Gatewood Closed Gates 24/7 Proposal Frequently Asked Questions

September 29, 2022

● What is the proposal?

○ Implement a trial period for 2 months of closing the Gatewood front and rear gates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

  • What is motivating this recommendation?
    • A number of Gatewood residents have expressed an interest in closing the front Gatewood gate 24/7. This came about with their concerns involving trespassing, solicitation, safety, and protection of our amenities and residential properties.
    • We have had to issue 14 trespassing warrants at the pool to non-members/non-residents using the pool in the middle of the night, trying to break into the concession stand, and causing property damage. There were several others that were not available to serve warrants on.
    • Residents have been harassed and stalked by non-members/non-residents.
    • Non-members/non-residents hanging out in the parking lot and handicappedparking at the clubhouse leaving trash and debris.
    • Residents have awakened in the morning to find large ruts in their yards fromcars/trucks doing damage through the night.
    • Non-member/non-resident fishermen entering residents’ backyards, being rudeand belligerent when approached, speeding out of the neighborhood, and leavingruts where they park.
  • Advantages of a Closed Gate Community
    • Increased Security. One of the most important advantages of gated communities is the level of security offered to residents
    • Controlled Access
    • Slower Vehicle Speeds
    • Pedestrian Safety
    • Access to community grounds
    • Greater Privacy
    • Higher Property Values
    • No Solicitation
  • One of the primary purposes of a gated community is to offer its residents safety that they wouldn’t experience in nearby non-gated communities. One way a gated community increases safety is by eliminating through-traffic. Without drivers passing through the gated community, traffic is restricted to residents and guests. This makes it safer for children to walk or play near streets, and also reduces traffic accidents. Gated communities may also be able to reduce the chance of vandalism, theft, and other crimes.
  • Disadvantages of a Closed Gate Community
    • Possible backups at the gates for people who can not get in and are holding up other residents.
    • Possibility of missed service appointments or guest visits if you are unable to answer your phone to let them in.
    • More planning/ answering of phones to open the gate is required for hosting large events or activities at your home.
  • When would it be implemented?
    • The first step is to circulate this FAQ to the Gatewood Residents and have them respond to a survey on their opinion of the proposal.
    • Based on that feedback the Board will decide if they want to vote on the proposal.
    • If the Gatewood Board votes for the closed 24/7, it would have a target implementation date of 01/02/23.
    • After two months of gate closure, a survey would go out to see what resident feedback was based on the trial period.
  • How would residents get in?
    • They can use their card or remote to access the same as current after-hours access. The same as back gate access is currently 24/7.
  • How would resident visitors get in?
    • They would need to enter your 3-digit code or look up your name and call you to let them into the gate via phone. If you do not grant them access they can not enter.
  • How would individual resident vendors (cleaning, landscaping, grocery delivery, food delivery, contractors) get in?
    • They would need to enter your 3-digit code or look up your name and call you to let them into the gate via phone.
  • What happens if I don’t answer the phone call for the vendor or they input the code incorrectly?
    • If you do not grant them access, they can not enter.
  • What about large group events at the pool/clubhouse with many guests?
    • Provide a temporary code to guests and instructions to open the gate. The code will expire as intended after 8 hours.
  • What is the 3-digit code Access?
    • You may give visitors your 3-digit number (Each resident has one, and can request a second associated with another phone number).
    • They enter this 3-digit number on the keypad and push the CALL button.
    • This will ring the phone number you have provided.
    • When the phone rings you press 9 on your phone and the gates open for yourvisitor.
  • What is directory look-up Access?
    • If a visitor arrives that does not have your 3-digit number they may use the directory to find it:
    • They scroll the alphabet by pressing the A to go up and Z to go down the alphabet until they find your name.
    • Note: If you hold the A or Z button down it will scroll very fast.
    • Once they find your name in the directory, they will see your 3-digit code.
    • They enter this 3-digit number on the keypad and push the CALL button.
    • This will ring the phone number you have provided.
    • When the phone rings you press 9 on your phone and the gates open for yourvisitor.
  • How would emergency services get in?
    • They would use the YELP feature as they currently do when the gates are closed at night.
  • How would tennis/pool members get in?
    • Using their Card or FOB, they will have access from 6 am to 9 pm to enter the front or back gate.
  • How would community service providers (UPS, USPS, School Buses, etc) get in?
    • These vendors will be provided a remote/card from the Club house office to give them access. This type of access is only for Vendors that serve a large number of residents. Individual resident vendors will require residents to grant access by phone.
  • How long is the trial period going to be?
    • If approved by the Gatewood Board, there would be a two-month trial period.
  • Would there be a guard at the gate?
    • This proposal does not include a guard at the gate at any time.