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Plan to lengthen beach trail draws some concern

A Treasure Island group says the trail needs improvements but should not be extended.

By KATHY SAUNDERS
Published September 20, 2006

TREASURE ISLAND - After five public meetings, the consensus is clear: Residents want to improve the city's existing beachfront trail, but they don't want it extended.

A longer trail would endanger sea life, destroy dunes and be costly to maintain, according to residents who attended a citywide public hearing last week.

"Our group is flabbergasted that the city would consider such a messy, costly and risky project," said Lara Valverde, a founder of Citizens for a Natural TI Beach formed months ago to oppose the extension.

City commissioners will make a final decision next month on the $3.38-million plan to build cement sidewalks and wooden boardwalks stretching from John's Pass Bridge to the Sunset Vista Trailhead Park.

Landscape architect Phil Graham presented his plans for the trail during last week's meeting, which was attended by several city groups and civic association leaders.

The city gave Graham $100,000 last year to develop a plan for upgrading the existing 1-mile-long cement walkway along the center of Treasure Island Beach.

The proposal also included extending the trail north about 3,800 feet and south about 4,000 feet.

Although they praised Graham's designs, residents and committee members said they were too ambitious.

Instead of extending the trail, residents want the city to renovate the 12-foot-wide sidewalk that stretches behind the hotels on the main stretch of beach.

Even if commissioners decide to limit the scope of the project to the renovation of the existing trail, City Manager Ralph Stone said construction probably will be in stages, largely due to cost.

[Last modified September 19, 2006, 23:08:11]