Fearing civil unrest after election, Cottages of Woodstock president Bill Stanley locks community gate

Fearing chaos depending on the outcome of the election, a community in Woodstock is taking steps to protect themselves.  The homeowners association president of Cottages of Woodstock sent an email to the residents saying all gates will be closed 24/7 starting on Tuesday night.

Some residents in the community for people 55 and over told FOX 5 that they were surprised by the actions of HOA president Bill Stanley.

Hilda Wiggs said she was taken aback when she saw the email from Stanley saying "in light of the contentious nature of the upcoming election, and some of the rhetoric indicating possible civil unrest, I have decided to close the community gates 24/7."

Most members of the community that FOX 5 talked to say they know that there is deep passion on both sides in this election, but they never thought they'd have to worry about their safety depending on the outcome.

"I wasn't sure what it mean. I wasn't sure if there would be unrest because Romney won, which I doubted being a northeer living in the South, or if Obama won," said Mea Zimmerman.

Stanley had no comment.

Some residents said that Stanley made the decision after recommendations from local law enforcement; the community backs up to the Woodstock Police Department.

However, Woodstock police released a statement saying they have no information suggesting the election will be anything but peaceful.

"I thought it was a bit over cautious, but if it made him feel comfortable to err on the side of caution, I guess that was OK," said Carole Cawley. 

According to his email, Stanley said that the gates will go back to a normal operating schedule the Monday after the election if all goes well.