Cascades residents increase security

CASCADES — By no means does Debby Landes feel unsafe in her East County neighborhood.

But she, along with other homeowners in the Cascades of Sarasota, always thought the gated community they were promised would be fully gated.

“Our security ended at Lockwood Ridge, but our gate house was here,” Landes said, motioning to a structure hundreds of yards away from the roadway. “We also had completely open sidewalks.”

Security contractor CIA Access has been working since late July to install fencing at the front and back entrances, as well as setting up a new entry control system, security cameras and other measures. The work should be complete by the end of the month.

Eighty-six percent of residents voted this summer in favor of the project, although it required an assessment of $377 per home, said Landes, homeowners association president.

Although the age-restricted community has not had issues with outsiders attempting to use amenities or criminal activity, residents have long desired such improvements, Landes said.

“This is something people have really, really wanted from day one,” she said.

The project, Landes said, has been volunteer-led, with input and research from the homeowners association’s security, facilities and landscaping committees, as well as suggestions from individual residents with expertise in various aspects of the project.

For example, the groups helped determine where to place breaks in fencing for mowing equipment, or whether to place fencing in front of or behind landscaping, Landes said.

“This was a huge community, collaborative effort,” Landes said. “I think that’s why (there was) buy-in. We had meetings with the community.”

“Residents are delighted,” she said.

Resident Arthur Boyce is one of them.

“I think it’s a step we needed to take,” Boyce said. “And aesthetically, (the gates) are beautiful.”

Landes said residents have not been able to move forward with desired security improvements for several years. The Cascades’ original developer, Levitt & Sons, filed for bankruptcy in November 2007. Medallion Home purchased the remainder of the community in late 2009, and homeowners assumed control of the association’s board of directors in November 2010.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

DETAILS
The project includes about 1,400 lineal feet of aluminum-type fencing that starts at the existing perimeter walls and completely closes off the community to access by vehicles and pedestrians.

The project includes security measures such as:
• Aluminum pickets-type fencing at both the front and rear entrances and exits of the community.
• Updated vehicle scanners. Each access will be recorded with the time and date.
• Front gate personnel will be able to monitor the rear entrance.
• Security system will track and maintain up-to-date information about residents.
• If the guards are not present, the system has the ability to allow any guest, arriving after the guard house has closed, to enter.