The Tampa City Council is set to cast a crucial vote on Thursday morning, deciding the fate of a $4.1 million allocation for the South Howard Flood Relief Project. This funding will kick-start the “early works” phase of construction, aimed at mitigating flood risks in the area.
As outlined in City of Tampa public documents, this initial phase will involve traffic management and site preparation, the installation of new water mains, and the reconstruction and resurfacing of nearby roads.
Brandon Campbell, Tampa’s interim Mobility Director, highlighted the urgency of the project. “Many areas in our city suffer from inadequate stormwater infrastructure,” he said. “South Howard has been a focus of study and discussion for over a decade.”
The long-awaited project plans to replace and reinstall 2.5 miles of aging water mains and culverts, running from West Swann Avenue to Bayshore Boulevard along South Howard Avenue. In addition to modernizing water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, the project will also involve the undergrounding of overhead power lines, according to city officials.
The goal of the plan is to protect businesses and residents from rainy-day flooding, and the threat of storm surge from the nearby bay.
“These are projects that will have to be done,” added Campbell.
Residents have long since raised concerns of the proposed project, which the city estimates could cost nearly $65 million.
“Oh, my gosh, it’s going to be a mess. The impacts are more than this neighborhood or any neighborhood could handle,” said Pam Cannella, who lives just off South Howard.
“From day one, the transparency of this project was done very poorly when it comes to the neighborhoods. It was presented as something that it’s not. It’s going to cost every resident a lot of money,” said Anneliese Meier, with the Parkland Estates Historical Preservation Society.
City of Tampa crews claim that when construction begins, it will be in small sections, approximately a quarter mile each. Local businesses have also expressed concerns with partial closures of South Howard Avenue, predicting a loss of 40% foot traffic, and a money deduction of about $10 million for the 35 bars and restaurants located in the neighborhood.
“There are no parallel streets, so there is no way to get to these restaurants and businesses through the back door. It just doesn’t exist. If you want to turn South Howard into a graveyard. Keep going. Keep it up. The businesses will not survive,” said Steve Michelini, with the SoHo Business Alliance.
If construction is approved, work could begin shortly. The City of Tampa did not have an exact timeline on the work but says the project could take “years” to complete.
