In a bid to improve security, Century Village in Pembroke Pines has started enforcing a bar code registration for residents and visitors, leading to significant delays at the gatehouse. While the new system aims to streamline access and ensure that only authorized individuals enter the community, it has also been the source of much frustration for those caught in the resulting long lines.
The decision to enforce the bar code system has set off a wave of discontent among the residents and healthcare workers who service the 55-and-over community. According to Local 10 News, implementation of the new system has led to initially increased wait times, with lines stretching for hours. This has particularly affected health aides, as they must renew their registration every six months now, showing personal ID and vehicle information at the time.
Beverly Erickson, president of a sports club in the Village, told Local 10 News, "They were complaining, and rightfully so, that people were getting in without checking, the guards were not calling them and they were getting upset on it." She noted that the rules existed previously but were only being strictly obeyed recently after new enforcement measures were taken.
On the other side, the severity of the delays has raised concerns about the welfare of the elderly residents. In a separate report by Hoodline, Sean Marks said, "It's nonstop all day, it's taking healthcare workers over two hours to see their patients."
The Village administration has recognized the issue, with Denis Kersaint from the real estate office stating that long lines were due to the size of the community and the daily number of vendors and visitors seeking entry. Nonetheless, with nearly 14,000 residents, achieving full compliance and the smooth operation of the new system may take some time. Despite these challenges, Erickson remains hopeful, telling Local 10 News, "You could leave and there could be a long line in twenty minutes. It is not solved yet, but it is improving, and it will continue to improve as more and more people can get the bar codes."
