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Article Courtesy of The Tampa Bay Times
By Jennifer Rich
Published September 11, 2016
TREASURE ISLAND — Access to a planned 16-unit condo
complex on 107th Avenue is being scrutinized by city commissioners who want
to make sure traffic congestion near the city's causeway is kept to a
minimum.
Paul Skippier, developer of the 290 107th Ave. complex just east of the St.
James Condominiums, told city officials he needs a median cut to allow
future residents to make left turns in and out.
The project has already received site plan approval by the city's planning
and zoning board.
The development is just west of the St. James bridge, which connects the
Treasure Island Causeway to the island, and traffic from the causeway that
is funneled through the area raised concern among commissioners and
residents.
"There is a lot of commotion there for such a little area," resident Mel
Lenehan said, referring to adding signs, flashing beacons and a median cut.
She recommended commissioners consider visiting the highly trafficked area
before making a decision.
"We could probably put one of our officers there all day and make our city
budget" from the revenue generated by speeding fines, Commissioner Ken Keys
said.
A traffic analysis of the condo project recommended the median access be
approved as long as the driveway is moved further east, and additional
signs, beacons and extra street lighting are installed.
The cost of making the improvements, estimated to be between $82,000 and
$115,000, would be paid by the developer, who has already paid for the
traffic study.
Community Improvement Director Paula Cohen said the property is zoned resort
facilities high and having the condo development "makes a lot of sense at
that location" and would generate less traffic than other allowed uses.
Commissioner Larry Lunn suggested the possibility of extending a left-turn
lane at the location to make it easier for eastbound traffic.
Commissioners agreed to make a study of the location during peak traffic
times before agreeing to a median cut.
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