Community Development District 9 supervisors appear to be split on side striping of the multi-modal paths ahead of Monday’s meeting to reconsider an earlier decision to stripe.
Elected officials from CDDs 1 through 10 and the Amenity Authority Committee will convene at 9 a.m. Monday, July 20 at Savannah Center to reconsider a July 6 decision to stripe.
On Thursday afternoon, Diane Spencer, CDD 9’s alternate representative on the Project Wide Advisory Committee, sought direction from fellow supervisors prior to Monday’s meeting. Spencer will represent CDD 9 on Monday, as CDD 9’s primary PWAC member Steve Printz can’t be at the meeting due to another commitment.
“My personal position would be we proceed with the striping and make a decision on the paint,” Spencer said in reference to the materials being considered for side striping.
The fact that PWAC and the other districts were leaning toward Thermoplastic set off a firestorm of criticism when news broke of the material’s potential $300,000 pricetag. Paint is being investigated as a potentially cheaper alternative.
Printz said he was worried about the cost, in particular the cost of maintenance.
“Maintenance is the gift that keeps on giving,” Printz said.
Supervisor Jack Reimer, who is a bicyclist and regularly rides the paths, said he is fearful the stripe, to be located two inches off the ribbon curbing, could cut into the precious room cyclists have in an area where a median is located. He said bicyclists might feel squeezed, particularly with a golf cart approaching from the rear.
He added that it’s a decision residents will have to live with for a long time.
“If you choose striping you are going to have to stick with it. You can’t just ‘try it.’ It’s a significant decision,” Reimer said.
Supervisor Steve Brown reminded his fellow supervisors the premise was safety.
“I am very much in favor of some improvement. If not, how do we justify the next fatality?”
PWAC will be empowered to make a decision at Monday’s meeting.
CDD 9 Supervisor Don Hickman was absent from Thursday’s meeting.
