Temple Crest Civic Association

40th St Project Update (9-2-2002)

The very latest information

SPECIAL MEETING REGARDING THE 40TH STREET WIDENING PROJECT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2002 @ 7:00 p.m.

GUESTS – JIM BURNSIDE, ELTON SMITH (City of Tampa Road Project Personnel) Rose Ferlita (Invited but Absent)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: JUDY HERRING, PRESIDENT
JEAN JOHNSON, VICE PRESIDENT
MISSY HOFFMAN, SECRETARY
FRED HOFFMAN
TERRY NEAL (ABSENT)

The meeting commenced at approximately 7:00 p.m. with open discussions between the committee members and Jim Burnside (hereinafter “Jim”) and Elton Smith (hereinafter “Elton”). Jim brought detailed maps of the road-widening project which committee members were able to examine.

PROPERTY ACQUISITION

Jim indicated that the right-of-way acquisition costs increase with each passing year. Currently the project is estimated at forty million dollars. He indicated that 35 parcels of this project have been bought and they are in the process of acquiring more parcels. He explained to the committee members the process in which the City of Tampa acquires property and right-of-way. The City of Tampa will offer property owners a fair-market value for property and the homeowners can then counter-offer with good faith intent. If the City of Tampa and homeowner do not reach agreement, the homeowner is free to enlist an attorney in their behalf. Usually this process inflates the property value as the attorney generally gets thirty per cent of the final settlement. This could possibly delay the project and the monies collected by the homeowner could be delayed four or five years. If the City of Tampa is unable to reach an amicable agreement with a property owner the City can utilize Eminent Domain which could cause delays in the road project. When the City offers business owners an amount (i.e., “total take”) for their property, the factors taken into account are; the value of the property, the business owners projected loss of their business earnings, and business relocation costs. Jean Johnson expressed her concerns to both Jim and Elton that her (and other business owners) want the City to approach them with an initial offering price on their property so as to commence the negotiating process. Both Jim and Elton indicated that the City has not done this at all. It is up to the home/business owner to make the first contact.

Elton answered the concerns over a rumor that the City was short on funding money for the completion of this project. He indicated that the project cost was figured several years ago. Construction costs and property costs go up every year. Currently the project is under funded several million dollars. This should not delay the project if the Hillsborough County MPO fund this shortfall. Homeowners will be asked to attend the MPO meeting showing support for the project.

PROJECT SEGMENTS

It was discussed that the City will be starting the widening project from Busch to Fowler Avenue and that Busch Gardens will be landscaping all of this portion of the road. It was indicated that Segment B maps are to be submitted in May. The bridge segment will be completed by 2004, or 2005. The biggest delay so far has been funding and land acquisitions.

ROUNDABOUTS

The Roundabouts were discussed by Jim and Elton. The City of Tampa’s desire is to put in roundabouts. It is a reality and based on their belief that the roundabouts will aid as a traffic controller on 40th street. Jean Johnson inquired as to the issue of Semi-Truck traffic on 40th street. Both Jim and Elton felt as though when the 40th street exit on I-4 closes this will diminish truck traffic on 40th Street. Jean then inquired as to whether it was a possibility that the truck traffic designation on 40th street could be changed to prohibit semi-truck traffic. Jim and Elton answered by indicating that this would be too expensive an undertaking. Elton stated that the City could monitor truck traffic on 40th street and if it is indicated that their presence is causing a problem this issue could be addressed. Committee members voiced concerns whether the roundabouts will be large enough to accommodate semi-truck traffic. Jim stated that the truck drivers will have to use caution and slow down while maneuvering through the roundabout and that the overall size of the roundabout is 160’ or approximately 1/2 the size of a football field. He indicated that a well-qualified individual has been hired to research the specifications and size needed for the 40th street project. Fred Hoffman inquired as to lighting that will be utilized at the roundabout and used the roundabout located at the Florida Aquarium as an example. Elton indicated that he did not know what the lighting will be but will check into it and get back with the committee. Also it was discussed as to what would go in the center of the roundabout and it was indicated that it would probably be landscaped with drought tolerant plants. The area needs to be kept low so motorists can see all traffic situations. One of the biggest problems with roundabouts is the need for drivers to think. The consultant the city hired said roundabouts are use throughout the world and they do work. He is the same consultant that is reviewing the infamous Clearwater Beach roundabout.


BUS STOPS/PULL OFF’S

Elton indicated that the City of Tampa is working with Hartline on the location of the bus stops and pull’s off. Elton felt that locating a stop/pull off after an intersection or traffic signal would seem to be the best location. He indicated that they are not far enough along on the project to be able to provide a detailed answer on this subject, as right-of-ways must be acquired. As right-of-ways are purchased there will naturally be some left over land. These parcels would be the best utilized for pulls-off.


PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC [BICYCLE LANES/SIDEWALKS, AND MEDIAN AREA

It was indicated that there will be sidewalks and bicycle lanes throughout this widening project. The bicycle lanes are such that the bicycle rider (when approaching an intersection) will have to become part of automobile traffic if the rider desires to go straight instead of turning. A sidewalk will run the length of 40th street and the median will have areas in which pedestrians will be able to stand away from traffic while waiting to cross the road. Green areas will line the road between and to the side of the sidewalks.



WALLS

Concerns of the type of walls and lighting along the 40th street corridor was discussed. Committee members brought up the Hillsborough Avenue segment as an example of what our neighborhood would like for walls and lighting. Jim and Elton indicated that walls cannot and will not be constructed the entire length of 40th street due to driveways and businesses located along the street. They indicated that where feasible and where it is deemed necessary a wall will be built. The City does not and will not go behind business and construct walls.

LIGHTING

Elton indicated that the City will not be using the same lighting as on the Hillsborough Avenue segment. He states that TECO puts in standard street lights and that any deviation would necessitate having to present this issue in front of a City lighting committee. It was brought up that the “antique” lighting used for portions of Hillsborough Avenue were very attractive. He states that the City considers this type of lighting as “theme type” lighting and requires special permission and that funding of this theme lighting is an issue as well.

LANDSCAPING

Elton indicated that the City will be putting in landscaping along the corridor. Concerns over the watering and general maintenance of the landscaping was brought up and Elton indicated that areas would be piped for irrigation. He indicated that citizens can adopt sections of the landscaping which would mean that these citizens would be financially responsible for watering and maintaining these plants. Committee members offered suggestions of the City using drought-tolerant plants or zeroscaping on 40th street. Elton indicated that the City confers with Parks and Recreation Department for selection of suitable plants. He said that Jim Valentine can be contacted regarding questions of plant materials that will be utilized.



RETENTION PONDS/AERATION

Jean Johnson expressed concerns over areas along 40th street that will contain retention ponds and the community’s desire to have proper aeration. She indicated that the mosquito/West NileVirus health issue was certainly of foremost importance. She indicated that she has observed other ponds in our area without aeration and that esthetically they look disgusting as they contain large amounts of algae. Jim indicated that they would take our request to the City and will hopefully aerate all ponds.

All attendees felt the meeting to be quite productive. Jim and Elton took several issues to be resolved. The committee agreed to communicate the outcomes to the general membership.