Judy Osteen, a New Port Richey resident, told the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization board on Oct. 9 that she opposes a feasibility study to open Osteen Road from Massachusetts to Orchard Lake Road.

"I totally oppose it," Osteen said, adding that she has received calls accusing her of starting the process and that a 2003 study produced a "no build" recommendation. She said the current proposal would "dump excessive traffic into a community that does not want it." Osteen said an easement behind Pippen Academy already provides access that could alleviate traffic and that reopening the section would be costly because there is only "15 feet on the west side of the section line." She said residents have gathered about 300 petition signatures opposing the project.

The comment came during the meeting's public-comment portion and was not part of an agenda action. The transcript does not show a formal response from MPO staff or a motion tied to Osteen's remarks.

Why it matters: Public comments are part of the record the MPO uses when it evaluates projects and studies. Osteen raised prior local history (a 2003 "no build" finding), potential easement alternatives and costs that MPO staff or project sponsors may need to confirm if the study proceeds.

The board and MPO staff did not vote on the Osteen Road study during the Oct. 9 meeting; the comment was recorded as part of public testimony for the record.