The speed limit on Chula Vista Avenue is 25 miles per hour and Villager Carl Kusky is hoping that the signs will make his neighborhood a little quieter and safer.
New speed limit signs with automated speed reader displays were installed on both sides of Chula Vista Avenue a few days ago by the Lady Lake Public Works Department.
“This is long overdue,” Kusky said. “It’s been a battle trying to get someone to step in and finally post these signs.”
There are more than 80 houses on Chula Vista Avenue, he said.
“It is very dangerous to back out of your driveway when cars and trucks are speeding past. Hopefully drivers will now realize just how fast they are going and slow down,” Kusky said.
Kusky’s quest to slow traffic down on Chula Vista started in 2004 when he moved to the Village of Mira Mesa. Back then, it was a peaceful dead-end street. As The Villages grew, so did Chula Vista with the addition of La Zamora and a gate off County Road 466 that can be easily accessed by a push of a button.
He believes the heavy traffic on Chula Vista Avenue is due to drivers wanting to avoid Morse Boulevard and Rolling Acres Road, looking for an easy way to reach U.S. Hwy. 27/441.
After years of letter writing, petitioning, a Facebook page dedicated to catching speeders and even becoming a familiar sight on Chula Vista with his radar gun, the Lady Lake Town Council has finally listened.
Kusky wanted to also thank the Lady Lake Police Department for all their help over the years trying to slow traffic down on Chula Vista by monitoring traffic and using radar guns.
“I can’t say enough about how great the police department has been. They have been supportive right from the get-go,” he said.
Lady Lake Chief of Police Chris McKinstry, is pleased with the speed signs being added.
“We want people to drive responsibly (wherever it may be) and be courteous when driving through someone else’s neighborhood. ” he said.
But is it enough? Kusky would like to see more done.
• Adding speed humps by the speed limit signs
• Installing a stop sign by the Valle Verde Post Office on Palermo Place and Chula Vista Avenue
• Installing another stop sign at the intersection of Chula Vista Avenue and Ventura Drive.
“I’m glad they have installed the signs but, there is more to be done in my opinion.” he said.
