By Tammy Sue Struble
A workshop this month will give Zephyrhills residents another chance to review and discuss plans for changes to US 301 through the city.
The Feb. 28 meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. at City Hall.
This is part of a series of quarterly meetings where the Florida Department of Transportation and Zephyrhills city officials, businesses and residents come together to discuss changes to US 301 through town.
FDOT’s project manager, Gordana Jovanovic, said they would be bringing their latest information to the meeting. On drastic changes to 301’s route through Zephyrhills proposed by the FDOT several years ago, Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills director of development states, “It is still an important issue. People need to keep up to date on what’s going on (with the 301 proposed changes), especially those individuals and businesses along 301. It should be of importance to them.”
The original plan would have turned a portion of US 301 into two one-way roads using the current roadway for northbound lanes and the existing Sixth Street as southbound lanes.
The Zephyrhills community reacted to that original plan and wanted other alternatives.
Jovanovic stated that they are “working closely with the city to incorporate their desires into our design.” She quoted the FDOT’s motto, “The department will provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity and preserves the quality of our environment and communities.”
The FDOT had to make proposals to the Federal government regarding the project changes. “Our ideas are being changed at the request of the city and people,” Jovanovic explained.
At the City Hall meeting on Feb. 28, “Discussion will be on the FDOT alternatives verses the City of Zephyrhills’ alternatives,” explained R.J. Keetch, assistant city planner. “They will present the re-evaluation of their findings at the meeting. We need a showing to present Zephyrhills’ public opinion.”
“Hopefully they (FDOT) have completed the majority of their re-evaluation and we will get an updated status. They should have a really good idea of the City’s Preferred Alternative,” said Vande Berg. The CPA is less drastic, planning for improvement in looks and functionality without the speed from six lanes.
Keetch said that several years ago businesses were very much opposed to the original proposal, “We would like to get everyone involved.” He was concerned that those opposed to the original plan should remain involved to keep it from reverting back to that plan.
According to Vande Berg, the FDOT has evaluated the city’s alternative and it looks positive that they would possibly change their original plans if there is enough community support.
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