Twin Branch Acres Sidewalks: Do You Want Them?

Lake Grace residents didn’t want them, but the folks in Twin Branch Acres might.

That’s the reasoning behind an upcoming meeting at the Westchase Recreation Center about a proposed sidewalk construction project.

Hillsborough County had set aside money to build sidewalks in Lake Grace, but residents there were strongly opposed to the idea and said so in no uncertain terms during a May meeting. With that in mind, the county went back to its “sidewalk list” and chose Twin Branch Acres as the next neighborhood to receive potential funding, said Steve Valdez, county spokesman.

To make sure Twin Branch residents do, in fact, want the county to build new sidewalks throughout the neighborhood, a public meeting is being staged June 24.

“The community has requested them and it’s next on our priority list,” Valdez said.

Even though they’ve been requested, the hearing is taking place to make certain, he added.

“Right now it’s just a proposed sidewalk project,” Valdez said. “Until we have a public meeting and hear that’s what they want.”

The plan right now is to fund a project that will cost an estimated $250,000 that would result in sidewalk placement throughout the entire community.

“It’s a very easy construction project,” Valdez said, pointing out that Twin Branch Acres has lots of open right of way to work in. If approved, it should only take the summer to complete construction.

The county set aside funding in this year’s budget to build sidewalks in neighborhoods that don’t have them and want them. The list of possible locations is long, Valdez said, which is why when Lake Grace said no, Hillsborough moved on. The intent, he added, is not to force sidewalks on a neighborhood, but to provide them for safety reasons where they are desired.

The meeting with Twin Branch residents is set for June 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westchase Recreation Center, 9791 Westchase Drive. For more information, call 813-272-5275.

Do you think Twin Branch Acres needs sidewalks? Tell us by commenting below!

***

Keep up with all things local by signing up for the Westchase Patch daily email newsletter!