In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the privatization of neighborhood roads and the potential installation of gates, raising significant concerns among residents regarding costs and obligations.

The meeting revealed that while the homeowners association (HOA) has the option to install gates following privatization, there is no legal requirement to do so. The county has agreed to cover 25% of the costs associated with street calming measures, which could include the installation of gates, but the total expenses remain uncertain. Residents expressed confusion over the specifics of what they voted on regarding privatization and gate installation, with some questioning the clarity of the initial communication.

Denise Benoit, a resident, clarified that the HOA had designated two traffic calming measures—gates and speed bumps—by a July 1 deadline, which were acknowledged by the county. However, concerns were raised about the financial implications of these measures. Allen Edwards highlighted that initial estimates for a single gate had ballooned significantly, suggesting that the actual costs could be much higher than previously communicated, potentially reaching $1 million for two gates.

Residents voiced apprehension about the financial burden of privatization, particularly for those on fixed incomes. Questions arose about the possibility of reverting to county control if the costs of privatization and gate installation proved prohibitive. The county representatives indicated that while they could consider such requests, any decision would require further consultation.

The meeting underscored the complexities and financial uncertainties surrounding the privatization process, leaving residents seeking clarity on their obligations and potential costs moving forward.