A bathroom that would cost between $135,000 and $165,000 is on hold at the Shay Gate after discussion Wednesday morning by the Amenity Authority Committee.
The Shay Gate is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But the attendant must walk to the nearby convenience store when in need of a visit to the restroom.
District Manager Richard Baier and staff had researched a variety of options and worked in conjunction with the Town of Lady Lake. Baier said not having a restroom for the attendant does not meet the standard of excellence set in The Villages.
The Shay Gate, located on the Historic Side of The Villages, does not have arms.
“Putting on arms would never pass muster because it is too close to the roadway,” said Baier, who has many years of transportation engineering on his resume.
AAC member Carl Bell suggested taking a broader look at the situation at the Shay Gate.
“Wouldn’t it be wiser tearing that gate down and building a new one and moving it further down? $165,000 is a lot of money for a toilet,” Bell said.
AAC member Don Deakin agreed.
“If we are going to spend that kind of money, I would rather do this gate right,” Deakin said.
A low-cost option, putting up a porta potty, was rejected early in the discussion.
Bell, well known for his love of technology, asked if automation might provide an answer. He suggested putting up a camera and if anyone stopped at the gate with a question, it could be answered from a remote location.
“We can bomb targets in Iraq from Arizona,” Bell said.
AAC Chair Ann Forrester stood alone in her opposition to removing the attendant and looking for an automated replacement.
“People want him there. They feel comfortable with that gate attendant there. This is their home. This is very important to them,” Forrester said.
She was outnumbered 4-1.