Gate controversy that appears to be brewing
 

Apparently some of the CDD’s are considering possible changes to the current gate system utilized in the Villages.

From what I understand, there are three options being discussed.

1) Keep as is
2) Eliminate gates
3) Keep the gates, but get rid of the attendants

Perhaps there are other options being considered that I’m not aware of?

Based on the three options listed I’m curious what option others favor?

Personally, I would favor keeping the gates, but getting rid of the gate attendants. I feel the gates are necessary to slow automobile traffic so golf carts can safely get through gated intersections. However, I don’t really see any benefit of having the attendants. In fact, I think having a gate attendant at the 466/Morse gate is a detriment. The attendant typically just holds the gates open waving cars through as fast as possible, alternating between the two gates, leaving no openings for golf carts. Without the attendant, automobiles would have to stop and either waive their gate card or push the little red button, leaving openings for golf carts to cross. I suppose the only time I could see the gate attendant as being helpful would be if the gate was temporarily broken, so they could hold up a stop sign to slow down automobiles not being constrained by a gate.

If history is any indicator, most of us will be dead before they change anything. I am happy leaving the gates the way they are.

If you are referring to the gate near CR466, they keep the gate open during busy periods so that traffic doesn't back up on to CR466. There is not a lot of distance between the gate and the major road. Not ideal, but generally carts don't have to wait very long before the lights change and normal operation is resumed. Those traveling north are not affected as they can slip on to the cart path.

Given the amount recently spent to replace the control boards, I don’t see the gates changing significantly anytime soon.

Finding that the attendants are no longer necessary might be an option. With the red button to open the gate and Nav systems to find homes there is less need for a person at the gate. Plus, as pointed out above, when the attendants choose to facilitate traffic flow by holding the gates open they make things dangerous.

Keep the gates , dump the attendants.

I would vote to get rid of them. The golf carts don’t pay attention with the gate anyhow. I noticed when the fire department came the other night going by Sawgrass they had to completely stop and push the button on the (non attendant) gate. I wonder if my home insurance takes that into account and my rate is higher based on a slower response, LOL. Like another said we will be gone before any change ever happens.

Since we have owned a home off Morse, north of 466 for 10 years, I am as familiar with that gate as just about anyone. There is a good distance between the gate and 466, and I have never seen automobile traffic back up anywhere even close the 466. On the other, I have witnessed many dangerous encounters between automobiles and golf carts trying to cross over to the MMP because of the gate attendants not staggering automobile traffic enough to let carts through. The picture below occasionally happens when the gate attendant never bothers to turn around and check out how many golf carts are backed up behind them. In my opinion, that area would be much better served by not having a gate attendant.

I attended the District's Budget Meeting last year.

The amount of money spent on Community Watch, is criminal. The guy that runs it, is a nut bag in my opinion. I had to leave after listening to his nonsense for 10 minutes ... he apparently went on for another 20 minutes after I left. He thinks he's running the NYC Police Department and had more facts and figures than any human could stomach.

Want to know how many homes Community Watch can drive by per minute? He can tell you. Want to know how long it takes to call a homeowner, to tell them their garage door is open? He's got the statistics. It was mind boggling.

I left before I heard how much they spend for those clowns operating the gates & paddles at the gates ... I can only imagine!

Cutting all those guys loose is going to be an issue. It should have been done a long time ago. I'll be curious how this one shakes out.

That would be my vote as well, if I get one.

I feel the gate attendants are an essential part of this community. You don’t see all the people who need help that these people provide. If anything we should provide better training for them.

Disagree! I think if any thing we need more Community Watch. Too many unauthorized people taking liberties with TV property. Using swimming pools, using recreation areas, golf courses, trying to get around deed restrictions etc etc. And there is a sense of comfort knowing they drive by my home each day and night. They help keep our place safe and civilized.

Community watch does nothing about “unauthorized people taking liberties with TV property.” Rec center employees do check ids at pools and Rec centers, but not Community Watch.

Ok, thanks for the clarification.

Automatic Open
 

I suggest keeping all of the gates, however, have the gates open as our vehicles approach them. This way we don’t get soaking wet when it’s pouring rain and we have to open our window to wave our card in front of it.

Community Watch drives around all day and mans the Gates. That's it. They're Mall Cops with automobiles.

Try to get your head around these numbers:

The Community Watch Budget in FY 24 was $11,800,000

Community Watch Budget increased approximately 14% for FY25 ... +/- $13,000,000.

PWAC (South of 466) = +/- 60%
AAC (North of 466) = +/- 40%

I'm fairly certain the PWAC is currently subsidized by the Developer, their % will increase.