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Residents Want Walls Gone

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: November 12, 2008

WEST TAMPA - A city proposal to replace walls that block four streets with hedges has been rejected by residents who want the roads reopened to traffic.

The 21/2-foot-tall walls along Fremont Avenue block east-west traffic on Palmetto, Cherry, Pine and Walnut streets and provide a barrier for the 1.5-acre Fremont Linear Park, which stretches from Beach to Spruce streets.

Palmetto residents petitioned Mayor Pam Iorio this year to remove the walls, complaining that they attract thugs and drug dealers. They say people drink alcohol, gamble and use obscenities.

At a meeting Thursday, city officials said they hoped that removing the walls would discourage people from loitering.

It would cost $5,000 to $7,000 to remove the walls on each street, said Tony Rodriguez, transportation division manager.

"This is something we can do for you right now," he told residents at the meeting at Rey Park Community Center. "If it doesn't work, we will come back and readdress it."

Reopening the four streets to traffic could total $300,000 to $400,000, Rodriguez said. City officials said that could be too pricey.

Residents said the city could reopen one street at a time if it doesn't have enough money. They said retaining dead-end streets will continue to encourage loitering and disrupt emergency vehicles.

They also complained that the city, which has met twice with residents, was imposing its plan on the neighborhood.

"You already set the deal," said Alva Russell, 53.

"We pay our taxes," she said. "If we want that street to be open, it needs to be open. We have crime in this area and we want it to go away."

Joe Green, citywide services manager for parks and recreation, said the city wasn't trying to "cram anything down your throat."

He said some residents were worried that reopening the streets to traffic would endanger children. He believed the city was proposing a compromise.

Green said city staff will evaluate residents' comments and return in 2009 with a proposed plan.

Meanwhile, the city will add two benches and garbage cans to the park.

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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