I have written here, here and here about how Pam Iorio's Riverwalk and downtown revitalization plans have been a disaster. It seems several candidates for Tampa City Council feel the same way.
A debate at the Forest Hills Recreation Center gave a good indication on how underwhelmed the candidates are about the current pork-filled projects.
The Trolley
Incumbants Shawn Harrison and Gwen Miller said they would expand the trolley lines. Frank Margarella was the only candidate who was not a Tampa City Council member who agreed with them. Joseph Caetano would scrap the trolley.
Riverwalk
Julie Jenkins was the only candidate who said Riverwalk is worth the $40 million being spent. That very likely means that Pam Iorio's pet project is dead. A friend of mine said, "Wow! A giant sidewalk overlooking a polluted river." Not exactly a great sales pitch.
The Riverwalk is a great idea - a park, albeit a long one - that people can walk, ride their bikes.. sit and watch the boats. A community venue for the new people moving downtown - 3,800+ new condos/townhomes/apartments opening in the next few years - and for those of us who bike along Bayshore - and on into the city. A link between the Performing Arts Center, Museum, Convention Center, the Forum, Channelside... the Aquarium. The heart of this city. When you think of the millions of dollars spent on asphalt for cars per mile - this "asphalt" is for the people.
ReplyDeleteHaving recently boated along the Hillsborough River - with the University of Tampa as a backdrop... and the Rowing Crew - racing. The reflections of the office towers across the water.
This is a beatiful city - and the waterfront is a valuable asset.
More power to Mayor Iorio for pushing this - and MORE power to Julie Jenkins for seeing the vision.