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Residents Seek Speed Tables

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By KATHY STEELE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2007

HIGHLAND PINES - Residents aren't willing to take no for an answer. They want speed tables on 21st Avenue.

"Our concern is the safety of the children," said Highland Pines' neighborhood association President Betty Bell.

The road is home to Highland Pines Playground, and Oak Park Elementary School is immediately behind the park. Residents want traffic slowed between Cord and Dodge streets.

But fire officials say speed tables slow response time. A fire would bring trucks from stations on 50th and 34th streets, possibly coming down 21st and Melburne Boulevard - the neighborhood's main roads - at the same time, Tampa Fire Marshal Todd Spear said.

"We've just about got to bring the truck to a stop to get over them," he said.

Spear spoke to about 15 residents last week at the association's monthly meeting. City transportation officials told the community the tables were nixed because fire officials objected; Spear said fire officials have a say but transportation makes the final decision.

"They're passing the buck," Bell said. "We still want the speed tables."

A July 2006 study found the road qualifies for the tables, city officials said. Almost 4,000 daily trips were counted on the day of the study, with about 15 percent of vehicles clocked at 40 mph or more in the 25 mph zone.

Other streets have tables, including 29th Street.

"Quite a few people were aggravated by that," Bell said.

A petition for the city council, with more than 100 signatures, is on hold until December when Spear is expected to report back after talks with transportation officials.

"We're not trying to be ogres," Spear said. "We don't make these decisions lightly."

Months ago, Highland Pines submitted a request for the speed tables to the East Tampa Community Revitalization Partnership, which annually recommends funding for neighborhood infrastructure projects, such as sidewalks or lighting.

Instead, city officials suggested alternatives, including crosswalk signs and two radar signs to display vehicle speed.

A similar request from the Northview Hills Civic Association also was turned down, and alternatives are being considered.
Highland Pines residents say they aren't convinced some kind of speed table, or speed bump, wouldn't meet fire officials' demands.

"Aren't there different levels of speed tables?" Mamie Lucas asked. "If we could get something, that would still slow them down."

Bell said the association hasn't researched accident data but residents know of at least five children hit by cars over the years.

"If we only just got one speed table that would help," Owedia Walker said.

Reporter Kathy Steele can be reached at (813) 835-2103 or ksteele@tampatrib.com.

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