As Tallahassee officials seek to create an “18-hour downtown,” much of the attention is focused on Gaines Street.
Major changes will also take place on FAMU’s campus. The Florida A&M University campus will feel the impact of a 1.3-mile road extension.
City leaders want to extend FAMU Way, which currently stops at Wahnish Way, to Lake Bradford Road. The extension will alleviate the heavy traffic that once Gaines Street gets narrowed from four lanes to two.
Much like the new “18-hour” Gaines Street, FAMU Way will be made into a two-lane two-way street creating more parking spaces for student commuters, a wide sidewalk for pedestrians and a designated bike path.
Some property owners may lose property to the city, but will receive money in return once it is appraised, according to city officials.
The city will host a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.
This meeting will be the last opportunity for citizens of the community to voice their opinion to city commissioners and ask questions about the impending project.
Although there are three optional routes, the City Public Works will recommend route 3B, where commuters can use Eugenia Street instead St. Augustine Street.
“We chose this particular route for a couple of reasons,” Woolery said. “It provides the best connectivity for the Gaines Street corridor and is also the preferred route of the FAMU Administration.”
The city held two informational open house meetings during the third week in August. The informational meetings were primarily used to inform the area citizens of the pending project as well as allow them to voice their opinions through surveys and written statements.
“During the previous meetings, citizens wanted to speak directly to their commissioners and mayor, which is why we planned this hearing,” said David Cannon, City of Tallahassee Public Relations and Marketing Manager. “Ultimately, the city commissioners will make the final decision based on the city study and the citizen’s feedback.”
For more information on the decision of FAMU Way routes or to see all 5 optional routes please visit www.talgov.com/pubworks/famuway_index.cfm