I have worked at both POP Village and Playa Naco which are in the Playa Dorada complex.
Yes, Dominicans are allowed within the gates to shop, eat, go to the discos, or go to the beach. Outside taxis (like Techni-taxi etc) were not allowed to come in when I worked there, but that may have changed since.
Like any AI, in a gated area or not, they do not allow Dominicans to freely roam about their individual properties without passes.
When I worked for POP Village and wanted to go in to visit my Canadian co-workers when I was off duty, I had to stop at the gate and get permission to enter the property - and I am Canadian and I worked there. Some resorts are more relaxed, some are more strict - just depends on which one you are visiting.
Hope that answers your question.
Marlie
P.S. Anna - also thanks from me for that website, I too did not know it existed.