October 2022 – After a presentation that reviewed 250 survey responses, four recommended trail options, and potential funding sources, the TPO Board approved the Plant City Canal Trail Feasibility Study. This study looked at the existing conditions of Plant City’s very limited active transportation and recreational trail options, proposing potential routes to connect residential and commercial areas with Downtown Plant City and McIntosh Preserve just north of I-4. Such a trail would give residents a user-friendly route to walk or bike to community-based programs, shopping destinations, and work.
What else did the study look at?
The Plant City Canal Trail Study originally looked at eight alternatives for a proposed trail based on a scoring system that evaluated the following factors:
- Safety – ability to minimize exposure to vehicular traffic
- Equity – impact on traditionally underserved communities
- Environment – natural contributors to design
- Social/Cultural – impact and access to cultural resources
- Economic Development – proximity to redevelopment and growth areas
- Connectivity – access to existing and planned bike/walk networks and lifestyle contributors
- Constructability – obstruction constraints and planning opportunities
- Cost – probable construction and right-of-way costs
The study then considered public survey responses about community destinations such as schools and libraries, construction elements, and long-term management of the trail. About 90% of residents supported the idea of a trail. Survey responses along with over a dozen, colorful maps identifying community and environmental characteristics could be found in the study.
Final approval and recommendation
The TPO Board unanimously approved the study and its recommendations as a consent agenda item on October 12, 2022, after a presentation to the Policy Committee earlier that day. It was during the Policy Committee meeting that Hillsborough County Commissioner Overman praised the study, sharing one more recommendation.
“I appreciate helping residents understand what it takes to plan for and to invest in the future that they would like to see in their communities,” Commissioner Overman said before the vote. She then recommended that a cost analysis be included in future feasibility studies to help community members have a clear understanding of how much projects cost and where the money comes from.
How to learn more
To watch the presentation of the study, visit youtu.be/6fa5dlY-sek?t=653, or read the final draft, visit planhillsborough.org/plant-city-canal-trail-study. For questions or comments, contact Wade Reynolds at reynoldsw@plancom.org or 813-793-2361.
