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Traffic Calming Prompts Backlash

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By MICHELE SAGER msager@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 25, 2009

CARROLLWOOD - Newly installed speed bumps in Carrollwood neighborhoods are slowing traffic and tearing a community apart.

That's why Hillsborough County commissioners have halted a traffic-calming project in one neighborhood until a compromise can be reached.

Commissioners discussed the controversial project at last week's meeting. Through the traffic-calming plan, various devices such as speed bumps, raised intersections and signs have been installed in Carrollwood Village and Original Carrollwood.

Although many residents welcome any measure to slow traffic, many others think the devices are excessive and want them removed.

The topic has become so controversial that a recent neighborhood meeting on the issue had to be broken up by police because of fighting.

"Traffic calming is one of the most divisive issues," said Commissioner Ken Hagan. "I'm saddened that it is tearing a community apart."

At the meeting, several people spoke out both in support and against the project. Hagan said he put the item on the agenda because of a letter he received from Mark Snellgrove, president of the Carrollwood Civic Association. The group that had once championed the project is now asking that it be halted and partially removed from Original Carrollwood.

"When I saw this, I knew we needed to at least take a look at what the residents are asking," Hagan said.

But Commissioner Mark Sharpe said he's hesitant to stop a project the majority of residents wanted when the decision was made several years ago.

"I'm not going to be happy if you have to pull them out because that's going to be very expensive," he said.

Hagan said his sense is that people who live in the community are in support of the devices and that the surrounding drivers who use the road don't want them. But some residents have complained the new speed bumps damage cars and impede emergency vehicles from getting to homes in a timely manner.

Planning staff said a process is in place where a review of the project is done for six months after completion. Residents also have an opportunity to petition the project once completed.

But Commissioner Jim Norman said it isn't wise to wait six months to find solutions to the problem.

"We need to start the discussion now and see if we can reach some kind of compromise," he said. "The leadership of those communities should be leading forums and meeting in the next 60 days to see if something can be worked out."

The commissioners ultimately voted to finish the project in Carrollwood Village, which was near completion, but stopped plans to build any more speed bumps in Original Carrollwood until a compromise could be reached.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843.

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