The Reimagine I-175 campaign is a grassroots initiative aimed at removing Interstate 175 in St. Petersburg and replacing it with a street-grade boulevard. This transformation seeks to reconnect neighborhoods, improve safety, promote economic growth, and address the historical injustices caused by the highway's construction.
Replacing I-175 with a boulevard will:
The Downtown Mobility Study indicates that a boulevard can handle the current and projected traffic volume efficiently. The study shows that boulevards, when designed properly, can maintain traffic flow while improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project will minimize the urban heat island effect by planting shade trees and reducing unnecessary asphalt. Additionally, the naturalization and expansion of Booker Creek will improve storm resilience and create a more sustainable urban environment. These measures will help cool adjacent neighborhoods and manage flood risks more effectively.
I-175 was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of people, predominantly from Black communities. The highway has created a physical and socio-economic divide in St. Petersburg, perpetuating historical inequities and isolating neighborhoods. Removing it is a step toward rectifying these injustices and reconnecting the community.
The project is eligible for federal funding through the Reconnecting Communities grant, specifically set aside for this type of initiative. Additionally, shifting fiscal responsibility from the state to the city for the boulevard is expected to motivate FDOT to support the project. The cost savings from removing the highway and the potential for increased property taxes from the revitalized area will also contribute to funding.
There are several ways to get involved:
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