Subj: E-Skate News "Support for the Upper Tampa Bay Trail (UTBT)"
Date: 9/23/03 4:15:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: SkateTampa
It is vital we support the idea of connecting the UTBT with the Suncoast Parkway Trail. If you can, please show up (and speak) at the upcoming meeting of the (Board of County Commissioners) BOCC to counter possible uninformed, anti-trail opposition. If you can not attend the meeting PLEASE call, write, email the commissioners! We're getting too close to completing this project.... we cannot loose this vital link to our (almost finished) new trail.
>> http://hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/home.html
More info, and maps on Upper Tampa Bay Trail, go to...
>> http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/community/upper_tb_trail.html
The Breeze
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www.RoadRollers.org
www.BillJacksons.com
www.TrailSkate2003.com
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Attention ALL Trail Users and Supporters!!!
On October 1st the Board of County Commissioners will meet in regular session to decide on whether or not to approve the connection of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail to the Suncoast Parkway Trail. The study commissioned by the BOCC recommends an alignment that combines a variety of properties owned by a number of different parties.
At the Greenways Committee meeting of September 16th, the Committee voted unanimously to support the recommendation of the consultants. One specific recommendation has drawn opposition from the ELAPP subcommittee that reviewed it. The subcommittee states in its report that a paved trail, using a disturbed area through the former citrus grove is incompatable with ELAPP property. The Greenways Committee took the position that while we supported the consultant's recommendation, that we would be amenable to some compromise position regarding the specific alignment of the trail section referred to as R-2.
We Greenways supporters often view our projects as being universally popular. Unfortunately, over the past couple of months we have been proven wrong. This particular vote by the County Commission may prove to be the most important trail vote yet, because it could preclude a connection with the Suncoast Parkway Trail. We cannot let that happen.
You will have two opportunities to weigh in on this important vote. In the morning at 9 a.m., just after the beginning of the Board meeting, members of the public are given 3 minute each to speak on any subject that they desire. Our message is this: Connecting the Upper Tampa Bay Trail with the Suncoast Parkway Trail is critical. It could be the most important trail decision that we make in the next ten years. We support the consultant's alighnment recommendation. It is the best combination of the various possiblilites considered. Please support the recommendation so that the project can move forward. Obviously, that's not 3 minutes worth. Say as much, or as little, as you like. Just make sure that it includes this theme. Trails; Good. Connections; Good. Study recommendations; Good. Commissioners support; Good.
Your second opportunity to speak may be if the Commissioner take public comment during the staff presentation on the consultant's recommendations. I have asked Charner to notify you when she finds out what time the trail alignment issue will be discussed.
In the mean time, you may want to take a few minutes to e-mail the Commissioners to say that you support the consultant's recommendations. Or call. They are all listed in the blue pages in the phone book, and on http://hillsboroughcounty.org/bocc/home.html
Thanks to all of you for making this County a better place to live.
Ed Crawford, Chair
Hillsborough Greenways Committee
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