New funding transferring Tampa Riverwalk growth plan ahead

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Tampa’s Riverwalk has largely been on one aspect of the Hillsborough River, and now new funding is transferring a plan ahead to increase it and join neighborhoods in West Tampa. 

Guests and locals alike take pleasure in strolling and operating alongside Bayshore Boulevard and the Hillsborough River. 

“I’ve been strolling or operating Bayshore for in all probability the final no less than 30 years or extra,” stated Tom Cornett, a Tampa resident.

What the growth will do? 

Large image view:

Metropolis of Tampa Mobility Director Vik Bhide stated the downtown Riverwalk is increasing to the west aspect.

“We’re going to have an extension of the sidewalk below Platt Bridge, put it up proper right here at this park after which proceed on north all the way in which alongside the west financial institution of the Hillsborough River,” stated Bhide.

Metropolis of Tampa renderings present bike lanes, sidewalks and residing shorelines.

“I’ve cherished the riverwalk because it’s gone up the east aspect of the river, so it’d be superior to get it prolonged on the opposite aspect as nicely,” stated Cornett.

The six-phase mission contains street enhancements alongside Columbus Drive and Rome Avenue.

By the numbers:

It’ll price $56 million with half of that paid for by way of a U.S. Division of Transportation BUILD grant. On Thursday, Tampa’s group redevelopment company board, which is made up of Tampa Metropolis Council, authorised utilizing $10 million from West Tampa’s CRA price range to assist foot the invoice.

“We’re attempting to reduce the general debt that the town takes on. So the CRA being a significant benefactor of this mission being within the space, that’s what the CRAs are for,” stated Bhide. 

Pushback on the Riverwalk growth

What they’re saying:

However not all residents agree.

“The $10 million could possibly be higher spent on funding or coaching for individuals to get jobs or for housing,” stated Valerie Bullock, an East Tampa resident throughout Thursday’s CRA assembly.

Metropolis council members Invoice Carlson and Lynn Hurtak voted towards it.

“I’m in favor of a riverwalk, however not now. Till we repair the fundamentals, we shouldn’t be spending on issues which can be good to have,” stated Carlson, the council member for District 4.

Carlson stated Friday that West Tampa may use that cash for its checklist of different initiatives and priorities.

“We’d like it will definitely, however not till we restore the roads. We have to repair potholes earlier than we spend on one thing that we don’t want,” stated Carlson. 

What’s subsequent:

Residents gained’t see building for a couple of 12 months, however design work is nicely underway. Town stated the growth provides security, connects neighborhoods and lays the groundwork for a rising metropolis.

“It is a sport changer for Tampa, and it’s a sport changer on a number of fronts,” stated Bhide.

The mobility director stated the imaginative and prescient for the riverwalk has been many years within the making, and it’s come collectively part by part over time. Town may also look to ask the state legislature for assist, Bhide added.

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