BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer
On September 20th, a special meeting was called by the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership for citizens to give their input on a proposed roundabout for the junction of 22nd Street and 21st Street. Also discussed at that meeting was the purchased of a house at that junction.
On December 5th at 6 p. m., another meeting will be held on the roundabout at the Ragan Park Center, 1200 East Lake Avenue.
The second meeting came as a result of City Councilman Frank Reddick requesting that the meeting be called to clarify confusion on who voted for and against the project. Councilman Reddick received several phone calls from business owners and residents who said they weren’t informed about the September meeting, and the vote taken during that meeting didn’t reflect the concerns of everyone in the area.
East Tampa Development Manager, Ed Johnson, said at the September meeting that the 22nd Street enhancement Project began in 2003 when the area was designated as a Front Porch Community.
ETCRP Chair, Essie Sims, had stated earlier that he raised concerns six months ago that the allocation of Tax Increment Finance (TIF) dollars were being used in a concentrated area instead of assessing all of East Tampa.
“At the meeting Monday, the process will be for Ed Johnson to make his presentation, then the issue will be open for debate. After the votes are taken, that’s the action that will be taken.
“The Democratic process was supposed to be done, but confusion caused us to have another meeting, and after this meeting, that will be the final say on this project.”
ETCRP Board member, Attorney Geraldine Williams-Shaw, said she wants to assess the facts and look at what the community is asking them to do.
“There are two issues, one regarding the purchase of a house at the site, and the other the roundabout itself. Many in the community who are more vocal don’t want it. I don’t know if it’s efficient financially. The ball is in the community’s court now, and as a board, we are bound to act in their best interest.”
Former ETCRP chair, Sam Kinsey (who was chair when the plan was formulated), attended that meeting. Mr. Kinsey said he will be at the meeting Monday.
“Again I will vote in favor of the roundabout. I think it’s a good idea, because it adds attraction to the area, and 22nd Street is the major corridor through East Tampa.
East Tampa Business and Civic Association CEO, Diane Hart, was also at the meeting in September and said she will be at the meeting Monday to once again support the project.
“I’m in favor of it, because we decided years ago we’d do something to improve that area. The roundabout would create better access to the community for residents, and I think it would be great for traffic control.
Those opposing the project were current board members. The minutes did not reflect who by name.
