Dade City resists DOT bypass plan

Commissioners say the $26.4-million project would displace homeowners and siphon customers from downtown.

By CHASE SQUIRES

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 26, 2001

DADE CITY -- The state Department of Transportation might not have a choice: The agency might have to fight City Hall.

With the DOT planning a $26.4-million widening of the U.S. 98 bypass on the east edge of downtown, city commissioners on Tuesday evening agreed the plan is unneeded, unwanted and they are unwilling to go along.

"I think we've got some muscle and we can push back, if we want to," Mayor Scott Black said. "We think it's a flawed plan."

DOT has been proposing work on the 1.6-mile bypass for years, but commissioners said the plan is based on outdated data and growth patterns. While the state is poised to spend millions, displace homeowners, drag potential customers out of downtown on an expansion that is unneeded, commissioners said, the demand for a wider State Road 52 from Interstate 75 is being ignored.

Commissioner Bill Dennis, who is on the county's road planning board, said he never has seen a traffic jam on the existing bypass and doesn't see a need for a wider road.

Commissioner Hutch Brock questioned the agency's priorities and data and the need for the project.

"I hear from more and more folks: 'Is it really useful?' " Brock said.

And Commissioner Eunice Penix said she worries about the impact a high-speed, four-lane highway would have on people crossing from east side neighborhoods to downtown.

Commissioners said they were not impressed with DOT's answers at a meeting last week.

Reaction from residents was less than enthusiastic at a November public comment session sponsored by DOT.

As it stands, the agency expects to finish its public and environmental impact studies and design work by next year or 2003, followed by right of way acquisition in 2004 and 2005.

Commissioners said they will ask for a second public session with DOT on May 29.

In other business Tuesday, representatives of Shaw Communications -- a Canadian company buying the parent of the local cable television provider -- announced plans to bring high-speed cable for Internet access to town.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Committee for months has been looking for ways to lure industry, including high-speed Internet.

Shaw attorney Omer Causey was in town clearing a franchise agreement with the city on Tuesday and said that under Shaw's takeover of Moffat Communications, the Canadian company will add fiber optic lines in east Pasco this year and expects to eventually connect business districts and homes in Dade City.

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