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Downtown Oldsmar's next act set

Work should begin in a week or two on another phase of the streetscape project along State Street.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES, Times Staff Writer
Published August 11, 2007

OLDSMAR - With its generous sidewalks, vintage street lighting and blooming greenery, State Street in downtown Oldsmar has a slower-paced, "Old Florida" feel.

That is, until you head east to St. Petersburg Drive.

Then, shall we say, things get a bit dull.

Soon, however, the city plans to use indigenous trees and plants, streetlights, sidewalks, benches, and angled parking to dress up State Street from St. Petersburg Drive to Clarendon Street.

This week, the Oldsmar City Council gave the green light to award a streetscape contract to Keystone Excavators, the lowest bidder, for $530,486. The project also involves paving the rest of State Street to include the section between Clarendon Street and Lafayette Boulevard.

To save money, the landscaping, irrigation and park benches will be installed by the city's Leisure Services Department.

"It will improve the aesthetic look of downtown Oldsmar and make it more pedestrian-friendly," said city engineer Bill Proses. "State Street is really our Main Street."

Work on the four-month project should begin within two weeks, he said.

All wiring and cables will be buried underground and the Victorian-style lampposts will be the same design as the others already lining State Street.

"They will have electrical connections to plug in Christmas lights," Proses said.

The project includes improving the storm drainage systems, installing reclaimed water and adding 48 parking slots.

Brick pavers in a geometric design will highlight the intersection of St. Petersburg Drive and State Street.

"That intersection will be really the hub of downtown," Proses said. "Expect to see really nice developments along St. Petersburg Drive once the Galleria and the new library get going."

Terri Bryce Reeves can be reached at treeves@tampabay.rr.com.

[Last modified August 10, 2007, 21:31:59]