Tampa City Council Set to Decide on Crucial 'Early Works' Phase for SoHo Flood Mitigation Project

Share this @internewscast.com

In Tampa, Florida, the City Council is poised to decide on a $4.1 million funding allocation this Thursday morning for the South Howard Flood Relief Project. This initiative marks the “early works” phase of the comprehensive construction plan.

This phase will involve traffic management and site preparation activities, alongside the installation of new water mains and the reconstruction and resurfacing of nearby roadways, as outlined in the City of Tampa’s public records.

Brandon Campbell, Tampa’s interim Mobility Director, emphasized, “The city faces widespread issues with outdated stormwater infrastructure, and South Howard is a prime area that has been under scrutiny for over a decade.”

Originally proposed years back, this project aims to overhaul 2.5 miles of century-old water mains and culverts, connecting West Swann Avenue to Bayshore Boulevard via South Howard Avenue, according to the Mobility Director. Enhancements will include upgraded systems for water, wastewater, and stormwater, as well as the burial of overhead power lines, per the project’s web page.

The overarching objective is to shield businesses and residents from the impacts of heavy rainfall and potential storm surges from the nearby bay.

“These are projects that will have to be done,” added Campbell.

Residents have long since raised concerns of the proposed project, which the city estimates could cost nearly $65 million.

“Oh, my gosh, it’s going to be a mess. The impacts are more than this neighborhood or any neighborhood could handle,” said Pam Cannella, who lives just off South Howard.

“From day one, the transparency of this project was done very poorly when it comes to the neighborhoods. It was presented as something that it’s not. It’s going to cost every resident a lot of money,” said Anneliese Meier, with the Parkland Estates Historical Preservation Society.

City of Tampa crews claim that when construction begins, it will be in small sections, approximately a quarter mile each. Local businesses have also expressed concerns with partial closures of South Howard Avenue, predicting a loss of 40% foot traffic, and a money deduction of about $10 million for the 35 bars and restaurants located in the neighborhood.

“There are no parallel streets, so there is no way to get to these restaurants and businesses through the back door. It just doesn’t exist. If you want to turn South Howard into a graveyard. Keep going. Keep it up. The businesses will not survive,” said Steve Michelini, with the SoHo Business Alliance.

If construction is approved, work could begin shortly. The City of Tampa did not have an exact timeline on the work but says the project could take “years” to complete.

Share this @internewscast.com

Facebook X Reddit Pinterest

Tampa City Council Set to Decide on Crucial ‘Early Works’ Phase for SoHo Flood Mitigation Project

Up next

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

Author

Internewscast

Tags

Share this @internewscast.com

Columbia County Arrest Sparks Urgent Action Against Human Sex Trafficking in the CSRA

Join the Celebration: Ballad Health’s Community Baby Shower Lights Up Greeneville Hospital!

Beaufort Launches Major $6.9 Million Stormwater Initiative to Protect Waterfront

Texas Secretary of State Sparks Debate with Viral Post on Voter Fraud Allegations

Walmart Halts Hiring for Costly H-1B Visa Applicants Amid Immigration Strategy Shift

Tennessee Senator Advocates for AI Regulations Amid Rising Use of Chatbots by Children for Social Interaction

Florida Teacher Faces Backlash for Embracing Gender-Neutral ‘Mx.’ Prefix in Classroom

Fugitive Apprehended in Sanford: Key Arrest in Months-Long Homicide Investigation

Celebrating 15 Years: Illini Service Dogs Continue to Transform Lives

Texas Governor Mobilizes State Guard to Tackle Homeless Camp Cleanup

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Snub Finalized: NFL Confirms No Reconsideration

Neglect or Inaction? Greene Co. Daughter Demands Answers for Mother’s Alleged Abuse in Care Facilities

Australian Gold Rush Turns to Bust: Prices Plummet After Record-Breaking Queues

Nurse Tearfully Confronted by Transgender Colleague’s Inquiry on Changing Schedule

Step Back in Time: Las Vegas to Unveil World’s First Retro Theme Park Experience

Judge Blocks Pentagon Rebranding Effort Backed by Pete Hegseth

Tampa City Council Set to Decide on Crucial ‘Early Works’ Phase for SoHo Flood Mitigation Project

Up next

Author

Internewscast

Tags

Share this @internewscast.com

You May Also Like