Something There is That Doesn't Love a Wall - or Gate

We live in a gated community. I used to think that was some sign of wealth. Given the latest developments with our community gate, I think it's simply evidence of a false sense of security.

The setup here is similar to many planned communities. Access is limited to residents of the development via an assigned code or a validation sticker on your vehicles. Problems develop when non-residents try to pass through the gates without proper access information. The original gates were slow-moving ironworks, making it easy for non-residents to tailgate another vehicle through the gates. However, occasionally, gate and vehicle collided, putting the gate out of commission until repairs were made.

In their wisdom and desire for security, the Homeowners Association board decided to replace the gates. The new entrance consists of a double set of gates - one for entering, one for exit - and a motion arm which raises and lowers for each vehicle. All designed, supposedly, to keep intruders out and secure access to residents only.

The new system has been operational for several months now. Yet, not a week goes by that one or the other motion arms is permanently raised or missing altogether for at least a portion of a day or longer. Apparently the fail-safe system isn't so fail-safe after all.

Robert Frost had it right - "something there is that doesn't love a wall" - or a barrier of any sort. It's human nature to resist anyone or anything placing restrictions on us. People who want to get in are going to find a way to get in despite all the security measures we might take. I've never believed that either gate was really going to protect us against intruders. We would need far more security measures than an access-coded gate and a motion arm to protect against those who intend harm or damage.

It's possible the problems we're seeing are mechanical. But we've witnessed enough drivers still attempting to tailgate, narrowly avoiding the motion arm falling on their vehicle, to believe the problems are more human than nechanical. Instinctively, we "want it down." It's human nature. So with Frost, I grudgingly admit that perhaps, good gates make good neighbors.