[DougR]

I wonder how many of these people who do not pick up after their pets are actual homeowners in TV? Are they renters and Snowbirds? For that matter, people who do not abide by other community rules and regulations obviously do not have the respect for what The Villages is meant to be. I wonder if these "violators" are those who come to TV seasonally and are renting for $3000+ per month. Maybe they have the arrogant attitude that because they pay such a hefty monthly rental fee, that they are 'above' the necessity of following the rules. Or that the grounds crew can pickup after their pets...isn't that why they pay so much in fees?
I am not yet a Villager, but I can see this same type of complacent attitude in my own community development here in Ohio. Those people who rent and lease homes and townhomes within my development just seem to not have that 'ownership pride' in the area. ...not all, but many.
So when The Villages Community Patrol stops to question people who may be violating some rule and restriction, I see it as a benefit to those who own property in TV. IMO they are upholding the values of TV, and they help us understand the rules and regulations.

[LndLocked]

Originally Posted by mulligan

All the above mentioned property is owned by the VCCDD. That would be the Village Center Community Development District. That makes it private property, just like the rec centers, exec golf courses, etc. All those are supported and maintained by your amenity fees. They are not public property, but rather private property with public access. The VCCDD board or supervisors makes all the rules, and grants limited access to the public.

can you tell me where and when I go to vote or voice my approval / disapproval of who exactly makes up the VCDD?

[JohnN]

community watch is a joke and waste of money

[TVMayor]

Originally Posted by JohnN

community watch is a joke and waste of money

They are another facet of the security gate system. That’s Spanish for dog and pony show for visitors.

[schroeder3]

I am not a dog owner.I do however like them very much.I have friends who are very responsible dog owners.I have had dogs in the past.I trained my dog to go in his own yard.Walking them anywhere is fine,if they have accident clean it up.I am glad they are no longer allowed at mail staions,too many off leash and putting poop in garbage cans or down sewer drains.This is very offensive.If you dont want your own dog to go inyour own yard then take to dog parks there are more than one.I also hope that soon dogs will be banned from the Art Fairs.Too many people to bring all those dogs in too.

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by JohnN

community watch is a joke and waste of money

I do not wish to argue with you kind sir. There is enough of that already... Could I please put forth some things for you to consider?

The watch was sent there to only inform on orders from the head of The Villages, Janet Tutt. It is not a dog park. Can we try to not shoot the messenger?

Now... what the watch has done recently.....

Found a lost man with Alzheimer's, saved with first responders, worked with the gate cameras to catch burglars, found lost dogs and cats, pulled snakes out of lanais, stand by for stranded motorists, stand as crossing guards at colony. All that while making mega bucks... (OK.. I made that last part up) Truth be known, I don't think they make a lot of money doing this and from what I've seen, they have always been friendly and helpful. As someone already pointed out, they check homes and if they notice a garage is up, they will call the owner to make them aware of the situation.

You may still feel community watch is a waste of money, but for my money, it's well spent dollars.

[vj1213]

The only part I find strange is that this is the only property in all of TV where dogs can't walk. (Of course before anyone says it...yes, I know that they can't walk on golf courses). But they can walk in the grassy areas around any other postal stations, around any town square, around any other common areas, inside any of the sales centers.
And no, I still haven't received my call back. Think I might call back tomorrow. I will always find a place to walk my dog so it's not the end of the world...I just find it odd.

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by vj1213

The only part I find strange is that this is the only property in all of TV where dogs can't walk. (Of course before anyone says it...yes, I know that they can't walk on golf courses). But they can walk in the grassy areas around any other postal stations, around any town square, around any other common areas, inside any of the sales centers.
And no, I still haven't received my call back. Think I might call back tomorrow. I will always find a place to walk my dog so it's not the end of the world...I just find it odd.

My understanding (which isn't much), all postal areas will be closed off to dog walking Again... I don't know if I have this completely correct. But I understand that you can walk your dog to pick up your mail. You just can't use the postal area to walk or run your dog.

You might want to try to call again and see if you can get an answer. I'm guessing from this post, there are a lot of people calling, and they are overwhelmed trying to answer them. This did come out of the blue and took everyone by surprise. Just try to keep in mind, community watch is only following orders. Find out where and who, and you will get a better line on what's going on.

In the meantime... Thanks for making the call.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by angiefox10

My understanding (which isn't much), all postal areas will be closed off to dog walking Again... I don't know if I have this completely correct. But I understand that you can walk your dog to pick up your mail. You just can't use the postal area to walk or run your dog.

You might want to try to call again and see if you can get an answer. I'm guessing from this post, there are a lot of people calling, and they are overwhelmed trying to answer them. This did come out of the blue and took everyone by surprise. Just try to keep in mind, community watch is only following orders. Find out where and who, and you will get a better line on what's going on.

In the meantime... Thanks for making the call.

There were several calls made, and the same response was given--we don't know anything about it. If this is a sanctioned move by CW, it was so ill thought-out. You start with information, put up signs, move on to warnings, end up with fines or complaint-driven fines. You don't just show up one day and kick everybody out because somebody said so.

It just makes me suspicious, the way they're doing it, as to whether it's really been sanctioned by a higher power, or did a couple of CW's took it upon themselves to do something as a favor because someone complained.

I'll tell you, now those ladies have parked their lawn chairs out on the parking lots with their dogs. Three of them today. That parking lot is a through street between Tamarind Grove Run and the road on the other side of the park. It's got more traffic than a normal Postal center. Somebody's going to get hurt.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by angiefox10

The watch was sent there to only inform on orders from the head of The Villages, Janet Tutt.

Angie
May we assume from your post that if we call the office of Janet Tutt, she will confirm that she ordered Community Watch to patrol mail stations in The Villages. And that Community Watch is to inform people that Mail Stations are private property, and that dogs are no longer allowed to be walked there?

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by CFrance

There were several calls made, and the same response was given--we don't know anything about it. If this is a sanctioned move by CW, it was so ill thought-out. You start with information, put up signs, move on to warnings, end up with fines or complaint-driven fines. You don't just show up one day and kick everybody out because somebody said so.

It just makes me suspicious, the way they're doing it, as to whether it's really been sanctioned by a higher power, or did a couple of CW's took it upon themselves to do something as a favor because someone complained.

I'll tell you, now those ladies have parked their lawn chairs out on the parking lots with their dogs. Three of them today. That parking lot is a through street between Tamarind Grove Run and the road on the other side of the park. It's got more traffic than a normal Postal center. Somebody's going to get hurt.

What I am to understand is, this IS the information (warning). Other steps to follow. I have also heard the rule will apply to all mail boxes. I believe community watch has already been to a couple of others, but I can't confirm this. I have been told this isn't about just on mail center.

Originally Posted by Barefoot

[/B]
Angie
May we assume from your post that if we call the office of Janet Tutt, she will confirm that she ordered Community Watch to patrol mail stations in The Villages. And that Community Watch is to inform people that Mail Stations are private property, and that dogs are no longer allowed to be walked there?

Barefoot, I don't know what will happen. I would hope she would, so the Community Watch could stop getting the abuse over this situation. From what I have heard, it's getting ugly. These gentlemen don't just work here... They live here as well.

[skyking]

Originally Posted by JohnN

community watch is a joke and waste of money

I truly feel sorry for these guys. They signed on to help villagers and are now being asked to harass dog walkers. They have no authority, take abuse for passing on a message from an unknown authority (in hiding) and many, I am sure, have dogs themselves and don't personally want to get involved in this issue.

[graciegirl]

Community watch is so appreciated by most of us. I am a huge fan.


My first boss in a part time job as a teen taught me how to answer a phone.


He said find out as much as you can and disclose nothing.


That was not the case when I called for information on this subject yesterday. I got an earful and I suspected that the opinions were those of the phone answerer. Maybe not the "official" opinion.


And being me, 'cause I can't be anyone else, I think that some sensible explanation will surface soon. Hope springs eternal.


And I am a HUGE fan of Janet Tutt who has an IMPOSSIBLE job. If I had to deal with all of us opinionated people I would change careers FAST. She is often like King Solomon with that baby in front of him.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by skyking

I truly feel sorry for these guys. They signed on to help villagers and are now being asked to harass dog walkers. They have no authority, take abuse for passing on a message from an unknown authority (in hiding) and many, I am sure, have dogs themselves and don't personally want to get involved in this issue.

And the people that ordered the harassing are hiding under their desks, behind locked doors and not answering the phone. This shows real courage.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by angiefox10

I do not wish to argue with you kind sir. There is enough of that already... Could I please put forth some things for you to consider?

The watch was sent there to only inform on orders from the head of The Villages, Janet Tutt. It is not a dog park. Can we try to not shoot the messenger?

Now... what the watch has done recently.....

Found a lost man with Alzheimer's, saved with first responders, worked with the gate cameras to catch burglars, found lost dogs and cats, pulled snakes out of lanais, stand by for stranded motorists, stand as crossing guards at colony. All that while making mega bucks... (OK.. I made that last part up) Truth be known, I don't think they make a lot of money doing this and from what I've seen, they have always been friendly and helpful. As someone already pointed out, they check homes and if they notice a garage is up, they will call the owner to make them aware of the situation.

You may still feel community watch is a waste of money, but for my money, it's well spent dollars.

I feel that the Community Watch do a very good job even if from at least one reliable source they probably are not as well organized as some people think especially judging from the responses on this thread. This was probably just some CW members responding to complaints from people in that immediate area who had not bothered to move things through the proper channels.