Gated communities have a respectable place

This is regarding the article about the city of Lodi considering the banning of gated communities from the General Plan.

If gated communities were springing up all over town, I'd say maybe there is some credence to this.

In view of the fact that this is not the case, it is my opinion that Mr. Rad Bartlam (the community development director) is biased. If there are some people in the city who prefer the privacy of a gated community, they should be afforded that opportunity. For Bartlam to cite the dictionary definition of community as a definitive guide to city planning today is somewhat preposterous.

I wonder if Bartlam has ever considered the fact that some folks do not like the sound of boomboxes, motorcycles, trucks and skate boards in their neighborhoods, or the unexpected solicitor knocking on their door at 8 p.m. in the evening.

Gated communities have a respectable place in society. This idea of a community being one big, happy, uncomplicated family is deceptive at best in today's world.

I personally would not be in favor of a preponderance of gated communities within any city, although the outright banning of such developments smacks of more of the Big Brother attitude: "We know what is best for everyone."

Gale Bruce
Galt

Reader Feedback

Lodian wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:12 PM:

" Aimee: We need your "blog police" talents over on the letter to the editor blog "The country's mess is our fault" as we've got Jerome Kinderman blogging off topic for 1000 words or more now! Hurry, Aimee, hurry!!! Don't let him get away with it! "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2009 10:54 PM:

" Aimee: Yes, I was talking about gated communities, which is the topic here. "

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Aimee wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:01 PM:

" Lodian: if you're just discussing the topic, you misread what the main focus of this letter is.

The main focus of the letter is that people should be able to choose whether they want to live in a gated community or not - this should be an available option for those wishing to embrace it. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2009 6:12 PM:

" Observer: You are absolutely right! I think people should be able to choose a gated community if that's where they'd like to live. I'm just discussing the topic. "

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Jerome R. Kinderman wrote on Nov 16, 2009 5:40 PM:

" What's so wrong with people wanting to live in communities with "like" people? Many have already raised their kids and want nothing more than a little peace and quiet. Is that seriously offensive? I don't think so. Welcome to America! "

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Observer wrote on Nov 16, 2009 4:47 PM:

" Uh, uh, uh, Lodian. You admitted to me in a previous article that the government should not be dictating whether or not gated communities should be allowed. If a gated communities restrictions don't fit your lifestyle then don't move into one of them. "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:50 AM:

" Ms. Bruce: It sounds like my little 7 year old nephew wouldn't be allowed to ride his skateboard in your gated community. Is that right? Can my niece ride her bicycle? Can kids laugh and play in your neighborhood? Play hopscotch? Seriously, are these things written in your CC&R? "

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Patricia wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:25 AM:

" Well said, Gale. I agree 100% and if I were not fiscally locked into my current home I would move to a gated community in a heartbeat for the very reasons you listed in your comment. "

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