Crosstown Authority’s plan to construct an ugly 30′ elevated toll road over Gandy and how we can prevent it

by Tom W/Tampa

I have been thinking about the Cross-town Authority’s plan to construct an
ugly 30′ elevated toll road over Gandy and how we can prevent it. Obviously,
our disadvantage is that we are coming into the discussion later than the
proponents of the idea and we will have to spring into action to improve our
odds.

It seems that we were sold out by the city of Tampa government. The
Cross-town Authority reacts to requests from the city for construction
projects. The local political steps we have taken will affect our elected
officials if we can keep them from deflecting our efforts to the Authority.
What the Authority is doing now is estimating the cost, potential revenues
and the time to recover their investment.

I think we need to press our elected officials at the city level to
publically recant the requirement for the expressway extension. We should
also send a message to the state level expressing what a waste of money it
is for them to beautify Gandy just so the Expressway Authority can make it
ugly.

As for the Cross-town Expressway Authority – money talks. The only thing
they will listen to is an effective public boycott of their toll road
between Dale Mabry and Brandon. Obviously, we are not going to shut them
down, but they are looking to cut the revenue of our local businesses and
that is why they are getting so active.

Yesterday I drove to Fort Pierce with my wife and enjoyed avoiding the
Cross-town. Boycotting the Selmon Cross-Town is something our supporters can
do that is anonymous, yet will be completely effective. Even if they don’t
admit to the loss of revenue, they won’t have the funds to build if tolls go
down. Also, our supporters will be able to feel good about saving money.

Please let me know your thoughts.