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Group fighting road lacks a leader
By SUSAN THURSTON © St. Petersburg Times, published January 21, 2001 WEST MEADOWS -- The group fighting the proposed east-west road through West Meadows has picked a new set of faces to lead the charge. But it wasn't easy. And they aren't done. Citizens for West Meadows filled three of the four officer positions but couldn't find anyone to head the group. Outgoing vice president Marshall Adams reluctantly agreed to serve as president, but only for 60 days while a permanent one is found. "There has to come a time when new people step forward," Adams told members during annual elections Tuesday. The requirements are simple, he said: just time to rally supporters and attend meetings, and "tough hides" to withstand piercing criticism from the many people in New Tampa who want the road. After pauses of silence, Jim Martin agreed to serve as vice president, Jennifer Schmidt as secretary and Hagar Kopesky as treasurer. None felt ready to assume the top spot. At the urging of members, Adams said he would take over temporarily, provided members ask their neighbors to help find candidates who share the group's position. Martin and Schmidt said that they weren't necessarily against an east-west road, but they have concerns about it going through the heart of their community. The four-lane route would link Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Interstate 275 along an extension of New Tampa Boulevard in West Meadows. Kopesky said she opposes the location but would be willing to address ways to make it safer and more visually appealing. The new officers replace Bob Campbell, Mary Vien and Susan McAveety. Adams said they had too many other commitments and couldn't serve another term. McAveety had agreed to stay on as treasurer but only if no one else came forward. Several members of the group pleaded with the previous officers to stay on the board. They have the expertise and know the players. Outgoing officers said the new board would learn quickly and offer new perspectives. They also could call on the old board for advice. "I don't think that it's imperative that it's the same group," Adams said. "We have the respect and attention of people downtown and neighboring communities. They know our strengths." Citizens for West Meadows was formed in April 1999 to organize opposition to building the road through this community, the city's preferred alignment. The group says the road would decrease property values, increase crime throughout New Tampa and threaten the safety of children crossing the street. Members argue other traffic-related improvements, including the opening of State Road 56 in Pasco County, may prove that the road isn't needed. Members said that over the next year they wanted to focus on the east-west road, but also address other issues facing West Meadows. Top on the list: improving the intersection at New Tampa Boulevard and Bruce B. Downs. - Susan Thurston can be reached at (813) 226-3463 or thurston@sptimes.com.
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From the Times |
