News Summary
In an impressive community effort, Midtown Tallahassee residents have successfully halted plans by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency to revamp Thomasville Road. The decision came after overwhelming backlash against the proposed changes, including converting the road to one-way traffic and removing the center turn lane. The Blueprint Director acknowledged the community’s concerns and has left the door open for future collaboration, while FDOT continues with necessary road resurfacing without Blueprint’s alterations.
News Summary
In an impressive community effort, Midtown Tallahassee residents have successfully halted plans by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency to revamp Thomasville Road. The decision came after overwhelming backlash against the proposed changes, including converting the road to one-way traffic and removing the center turn lane. The Blueprint Director acknowledged the community’s concerns and has left the door open for future collaboration, while FDOT continues with necessary road resurfacing without Blueprint’s alterations.
Midtown Tallahassee Residents Unite to Stop Revamp Plans for Thomasville Road
Community Reaction Leads to Pause on Blueprint Project
In a big win for community voices, plans by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency to revamp Thomasville Road and the nearby sidewalks in Midtown Tallahassee have been put on hold. This decision comes after a significant outcry from local residents and business owners who voiced their concerns about changes that, quite frankly, did not sit well with many in the area.
Initially aimed at pushing forward with improvements while Florida’s Department of Transportation (FDOT) worked on its road resurfacing project, the Blueprint’s plans included some bold changes. One major proposal suggested removing the _center turn lane_ and converting Thomasville Road into a _one-way street_ heading south for as long as two years. However, the fierce backlash that followed demonstrated just how strong feelings ran regarding these possible changes.
The project’s potential ramifications were brought to light in a recent publication, sparking a wave of community condemnation. Many locals felt that, rather than making the area more _walkable and vibrant_, the proposed alterations could significantly hinder the everyday flow of life in Midtown. The widespread outcry left the Blueprint team reconsidering their options, and now the proposal is officially _off the table_.
The Blueprint Director acknowledged the overwhelming feedback from the community and opened the door to future possibilities, although it remains unclear exactly what those might be. While there’s still interest in collaborating with FDOT, the state department has made it crystal clear that they are moving forward with their resurfacing project without incorporating any of Blueprint’s proposed changes.
According to an FDOT spokesperson, the current focus is strictly on resurfacing what is described as a roadway that has hit the _end of its life cycle_. This work is essential regardless of any other initiatives that may or may not take place in the near future. It’s all about getting Thomasville Road into tip-top shape, even if that means sticking with the existing configuration that currently features five-foot sidewalks alongside a ten-foot travel lane in each direction, all separated by a continuous left turn lane.
As part of the decision-making process, residents’ preferences were considered during an open house hosted by FDOT, where community members directly expressed their opinions. This One-to-One interaction proved vital in influencing the direction of the project. Community feedback strongly indicated a preference to leave things as they are, leading the FDOT to emphasize that they would not revisit the Blueprint proposal.
While the Blueprint team has yet to submit an alternative plan to FDOT, there’s hope on the horizon. The Director has hinted at the possibility of proposing new ideas down the line, especially if FDOT shows any openness to fresh concepts. Past efforts have seen successful collaborations where Blueprint incorporated aesthetic changes like patterned pavement at pedestrian crossings in locations around town.
Looking ahead, FDOT assured residents that upcoming activities related to the Thomasville Road resurfacing project would involve only _intermittent closures during overnight hours_. This commitment assures minimal disruption for both drivers and local businesses during the construction phase.
Finally, the FDOT has shown gratitude toward the community for their engaging feedback throughout this process. They remain committed to keeping everyone updated about the timeline and specifics of the resurfacing work, reflecting an eager anticipation for a road that not only serves its purpose well but also harmonizes with the needs of the community it connects.
In a nutshell, Midtown Tallahassee residents made their voices heard, and it seems they have successfully shifted the course of change for now. The road ahead may still lead back to some enhancements in the future, but for now, Thomasville Road will be getting a straightforward facelift, maintaining its well-known charm and functionality.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Blueprint Tallahassee Vision for Walkable Midtown Unclear
- WTXL: FDOT Rolls Back on Thomasville Road Plans Following Public Input
- WTXL: Community Reacts to FDOT’s Decision
- MSN: FDOT Backs Out of Thomasville Road Lane Change
- Tallahassee.com: Thomasville Road to Lose Center Lane, Get Wider Sidewalks
