TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Using faux-brick pavers the way go to

ADVERTISEMENT

By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

As if speed bumps, humps and tables aren't controversial enough, one community is fueling the fire with the ugly factor.

Reporter Michele Sager recently wrote about the Westchase Community Development District's Oct. 6 meeting. And at the meeting the CDD supervisors discussed how upset they are over the Countryway Boulevard speed tables not being topped with brick pavers. To save money, the county used a faux-brick pattern on top of the speed tables.

The logic behind wanting the brick pavers is they would match the area's brick walls and signs.

And because of the faux brick, the CDD "voted to end a joint agreement with the county regarding ongoing maintenance" of the speed tables, Sager wrote.

Call me crazy, but the purpose of traffic-calming devices is to slow drivers down, not for them to match the neighborhood colors.

The interesting part is that while Westchase wants traffic-calming devices that are aesthetically pleasing, Carrollwood Village has them all over the place and is waiting for them to get ripped out.

In fact, Casey Road has the real brick pavers, and some are falling apart because of all the traffic. It seems to me that the brick pavers are not that durable and are also expensive, which was a waste of money.

Did we forget we are in a recession?

I say bravo to the county for placing the stamped pavers and saving some cash.

I know opting for faux items isn't always classy. We all would much rather have genuine Coach or Prada items. When it comes to speed tables, however, does it really matter?

I hope in this case CDD supervisors reconsider sending a letter to the county explaining their intention of breaking the agreement of maintaining the speed tables. And if the letter is sent, the county should put up a fight, because for once the county was trying to save us money, including Westchase.

Send traffic and transportation info, questions or comments to Jessica Balanza at jbalanza@tampatrib.com or call (727) 451-2342. Follow Jessica on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JessSteers Clear.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT