Residents of The Homestead at Bartram Ranch in St. Johns County, Florida, are calling for improved security measures in our community. The open gates and unsecured pedestrian walkway have become a significant concern for members of our community, creating vulnerability to unauthorized access and potentially endangering the safety of our families and properties. The Homestead is located off of Bartram Ranch Blvd which is also a county road and in time will be accessible to The Landings and will serve for through traffic from Greenbriar Rd which is another reason why we need to have better security measures.

Homestead at Bartram Ranch is marketed as a gated community, however homeowners are getting little benefit of the gate due to very limited hours and widely shared access codes. We in the Homestead pay higher dues then the residents in phases 1-4 to be in a gated section. At the present time we are not getting the full benefit of these gates, and yet we are paying for them. Presently, the gates remain open for extended periods, making it easier for trespassers to enter our neighborhood unnoticed, Increasing the frequency of gate closures will act as a deterrent against unauthorized entry and help ensure that our community remains secure. We are requesting the HOA to modify Gate closure hours to provide improved security and increase the value proposition of the additional dues paid by homeowner due to the cost of the gate and fulfill the marketed benefit. We request the gate closure hours be extended in the following manner, until such time the community is fully secured or until a majority of homeowners request a different modification:

 
Weekdays Gates closes 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM the following morning.
Weekends Sat and Sun Gates remain closed until 8 AM, then close at 4 PM sat, and sun. 

These hours would not impede Toll Brothers construction and there are no construction mangers on site after 5:00 PM typically. Additionally, any outside realtors will need to get lock box codes to access homes they can also get a gate code during the closed times if needed.  A closed gate is a positive selling feature for perspective home buyers.

In addition we are urging for the installation of a gate on the pedestrian walkway. We could use our amenity cards for gate access. This additional measure will further prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining entry into our community. By gating the pedestrian pathway, we can ensure stricter control over access to our neighborhood, safeguarding both residents and property. We have an ongoing issue of residents from other communities and the other phases driving their golf carts on the sidewalk through the pedestrian walkway, which is already prohibited in Bartram Ranch. There was a previous mention that the board did not want to place a gate for the pedestrian walkway to keep the appearance of community continuity, that argument does not hold up considering there is a road gate, the road gate distinguishes a separation of the Homestead from the Non-Homestead homes. You can’t have separation and continuity at the same time.

Statistics on residential crimes indicate that communities with controlled access see a reduction in unauthorized entries and criminal activities. According to a study by the National Crime Prevention Council, neighborhoods with controlled entries can reduce crime by 50%. Enhanced security measures not only protect residents but also increase overall property values, making our community a more attractive and safer place to live.

Our request is both reasonable and vital for the ongoing safety and well-being of all residents in The Homestead at Bartram ranch. We appeal to the HOA and local governing bodies to consider this petition seriously and act promptly to address our concerns.

We urge all residents of The Homestead at Bartram Ranch and supporters to sign this petition to advocate for the necessary changes that will benefit our community as a whole. Your signature is a call for action and a commitment to a safer living environment for everyone at The Homestead at Bartram Ranch.