Talk of The Villages Florida

Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Entrance Gate Cards - Why do they bother? (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/entrance-gate-cards-why-do-they-bother-290016/)

EdFNJ 04-17-2019 09:02 PM

Entrance Gate Cards - Why do they bother?
 
LOL! EDIT: THIS POST IN NO WAY SUGGESTS REMOVING GATES JUST THE NEED FOR GATE CARDS! I LOVE THE GATES. GATES ARE MY FRIEND! GATES ARE WONDERFUL!

In my 2 years 2 months and (as of now) 13 days living here full time I still haven't been able to figure out a REAL need for these cards. Aside from them being a real PITA, what purpose do they really serve? Yes, I know there may be 1 or 2 exceptions where there is no "red button" or gate keeper but:

Obvious fact this isn't a gated community so it obviously isn't security.

Purpose of gates themselves seems to be to break up traffic so golf carts can pass across which is great (but often doesn't help but it's better than nothing).

If you don't have a card, forgot your card or simply don't want to use it for any one of many reasons you can just push the button or wave at the gate person if one is there.

So why not simply eliminate the cards and leave the automatic gates to still open and close on entry automatically as they do now when you LEAVE a village which will still serve the same traffic purpose?

No matter how it's done drivers will still break the gates or try to speed through them.

That being said, if we absolutely must for some unknown reason have these special cards why not make window stickers transponders like Sunpass available that can be read without having to use your card manually? It can be an extra cost option for those who don't want cards and I know many would be willing to pay a 1-time fee for them. Answer to that is probably $$$$ because the ancient reading system would probably be quite expensive to update so I'd rather see them eliminated. KEEP the gates, get rid of the cards.

tophcfa 04-17-2019 09:38 PM

I think they are actually there for security. They slow vehicles down enough so a clear picture can be taken of every passing. That way, if there is trouble they can go back to the digital recordings and hopefully find the violator. Not a bad idea in my opinion.

mtdjed 04-17-2019 09:43 PM

Perhaps those in the know could explain total value.

Some thoughts come to mind as to why we have gates. Slow down the traffic somewhat like speed bumps. Discourage random drive through traffic. Allow for clear photo of auto license and ID. Note that there is at least 1 gate for golf cart entrance only. Gate is not manned and no red button to open. Seems designed to keep golf carts from out of The Villages out.

I have been here 12 years and have had no problems

Topspinmo 04-17-2019 10:01 PM

I have yet went through gate that didn’t have red button? I sure the million dollar homes don’t want riff raft snooping around, so they probably have separate passes? When the calumet gate entry broken, they put the stop sign before the guard shack, which even it cars entering stop ( most don’t) you can’t see golf carts due to blind spot from the shack.

IMO this is safety hazard, they should put the stop sign after the shack. That way when you stop you can see if curt is crossing. IMO when the put the stop sign the need speed bump down cause some just barrel through 15 mph or faster and don’t even stop. Somebody going to get t-boned in golf cart

EdFNJ 04-17-2019 10:52 PM

The only 1 without button I have noticed is the little gate iin the historic side in the medical center area for carts only. There may be others, but have never seen any. We drive around looking at million dollar homes all the time just for fun. Bridgeport (saw a $1.3mill home with a 2800sq ft garage for sale a few weeks ago!), Pine Hills and a few other areas. Never a problem getting in or out through any gates. Most newer areas aren't even manned.

They can still take pictures (they do have devices that record pictures that move, even an iPhone can do it) :) so I don't think clear photos are an issue. I think it just started out that way many years ago and they just continued the "tradition." I don't find it a "problem," it usually works fine, I just find it an unnecessary annoyance that (IMO) serves no real purpose.

CFrance 04-18-2019 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 1642988)
The only 1 without button I have noticed is the little gate iin the historic side in the medical center area for carts only. There may be others, but have never seen any. We drive around looking at million dollar homes all the time just for fun. Bridgeport (saw a $1.3mill home with a 2800sq ft garage for sale a few weeks ago!), Pine Hills and a few other areas. Never a problem getting in or out through any gates. Most newer areas aren't even manned.

They can still take pictures (they do have devices that record pictures that move, even an iPhone can do it) :) so I don't think clear photos are an issue. I think it just started out that way many years ago and they just continued the "tradition." I don't find it a "problem," it usually works fine, I just find it an unnecessary annoyance that (IMO) serves no real purpose.

I think there's no button at the Belvedere gate up by the high school. I could be wrong.

queasy27 04-18-2019 05:09 AM

I agree. Seems like an automatic gate would serve the same purpose of slowing down speeders in general and allowing time for the automatic cameras to take photos. Certainly there are frequent complaints from residents about the negatives associated with overuse of automatic windows, rain, card functionality, etc.

It's possible that personal and aggregate data from the cards is collected and perhaps used to identify traffic patterns or even for individual police investigations with a warrant. Whether or not those requirements outweigh the inconveniences is, alas, not my decision to make.

Parker 04-18-2019 05:12 AM

Yes, there is a button at the Belvedere gate by the high school.

birdiebill 04-18-2019 05:25 AM

Since this is a "golf cart community", I am so glad there are gates. We love going most places by golf carts and if it were not for the gates, people in golf carts would really have problems crossing main streets that run off Morse and Buena Vista. For example, a golf cart traveling on the MMP along Morse crossing Bonita where there is no gate, the golf cart driver has to really beware of traffic coming off Morse onto Bonita. Autos coming off Morse seldom slow down much as they turn onto Bonita. It is a dangerous crossing. On the other hand crossing Hillsborough or Pinellas without gates in place would at times be impossible for the golf cart due to the heavy traffic in and out of Morse/Buena Vista at these intersections. Whether in a golf cart or in an auto, we all have to be alert and SHARE the road.

ColdNoMore 04-18-2019 06:20 AM

They're simply there to give a false sense of security...of supposedly living in a 'gated community.'

Of which...we don't. :ohdear:

An automatic gate at the entrance, as a vehicle approaches, would accomplish the exact same thing...of 'slowing' traffic.

The fact that it's set up that way when you leave, and yet the same golf carts cross those lanes also...eviscerates any argument that they're there for "safety."
:oops:

ColdNoMore 04-18-2019 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdiebill (Post 1643002)
Since this is a "golf cart community", I am so glad there are gates. We love going most places by golf carts and if it were not for the gates, people in golf carts would really have problems crossing main streets that run off Morse and Buena Vista. For example, a golf cart traveling on the MMP along Morse crossing Bonita where there is no gate, the golf cart driver has to really beware of traffic coming off Morse onto Bonita. Autos coming off Morse seldom slow down much as they turn onto Bonita. It is a dangerous crossing. On the other hand crossing Hillsborough or Pinellas without gates in place would at times be impossible for the golf cart due to the heavy traffic in and out of Morse/Buena Vista at these intersections. Whether in a golf cart or in an auto, we all have to be alert and SHARE the road.


And yet, the gates automatically go up...when leaving a Village.

So basically, they only (supposedly) protect golf traffic...in one direction.
:shrug:

twoplanekid 04-18-2019 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtdjed (Post 1642973)
Perhaps those in the know could explain total value.

Some thoughts come to mind as to why we have gates. Slow down the traffic somewhat like speed bumps. Discourage random drive through traffic. Allow for clear photo of auto license and ID. Note that there is at least 1 gate for golf cart entrance only. Gate is not manned and no red button to open. Seems designed to keep golf carts from out of The Villages out.

I have been here 12 years and have had no problems

It is my understanding that the exotic computerized gate recognition system that was to be implemented to help law enforcement quickly identify tags has been delayed. Apparently there are issues with night lighting upgrades at the gates that would require a substantial increase in costs. So, that camera/computer system is on hold. Pictures are still being taken by the older system.

petsetc 04-18-2019 07:22 AM

Respectfully, I've owned here since early 2015 and have seen numerous threads on this topic. My question is, if you don't like the gates, why did you buy here and/or why do you continue to live here?

And if the gates bother you that much and you think they should change, are you actively participating in the District government to make change, or just ranting on TOTV with your morning coffee hoping someone else will do something?

Personally, I like the arrangement which is why I am still here - Happy as a Clam.

justjim 04-18-2019 07:27 AM

There are several threads regarding our safety gates. And that is the primary reason for the gates. Safety for those in their golf carts and the possibility of tracking down somebody that committed a burglary or something worse. Accidents still happen - and that is why they are called accidents. Fore!

gatorbill1 04-18-2019 07:47 AM

When you use your gate card, there is a record of each of your entrance past gates and what time

DeanFL 04-18-2019 07:51 AM

Yes...drop the cards and simply implant microchips into each resident.

Imagine...no bulky or easily forgotten cards or ID. Go anywhere in The Villages with easy ID & admittance:

Approach the gate and hear on a loudspeaker "Welcome to Lake Sumter Entry Gate #4 Wally and Wanda, enjoy your day".
Or entry to Brownwood for music and dance..."Welcome back Wally...where's Wanda? Is that a new Lady with you...?"
Or entering Bluefin ..."Welcome back Wally. You will be seated in the Cheap Section due to your last 3% tip to waitstaff".
Or entering Palmer golf course in cart..."Wally you owe us your trail fees - stop or spike strips will be utilized".
Or entering TV Singles Club..."Wanda - where's Wally? Is he not with you due to his cheating at Brownwood last week?"

PoolBrews 04-18-2019 07:55 AM

The issue with having the gates automatically open is that they are currently set to stay open as long as vehicles are traveling through. They don't close after each vehicle. If that happens on entrance as well, it would severely disrupt golf cart traffic. Case in point - the intersection when entering Spanish Springs from the north - sometimes you can't get through unless a kind driver stops and waves you through.

luperona9 04-18-2019 08:03 AM

In general thieves will avoid risk. Going through a gate to steal and having to roll down your window and press a button is extra risk.

We do have crime in the villages, but certainly less because of the gates.

Gates may have saved a life or two as well, no way to tell, but golf carting is safer for sure.

Plus I love telling people that I live in a Semi-gated community.

One Thumbs up for gates.

anothersteve 04-18-2019 08:08 AM

You last six posters make too much sense......... stop it.
:)
Steve

luperona9 04-18-2019 08:14 AM

Real gated communities pay a LOT more fees as they own and maintain the streets.

Our system is genius!

That is one reason I salute Harold at SS when I pass.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b8ade21f69.jpg

coffeebean 04-18-2019 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by queasy27 (Post 1643000)
Certainly there are frequent complaints from residents about the negatives associated with overuse of automatic windows, rain, card functionality, etc.

I'm lucky that the two most frequent gates I go through (Mallory and Odell South) work every time for my gate pass with the car window up.

Polar Bear 04-18-2019 08:38 AM

Kudos to all those who explained the purpose and benefits of the gates. I’ll never understand the “logic” of the gate haters.

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdiebill (Post 1643002)
Since this is a "golf cart community", I am so glad there are gates. We love going most places by golf carts and if it were not for the gates, people in golf carts would really have problems crossing main streets that run off Morse and Buena Vista. For example, a golf cart traveling on the MMP along Morse crossing Bonita where there is no gate, the golf cart driver has to really beware of traffic coming off Morse onto Bonita. Autos coming off Morse seldom slow down much as they turn onto Bonita. It is a dangerous crossing. On the other hand crossing Hillsborough or Pinellas without gates in place would at times be impossible for the golf cart due to the heavy traffic in and out of Morse/Buena Vista at these intersections. Whether in a golf cart or in an auto, we all have to be alert and SHARE the road.

NEVER suggested GATES should be removed, quite the opposite. Just get rid of the gate CARDS and have all gates automatically open after a minimal delay as they do anyway. The gates are a necessity especially for the safety of golf cart drivers.

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petsetc (Post 1643032)
Respectfully, I've owned here since early 2015 and have seen numerous threads on this topic. My question is, if you don't like the gates, why did you buy here and/or why do you continue to live here?

And if the gates bother you that much and you think they should change, are you actively participating in the District government to make change, or just ranting on TOTV with your morning coffee hoping someone else will do something?

Personally, I like the arrangement which is why I am still here - Happy as a Clam.


GEEZ FOLKS READ THE OP BEFORE MAKING COMMENTS! Assuming that post was directed to me since I started the thread and since you didn't quote anyone in your reply I NEVER SUGGESTED getting rid of gates, only GATE CARDS.

That and the old refrain of "if you don't like x y or z you shouldn't have moved here" is really getting old. 1000 positives outweigh a few negatives and last I checked we all still have the right to an opinion whether others agree or not on a specific issue..

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorbill1 (Post 1643047)
When you use your gate card, there is a record of each of your entrance past gates and what time

Which is totally meaningless since I (or anyone) can just as easily push the red button or go through the manned gate without the card. That plus why is it anyone's business what time I come or go? I don't want my wife subpoenaing the records to find I slipped out at 4am while she was sleeping. :D

ColdNoMore 04-18-2019 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 1643090)
GEEZ FOLKS READ THE OP BEFORE MAKING COMMENTS! Assuming that post was directed to me since I started the thread and since you didn't quote anyone in your reply I NEVER SUGGESTED getting rid of gates, only GATE CARDS.

That and the old refrain of "if you don't like x y or z you shouldn't have moved here" is really getting old. 1000 positives outweigh a few negatives and last I checked we all still have the right to an opinion whether others agree or not on a specific issue..

:bigbow:

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luperona9 (Post 1643059)
In general thieves will avoid risk. Going through a gate to steal and having to roll down your window and press a button is extra risk.

We do have crime in the villages, but certainly less because of the gates.

Gates may have saved a life or two as well, no way to tell, but golf carting is safer for sure.

Plus I love telling people that I live in a Semi-gated community.

One Thumbs up for gates.


OMG, why has this gone so far off topic? WHO SAID TO GET RID OF GATES ??? Even the title of the thread Entrance Gate Cards - Why do they bother? Clearly suggest the question.

anothersteve 04-18-2019 10:11 AM

I have to use my gate key when I drive my truck through some of the gates. I can't reach the button with the window down so I just use it at all the gates. That could be one of the reasons. Buttons are too low for some.
Steve

ColdNoMore 04-18-2019 10:31 AM

I think it's appropriate to remind some people, that our streets...ARE PUBLIC PROPERTY. :oops:

Except for the Villa areas, they are maintained by the county and are NO DIFFERENT... than any other public street in the county.

Having pointed this out, how does everyone feel now about having gates on every single county street and needing to have a card or push a button...to utilize that which your taxes are paying to maintain? :ohdear:

Not to mention about possibly having your license plate recorded...every time you use any public road?

Not that it matters to me, but there are a lot of folks who lament...a loss of privacy these days. :shrug:


Velvet 04-18-2019 10:47 AM

There are so many gates. You drive, you stop, you drive you stop, you drive you stop. I feel comforted by having all the gates but to pull out your gate card each time is such a nuisance. And to get out of your car because you can’t reach the button.... I would like to see gate passes that can be attached to your vehicle. They could be timed to stop your car so the golf carts can pass.

Bogie Shooter 04-18-2019 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 1642969)
LOL! EDIT: THIS POST IN NO WAY SUGGESTS REMOVING GATES JUST THE NEED FOR GATE CARDS! I LOVE THE GATES. GATES ARE MY FRIEND! GATES ARE WONDERFUL!

In my 2 years 2 months and (as of now) 13 days living here full time I still haven't been able to figure out a REAL need for these cards. Aside from them being a real PITA, what purpose do they really serve? Yes, I know there may be 1 or 2 exceptions where there is no "red button" or gate keeper but:

Obvious fact this isn't a gated community so it obviously isn't security.

Purpose of gates themselves seems to be to break up traffic so golf carts can pass across which is great (but often doesn't help but it's better than nothing).

If you don't have a card, forgot your card or simply don't want to use it for any one of many reasons you can just push the button or wave at the gate person if one is there.

So why not simply eliminate the cards and leave the automatic gates to still open and close on entry automatically as they do now when you LEAVE a village which will still serve the same traffic purpose?

No matter how it's done drivers will still break the gates or try to speed through them.

That being said, if we absolutely must for some unknown reason have these special cards why not make window stickers transponders like Sunpass available that can be read without having to use your card manually? It can be an extra cost option for those who don't want cards and I know many would be willing to pay a 1-time fee for them. Answer to that is probably $$$$ because the ancient reading system would probably be quite expensive to update so I'd rather see them eliminated. KEEP the gates, get rid of the cards.

17 years and still don’t find the cards a pita.

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 1643148)
17 years and still don’t find the cards a pita.


:coolsmiley: Your opinion has been counted. :)

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1643113)
There are so many gates. You drive, you stop, you drive you stop, you drive you stop. I feel comforted by having all the gates but to pull out your gate card each time is such a nuisance. And to get out of your car because you can’t reach the button.... I would like to see gate passes that can be attached to your vehicle. They could be timed to stop your car so the golf carts can pass.


Thank you for even more clearly stating the point I was trying to make than I could. :D

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luperona9 (Post 1643163)
Oy vey, as I prepare for Erev Pesach I can not say more.


Thank G-d for that. Have a zissen Pesach.

Bogie Shooter 04-18-2019 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 1643161)
:coolsmiley: Your opinion has been counted. :)

As is yours.

luperona9 04-18-2019 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 1643167)
Thank G-d for that. Have a zissen Pesach.

Thank you.... But cash is better. [emoji56][emoji12][emoji3]

thetruth 04-18-2019 01:01 PM

Could not agree more
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by petsetc (Post 1643032)
Respectfully, I've owned here since early 2015 and have seen numerous threads on this topic. My question is, if you don't like the gates, why did you buy here and/or why do you continue to live here?

And if the gates bother you that much and you think they should change, are you actively participating in the District government to make change, or just ranting on TOTV with your morning coffee hoping someone else will do something?

Personally, I like the arrangement which is why I am still here - Happy as a Clam.

No matter where there is no shortage of people who complain.
Most when asked do they have a better idea they are offended or say but, does................

Far as the gates, I wonder what the cost would be to have them all work the same-stay up or need to get a card signal after each vehicle. Also, going through those gates on a bike is at best dangerous.

Security? In most cases people thinking security are not criminals. Would someone intent on crime worry about breaking the cross bar? Heck they get broken so often they simply fall off the clip that holds them and the crew gets paid to snap them back in.

Velvet 04-18-2019 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdFNJ (Post 1643167)
Thank G-d for that. Have a zissen Pesach.

And to you. Your post brought a smile to me.

Nucky 04-18-2019 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 1643172)
And to you. Your post brought a smile to me.

I like your post Velvet keep up the good work.

Ed my boy, what do I do on days that I have a rental since I'm envisioning your suggestion as being like my Sun Pass. Stuck on the window. I'm with ya cause I support all you Wise (Smart) Guys from Jersey. I picked up what you were laying down in your original post. I don't see where extending it slightly into the gate also is a bigga deal!

EdFNJ 04-18-2019 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nucky (Post 1643183)
I like your post Velvet keep up the good work.

Ed my boy, what do I do on days that I have a rental since I'm envisioning your suggestion as being like my Sun Pass. Stuck on the window. I'm with ya cause I support all you Wise (Smart) Guys from Jersey. I picked up what you were laying down in your original post. I don't see where extending it slightly into the gate also is a bigga deal!

:D My father lived in an actual GATED COMMUNITY down in Pembroke Pines FL and every car had a little 1" x 3" electronic non-removable sticker attached to the inside window so you would drive up to the residents gate and go through without having to open windows, or dig for your card or have a card to lose or have it stolen or illegally pass to a friend who came to visit. Such security! Each home was allocated 2 "stickers" and could buy more if needed. It was a pleasure especially in the middle of "rainy season" when if you opened your window you could get very wet when on the way to dinner or a show.

That's what I'd like to see here but I understand it may be quite expensive to modify all the gates to "modern" capability and I know cash flow is tough here in TV for the Devs :D which is why I would like to see the gates remain but the CARDS go away (edit: unless updated to more modern technology).


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:10 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.32 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2025 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.