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Street's upgrades fuel area's rebirth

The plans for N 22nd Street could serve as a spur to improving University North.

By JOSH ZIMMER
Published March 6, 2005

UNIVERSITY NORTH - Transforming N 22nd Street into a pedestrian-friendly road attractive to new businesses is a linchpin of local redevelopment efforts.

But don't get ready for the ribbon cutting just yet. After years of studies and discussions, the project remains at least two years from completion, county officials say.

Before starting construction next year, local government must finish designing the project and buy a dozen pieces of land. The $9-million reconstruction won't be done before mid 2007.

Once finished, the stretch between Fletcher and Bearss avenues will look much different. It will be wider and greener, with new trees and sidewalks.

Gentle curves will slow down traffic and make the road, now straight, more appealing. Extra speed bumps will join those installed last year after a hit-and-run accident left two children dead.

The redesign will complement last year's rezoning of N 22nd and surrounding streets, a series of rules approved in hopes of creating a vibrant atmosphere for streetfront businesses, on-street parking and high-quality, affordable housing.

"We have to start creating a township," state Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, said.

Although University North remains the largest impoverished area in Hillsborough, the neighborhood is in the midst of a minibusiness boom along Fletcher Avenue, fueled by affordable land prices and improvements along N 22nd.

The east side of N 22nd now has $80-million of new buildings, including the University Area Community Center, Muller Elementary, Bowers-Whitley Career Center and a recently opened health and social services center.

But not everyone is thrilled with the changes.

At a public meeting last week, business owner Muneer Albadawi complained about the concrete median at N 22nd and Fletcher that makes it harder for customers to get into his gas station.

"We used to do 50,000 gallons a month," said Albadawi, who also owns a second gas station across the street. "Now we dropped to 20,000 because people can't get back to Fletcher.

Josh Zimmer covers Temple Terrace and the University of South Florida area. He can be reached at 269-5314 or zimmer@sptimes.com

[Last modified March 5, 2005, 08:12:04]