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Pinellas Trail to link to vibrant downtown

By CRISTINA SILVA
Published July 18, 2007


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Construction has begun on an extension of the Pinellas Trail that will lead to the heart of downtown, city officials said.

The new St. Petersburg path will continue from where the trail ends at 34th Street S down through First Avenue S to the waterfront.

The 2.1-mile extension will be one of the first urban trails in the country, city officials say, providing for an unusual cocktail of outdoor enthusiasts, theatergoers, office workers and restaurant patrons among downtown's bustling streets.

Yet business leaders are divided over whether the trail will promote downtown as a destination or simply disturb traffic in a growing area where every parking space counts.

A traffic lane on part of First Avenue S will be used for the trail expansion, which could result in fewer parking spots on the side south of the one-way road, said Joe Kubicki, St. Petersburg's transportation and parking director.

"In some cases parking might be reduced quite a bit, or in some cases it might not be reduced at all," he said.

City officials should know exactly how parking will be affected by the end of the month, Kubicki said.

The expansion is part of a countywide effort to extend the trail to 75 miles by 2020. The trail is now 34 miles long, and eight overpasses allow users to travel above traffic at busy intersections.

In north Pinellas, a proposed leg will run parallel with the existing trail on the east side of the county.

In St. Petersburg, workers began removing part of the train tracks along the old CSX railway corridor Monday to make way for the new trail.

The path will extend along the former train tracks to 14th Street S, where the tracks stop and will then continue along an existing sidewalk through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street S. From there, another mile of dedicated trail, separated from First Avenue S traffic by a barrier, will stretch the route to the waterfront.

The trail will be 10 feet wide and separated from the road by a 4-foot-wide traffic divider.

Cardio addicts can plan on cycling, jogging and walking on the completed trail as early as December, Kubicki said.

Some business leaders are counting the days until its completion.

"We need more people downtown, whether they are jogging, running or whatever it might be, it is good that they are here," said Barry Rothstein, president of the Downtown Business Association.

Midtown Sundries, a bar and restaurant on First Avenue S, has its own parking garage, so it probably will not be as affected by reduced parking, manager Chuck Knott said.

"To me anything that brings more people downtown is a good thing," he said. "Who knows - maybe they will pop in for a drink."

But some business owners doubted that reduced parking would be beneficial in the long run.

"I sincerely hope they would not eliminate any street parking," said Dwight Watkins, owner of Cafe Alma, a Mediterranean restaurant on First Avenue S. "If you are really going to develop a downtown area, I think you need to include more parking."

The extended trail will cost the city at least $6-million in design and construction costs, most of which has been provided by federal funding. The county, which oversees the trail, will cover the costs of a new trail overpass at 34th Street S.

Cristina Silva can be reached at (727) 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.

[Last modified July 17, 2007, 21:21:01]


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Comments on this article
by Gabriel 07/19/07 10:48 PM
Include more parking? Isn't Cafe Alma across the street from an 8 floor public parking garage that covers a whole block? And attached to another parking garage? And 2 blocks from ANOTHER 6 floor public parking garage? I think we have parking aplenty.
by Mary 07/19/07 10:35 PM
Ed - I agree with you in that the trail is pretty limiting, with the speed limit and all. Have you been on it during the holidays? Barbie bicycles, new skates - a real joy to behold! The trail is great for older/younger/slower riders!
by Steve, PE 07/19/07 12:59 PM
Many of the 4-lane undivided streets that don't carry much traffic (such as 16th St N) should be changed to a 3-lane roadway (1 lane each direction w/ center turn lane) and bicycle lanes. 4-lane undivided streets are by far the most dangerous type.
by SteveS. 07/19/07 11:31 AM
I'm looking fwd. to being able to ride to downtown from Palm Harbor...look @ cities with develped bike paths...most cities INCREASE cycle use and decrease car use.
by James 07/19/07 09:47 AM
All those in Downtown St. Pete who oppose the trail, just look to Dunedin and see how the business community has gained from the trail.
by To Wade 07/19/07 09:39 AM
I don't know but those who don't drive could ask that of the roads. Or those without kids of schools. Many other instances I'm sure.
by Mary 07/19/07 09:39 AM
Wade - I don't golf or play tennis - never have, never will, but my tax dollars go towards public courses/courts. I don't use the playgrounds, either, but sure don't mind paying for these amenities - it all makes St. Pete a great place to live!
by Bob 07/19/07 08:33 AM
When I was young we walked on sidewalks and in parks. This generation needs a "trail" so they can feel important.
by Ed 07/19/07 12:56 AM
Trails like this are certainly a worthwhile thing for any community... but owing to their size, location, and popularity, can't support cyclists with any chops. Give me bike lanes on rural roads with real destinations (I can't use this).
by Frankie 07/18/07 11:54 PM
I'm glad to have my tax dollars spent in such a progressive way. Thank you St. Pete for thinking about our long term health and development. Taxes spent in this manner improve our quality of life. Anti-tax zealots care nothing for our community.
by Wade 07/18/07 09:02 PM
Some here seem thrilled by the trail. But how much would they like it if the users had to pay for it? My guess is not near so much - maybe not at all. They like it when they get something on other people's money. How is that different from theft?
by Randy 07/18/07 07:44 PM
This investment sure beats picking up the tab for you overweight people who appose these projects. Get a clue and get a bike!
by Randy 07/18/07 07:40 PM
It's sad to read some of these comments. This is great! Hopefully we will see many more projects like this in the future! For those against it, you know where you can go!
by Mary 07/18/07 05:58 PM
Eugene - I'm not a "Yuppie dieter" - just a bicyclist who ride for the fun and the calories it burns - so I can eat even more! Restaurants LOVE people who can eat whatever they want to without worrying about calories! Get a clue!
by chris 07/18/07 05:17 PM
And our taxes keep going up so VERY MANY can have a smoke and a bag of chips, sit on their butts and NOT use the trail- PJ, get a clue and a bike.
by Richard 07/18/07 05:04 PM
The Downtown area of Dunedin is well served by the Pinellas Trail and has become a vibrant, inviting destination. If you've been there you know how busy the trail is. I can't wait to visit downtown St. Pete without my car!
by getoffyourcouch 07/18/07 04:52 PM
This is excellent. We need less couch potatos in polluting cars and more healthy walkers and bikers. Many people use the trails, not just a few. It's an investment, not just an expense.
by Kimberly 07/18/07 04:37 PM
Surveys show people use the Pinellas Trail for recreation, exercise, transportation to various destinations, tourist attraction, & free family outings. Ask the county to see percentages & gear your business to attract those groups.
by Joe 07/18/07 03:47 PM
yuppie dieters?How RUDE!!I happen to live in a house in Old NE.I pay over $6 G's a YEAR in property taxes!I'm HAPPY that the city is going to have the trail extended into downtown! Finally my tax $$ are being spent on s'thing worthwhile and positive!
by Mel 07/18/07 03:41 PM
The homeless!!!??? You've GOT to be joking,right? Have you actually READ the the City of St. Pete's budget for socail programs, which by the way, includes the homeless population??? They budget over 5 million dollars every year for the homeless!
by Jim 07/18/07 02:32 PM
What a waste of money. Most of it is paid by federal dollars. Stop building this dumb trail to nowhere.
by Dan 07/18/07 02:21 PM
Federal dollars covering most of the costs? Good deal! Clearly some of the posters here haven't been out on the trail in a while. Get of your couch fatty fat fats! Or better yet don't so I can enjoy a world without you in it.
by Sam 07/18/07 02:16 PM
The trail is great. Besides the beach it's the only thing this jerkwater burg has going for it.
by Canyouread 07/18/07 02:04 PM
Can you read the money is coming from tax payers whether at a county/state/federal level. No matter how you look at it, it is a waste of money and the money should be rolled back into tax payers pockets.
by CP 07/18/07 01:28 PM
Most of this extension is being paid for with federal funding. We need more bike paths. The bike paths that are here now are used frequently. Ride a bike - stay in shape and use less gas.
by christina 07/18/07 11:46 AM
the st pete trail section is the nastiest part,dunedine has embraced this park and there section is charmimg .our section goes threw industrty and poverty.we need to give people who ride a safe place to eat and get refreshments and it will suceed ...
by Jonathan 07/18/07 10:58 AM
The Pinellas Trail is one of the best things about the county. People should use it more, because Lord knows there are a lot of people in the county that could use to lose a few pounds!
by Doodah 07/18/07 10:56 AM
Speaking of Canyouread, let me repeat for you "...MOST (my emphasis) of which has been provided by federal funding. THE COUNTY...will cover the costs of a new trail overpass..." In other words, our taxes ARE involved in this project.
by Matt 07/18/07 10:13 AM
"most of which has been provided by federal funding" - covers the cost issue. Having a trail that stops where it currently does is silly...this will make it a lot more accessible to everyone.
by Peter 07/18/07 10:08 AM
I commute by bicycle downtown so this final link provides added safety.The Pinellas Trail is one of the greatest things about Pinellas county, for those that love the outdoors,exercise, and an alternative to petro-transportation!
by virginia 07/18/07 10:03 AM
I think this is fantastic. Now I can ride my bike to work. Will there be safe places for people to park their bikes? Otherwise they won't want to explore downtown if their bike isn't safe?
by becky 07/18/07 09:56 AM
I think it is great. Milwaukee has soemthing very similar and lots of people use it and frequent the businesses along the way. Projetcs like this add a lot to a city. I defientley plan to use it and frequent the businesses along the way!
by Heidi 07/18/07 09:55 AM
I'm all for this! We need LESS cars, more bike paths, and improved mass transit to improve downtown! I lived a mile from the core, but was amazed at how many of my neighbors drove rather than walked there! All business flourish w/more folks downtown.
by Heidi 07/18/07 09:52 AM
Wake up & learn about Federal budgeting! This is from one agency earmark. If you want more funds for homeless/other social services, you have to elect Members to Congress (or State offices) that empathize. Stop needless invasions/war spending!
by Rob 07/18/07 09:38 AM
PJ, maybe it's you who needs to get out and get some fresh air. Lisa, you're right, there are places where there's not much to see. Keep in mind, it's built on an old rail bed. Who'd want to live near that in the first place? Just enjoy it!
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