Paved shoulders, sidewalks and improved walkability for pedestrians are all cited in the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan to widen 18.1 miles of U.S. Highway 92.
A public hearing for the project, which is part of a five-year plan, was held Thursday, Dec. 1, at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College.
The goal of the road improvement project is to prepare for further growth in Hillsborough County. FDOT plans to widen U.S. 92 from east of Interstate 4 to east of County Line Road. Existing lanes will be widened from two to four lanes, with the exception of Mobley Street to Maryland Avenue.
The project will exclude lane widening and road work in Historic Downtown Plant City, with the exception of routine maintenance.
Though Plant City has been taking part in Hillsborough County’s growth spurt — including the development of the County Line Logistics Center at Fancy Farms near the County Line Road and Rice Road intersection — some business owners along U.S. 92 are concerned about what the expansion means for their storefronts.
Sam and Sandy Sidoti, who have lived in the area for the last 16 years, are among them.
“We own property next to the bowling alley on U.S. 92,” Sam Sidoti said. “It looks like (the expansion) is going to take most of it. The whole front of the property would be gone … there’s no place for cars. I don’t think it’s warranted at this point, but they’re thinking about 10 years down the road.”
According to Kirk Bogen, environmental management engineer at FDOT, 230 properties throughout the county would be acquired and relocated through the expansion. The relocation includes businesses and residential lots.
For business owners who could face such relocation, smart expansion is a priority.
“I look at it as a necessity that’s good for the community,” Jim Scott, of Jarrett-Scott Ford, said. “As a business owner … I’m worried about the disruption for my business and the timeline. I think it’s great that (FDOT) is coming out and being proactive and letting people know of the growth of the county.”
The estimated total cost for the proposed improvements is $399 million, according to FDOT.
Location and design concept acceptance is expected to occur in spring 2017, but FDOT is still accepting comments from the public, including residents and business owners. Those who wish to offer input can do so before Monday, Dec. 19.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.