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Crystal River weighs in on U.S. 19 widening job
By ALEX LEARY, Times Staff Writer
CRYSTAL RIVER -- Concerned about the effects a planned widening of U.S. 19 could have on businesses and the environment, the City Council took early steps Monday to oppose the project or at least alter it significantly. "We don't want a highway destroying the character of our city," Mayor Ron Kitchen said during the council meeting. "We're not just saying no to progress." The mayor called for a unified approach to the situation, including letters to the state Department of Transportation, a meeting with project leaders and a strong showing at a meeting Thursday during which alternatives will be outlined. "Now is the time we need to start getting in front of them and telling them what we think," Kitchen said. The state's $150-million plan calls for widening parts of U.S. 19 between Chassahowitzka and Red Level by up to two lanes and adding medians and bike paths. Construction would not begin until 2008 but planning is already under way. Thursday's meeting will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Crystal River. The transportation department will provide an overview of several alternatives for the segments of the project. Under those scenarios, several dozen businesses could be forced to relocate. "We're not exactly crazy about any of their ideas," City Manager Susan Boyer said. The city, if it cannot stop the project, will try to scale it down and call for safeguards against runoff and perhaps and pedestrian overpass to link sides of the downtown district split by U.S. 19. In other City Council action Monday: -- Police contract approved: The council approved a one-year contract with the police union that provides a 1 percent pay increase, retroactive to Oct. 1, and up to 2.75 percent in additional merit pay. -- Engineering fees approved: The council reluctantly approved spending nearly $18,000 for engineering services for a damaged sewer line under U.S. 19. The city blames utilities companies for the damage and plans to recoup the cost. -- Firearms ordinance changed: The council approved the first reading of an ordinance that clarifies the use of deadly force. The ordinance makes clear that a person can use deadly force when resisting a murder attempt or an attempt to commit a felony on that person. Any other use would have to be approved by the City Council, after review by the police chief. The change came after a resident asked for permission to shoot nuisance vultures.
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