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LOGAN MABEResidents are concerned about wear and tear on the Village Green park, among other things.
WESTCHASE - Supervisors of Westchase's two community development districts fielded their usual monthly litany of complaints Tuesday, and more than a few of them centered on the recent Monster Mash Halloween event in West Park Village.
"It raised quite a bit of controversy in regards to roads being closed and activities back there," said Nathan Lafer, who is active in the Woodbridge enclave. "I can't even keep track of the number of phone calls and e-mails that came in."
Lafer said most residents were concerned about wear and tear on the Village Green park where the Monster Mash was held, and whether Gables apartment complex officials were exploiting the common area for commercial gain.
Gables was a principal sponsor of the daylong event, which included rides, games and trick-or-treating.
CDD manager Jim Ward said Monster Mash organizers followed all policies and procedures in preparing for the event.
In other business, Ward updated supervisors on the transition from a CDD-run privacy patrol to a new operation involving off-duty Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies. The new security service was implemented Oct. 10.
Lafer said he has had conversations with some of the deputies and came away impressed. "Considering I wasn't for it in the beginning, I've made a complete turnaround on the issue," Lafer said. "It's definitely a big plus."
Westchase is the latest community to employ off-duty deputies for security service. Other developments that have done it include Northdale and Carrollwood Village.
- Logan D. Mabe can be reached at 269-5304 or at mabe@sptimes.com