Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Multimodal Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
TPO board accepts Temple Terrace multimodal plan, highlighting an 8.5-mile ‘green artery’
Summary
The Hillsborough County TPO board on March 11 accepted a Temple Terrace Multimodal Connections Network plan that outlines a roughly 8.5-mile primary route linking schools, parks and downtown and a toolbox of prioritized walk/bike treatments for city implementation.
The Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization on March 11 accepted the Temple Terrace Multimodal Connections Network plan, a high-level, prioritized "menu" of pedestrian and bicycle improvements intended to connect neighborhoods, schools and regional facilities.
Chris Keller of Benesch, the consultant team, summarized the plan as a focus on "connecting people within Temple Terrace to the places that they want to go," describing an approach that inventories existing sidewalks and bike facilities, engaged residents at technical workshops and unique outreach such as a city fire station open house, and then identified a multimodal toolbox of treatments from shared-use paths to traffic calming and wayfinding.
Keller said the plan identifies a primary, circular route of about 8.5 miles designed to link parks, schools, commercial centers and downtown, and that the project team developed a three-tier prioritization so local leaders could identify segments that are likely to be implemented quickly and with the most public support. He acknowledged that multimodal traffic counts were not included in the study because of budget constraints but suggested counts could be added to the toolbox later.
Board members pressed for specifics. Board Member Gray asked which schools would be affected; Keller named public schools including Greco, Lewis, River Hills and Temple Terrace Elementary and said the study includes typical warning signage with potential opportunities for branded wayfinding on the primary route, though branding detail was out of scope. Board Member Slater asked about ownership; Keller said the network crosses city-, county- and state-owned roads and the study prioritized work the city could pursue while noting the need to coordinate with county and state partners on major corridors such as Fowler.
Several members noted links to larger projects: Commissioner Cohen reminded the board that Hillsborough County recently approved $24 million for Fletcher Avenue improvements, a project that aligns with portions of the proposed network's western edge. Board Member King asked about timing; Keller said the plan is a long-range vision and estimated build-out over 10 to 20 years, with some segments feasible for near-term action when maintenance or resurfacing projects arise.
Councilmember Clendenin moved to accept the study; Commissioner Myers seconded. Chair Ross called for the vote and reported the motion carried with no nays.
The plan will serve as a guide for the City of Temple Terrace and local partners to prioritize projects, seek funding and coordinate with county and state agencies for segments on noncity roads. Board members emphasized the plan is an "a la carte" toolkit rather than a single mandated capital package and encouraged the city to identify funding sponsors and short-term opportunities for early wins.
