2045 Long Range Transportation Plan Survey

Friends and Neighbors- some thoughts about this and a request.

by Michelle Cookson

As the 2045 LRTP Survey will come to a close on July 28th, please be aware that Interstate Widening will further impact all of Seminole Heights. Even if the widening of the Downtown Interchange were to occur within its current boundary, our neighborhoods would experience more cut-through, speedy traffic (to and from the interstate). We will also experience more airborne pollution due to more cars (a good portion of our District is at 95%-100% cancer risk compared to other Tampa neighborhoods, not to mention, lead and brake dust). Our community will deal with even more noise. In most cases, property values near the Interstate will remain virtually stagnant. There really isn't much one can do with a dead-end street at I-275 or a fenced retention pond.

This isn't part of Urban Village neighborhood value.

Why are property values a big issue? Because they provide economic support to our area. Taxable land value helps the neighborhood and the City with regards to services, maintenance, goals, and further business development.

After rounds of Interstate Expansion, there remains anxiety lingering in the future. Will this new work be enough this time? Will we see fewer crashes? What will happen to my neighborhood's quality of life or our property?

If Interstate Expansion truly worked, we would have never seen any expansions since the early 2000s, or arguably immediately post "Urban Renewal" from long ago. History has proven that Interstate Expansion has never been enough and we must comprehensively look at other ways to get to and from Seminole Heights. Transit and Pedestrian Modes like cycling. We have rail and should be a part of the expansion and modernization of the streetcar system; we have some of the best streets to walk or ride a bike (though this needs improvement as well). We certainly can explore these more and other less impactful solutions- and they ought to be prioritized ahead of more destruction and harm to our community.

While taking this survey, I personally recommend that under Step 4, 'The Downtown Interchange' (blue) that 'No Build' is selected. For all other selections, I recommend to rank them at 1 Star. Also, please add a comment or something similar like, "I desire to see no interstate expansion to occur outside or within the I-275/I-4 Downtown Interchange Right-of-Way Footprint, and to not move forward with any recommended interstate expansion plans proposed under the original interstate Environmental Impact Study”.
The Survey Link: http://www.planhillsborough.or...