Amazing planning- what happened at Colony Cottage

[HTing]

I am new to the Villages and live North of 466, but we love to take trips in are golf cart to really see the villages. I am amazed at the planning and layout of the villages. With cart paths and tunnels along golf courses with wonderful views. As I drive into the Villages I see the sign �Welcome to The Villages a Golf Cart Community� and smile. So what happened at Colony Blvd? I suggest they go back to the intent of the Villages and do the following: Block off Colony Blvd. at the golf cart crossing and let cars use the road to get to Colony Cottage Reg. Center. Golf carts could now cross to get into the tunnel or go left into Colony shopping center. Cars going to the shopping just need to go down to the lights take a left and go down one light for the Colony shopping center. This is truly an amazing place so keep it simple.

[rsetterlund]

Totally agree with your solution. But it will not happen. They are talking about putting in a traffic light, which is a bad idea.

[rtime]

I totally agree with the first posters. Simple and least expensive to do. The rest of the shops can be accessed via 466a. No need for the overkill they are talking about.

[bubblehead1026]

I am new to the Villages and live North of 466, but we love to take trips in are golf cart to really see the villages. I am amazed at the planning and layout of the villages. With cart paths and tunnels along golf courses with wonderful views. As I drive into the Villages I see the sign �Welcome to The Villages a Golf Cart Community� and smile. So what happened at Colony Blvd? I suggest they go back to the intent of the Villages and do the following: Block off Colony Blvd. at the golf cart crossing and let cars use the road to get to Colony Cottage Reg. Center. Golf carts could now cross to get into the tunnel or go left into Colony shopping center. Cars going to the shopping just need to go down to the lights take a left and go down one light for the Colony shopping center. This is truly an amazing place so keep it simple.

You are far from the first to suggest this, but we don't make the rules unfortunately. It is a piece of bad road engineering in a place which usually does a pretty good job of it. Go figure!

[CFrance]

If they block off Colony to cars and make them use the light at Sembler and 466a, they're going to HAVE to do something about the intersection of Sembler and Colony, which has no stop sign on Colony, coming or going. You can sit forever in your car at Sembler and Colony trying to go right to get into the Publix parking lot because of the constant stream of traffic both ways on Colony. And that little piece of street is only a short block long from 466a, so there would be traffic backed up onto 466a. You're right, bad design. They never should have put Colony so close to 466a.

[justjim]

Hey, "the best layed plans sometimes go astray". I could name a few other places in TV where the planning was also poor. No place is perfect.

[travelguy]

while this is a bad design, all road designs must have been approved by Sumter County. Therefore I would put the onus on them for not having the foresight to anticipate future traffic volume and future problems.

[DianeM]

I'm sorry but cars have a right to be on all roads too. The world does not revolve around golf carts. Use 'em on the golf course where they belong.

[Easyrider]

I'm sorry but cars have a right to be on all roads too. The world does not revolve around golf carts. Use 'em on the golf course where they belong.

A big part of the allure here is the ability to use golf carts off the golf course to go most anywhere...:crap2:

[jbdlfan]

If they block off Colony to cars and make them use the light at Sembler and 466a, they're going to HAVE to do something about the intersection of Sembler and Colony, which has no stop sign on Colony, coming or going. You can sit forever in your car at Sembler and Colony trying to go right to get into the Publix parking lot because of the constant stream of traffic both ways on Colony. And that little piece of street is only a short block long from 466a, so there would be traffic backed up onto 466a. You're right, bad design. They never should have put Colony so close to 466a.

Couldn't that stop just be reversed? The carts coming up from Morse would stop where as the traffic coming from 466A just pass through?
I see this as an easy less expensive and SAFER fix.

[OCsun]

I'm sorry but cars have a right to be on all roads too. The world does not revolve around golf carts. Use 'em on the golf course where they belong.

Do you not know that you moved into a golf cart community?:gc:

[DianeM]

I guess I just don't get the whole golf cart mystique. There is no a/c and go very slow so they take longer to get anywhere. I'm really sorry but I don't understand the allure.

[DianeM]

Do you not know that you moved into a golf cart community?:gc:

No kidding but there is such a thing as choice and I just don't get the allure of using them for everything.

[CFrance]

Couldn't that stop just be reversed? The carts coming up from Morse would stop where as the traffic coming from 466A just pass through?
I see this as an easy less expensive and SAFER fix.

I don't understand why they won't put a four-way stop there.

[rubicon]

Project Wide Agreement in POA meaning we are going to get stuck with paying for a tunnel they suggest needs to be built because of the initial poor planning/design. I felt the same way about the cart paths on the north side that were widened because of poor planning/design

C�st la vie

[Indydealmaker]

Couldn't that stop just be reversed? The carts coming up from Morse would stop where as the traffic coming from 466A just pass through?
I see this as an easy less expensive and SAFER fix.

In fact for many years across the country, most ingress from a street into a shopping area is unabated with cross traffic having to stop. Odd that in Florida that seems to be a rarity.

[Villageshooter]

I'm sorry but cars have a right to be on all roads too. The world does not revolve around golf carts. Use 'em on the golf course where they belong.
so true,,, hoewever the best served is Completely closed the road and only allow cars enter from colony From the east Completely do away with the intersection of Morris and colony. Do away with the path Parallel to colony and make all golf carts on the existing asphalt that is there And allow absolutely no vehicle traffic going east from Morris Doing away with that intersection completely. This is addition by subtraction

[mrdarcy]

"No kidding but there is such a thing as choice and I just don't get the allure of using them for everything."

Ask the people who have stopped driving and given up their drivers licenses what the allure of TV is. There are few other places in the United States where one can maintain an active independent lifestyle without being dependent on a car. For many the only choice to maintain independence is a golf cart. Imagine being told by the state of Florida that your drivers license will not be renewed. Would you (Will you) be thrilled that you can still get everywhere you want to go on a golf cart? I think you would be (will be). You too will grow old.

[DianeM]

"No kidding but there is such a thing as choice and I just don't get the allure of using them for everything."

Ask the people who have stopped driving and given up their drivers licenses what the allure of TV is. There are few other places in the United States where one can maintain an active independent lifestyle without being dependent on a car. For many the only choice to maintain independence is a golf cart. Imagine being told by the state of Florida that your drivers license will not be renewed. Would you (Will you) be thrilled that you can still get everywhere you want to go on a golf cart? I think you would be (will be). You too will grow old.

So let me get this correct. The state of Florida determines that one is no longer capable of driving a motor vehicle but it's ok to drive a golf cart? Doesn't driving said cart require the same skillset as driving a car? Seems that if you should not drive one, you probably should not drive the other. Just my opinion.

[Shimpy]

I guess I just don't get the whole golf cart mystique. There is no a/c and go very slow so they take longer to get anywhere. I'm really sorry but I don't understand the allure.

You sound like me when I first moved here. I couldn't see myself going only 20mph. From the day I got mine over 3 years ago I love it. That slow speed seems a lot faster in a cart and it is my preferred transportation. I put over 4000 miles a year on my cart. When it comes to parking at Publix or the squares it is 100% easier to find a space anywhere close. The car is only used for infrequent trips outside TV. You don't know what your missing.

[mickey100]

I am new to the Villages and live North of 466, but we love to take trips in are golf cart to really see the villages. I am amazed at the planning and layout of the villages. With cart paths and tunnels along golf courses with wonderful views. As I drive into the Villages I see the sign �Welcome to The Villages a Golf Cart Community� and smile. So what happened at Colony Blvd? I suggest they go back to the intent of the Villages and do the following: Block off Colony Blvd. at the golf cart crossing and let cars use the road to get to Colony Cottage Reg. Center. Golf carts could now cross to get into the tunnel or go left into Colony shopping center. Cars going to the shopping just need to go down to the lights take a left and go down one light for the Colony shopping center. This is truly an amazing place so keep it simple.

Great idea. It would have been nice had the plans included a golf cart tunnel as they have at Southern Trace, but since it would be expensive to retrofit that type of fix, your idea is a sound one, and much less expensive.

[jblum315]

I'm sorry but cars have a right to be on all roads too. The world does not revolve around golf carts. Use 'em on the golf course where they belong.

I agree. Golf carts were never meant to be primary transportation.

[justjim]

while this is a bad design, all road designs must have been approved by Sumter County. Therefore I would put the onus on them for not having the foresight to anticipate future traffic volume and future problems.

Sumter county rarely disapproves anything the Developer of TV proposes. The facts speak for themselves. I am sure the County will refer back to projected vehicle counts etc. etc. to justify their decision. However, the number of golf carts was obviously projected too low.

Look at the bridge over Lake Sumter. The golf cart path is obviously too narrow for safety across that bridge with potential for a horrendous accident. Again, Sumter County had to approve that bridge before it was constructed. God forbid that an accident taking lives will occur on that bridge.

I don't believe anyone really thought that TV would have the number of golf carts that we have today and therefore didn't plan for the numbers or the "interaction" between golf carts and cars that is happening at the present time. Thus, the problems occurring at colony and other places in TV.

Look around and observe---we love our golf carts and they are an obsession in TV. Who could plan for that?

[DianeM]

You sound like me when I first moved here. I couldn't see myself going only 20mph. From the day I got mine over 3 years ago I love it. That slow speed seems a lot faster in a cart and it is my preferred transportation. I put over 4000 miles a year on my cart. When it comes to parking at Publix or the squares it is 100% easier to find a space anywhere close. The car is only used for infrequent trips outside TV. You don't know what your missing.

Who knows ..... maybe someday

[mickey100]

Sumter county rarely disapproves anything the Developer of TV proposes. The facts speak for themselves. I am sure the County will refer back to projected vehicle counts etc. etc. to justify their decision. However, the number of golf carts was obviously projected too low.

Look at the bridge over Lake Sumter. The golf cart path is obviously too narrow for safety across that bridge with potential for a horrendous accident. Again, Sumter County had to approve that bridge before it was constructed. God forbid that an accident taking lives will occur on that bridge.

I don't believe anyone really thought that TV would have the number of golf carts that we have today and therefore didn't plan for the numbers or the "interaction" between golf carts and cars that is happening at the present time. Thus, the problems occurring at colony and other places in TV.

Look around and observe---we love our golf carts and they are an obsession in TV. Who could plan for that?

Yes, very true. Everything is based on projected volumes. As far as Morse getting what he wants from Sumter County, what can you say....money talks.

[M&M's]

If they block off Colony to cars and make them use the light at Sembler and 466a, they're going to HAVE to do something about the intersection of Sembler and Colony, which has no stop sign on Colony, coming or going. You can sit forever in your car at Sembler and Colony trying to go right to get into the Publix parking lot because of the constant stream of traffic both ways on Colony. And that little piece of street is only a short block long from 466a, so there would be traffic backed up onto 466a. You're right, bad design. They never should have put Colony so close to 466a.

I agree, it will be solving one problem while making a bigger problem.

[cquick]

So what happened at Colony Blvd? I suggest they go back to the intent of the Villages and do the following: Block off Colony Blvd. at the golf cart crossing and let cars use the road to get to Colony Cottage Reg. Center. Golf carts could now cross to get into the tunnel or go left into Colony shopping center. Cars going to the shopping just need to go down to the lights take a left and go down one light for the Colony shopping center. This is truly an amazing place so keep it simple.

I compare the mess they made at Colony to the better plan made at Southern Trace. The only thing I can think of is that they never planned to build south of 466A at the time Colony was built.

It's CRAZY there!

[rayschic]

Looks like they have Community Watch directing traffic there now and are considering either a light or a tunnel.

http://www.*******************/sumter-landing-cdd-approves-colony-blvd-traffic-signal-design-research-tunnel-bridge/?utm_source=111513&utm_campaign=111513&utm_medium=email

Can't post a link but there is a article on ************** .com

[skip0358]

For those that don't see the need for the GC being used for transportation here's a question. Where would everyone park in the squares, the shopping centers, the doctors and hospitals if we all used our cars? How crowded would ALL the roads be if we didn't use the golf cart. The Colony intersection is bad news, hopefully the right solution will be made. As for the bridge over Lake Sumter it's my understanding the sidewalk was added after the bridge was completed. I believe at Sumter Counties order ( this was in an older post ). How few people in their GC slow down to 10 MPH over that bridge? It's not unsafe IF you do the speed limit. JMO

[tucson]

All they have to do is extend the golf cart path on the grassy area to around the back of the bank into the parking lot near the restuarant/Subway/Cal's area.

[BobnBev]

I'm sorry but cars have a right to be on all roads too. The world does not revolve around golf carts. Use 'em on the golf course where they belong.

And I'm sorry you're having a bad day.:ohdear:

[tommy steam]

The area around and leading to colony will only get worse as more houses are built and sold.

[Indydealmaker]

The area around and leading to colony will only get worse as more houses are built and sold.

The traffic conjestion could be mitigated if people use common sense and enter Colony in their cars from 466a at the lights and if they just stuck to maintaining a flow of traffic that OBEYED the 20mph limit.

[ROCKETMAN]

They just didn't look ahead to that kind of traffic. Just like some of the tunnels where you have to put your nose out to see traffic and carts come zooming past and give you their IQ with a finger attatched to their hand. The one at seabreeze is bad for this, especially bikes coming down the incline and think you are not stopping in the tunnel.

[CFrance]

The traffic conjestion could be mitigated if people use common sense and enter Colony in their cars from 466a at the lights and if they just stuck to maintaining a flow of traffic that OBEYED the 20mph limit.

I disagree. The lack of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Colony and Sembler Way makes that entry a nightmare and unsafe. There's traffic coming from five different places when you factor in what's coming out of Walgreens, and nobody on Colony is stopping... which is why I approach the Publix parking lot (coming from the direction of Buena Vista & 466A) by turning left at Morse and right onto Colony.

IMO a four-way stop sign at Colony and the cart path is simple and would solve the problem, as is currently being illustrated by the neighborhood watch people as they mimic that four-way stop. I also like another poster's idea of extending cart path around behind the bank into the shopping center, although that wouldn't help carts get into Walgreens.

[HTing]

How is Fruitland Park going to affect this area? If Fruitland Park area is to the East of Colony how will that traffic get south of 466A? Will they be added to this problem?

[rsetterlund]

Thank you for your opinion. But many of us purchased in the Villages so that we would not need to use a car unless we want to go off campus. If you do not like all the golf carts then maybe you should have purchased in a different retirement community.

[rubicon]

I am new to the Villages and live North of 466, but we love to take trips in are golf cart to really see the villages. I am amazed at the planning and layout of the villages. With cart paths and tunnels along golf courses with wonderful views. As I drive into the Villages I see the sign “Welcome to The Villages a Golf Cart Community” and smile. So what happened at Colony Blvd? I suggest they go back to the intent of the Villages and do the following: Block off Colony Blvd. at the golf cart crossing and let cars use the road to get to Colony Cottage Reg. Center. Golf carts could now cross to get into the tunnel or go left into Colony shopping center. Cars going to the shopping just need to go down to the lights take a left and go down one light for the Colony shopping center. This is truly an amazing place so keep it simple.

TH ing: While I agree in part with your assessment I am not as enamored by The Villages as some folks. Perhaps the reason rests in the fact that quality of life means different things to different people.

As to the colony debacle to be sure whatever the remedy village residents will pay the entire cost. IMHO the developer goofed and should foot the bill but that won't happen. In fact that is what I argued concerning the widen of the cart paths on the north side. The north side cart paths and colony are a result of poor planning and design and should have fallen back to the developers. However are you going to complain to SLCCD, AAC,POA VHA? Good luck with that.............................

[Penguin]

Thank you for your opinion. But many of us purchased in the Villages so that we would not need to use a car unless we want to go off campus. If you do not like all the golf carts then maybe you should have purchased in a different retirement community.

AMEN :bigbow:

[graciegirl]

I think the developer will fix it.

Wait and see.

Diane, please give some thought to getting a golf cart. It is great fun to let the wind blow your hair and to see all of the flowers and pretty greenery and to just be out and about in a smaller vehicle than a car.

I think you would love it.

[janmcn]

Mark Morse said he is "interested in opening a dialogue" regarding this intersection, as reported in TV on-line news. He said this in a letter to Janet Tutt in response to a letter she wrote to him. One of the fixes mentioned in the article would be a tunnel costing in the neighborhood of one million dollars.

[CFrance]

Mark Morse said he is "interested in opening a dialogue" regarding this intersection, as reported in TV on-line news. He said this in a letter to Janet Tutt in response to a letter she wrote to him. One of the fixes mentioned in the article would be a tunnel costing in the neighborhood of one million dollars.

For Pete's sake, what do they have against stop signs???:cus:

[e-flyer]

For Pete's sake, what do they have against stop signs???:cus:

I totally agree, 4 way stop signs is the quickest, and most economical fix, , why waste money on putting in a tunnel? If you put in a tunnel under the road, then you will have to have separate feeder lands on both sides to the main road for those that want to drive their carts to Colony which will again cause merging issues/backups during peak season.

[Bizdoc]

For Pete's sake, what do they have against stop signs???:cus:

The problem with stop signs is that many (if not most) Villagers consider them suggestions not requirements.

[KathieI]

The problem with stop signs is that many (if not most) Villagers consider them suggestions not requirements.

Totally agree... just like "Yield" signs..

[CFrance]

Yield signs, I agree. But my experience with four-way stops in TV has been mostly positive.

Certainly cheaper than a tunnel at Colony, especially if we have to pay for it out of amenity fees.

[waynet]

agree with everything Rubicon posted.

[mickey100]

TH ing: While I agree in part with your assessment I am not as enamored by The Villages as some folks. Perhaps the reason rests in the fact that quality of life means different things to different people.

As to the colony debacle to be sure whatever the remedy village residents will pay the entire cost. IMHO the developer goofed and should foot the bill but that won't happen. In fact that is what I argued concerning the widen of the cart paths on the north side. The north side cart paths and colony are a result of poor planning and design and should have fallen back to the developers. However are you going to complain to SLCCD, AAC,POA VHA? Good luck with that.............................

I can see the poor planning excuse when it comes to the cart paths on the north side. The Villages was still new, and the whole golf cart community thing was new. Carts were not as fast, and the volume of carts was not there at the time. No one could have guessed how the Villages would grow. But so much of The Villages had been built by the time they did the Colony section, they had to have known it would be a problem. These things are all designed and checked by engineers. They surely would have seen the projected traffic flow patterns in and out of a shopping plaza that is very similar to Southern Trace, and designed accordingly. That is their job. The cart paths were in place on the other side of 466A, so it was obvious there would be extended development in that area, and that the volumes would increase. The only explanation that makes any sense is that the Developer purposely cut costs and left the problem for the District to take care of after the fact.

[Mikeod]

. The only explanation that makes any sense is that the Developer purposely cut costs and left the problem for the District to take care of after the fact.
I don't disagree that the problem is a departure from the generally successful design of TV, but I doubt this was a deliberate cost cutting move. Look at all that has been done with rec centers and the cart paths in and around Brownwood. I don't see cost cutting or things left for the districts to solve.

Perhaps this problem stems from the developer anticipating Pinellas Plaza being constructed and leased earlier than it occurred. Perhaps the economic downturn caused a delay in commercial building and leasing that pushed carts and cars to Colony when they should have been going to Pinellas. I admit I don't have access to timetables that may or may not support this premise, but I just can't see the developer purposely creating a problem like that. I see it as a miscalculation of vehicular traffic at worst.

As far as a solution, someone proposed earlier that Colony Blvd. be closed to car traffic after the entrance to Colony rec center eastbound and at the entrance to Walgreens or the bank (BB&T) westbound. That way, carts would have free access from north and south onto the street and autos could access the plaza from 466a. It may require a four-way stop at the corner. And there would still be access to Walgreens and the bank from 466a. I'm concerned about a 4-way stop at the cart path, although it did work while they repaired the tunnel near Crispers.

[CFrance]

I don't disagree that the problem is a departure from the generally successful design of TV, but I doubt this was a deliberate cost cutting move. Look at all that has been done with rec centers and the cart paths in and around Brownwood. I don't see cost cutting or things left for the districts to solve.

Perhaps this problem stems from the developer anticipating Pinellas Plaza being constructed and leased earlier than it occurred. Perhaps the economic downturn caused a delay in commercial building and leasing that pushed carts and cars to Colony when they should have been going to Pinellas. I admit I don't have access to timetables that may or may not support this premise, but I just can't see the developer purposely creating a problem like that. I see it as a miscalculation of vehicular traffic at worst.

As far as a solution, someone proposed earlier that Colony Blvd. be closed to car traffic after the entrance to Colony rec center eastbound and at the entrance to Walgreens or the bank (BB&T) westbound. That way, carts would have free access from north and south onto the street and autos could access the plaza from 466a. It may require a four-way stop at the corner. And there would still be access to Walgreens and the bank from 466a. I'm concerned about a 4-way stop at the cart path, although it did work while they repaired the tunnel near Crispers.

As mentioned before, that would create a huge traffic problem at Sembler and Colony unless they put a four-way stop at that intersection. Even with that, Colony is just too close to 466A, and that is a very short stretch of road (Sembler) between Colony and 466A. If all auto traffic must access the shopping center via 466A and Sembler, there's going to be a backup problem.

The neighborhood watch's directing of traffic at Colony and the golf cart path seems to be working well.I've been at that spot in my car several times. That indicates to me that a four-way stop would work there. Even a traffic light would be cheaper than a tunnel.

IMO restricting auto traffic on Colony will cause a jam elsewhere.

[Virtual Geezer]

The real cause of the problem is not at the cart crossing but the intersection at Sembler Way and Colony. The 4 way stop there does nothing to help the situation. What is needed at that intersection is a traffic light and maybe no turn on red. This way it will bunch up car traffic a bit and allow for bigger gaps for the cart traffic.

[tucson]

Reconfigure the golfcart path to use some of the existing land on the golf course along the fence line to behind the bank and then into the pkg.lot..... simple and inexpensive solution?

[BETHPAGE BLACK]

I don't disagree that the problem is a departure from the generally successful design of TV, but I doubt this was a deliberate cost cutting move. Look at all that has been done with rec centers and the cart paths in and around Brownwood. I don't see cost cutting or things left for the districts to solve.

Perhaps this problem stems from the developer anticipating Pinellas Plaza being constructed and leased earlier than it occurred. Perhaps the economic downturn caused a delay in commercial building and leasing that pushed carts and cars to Colony when they should have been going to Pinellas. I admit I don't have access to timetables that may or may not support this premise, but I just can't see the developer purposely creating a problem like that. I see it as a miscalculation of vehicular traffic at worst.

As far as a solution, someone proposed earlier that Colony Blvd. be closed to car traffic after the entrance to Colony rec center eastbound and at the entrance to Walgreens or the bank (BB&T) westbound. That way, carts would have free access from north and south onto the street and autos could access the plaza from 466a. It may require a four-way stop at the corner. And there would still be access to Walgreens and the bank from 466a. I'm concerned about a 4-way stop at the cart path, although it did work while they repaired the tunnel near Crispers.

Mikeon..this is the BEST solution I've heard yet..Also cheap..Effective!:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2::peppe r2:

[rayschic]

According to an article in ************** .com, they are considering putting a traffic light there. Estimated cost is $200,000. They also have a company that will give the cost of building a bridge or tunnel. Estimated cost is one million dollars. Mark Morse has agreed to discuss sharing the costs when the costs are determined.
I was unable to post a link to the article.

[Indydealmaker]

Reconfigure the golfcart path to use some of the existing land on the golf course along the fence line to behind the bank and then into the pkg.lot..... simple and inexpensive solution?

I understand that was considered at the time of the construction of the cart path and the engineers nixed that option.

[CFrance]

According to an article in ************** .com, they are considering putting a traffic light there. Estimated cost is $200,000. They also have a company that will give the cost of building a bridge or tunnel. Estimated cost is one million dollars. Mark Morse has agreed to discuss sharing the costs when the costs are determined.
I was unable to post a link to the article.

A light at the golf cart crossing would solve the problem of people ignoring a four way stop, although I've never seen people blowing a four-way stop in TV. But some people say it happens, so maybe I've just been lucky.

But I still will not access Publix parking lot or Walgreens from Sembler as long as there's no stop sign on Colony at that intersection. There is so much traffic on Colony, and you have to "make a run for it" to get onto Colony. I'm not good at making runs for it.

[Mikeod]

A light at the golf cart crossing would solve the problem of people ignoring a four way stop, although I've never seen people blowing a four-way stop in TV. But some people say it happens, so maybe I've just been lucky.

But I still will not access Publix parking lot or Walgreens from Sembler as long as there's no stop sign on Colony at that intersection. There is so much traffic on Colony, and you have to "make a run for it" to get onto Colony. I'm not good at making runs for it.
I don't even try to get in via Sembler. I go down to the light at the Shell station. Much easier access to Colony.

[KathieI]

I don't even try to get in via Sembler. I go down to the light at the Shell station. Much easier access to Colony.

Agree, me too...

[NJblue]

I can see the poor planning excuse when it comes to the cart paths on the north side. The Villages was still new, and the whole golf cart community thing was new. Carts were not as fast, and the volume of carts was not there at the time. No one could have guessed how the Villages would grow. But so much of The Villages had been built by the time they did the Colony section, they had to have known it would be a problem. These things are all designed and checked by engineers. They surely would have seen the projected traffic flow patterns in and out of a shopping plaza that is very similar to Southern Trace, and designed accordingly. That is their job. The cart paths were in place on the other side of 466A, so it was obvious there would be extended development in that area, and that the volumes would increase. The only explanation that makes any sense is that the Developer purposely cut costs and left the problem for the District to take care of after the fact.

I doubt that it was a conscious effort of cost cutting. The development team does a very good job of general planning. However, they are far from perfect and traffic engineering for golf carts seems to be one of the areas not done particularly well. There are many dangerous intersections involving golf cart paths that would suggest that no planning from a safety perspective took place. It appears that the landscape architects desire to make things pretty trump any efforts to make things safe.

Even attempts to increase golf cart safety are ironically unsafe. For example, they placed a golf cart crossing sign at the Bogart/Bacall crossing on Canal. Unfortunately, they put the sign such that the sign itself creates a blind spot for golf cart drivers trying to cross Canal. I almost got in an accident there when I looked to the left and saw nothing coming, but as I pulled out, a second check showed that there was a car that the sign was blocking my view of.

[CarGuys]

The community watch was mandated to direct traffic at Colony.

As a member of " The Watch " and a veteran of being out on that intersection I ask all to please be careful and slow down.

We are seeing cars and carts trying to jump ahead of others or sneak around the traffic patrol.

The entire situation is a HUGE accident just waiting to happen.

I cannot comment to exact details but lets leave it that some car and cart drivers are not acting like adults and making this a friendly home town retirement community.

Bad language, insults, third fingers and even a few fights with golf cart vs golf cart are now the norm of the week.

I must say that 90% of our villagers are very polite, safe drivers and thank the watch. The community watch guys are out there in adverse conditions for minimum wage working the best they can. And no police are not going to be brought in. It is a a stop gap plan maybe till April until a solution is worked out.

If cars could please deviate from the colony road it would sure help all.

Happy Holidays all and be safe out there!






The real cause of the problem is not at the cart crossing but the intersection at Sembler Way and Colony. The 4 way stop there does nothing to help the situation. What is needed at that intersection is a traffic light and maybe no turn on red. This way it will bunch up car traffic a bit and allow for bigger gaps for the cart traffic.

[Matzy]

Make a 4-way STOP and all will be happy. That should not be a problem to send an application to Sumter County officials.

[pbeinetti]

I don't agree with a 4 way stop. This allows one vehicle/cart to proceed at a time. The stacking will be tremendous. It will only get worse (MUCH worse) when additional houses are built along Morse south of 466A, and the Fruitland Park villages is built. The powers that be who are considering alternatives are taking future growth into account. They have asked the Developer to consider putting money into the hopper to address the problem as it should be, now -- rather than putting it off. I believe the Developer has indicated that he would consider this. Let's get this done right. A 4 way stop is a very short term answer, at best.

[CFrance]

I don't agree with a 4 way stop. This allows one vehicle/cart to proceed at a time. The stacking will be tremendous. It will only get worse (MUCH worse) when additional houses are built along Morse south of 466A, and the Fruitland Park villages is built. The powers that be who are considering alternatives are taking future growth into account. They have asked the Developer to consider putting money into the hopper to address the problem as it should be, now -- rather than putting it off. I believe the Developer has indicated that he would consider this. Let's get this done right. A 4 way stop is a very short term answer, at best.

Which causes more stacking, a four-way stop or a traffic signal? Just curious.

[PattyCakes]

The new 4 way stop at Belle Meade and Mulberry in Marion County is working pretty well, and that was a trouble area for a long time. Maybe that would help.

[Bizdoc]

A 4 way stop assumes everyone stops. And we all know how well Villagers comply with that... Of course, I have seen a number of folks who view traffic signals as suggestions as well.

[pbeinetti]

Common Mistakes Made at a Four-Way Stop
The four-way stop at an intersection is a common sight for anyone with any driving experience. Some people are unsure about what to do when met with a four-way stop where vehicles are present at every sign. While the rules that govern this situation may seem relatively simple when viewed in writing, the common nature of Florida car accidents in this setting would belie this notion.

For instance, one of the most common problems associated with four-way stops in Florida occurs when one driver moves into the intersection before his or her turn arrives. Generally, drivers are supposed to proceed through the intersection in the order in which they arrive at the sign that governs their direction. Therefore, if a person arrives at a sign and three vehicles already occupy the others, that vehicle should be the last to proceed. If two vehicles arrive at their respective stop signs at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way.

Unfortunately, too many people either do not understand this norm or they are too aggressive when someone hesitates for even one second to proceed through the intersection. This creates uncertainty for everyone else in the area, and that�s also one of the reasons that intersections play host to an enormous amount of Florida car accidents .

Another common mistake that�s made is when someone waits through his or her turn to proceed. This creates confusion once again as other motorists must guess as to when that motorist will proceed, and this uncertainty can lead to bad decisions by one or multiple drivers. As a result, collisions and injuries result.

[travelguy]

Automobiles always have the right-of-way over golf carts, bicycles, and any other non-automobile conveyances. So what happens when there is a 4 way stop sign?

[Mikeod]

Automobiles always have the right-of-way over golf carts, bicycles, and any other non-automobile conveyances. So what happens when there is a 4 way stop sign?
I think you'll find traffic laws specify "motor vehicles" which includes golf carts on surface streets. At a four way stop, think Canal and Old Camp Road, cars and carts take turns just like anywhere involving all cars.

[mickey100]

The thing you have to be careful of with either 4 way stops or traffic signals, is stacking distance. There has to be enough room for vehicles to stop in a queue, without backing up all the way either to Morse Boulevard or to the nearest intersection in the plaza. There are methods traffic engineers can use determine whether that would be a problem based on traffic volumes and distances measured.

[LndLocked]

Automobiles always have the right-of-way over golf carts, bicycles, and any other non-automobile conveyances.

Please site a city, county, state or federal statue in support of this ... tks.