CDDs 1-4 tap representatives for multi-modal path safety summit

The upcoming roundtable discussion on safety on the multi-modal paths in The Villages is beginning to take shape, though no date for the meeting has been set.

The idea of a Villages-wide discussion grew out of the ongoing discussion on the pros and cons of striping on the multi-modal path.

Members of the Project Wide Advisory Committee will represent Community Development Districts 5 through 10. Amenity Authority Committee Chairwoman Ann Forrester will represent the AAC in the discussion, though other AAC members, including Carl Bell, have indicated that they want to be present for the discussion.

Supervisor Paul Sykes has been chosen to represent CDD 1.

In CDD 2, Chairman John Blum was chosen to attend the meeting. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” Blum said. He also encouraged fellow supervisors to attend as well.

In CDD 3, Supervisor Gail Lazenby said he has received more email, texts and calls on this issue than any other.

“We all have a vested interest in being there,” said Lazenby, who is retired from the Villages Public Safety Department.

He said that during his 12 years with Villages Public Safety, most of the accidents he saw were attributable to speed and reckless driving.

CDD 3 Supervisor Steffan Franklin, a retired engineer, was chosen to be the district’s official representative to the meeting.

CDD 4 Chairman Jim Murphy will represent his district. CDD 4 recently moved ahead with striping, painting a line down the center of the multi-modal path within its boundaries.

Many supervisors have cited surveys indicating residents want striping. The district’s engineer has recommended against.

The ongoing issue of striping is, in part, fueling the call for this Villages-wide meeting.

District Manager Janet Tutt indicated this process may take more than one meeting.

Because multiple members of some boards may be attending, proper notice will be given of the meeting, in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Laws, she said.

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