Monday's report on gated communities was an eye opener to us and even more so to the people who live in these communities. With an unmarked car we drove up to each gate, waved at the guard, and suddenly the gate opened. We were just as surprised to get in as the residents were when we knocked on their doors to get their reaction.
Over the course of a week we drove into a total of 7 communities... Six were featured on our program. The neighborhoods ranged from million dollar homes to mobile homes. While the income levels changed, as well the amount of association fees, the security didn't. Guards waved us in and in some cases automatically opened the gate... Without even seeing us.
Amazingly, many residents gave us excuses why the guard let us in including:
"You look like someone who lives here."
"You must be driving a marked car."
"You told him you're with the media."
The car was unmarked, we never said a word to anyone at the gate, and I seriously doubt I look like anyone living in these mainly "retirement" communities.
Everyone we spoke with said they would bring the results of our investigation to their associations attention, in hopes of changing things.
Sounds like it's time for another test.
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