on this forum. I believe it was earlier this year. I personally have had two near misses with cars that chose not to stop at missing gates. I am 100% for keeping gates.

One collision is a blip on the long list of all other accidents that happen. Statistically insignificant. And if one considers to significant, what are the details? Why did that happen? Did it have anything to do with blocked sight lines? Anything to do with those ground level temp stop signs - that are not DOT legal?

The only "near misses" I have witnessed have been caused by golf cart drivers who are too impatient to wait for cars to pass by on the road. Carts dart out in front of the cars to enter the road (to cross it or turn onto it) when they should be yielding. Hoping cars will stop for carts is dangerous and stupid.

[Papa_lecki]

I am confused - do we need the cards or not.
You did not need a card at the Citrus Grove gate on Meggison Road near Sawgrass, the gate opened automatically - BUT the neighbors complained that traffic went too fast, the gates didn’t control traffic, so they are re activating the requirement for a card or button push.

So let’s disable the cards, so we can get more TOTV posts about how fast cars are going through the intersections with golf carts.

[Bill14564]

One collision is a blip on the long list of all other accidents that happen. Statistically insignificant. And if one considers to significant, what are the details? Why did that happen? Did it have anything to do with blocked sight lines? Anything to do with those ground level temp stop signs - that are not DOT legal?

The only "near misses" I have witnessed have been caused by golf cart drivers who are too impatient to wait for cars to pass by on the road. Carts dart out in front of the cars to enter the road (to cross it or turn onto it) when they should be yielding. Hoping cars will stop for carts is dangerous and stupid.

Your experiences are different than mine. Your opinions seem to be somewhat biased against carts, almost as if you don't drive one. Any intersection is hazardous but what I and several others have pointed out is the gates make them less hazardous.

[markfrat]

Maybe TV should build Tunnels at every Cart crossing. Then we would not need gates. That would be expensive but solve the issue.
Gates do discourage outsiders from entering until they learn that you just have to push the "Magic" button....

[Normal]

I am confused - do we need the cards or not.
You did not need a card at the Citrus Grove gate on Meggison Road near Sawgrass, the gate opened automatically - BUT the neighbors complained that traffic went too fast, the gates didn’t control traffic, so they are re activating the requirement for a card or button push.

So let’s disable the cards, so we can get more TOTV posts about how fast cars are going through the intersections with golf carts.

That gate is in “construction mode” which makes it open automatically by passing in front of a sensor. it was card activated, but the builder fought to have it placed back in “construction mode” till he was done. It’s been that way on and off for a little over 2 years.

We enjoyed the gate when it was card activated and cars slowed down. There was a promise it would return to card after they were done. It’s a very dangerous place for carts. It probably is time to turn that gate back into card activated.

[Burnie]

I've read all the comments in this thread about the purpose of having gates and whether or not this is a gated community. Please check out post #51 where I explain that this was at one time a "gated community".

[Normal]

I've read all the comments in this thread about the purpose of having gates and whether or not this is a gated community. Please check out post #51 where I explain that this was at one time a "gated community".

The Developer took the thin grey line and expanded it to the heavens.

The time line went something like this:

“Let’s use cards instead of paying gate workers.”
“Let’s have the county maintain the roads”.
“If taxpayers pay for maintenance, then any taxpayer can use the road.”

The micro of one development of houses has evolved through fruition as the macro of more than 130,000 homes and hundreds of miles of roads.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I've read all the comments in this thread about the purpose of having gates and whether or not this is a gated community. Please check out post #51 where I explain that this was at one time a "gated community".

It probably was...at one time. It was also a trailer park at one time as well. It isn't anymore...it isn't sold as such and the CDD site makes that pretty clear to those that are in doubt

[JMintzer]

What about the entrances that do not have golf cart crossings anywhere nearby? The entrance to DeLuna off of 301 for example? Or the entrance from Pinellas Plaza?

They are there to slow people down, who are coming off 301 or 466A...

[mntlblok]

Several years ago it was decided that every gate, manned or unmanned would have cameras for the license plate capture that goes back to Community Watch, and I have not seen a departure from this plan as I drive the community.

Hadn't known of the cameras. Any idea whether any of those photos have proven to be of value in specific cases to date?

Still haven't been here for a full year, yet, so still learning my way around. Was certainly initially intimidated by the "visitor" lane gates. Was reminded recently when exploring a couple of neighborhoods whilst out and about in the wifey's car that it'd be easier to "push the button" *if* I approached closely enough - as she stows her "card" in a less than efficient location - that it says "push for assistance" and seems to have a speaker/microphone sort of setup. No idea whether any of them actually have such a function or anybody to which to speak, even at the manned gates. Such gadgetry induces major social anxiety on this poor boy, but I've now learned to ignore the offer and just press the dern button and watch the gate arm rise - and even suspect that no such technology is even actually attached.

My presumption had come to be that the "manned" gates were for the specific purpose of managing the potential backups that could otherwise occur for golf carts if the "guest" arms were not under some sort of manual "timing" control. Not the case? Would also have presumed that such would've been a major point in the training of the "manners".

[JMintzer]

Every aspect regarding the gates are a waste of money to the tune of well over a million dollars a year.
The gates were not created to permit a safe thoroughfare for golf carts.
That's what the Morse family would like you to believe.
They were created as part of the mental "eye candy" for buyers and it has worked!

Uh, huh...

And you know this how?

[JMintzer]

I am confused - do we need the cards or not.
You did not need a card at the Citrus Grove gate on Meggison Road near Sawgrass, the gate opened automatically - BUT the neighbors complained that traffic went too fast, the gates didn’t control traffic, so they are re activating the requirement for a card or button push.

So let’s disable the cards, so we can get more TOTV posts about how fast cars are going through the intersections with golf carts.

Whenever a village is under construction, the gates are in the "auto-open" mode. This allows trucks to come and go easier.

If you're in a big truck, you can't reach the red button. I've seen maintenance trucks use a long stick to press the button.

Once construction is complete, they typically turn on the gate access feature, where you have to use a card or press the button...

[Normal]

Whenever a village is under construction, the gates are in the "auto-open" mode. This allows trucks to come and go easier.

If you're in a big truck, you can't reach the red button. I've seen maintenance trucks use a long stick to press the button.

Once construction is complete, they typically turn on the gate access feature, where you have to use a card or press the button...

The gate wasn’t in construction mode this morning.

[Debset]

Ever try working at the gate? It's not easy especially when drivers get inpatient when they come through the Visitor entry and don't like having to stop. The cameras do work and have been a valuable tool. Please be kind to your gate attendant!

[Bogie Shooter]

The gate wasn’t in construction mode this morning.

How about yesterday?

[Papa_lecki]

Hadn't known of the cameras. Any idea whether any of those photos have proven to be of value in specific cases to date?

Drive through a gate, knock it over and see if the camera helps - it is used to send you a repair bill. So yes, they help

[Papa_lecki]

Whenever a village is under construction, the gates are in the "auto-open" mode. This allows trucks to come and go easier.

If you're in a big truck, you can't reach the red button. I've seen maintenance trucks use a long stick to press the button.

Once construction is complete, they typically turn on the gate access feature, where you have to use a card or press the button...

I know, my point is the neighbors down that corridor want the gates taken out of construction mode for safety - they are no advocating the elimination of gates, like this post.

[Papa_lecki]

That gate is in “construction mode” which makes it open automatically by passing in front of a sensor. it was card activated, but the builder fought to have it placed back in “construction mode” till he was done. It’s been that way on and off for a little over 2 years.

We enjoyed the gate when it was card activated and cars slowed down. There was a promise it would return to card after they were done. It’s a very dangerous place for carts. It probably is time to turn that gate back into card activated.

The point is the neighbors, who lived without the need for cards and pushing a button, WANT the gate out of construction mode.

[JMintzer]

The gate wasn’t in construction mode this morning.

Makes sense since they're finished building there, right?

[JMintzer]

I know, my point is the neighbors down that corridor want the gates taken out of construction mode for safety - they are no advocating the elimination of gates, like this post.

Where did I advocate for the removal of the gate???

[Shipping up to Boston]

Where did I advocate for the removal of the gate???

Do you think when this forum was in its infancy in ‘06...you know when most responded via chisel and tablet, that posts were/were not attributed to the correct author(s)?!

[jimjamuser]

We have lived here for a bit over 20 years. When we first moved here The Villages was indeed a gated community. Then when Sumter County took over the roads in our area, things changed. Even then, Marion county remained "gated". The "historic side" was gated. I don't remember when, but at some point Lady Lake took over on the historic side. I also don't know when the Marion County area opened up. The "little red buttons" initially were used as a call box to request that the gate be opened, and the gate attendants asked where you were going before raising the gate. This all changed over time, making it easier for visitors to come in. Personally, I like the idea of the gates. It's not that inconvenient, and it makes me feel "comfy". So what if it helps sell houses?
Nothing wrong with "selling houses", but is the situation one where a false sense of security is promoted?

[jimjamuser]

Ever try working at the gate? It's not easy especially when drivers get inpatient when they come through the Visitor entry and don't like having to stop. The cameras do work and have been a valuable tool. Please be kind to your gate attendant!
I always stop until either waved through or I use my card. We are RETIRED! We can wait a few seconds. We are NOT living in some high density area like downtown Chicago. Don't drive like your hair is on fire........if you have hair.

[Dusty_Star]

Ever try working at the gate? It's not easy especially when drivers get inpatient when they come through the Visitor entry and don't like having to stop. The cameras do work and have been a valuable tool. Please be kind to your gate attendant!


The point is cars, whether resident or visitor HAVE to stop. If the job is not easy enough for the gate attendant, then they should request to be reassigned. I'm sure some folks don't like stopping at red lights either. That doesn't mean they get a green light every time. Gate attendants who let visitors race through the gates are creating a dangerous situation. & I hope no one is hurt.

[Shipping up to Boston]

The point is cars, whether resident or visitor HAVE to stop. If the job is not easy enough for the gate attendant, then they should request to be reassigned. I'm sure some folks don't like stopping at red lights either. That doesn't mean they get a green light every time. Gate attendants who let visitors race through the gates are creating a dangerous situation. & I hope no one is hurt.

This is not an excuse....only stating the fact that these attendants start out a dollar more than FL minimum wage. According to most recent Indeed posting from CDD...its $13hr. for an evening 6p to midnight position. Like any customer service industry job, you deal with volume and more as*holes than you do an understanding and patient clientele. So most wont ask to be ‘reassigned....they’ll just quit! What they should do is have prospective gate attendants read threads like these on TOTV during orientation and see if they still want the gig!

[Dusty_Star]

This is not an excuse....only stating the fact that these attendants start out a dollar more than FL minimum wage. According to most recent Indeed posting from CDD...its $13hr. for an evening 6p to midnight position. Like any customer service industry job, you deal with volume and more as*holes than you do an understanding and patient clientele. So most wont ask to be ‘reassigned....they’ll just quit! What they should do is have prospective gate attendants read threads like these on TOTV during orientation and see if they still want the gig!

Most gate attendants I have seen 'look' like Villagers. I don't know if they are, I have never asked, but they do look like Villagers, they fit the demographic. So I suspect they are doing it more for something to do, rather than the salary, even though I'm sure their salary comes in handy. They also look like they like to wave & see people, so my guess is the earlier poster I was responding to is probably correct, it is easier to let people race through than to stop them. They are looking for an easy, social job, where everybody likes them. They do not want to play the heavy. Our numerous points have been, that they are unwittingly creating a dangerous intersection & you are right, they should read carefully curated posts, telling them to stop every visitor, then let them through. Or their supervisors should tell them. :crap2:

[Shipping up to Boston]

Most gate attendants I have seen 'look' like Villagers. I don't know if they are, I have never asked, but they do look like Villagers, they fit the demographic. So I suspect they are doing it more for something to do, rather than the salary, even though I'm sure their salary comes in handy. They also look like they like to wave & see people, so my guess is the earlier poster I was responding to is probably correct, it is easier to let people race through than to stop them. They are looking for an easy, social job, where everybody likes them. They do not want to play the heavy. Our numerous points have been, that they are unwittingly creating a dangerous intersection & you are right, they should read carefully curated posts, telling them to stop every visitor, then let them through. Or their supervisors should tell them. :crap2:

Fair

[Bogie Shooter]

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

[JMintzer]

Do you think when this forum was in its infancy in ‘06...you know when most responded via chisel and tablet, that posts were/were not attributed to the correct author(s)?!

https://i.gifer.com/GoU8.gif

[JMintzer]

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

Ooh! Look at Mr Fancy Pants, with all of his facts and common sense...:p

:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

[Bogie Shooter]

Ooh! Look at Mr Fancy Pants, with all of his facts and common sense...:p

:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

Appreciate your support.😀

[coffeebean]

Which is exactly why they are not needed everywhere. I understand the traffic control aspect of it but if you look at Fenney or many of the areas south, many don't have cart or pedestrian crossing at or near the area. It's a waste of resources.

Traveling north on Morse Blvd approaching the traffic light at 466 is one of the gates I feel is not necessary. It is an exit gate and just a few yards from the traffic light. That is an absolutely useless gate. The golf carts exit Morse Blvd. before nearing that gate so there is no need for traffic control.

[coffeebean]

The same could be accomplished by having arms that open automatically as you approach, like the exit gates...but that would destroy the illusion of a gated community.

The exit gates are beyond where the cart traffic is. There really is no traffic control with the any of the exit gates.

I never thought this was a gated community for security purposes. I never saw the "illusion" you mention. All one has to do is drive a golf cart around here and realize what the entrance gates are for. Exit gates.....no so much.

[8notes]

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

So the majority of the gate operator's job functions are related to operational and maintenance activities regarding "the gates". If the gates were removed, about the only thing missing would be a person who would greet Villagers and who could give directions to people who don't know their way around. The purpose of gates is not to regulate or slow traffic down. That is a traffic operation that is governed by roadway design and signage. The gates provide little to no security. Everyone can just push a button and go through a gate. As others have stated, the roads are legally under the jurisdiction of the counties, so everyone is entitled to use them. I don't see the gates serving any useful purpose, and staffing the gates is a cost that could be done away with.

[Dotneko]

Why don’t you Monday morning quarterbacks call Community Watch and ask to speak to the Field Operations Manager. Share your concerns, complaints and list of how gate attendants should do their job.
Do you actually think posting over and over again on TOTV that they are doing the job wrong is going to change a damn thing?

Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Attendant

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.

Oftentimes our gate attendants are the first District employee that a new resident or visitor meets when they come to The Villages. The gate attendants are assigned at the gatehouses to greet people as they move through the gate. In addition to performing this customer service function, they have numerous responsibilities and duties that are performed on a daily basis. The following are just a few of the many responsibilities and duties of the gate attendants:

Acknowledges and greets all residents and guests as they enter the gate area.
Regulates traffic and monitors the visitor lane to ensure safe passage for the visitors, residents and contractors.
Monitor mechanical gate operations to provide a safe flow of traffic, into the community.
Assists residents and guests with directions by providing written word maps and/or verbal guidance.
Reports accidents and/or incidents, occurring at the gate to the Community Watch Dispatch Center and prepares/collects all necessary information needed by the Patrol Supervisor to complete a written incident report.
Collects moving van destination information and reports information to the Dispatch Center so a patrol driver can be dispatched to check on the delivery operation.
Ensures the expedient passage of emergency vehicles by assisting with the traffic flow into and out of the gates.
Assists residents, verbally from the gate house, with the operation of the gate card readers.
Assists residents entering through the gates, during inclement weather.
Reports broken and malfunctioning gates immediately to the Dispatch Center.
Contact Us
Community Watch
1135 Bonita Boulevard
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-753-0550

Thanks for the phone number! There is one gate crossing off of Morse that I can never remember the Village its associated with where the attendants let streams of cars come through while golf carts back up. They just dont put the gates down at all and we never get a chance to cross. They are making a dangerous situation for us poor residents trying to cross.
Why do the gate attendants collect moving van information? Seems like those of us - in St Cats, for example - who have unattended gates, are getting the short end of the security stick. It seems the Villages doesnt care if our houses get cleaned out!

[Altavia]

The exit gates are beyond where the cart traffic is. There really is no traffic control with the any of the exit gates.

I never thought this was a gated community for security purposes. I never saw the "illusion" you mention. All one has to do is drive a golf cart around here and realize what the entrance gates are for. Exit gates.....no so much.

Exit gate slows traffic at the exit and probably more importantly, keeps people from using the exit as an entrance.

[Bill14564]

So the majority of the gate operator's job functions are related to operational and maintenance activities regarding "the gates". If the gates were removed, about the only thing missing would be a person who would greet Villagers and who could give directions to people who don't know their way around. The purpose of gates is not to regulate or slow traffic down. That is a traffic operation that is governed by roadway design and signage. The gates provide little to no security. Everyone can just push a button and go through a gate. As others have stated, the roads are legally under the jurisdiction of the counties, so everyone is entitled to use them. I don't see the gates serving any useful purpose, and staffing the gates is a cost that could be done away with.

You read through 108 previous posts and still make that statement?

[Altavia]

You read through 108 previous posts and still make that statement?

I'm shocked no one has brought up cloned gate cards :crap2:

[Bill14564]

I'm shocked no one has brought up cloned gate cards :crap2:

If there is no need for a card then there is certainly no need for a cloned card. Besides, they have all stopped working, right?

[mntlblok]

Even though The Villages has over 120 gate facilities spread throughout the community, we are not a “gated community.” Due to the fact our roadways are public roads, access to our communities cannot be restricted. However, our gate facilities do serve a very important function, that of traffic control by slowing vehicle traffic that enters and exits our neighborhoods.

The gate attendant operation falls under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. Of the 120 plus gate facilities, 25 are staffed with gate attendants. Thirteen (13) of the 25 staffed gates are staffed 24/7/365. The other twelve (12) gates are staffed between 6am and 12 midnight, depending on the gate. Our gate attendants are part-time employees, who work a six-hour shift; therefore, we have at least 91 gate attendant personnel working each 24-hour period. During high traffic times an additional gate attendant may be placed at high volume gates.




Fascinating info. Thanks for sharing.

[Pairadocs]

The cards create the illusion of a gated community.

(The entry gates could work like exit gates as they do sometimes during construction)

Yes, "ILLUSION" is all that matters, who care about the traffic back up nightmare we were in yesterday 4/10/24, trying to reach the Bellvedere library location from 466, and also got tied up in the mess the Villages creates on 466 where it intersects with Morris. Honestly surprised the county or state does not step in, but as is always brought up, "it's all about politics, clout, and campaign contributions" perhaps ?

[coffeebean]

Often wonder if rolling down automatic windows thousands of times more often than people who live in ordinary developments would need to, turns out to be expensive for residents, maybe most trade cars before a window would ever fail, but I'm sure it's not an inexpensive repair !

I don't roll my window down, ever. I hold the card up to the window and the gates operate just fine. The trick is to pull up close enough to the reader without hitting anything. I've got it down to a science.

[Normal]

Back in the 60s and 70s the fast food drive-thru evolved. One of many restaurant discoveries was the illusion that food cooked faster. Mc Donald’s and Wendy’s discovered the adding of steps both improved product and the perception of a quick delivery of a meal. Of course nothing could be further from the truth as far as time usage.

The gates appear to be a security measure, however, they actually use time which may assist golf cart crossings.

[coffeebean]

Exit gate slows traffic at the exit and probably more importantly, keeps people from using the exit as an entrance.

I still think exit gates are not necessary. The RABs slow the traffic as there are YIELD signs at every entrance to RABs.

Do you really think drivers would drive on the wrong side of the road to enter in an exit? That scenario never crossed my mind. Anyone who would do that should not have the key fob to a vehicle.

[8notes]

You read through 108 previous posts and still make that statement?

The purpose of the gates is NOT to slow traffic down. They do function that way, but it is not their purpose. The same function could be achieved by stop signs, sans gate cards and attendants.

[Bill14564]

The purpose of the gates is NOT to slow traffic down. They do function that way, but it is not their purpose. The same function could be achieved by stop signs, sans gate cards and attendants.

I suppose it is possible that there was an original intended purpose of the gates that did not include slowing traffic. I certainly cannot think of what that might be, but it is possible.

Today, the gates do serve the purpose of slowing/stopping traffic and making the intersection with the MMP safer.

The same could not be achieved by stop signs, sans gate cards and attendants. As stated above, this has been demonstrated time and again when a gate is down.

[Maker]

Today, the gates do serve the purpose of slowing/stopping traffic and making the intersection with the MMP safer.

However, having all that hardware, landscaping, and signage blocks visibility of cars and carts seeing each other. That alone makes the area a lot less safer.

Since there are many times a gate arm is missing, or stuck in the up position, the overall safety at those times is extremely worse because carts have become used to the rhythm of crossing, and are not ready for a car to appear so soon. Cart much more likely to be crossing because they cannot see an approaching car, and risks becoming involved in a collision.

Even when those conditions are present, there are not collisions happening often. So without gates, and all the obstructions around them, things would flow freely, quickly, and safely.
That how it happens everywhere else in the country.

[Bill14564]

However, having all that hardware, landscaping, and signage blocks visibility of cars and carts seeing each other. That alone makes the area a lot less safer.

Since there are many times a gate arm is missing, or stuck in the up position, the overall safety at those times is extremely worse because carts have become used to the rhythm of crossing, and are not ready for a car to appear so soon. Cart much more likely to be crossing because they cannot see an approaching car, and risks becoming involved in a collision.

Even when those conditions are present, there are not collisions happening often. So without gates, and all the obstructions around them, things would flow freely, quickly, and safely.
That how it happens everywhere else in the country.

There is nowhere else in the country with this concentration of carts and cars.

See my previous response to collisions. They DO happen and they happen more frequently when the gates are missing.

Do you travel by cart in the Villages? I do.

[firefighter4u]

I need our card to get through the gate with no red button that provides golf cart access to places like Lowel’s, WaWa, Walmart, Tropical Smoothie, BJ’s, and Aldi. Otherwise, the red buttons work just fine. The gate has no red button because it’s there to keep non Villagers from bringing their golf carts into the bubble (nothing prohibits them from entering by automobile).

We have friends that live in Stonecrest that were given a gate card when they purchased their house.

[Dusty_Star]

We have friends that live in Stonecrest that were given a gate card when they purchased their house.

That doesn't sound right. I believe you, & I believe your friends were given a Villages gate card. But Stonecrest isn't in the Villages, is it? To my way of thinking non-Villages residents shouldn't have gate cards. Even though the red button works to allow anyone in.

[Bogie Shooter]

[QUOTE=firefighter4u;2321028]We have friends that live in Stonecrest that were given a gate card when they purchased their house.[/
A card for the stoncrest gate?

[fdpaq0580]

[QUOTE=firefighter4u;2321028]We have friends that live in Stonecrest that were given a gate card when they purchased their house.[/
A card for the stoncrest gate?

They should try it when they come to visit you, just out of curiosity.

[8notes]

However, having all that hardware, landscaping, and signage blocks visibility of cars and carts seeing each other. That alone makes the area a lot less safer.

Since there are many times a gate arm is missing, or stuck in the up position, the overall safety at those times is extremely worse because carts have become used to the rhythm of crossing, and are not ready for a car to appear so soon. Cart much more likely to be crossing because they cannot see an approaching car, and risks becoming involved in a collision.

Even when those conditions are present, there are not collisions happening often. So without gates, and all the obstructions around them, things would flow freely, quickly, and safely.
That how it happens everywhere else in the country.

I agree. People in carts and in cars get used to traffic configurations and drive accordingly. If there were stop signs instead of gates, carts would be on the lookout for cars, and vice versa. In Sumter Landing, for the past week or so, the traffic lights by Winn Dixie have not been in operation. It is a high traffic area, with many pedestrians and lots of golf carts and cars. Not a single accident that i'm aware of.

[coffeebean]

The purpose of the gates is NOT to slow traffic down. They do function that way, but it is not their purpose. The same function could be achieved by stop signs, sans gate cards and attendants.

If not for traffic control, what is the purpose of these gates? An "illusion" of a gated community is not a good answer, IMHO.

[coffeebean]

There is nowhere else in the country with this concentration of carts and cars.

See my previous response to collisions. They DO happen and they happen more frequently when the gates are missing.

Do you travel by cart in the Villages? I do.

CORRECTION: There is nowhere else in the WORLD with this concentration of carts and cars. There. That's better!

[coffeebean]

I agree. People in carts and in cars get used to traffic configurations and drive accordingly. If there were stop signs instead of gates, carts would be on the lookout for cars, and vice versa. In Sumter Landing, for the past week or so, the traffic lights by Winn Dixie have not been in operation. It is a high traffic area, with many pedestrians and lots of golf carts and cars. Not a single accident that i'm aware of.

Sorry if this is hijacking the original content of this thread but.......I heard it will be "months" before that light is replaced or repaired. Hope that is not true.

[Bogie Shooter]

If not for traffic control, what is the purpose of these gates? An "illusion" of a gated community is not a good answer, IMHO.

It is a benefit to traffic control. I have no illusions about a gated community. IMHO