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Tampa Palms defines landscaping goals
By MELIA BOWIE, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA PALMS -- In their final meeting before the holidays, taxing district supervisors came to an agreement on which projects will be a priority in refreshing Tampa Palms' landscaping. Entrance monument signs will get a face lift at Amberly Drive and Tampa Palms Boulevard at a cost of about $100,000. Fountains also topped the list to help aesthetically and environmentally. "We've got to get something happening; we want that flash at the entrances," landscape architect Ted Kempton said in submitting his report to the board Wednesday. Supervisors agreed to work within a $1-million budget for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, and get a jump start on some minor projects and kickoff elements while shelving enhancements along Bruce B. Downs for now. "We can't tee off everything at once," said Tampa Palms field consultant Maggie Wilson. Supervisors voted to draw up construction plans for signs and landscaping at the community's two main entrances, as well as directional signs with arrows to the various villages. And the board authorized district staffers to get pricing on lake fountains in the community. In other board news, supervisors agreed to spend up to $30,000 on three speed tables to slow drivers on Compton Drive and past Tampa Palms Elementary School. "We may get some (of the money) back" from the city, said supervisor Ed Copeland. "Let's not hold our breath, (but) it needs to be done for the safety of our community even if we need to advance another government agency the money to get it done." Tampa Palms parents and homeowners have lobbied for traffic-calming devices along the school road for years. The city has placed the community on its waiting list. But supervisors said they want the concrete speed tables stamped and colored with a brick facade to blend in better with Tampa Palms' decor. And they want the improvements sooner, rather than later. "I think we've heard long and loud from the community that we need to get this done," board chairman Mark Fitzpatrick said before the unanimous vote. The board's next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 8 in Compton Park.
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From the Times |
