A bridge with car and truck traffic is an eye sore and causes more noise. Does anyone know of an area that has prospered from this type of project???

by Andy/Tampa
via online petition comment

I read about the project at http://www.tampa-xway.com . They state that 35% of traffic is passing through with no intentions of stopping. How many of that 35% see a local shop when driving by and finally stop in to make a purchase for gas, or need to drop a package off at the UPS Store, get a haircut or get a pizza at Marco’s to take home or drop off their computer for repair or find a different store for their furniture needs? What would the worlds largest retailer, Wal-Mart, have to say knowing that the traffic count in front of their new store will be decreased by 35%? Maybe they want to help petition?

I don’t see how a bridge will allow for visibility to the business district (main street). It’s my understanding that city code limits the height of business pole signs so there isn’t anyway of extending visibility higher with signage. Or the fact that it’s no longer convenient so chances are they won’t swing back anyway. Basically, 35% of potential customers will be taken away in this bad economy. We also have to take into consideration the depreciation of property values in the surrounding neighborhoods. A bridge with car and truck traffic is an eye sore and causes more noise. Does anyone know of an area that has prospered from this type of project??? Do the local proponents realize that business’ will close and then they will have to travel further for their needs? Are we sure this isn’t just a few looking at conveniencing themselves while negatively impacting many others investments in their business and/or property? Proponents need to look at the WHOLE picture and not the personal benefit.

Apparently THEA is generating substantial revenue if they can afford to build this project. Is there any legislation that requires a certain percent of toll money to go back into the business district and neighborhoods that are affected by such projects? Or are the profits to be used to make bigger profits by creating more toll roads? I say that the people who want the “convenience” of bypassing our district (at our expense) should have increased tolls so shared revenues go back directly to the effected community. Will the tolls raised on this project help the Gandy Friendship Trail get repaired? They want to take but what are they willing to give? Toll roads are money machines so share the profits!