[bkcunningham1]

Dee, I am waiting to get additional information. It seems silly to ask someone to sign a petition without having more information. I would not sign a petition if the petitioner could not explain the basics of who did what and why. I do not know those answers yet. I want to do the right thing and move with logic not pure emotion. I want to give people an opportunity to answer questions so I will have answers.

[njbchbum]

i have just received an email from a rep of harbor chase of villages crossing in which it is stated that harbor chase did NOT request the building of the wall - they, too, are trying to find out who did - they looked forward to visitors from the villages - and they are upset, too! harbor chase of villages crossing is an ally in this matter!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Gracie, this was the only golf cart accessible route. I doubt any of us want to constantly ask neighbors/friends/churches to give us a ride to all of the shops and services suddenly now inaccessible. How comfortable would you be asking someone to take you at least once a week to Lowe's?

Personally, I do believe that an easement was created and we have a large legal leg to stand on. Maybe my first calls tomorrow will be to a few attorneys I know, then to the media. (Lauren Ritchie may not be our friend, but she is most definitely not a friend of the Morses -- she may be a great resource in helping us on this one.) I'm not even sure it matters why the wall was put up. What matters is that the wall is up and the longer it stays up, the longer we lose any rights we may have to have it removed.

BK, why are we waiting to put out a petition? At whose request? What are they hoping to accomplish besides a possible delay tactic?

Removing the buffalo was well within the legal rights of the Morses but certainly wasn't handled well. Closing Orange Blossom again was within the Morses' rights but, again, wasn't handled well. Not sure this is entirely true this time but we shall see. Sadly, my gut feeling is that we will lose this one unless we can get that wall down within the week. Easements are tough to regain once lost.

Redwitch. You make it seem like it is the only golf cart accessible path out of the old area. It is not. It is the only golf cart accessible path to a number of businesses on that side of 441/27 by Golf cart.

I don't see what the buffalo has to do with this.

Is there something wrong in waiting until the business offices open tomorrow and asking someone knowledgeable like Janet Tutt? What will happen if there is some reasonable and plausible answer to all this?

[DougB]

Just a thought since that all we have to go on as to why this "stupid" wall was put up. This goes back to the removed cowboy statue. Maybe some non-villager came on Village property via the golf cart path, got into an accident, and is now suing.

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Redwitch. You make it seem like it is the only golf cart accessible path out of the old area. It is not. It is the only golf cart accessible path to a number of businesses on that side of 441/27 by Golf cart.

I don't see what the buffalo has to do with this.

Is there something wrong in waiting until the business offices open tomorrow and asking someone knowledgeable like Janet Tutt? What will happen if there is some reasonable and plausible answer to all this?

Gracie, it is the only golf cart access to those specific medical buildings and doctors, the new urgent care center, Lowe's and several other unique shops and restaurants. And I don't think I've ever implied it was the only way out of the historic side.

The buffalo were removed in the middle of the night with no warning; the cowboy statue at Brownwood was removed in the middle of the night with no warning; Orange Blossom was closed with very little warning. It seems to be a pattern here -- remove it quickly and quietly; let Villagers complain, rant, plead but be assured it won't come back.

I wouldn't be surprised to hear the argument will be liability issues (it is not a smooth path). To me, that's the logical answer. It is done.

I don't know Florida law but my gut feeling is the only way that will be taken down is by a lawsuit for right of easement. I hope I'm wrong.

[co519]

Originally Posted by DougB

Just a thought since that all we have to go on as to why this "stupid" wall was put up. This goes back to the removed cowboy statue. Maybe some non-villager came on Village property via the golf cart path, got into an accident, and is now suing.

If this were the case than a wall would have to be put up at every gate since any non Villager can access with just a push of a button.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by co519

If this were the case than a wall would have to be put up at every gate since any non Villager can access with just a push of a button.

I believe that path is the only way to enter The Villages by golf cart

[chuckinca]

and the only way to leave Villages property by golf cart.


.

[DougB]

That would be correct.

[chuckinca]

. . .

[chuckinca]

There used to be an automatic gate for carts there that just let in or out carts that had gate passes.

It was deactivated years ago but the gate mechanism was still in place without gate arms.

.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I don't understand why people are comparing this to the removal of buffalo or a cowboy statue. Those were little esthetic things that some people may have enjoyed. This wall creates a major lifestyle change for a lot of people. In some cases it may cause severe hardship.

[DougB]

I think (or at least hope) everyone understands how this affects those who need this path to reopen. Hopefully we will find out the answer today and get this resolved as soon as possible.

[bonrich]

Even if the wall was taken down because of laws permitting it, would the developer have to build and maintain a road or path for safe travel to and from the affected businesses and areas that would be accessed? Would it be his choice to abandon all maintenance? A thought not knowing the laws that would be affected or challenged.

[ttown]

What bothers me the most is the way that it was done..
No explanation
No input from residents
On a weekend when offices are closed
It seems that we are expected to take this action like compliant little people.
What will the Villages do now...say it was for our own good?