Officials offer conflicting views on RPMs on multi-modal paths

The conflicting views of officials on the value of raised pavement markings were on full display in meetings Friday at Savannah Center.

The Community Development District 5 Board of Supervisors boldly moved ahead last year putting down RPMs on its multi-modal paths, which include prominent stretches along County Road 466 near Laurel Manor Recreation Center and along Buena Vista Boulevard near Palmer Legends Country Club. The RPMs cost CDD 5 about $12,000.

The Community Development District 2 Board of Supervisors on Friday agreed to get a price for RPMs for its section of multi-modal paths and will consider installation for the coming fiscal year. An estimate from 2024 indicated that RPMs in CDD 2 would cost less than $5,000.

“As we are getting older, it’s getting harder to see, particularly with the bright headlights,” said CDD 2 Board Chairman Dennis Richards.

The Community Development District 3 Board of Supervisors also discussed RPMs on Friday after the topic was raised by a resident. That resident said she appreciates the RPMs installed on the paths in CDD 5.

However, CDD 3 supervisors indicated they have no intention of installing RPMs, citing an engineer’s opinion issued last year warning about safety concerns with the use of RPMs. The report indicated that the RPMs could be dangerous for some users of the multi-modal paths, including bicyclists. RPMs are used on curves or dimly lit areas, but are not recommended by the engineer for straightaways on the multi-modal paths.

“Some of the districts have decided to ignore the recommendation and take the risk,” said CDD 3 Supervisor Gail Lazenby.

Do you have the use of RPMs on the multi-modal paths in The Villages? Share your thoughts at [email protected]