I understand the gates are for traffic control & picture taking. But why are some of them manned? I'm asking sincerely, as I don't know. From observation, the attendants don't ever stop the people and ask why they are entering (at least have never seen them do it in the two years we've been here). They just look for golf carts and then push the button so the car doesn't have to slow down, while those of us using our card are stopped waiting for the card to lift the bar.

With regard to the ID card. I'm not sure of other reasons, but I know that when we rented our house out for a couple of months before we moved down here, we had to turn our physical cards in and they were returned when we moved in; you can't use the amenities and have them rented out as well (I guess unless your living in a second house within TV). Also - if you forget your card, the attendants at the rec centers are able to look you up on the scanner.

In a couple of the many histories of The Villages - I don't remember which ones - it was specified that the gates were manned basically for customer service. To reinforce the concept of America's Friendliest Hometown, where people greet you personally on your way in. It was also a way to help newcomers and visitors find the address they were going to - this was before GPSs, cell phones, and mapquest existed don't forget.

It is also an occasional convenience. Consider quick-moving storms, where they have to pull those gates up to prevent them from breaking off and causing damage or injury. Having someone there to do this is useful, however rare that occasion might be.

If it was like apple wallet it would do everything the card would (at this point in time) barcode and picture. Personally I think It would be 2020 thing to do. About the gates: I heard from an original villager that the red buttons at the gates were installed because of federal FEMA regulation, no other reason. I know from first hand experience that the resident only gates are being misused repeatedly by visitors- yes all they do is ignore the posted signs of RESIDENTS ONLY and push the red buttons to gain entry instead of using the visitors entrances posted with gate guards. Yes rumor has it that they snap a picture of the vehicle that uses the red buttons. Yes having a gate does allow for golf cart community patrons to regulate their driving more efficiently.
But, then again, the guards that are posted at visitor entrances DON’T do anything but wave them in thru as they press the gate up, not even considering the golf cart traffic as they do this.
There are flaws in TV security and I have never seen anyone trying to “protect and serve” the residents at the gates. Not even writing their car plates, nor documentation of the visitors purpose. For these reasons I came to the conclusion that TV is not interested in security of its residents. Which is why they super impose the “feeling” about the physical card on your person as a distraction from the real reason- they do not really care about our security or things would be a little more secure, especially at the gates.
It is up to us as individuals to protect ourselves and each other which is why we have some “resident busy bodies”always looking.
Just my 2 cents.

I don't understand your post. There was never any pretense that the gates were there to do anything except traffic control. The addition of the camera's can help law enforcement and help recover some money for those that don't know how to stop when the gate is down but they are there to manage traffic. You also know that the roads are County roads and not Villages owned roads? The ID's are to insure that the amenities are used by residents. Not always well managed but that is the intent. Sometimes I think people make up what they think should be done here, then get critical because the rules aren't changed to meet what the made up then come on here and complain. Hey, why take the time to learn right?

What you say about gates is true in many areas, but there are some area where they make no sense. Why is there a gate southbound on Morse before 466? There is no golf cart traffic there. Same as on Canal northbound going onto ODell.

On Chula Vista and 466. That has nothing to do with golf cart traffic.

I do see a need for gates in many areas but I also see a lot of places where they are unnecessary.

is carrying a i.d card too much bother? I guess you can't please everyone

There is a lot of traffic making a left turn before the gate you are discussing. I know that when I'm headed south I start slowing down way before that gate. I assume that if the gate wasn't there the speed would be higher since there would no need to slow down until you approach 466. Carts turning left would be in jeopardy. I also noticed that when they took the gates down for the last storm almost everybody disregarded any thought of slowing down at any gate.

Golf carts vs gates

VCDD Risk Management


Position Responsibilities/Duties: Gate Operations Attendant

The Gate Operations Attendants are assigned to the Communications Section under the direction of the Communications Manager. Their primary responsibilities are to remotely monitor all live video feeds from gate cameras to ensure efficient gate operations and to allow remote access through the gates for our residents and visitors. Gate Operations personnel are staffed 24/7/365.

There are two Gate Operations personnel assigned to three different shifts (6am-noon, noon-6pm, 6pm-midnight) and one Gate Operations personnel assigned from midnight to 6am.

The following are just some of the daily responsibilities/duties of the Gate Operations Attendants in the Live Observation Control Center:

Monitor security screens and report any damaged or malfunctioning gates immediately to Dispatch for repair.

Provide remote video security for the RV storage lots by verifying and validating requests for entry.

Report any accidents and/or incidents visually observed in viewing security screens to Dispatch personnel for appropriate action (i.e.; contact law enforcement or maintenance vendors).

Remotely open unstaffed gates for residents and visitors as needed.

Remotely open gates at staffed gates as needed.

Open and lock gates in the upright position during maintenance operations when directed by Community Watch Patrol personnel or contract vendors.

Collect and report moving van information observed in viewing of security screens. Also reports information to Dispatch personnel so they can record and dispatch Patrol drivers if needed.

Assist Dispatch personnel with calls to residents registered in the Adult Watch program. For additional information on the Adult Watch Program, please click here.

Village Community Development Districts