[TheVillageBlacksmith]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

The best way to go through a gate

The easy way to open a gate in The Villages - YouTube

This method 👆 is fantastic—safe and convenient!


Even better, I've been using this active pass with extended range for almost two years without encountering any issues. I still have a few left if anyone's interested. You can reach out to me at 352-5305984.

👇

The Villages entry gates with active pass


Ellie ✌️

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

My sun visor has a slot that the gate card fits perfectly in. I assume that slot is for gate cards. I can still drop the card but as soon as I get it from the visor, I prop it on the door so it is right next to the window. I am driving with one hand at this point but so far so good. I would still much prefer to have that gizmo installed on my side view mirror though.

Just took delivery of our "newish" car.....first add was the "gizmo" on the mirror for $25.00. Don't understand your hubby's adversion but some folks just can't accept stuff that makes life easier

[twoplanekid]

I received this notice in my District email today and thought it might be of interest to some Villagers.

The following is being forwarded at the request of Kenny Blocker…

Good Morning,

As you know, During Fiscal Year 2022-2023, The Village Center Community Development District (VCCDD) and Sumter Landing Community Development District (SLCDD) entered into Piggyback Agreements with Integrated Fire and Security Solutions (IFSS) for a Security Maintenance & Service Plan to service and maintain our traffic gates and associated equipment. Both the Amenity Authority Committee (AAC) and the Project Wide Advisory Committee (PWAC) authorized significant investment into our gates (and associated systems/hardware & components) as well as replacing the Gate Control Operating System. Some specific updates on this project are itemized below:

Gate Control Operating System: This project required upgrading the main control board at each gate. This phase is substantially complete with only the restricted RV Lots left to transition. The contractor provided support to set up, operate and train staff on the new operating system in April 2024. With this completed, the District will transition during the month of May to the new Gate Control Operating System. Residents should stay tuned to DistrictGov.org, e-notifications and the Weekly Bulletin for additional information regarding this transition. When this switch occurs, all expired or unauthorized cards will no longer function, and residents will be required to visit one of our three customer service locations for additional assistance. Community Watch will have handouts at the gates for residents who discover that their gate card no longer functions.


Gate Hardware Upgrades: Major effort has been expended to concurrently upgrade the existing gate hardware, including control motors, actuators, beam sensors, gate arms, gate loops and many other components. The contractor completed this work in April 2024. As a result of these upgrades, you likely have seen a dramatic reduction in the number of gate issues, downed gate arms, etc. While we still have an occasional gate strike, the number of strikes is down as well down due to the repairs to the sensors and gate loops. Additionally, with this work now complete, the IFSS contract will transition to “fully executed” based on the contract terms, versus time and materials, thereby reducing the monthly costs for gate maintenance services.


Long Distance Readers: To install Long Distance Readers, we must be running on the new Gate Control Operating System, which as stated above, will be in May 2024. We will be “testing” long distance readers at select gates and presenting options to AAC and PWAC to convert all of our gates to Long Distance Readers (already budgeted this Fiscal Year). Residents desiring to use the “long distance reader functionality” will have the ability purchase alternative devices from the District which will function with the long-distance readers. The existing gate cards will continue to operate as they have in the past; however, you must purchase one of the offered options for the long-distance functionality to work.

As this project and testing progresses, we will provide an update on the scheduled installation of long-distance readers at the gate locations during this current fiscal year.


Kenneth C. Blocker

District Manager

984 Old Mill Run, The Villages, Florida 32162

[MrChip72]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

When this switch occurs, all expired or unauthorized cards will no longer function, and residents will be required to visit one of our three customer service locations for additional assistance. Community Watch will have handouts at the gates for residents who discover that their gate card no longer functions.

Yes, and then you clone the new card. Takes 5 seconds with an NFC/RFID cloning device. Easy peasy.

[twoplanekid]

Originally Posted by MrChip72

Yes, and then you clone the new card. Takes 5 seconds with an NFC/RFID cloning device. Easy peasy.

I agree as long as the card is active in the system as most will be ! I cloned my card to use one in my mirror.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

I agree as long as the card is active in the system as most will be ! I cloned my card to use one in my mirror.

You have to get closer to the curb for those to work, and they don't work everywhere. So I like the possibility of a long range reader option.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Altavia

You have to get closer to the curb for those to work, and they don't work everywhere. So I like the possibility of a long range reader option.

I agree with a long range reader. But, I make my own cloned discs. I use 3 discs inside the mirror and one on the outside edge taped to the mirror casing with duct tape. They work fine at all gates.

[twoplanekid]

Originally Posted by Altavia

You have to get closer to the curb for those to work, and they don't work everywhere. So I like the possibility of a long range reader option.

My cloned card seems to work better and at a greater range with the new equipment so I see no need to replace it at this time. In fact, I have not had it fail to open a gate in the past six months.

[Keefelane66]

Originally Posted by Altavia

You have to get closer to the curb for those to work, and they don't work everywhere. So I like the possibility of a long range reader option.

I have a chip on my mirror works fine 18 inches from all gate sensors

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

I just push the red button if I don’t have my ISSUED card.

Since the mirror unit is essentially the ISSUED card, is recorded the same as the one issued to you, doesn't impact the Developer or security, I don't understand the issue.

[Maker]

How many millions has already been spent on perpetuating the illusion of a gated community? And more spending is in the works.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by Maker

How many millions has already been spent on perpetuating the illusion of a gated community? And more spending is in the works.

I'm on the same page. Did they stop putting large "RESIDENT RENTRY" signs up at gates?

At this point it's part of the charm of the Villages and would be hard to take away.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Maker

How many millions has already been spent on perpetuating the illusion of a gated community? And more spending is in the works.

I suspect the reason you are here is because they spent millions on providing a place to live that makes you happy, assuming you live here. Gates are a nit and keep a bunch of golf carts safer and moving.

[Maker]

Originally Posted by JoMar

I suspect the reason you are here is because they spent millions on providing a place to live that makes you happy, assuming you live here. Gates are a nit and keep a bunch of golf carts safer and moving.

I disagree. Gates cause a whole bunch of issues that vanish if they were gone...

Sight lines are blocked because of the hardware, signs, and landscaping.
Carts get accustomed to darting in front of a car approaching a gate, and when the arm is down they are in serious risk of getting hit.
In entry areas with 2 lanes, cars are moving left\right\left\right. Many times carts try to time it so they cross between cars. Causes a near miss situation.
Gates slow down the rate of cars entering. Bunching things up at a slow speed. Converts a stream of faster cars with significant gaps between cars, into a solid line of cars close together. Takes longer for those cars to pass. Carts get backed up waiting too. More congestion is always less safe.

I bought here in spite of the fake image of the gates, and the problems they cause.
Just because "it's always been done that way" doesn't always make it the right thing in today's world. I try to keep an open mind, looking at issues that have opportunity for improvement. Removing gates are an opportunity to improve traffic flow and make it safer at the same time.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Maker

I disagree. Gates cause a whole bunch of issues that vanish if they were gone...

Sight lines are blocked because of the hardware, signs, and landscaping.
Carts get accustomed to darting in front of a car approaching a gate, and when the arm is down they are in serious risk of getting hit.
In entry areas with 2 lanes, cars are moving left\right\left\right. Many times carts try to time it so they cross between cars. Causes a near miss situation.
Gates slow down the rate of cars entering. Bunching things up at a slow speed. Converts a stream of faster cars with significant gaps between cars, into a solid line of cars close together. Takes longer for those cars to pass. Carts get backed up waiting too. More congestion is always less safe.

I bought here in spite of the fake image of the gates, and the problems they cause.
Just because "it's always been done that way" doesn't always make it the right thing in today's world. I try to keep an open mind, looking at issues that have opportunity for improvement. Removing gates are an opportunity to improve traffic flow and make it safer at the same time.

And I disagree with everything you just said. Yes, people can be stupid. They'll be stupid with or without gates. Both cart and car drivers.

But gates most certainly make it safer for golf carts...

I bought here with no illusions about the purpose of the gates. And after 3+ years, I'm still happy they're there...