South Tampa neighbors arrived in large numbers at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library on Wednesday evening to voice their opinions on $6 million worth of construction coming to El Prado Boulevard.
More than 1000 people have signed an online petition opposing the plans.
Mobility leaders from the city say the plan is moving forward, and that the city intends to reduce the four lanes on the boulevard down to two, using the retired space to create buffered bike lanes. The plans would also add new sidewalks and crosswalks with flashing beacons.
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“This project is implementing proven safety counter measures along with all of the increased access,” the city’s mobility director said.
Neighbors who signed the petition argue that the boulevard doesn’t have enough bicyclists to sacrifice the lanes in place, voiced concern regarding additional traffic problems, and delivery hiccups.
Walkers and bikers at the meeting said they were looking forward to the changes, applauding the idea of making the area more bike-friendly.
City leaders say this design contract was approved back in 2021, with public meetings starting in 2022. Construction is supposed to start on June 1st and wrap in March of 2027.