Herbert Should Escape From His 'Jail'

In reading Mr. Herbert's column, from his clues, I determined that I lived in the gated community he was describing. Even more amazing was to discover that Mr. Herbert and I had both moved into the community in 2002. If Mr. Herbert didn't receive a copy of the covenants (deed restrictions for the community) at the time of his move-in, he definitely became aware of them a year ago when the residents voted on the revised covenants which clarified, strengthened and put more restrictions in place in this deed-restricted community.

There are rules and regulations. Rules that sidewalks and driveways are kept clean (so that they don't look like mold is growing on them), homes are painted in pleasing colors (so they don't look like the colors of a Harley Davidson motorcycle), lawns are mowed (so there isn't grass/weeds growing 12 inches high and landscaping out of control), cars and boats and trailers aren't parked on lawns, limit of three pets per household (so there aren't five greyhounds on the loose ready to attack my little dog as I walk in the subdivision), no fences to obstruct the green views of the subdivision, etc.

In moving into this community, Mr. Herbert knew that there was a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court, fitness center and community center, which are all amenities offered in this subdivision and whether you care to use them is your choice, but they are part and parcel of what this subdivision has to offer. And if Mr. Herbert were to get out in the evening (you can walk in the evenings because there are sidewalks and lighted streets), he can see the facilities being used. Children use these facilities, too, but not during the weekday hours, since they are supposed to be in school.

Certainly, there are many "outsiders" coming through our subdivision. Mr. Herbert takes advantage of them as his lawn is mowed regularly as he lives in the maintained villas.

This is not the only gated community in Hernando County and many residents have chosen to live in the gated communities for all that they offer. There are no "armed guards" at the gates of these communities to keep a resident from moving to a non-gated community.

Mr. Herbert seems so unhappy and discontented in this community where he likens it to a "jail," then he should take the prudent choice of making himself happy and move to a non-gated community.

Arista Nolff

Brooksville