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CHASE SQUIRESEngineers unveil three more proposals for the so-called Clinton Avenue Extension project. Those who live near proposed routes aren't happy.
DADE CITY - The County Commission chambers in the historic courthouse downtown were packed Wednesday night as property owners inspected proposed routes for a major new avenue through east Pasco County.
The so-called Clinton Avenue Extension project was unveiled in September. It drew complaints from those who live along the proposed routes and who face the prospect of either relocating or having a four-lane highway in their front yards. Engineers returned Wednesday with three more proposals, but all promise to have a big impact on the area.
The proposed project would either expand State Road 52 or create a new road from SR 52 east of Interstate 75 to Pasadena Road along Clinton Avenue. If a new route is selected, it could replace the existing SR 52 as the region's major east-west connector.
The cost of the 6-mile project ranges from an estimated $22-million to $30-million. The most expensive proposal would be to widen SR 52 to six lanes. Other proposals carry estimates of $22-million to $23-million.
Engineer Drew Roark told the crowd Wednesday that something probably has to be done. About 10,000 vehicles use SR 52 today, but by 2025, that number could climb to 36,200.
But new roads may cost more than money. Eight to 15 homes would have to be eliminated, and up to four businesses, depending on the route.
Patti Brasch owns one of the homes in the path of a proposed route.
"It's my home. I raised my family there. I have no intention of leaving. That's where my husband passed away," she said. "The house is just about paid off. I plan on staying."
Her neighbor, Connie Forehand, also was frustrated.
She was on the verge last week of embarking on a major renovation and addition at her house. But with the project looming, her attorney advised her to wait.
That wait could take another year or two, she said.
"Everything's on hold," she said. "My life."
"How can they just come and take what we have?" Brasch asked.
County Administrator John Gallagher said planning is painful but necessary.
"We all know that highway 52 is getting near capacity. . . . We know more people are going to start finding Dade City," Gallagher said. "It's very important that we don't end up - if you've been to the coast - end up like U.S. 19. People are just packed up on top of each other."
Roark, who is working with engineers designing routes, said comments collected Wednesday and for the next 10 days will be considered in the final report and recommendation to county commissioners. Another meeting may be held, but none is scheduled.
Planning is likely to continue through this year, and the purchase of right of way could begin as early as the middle of 2005.