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Planners Prioritize Ideas For Carrollwood

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By MICHELE SAGER

msager@tampatrib.com

Published: February 11, 2009

CARROLLWOOD - Imagine jetting down Dale Mabry Highway on a monorail system, passing red lights and traffic jams.

It's one of the dreams by residents drawing the greater Carrollwood Community Plan. The Hillsborough County Planning Commission is asking area residents to help develop a community plan for Carrollwood and surrounding neighborhoods.

The planning began in January 2008 to help residents and business leaders define characteristics about the community and plan for the future. In past meetings, participants were asked to develop themes and wishes for the community.

Recently, the group reviewed those items and tried to narrow priorities.

"We're now trying to get them to hone down their suggestions and name their top priorities," said Lisa Silva, who works for the Planning Commission.

Some of the top priorities from the group were: a central town center where people can combine residential and commercial space; more sidewalks near Dale Mabry Highway; and a transportation system along Dale Mabry to reduce traffic.

Residents worked for about two hours jotting down their ideas and mapping suggestions. They will continue the work at their next meeting, developing a vision statement for the community and setting other priorities.
Hillsborough County started working on community plans about 10 years ago to get residents more involved in the planning process. Plans have been written for several areas, including Lutz, Westchase and Citrus Park.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523.

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