FAMU Way extension project

By Christian Allen, News 20 at Five

The City of Tallahassee is hosting a community meeting this Thursday for resident feedback about future modifications to FAMU Way. The proposed FAMU Way extension project will connect Wanish Way and Lake Bradford Road.

The FAMU Way extension project has recently been notified by CSX railroad of potential undisclosed factors that may hault plans of construction.

The project has been approved for a year thus far but changes to the agenda are ongoing. Communications Director, Michelle Bono, says efforts to make the community better is a city commitment.

“Students that have been here for a while will remember we’ve been working with the student community, residential community and the business community around the campus on a plan to extend FAMU Way. Right now everybody knows that FAMU Way stops at Wanish and the goal was to connect it all the way to Lake Bradford. Not just for transportation but also a part of the city’s commitment to improving the Southside,” said Bono.

Pot holes are a main concern for drivers that frequently use FAMU Way as a form of transportation.

New provisions of route adjustments will be better for commuters, but residents will suffer. Kulton Jackson, a resident of Eugenia Street is excited for the project but acknowledges the risk.

“Considering that I live relatively close to that area, I can see how a lot of the construction would be a major obstacle for me because of where I need to go and how to get around the city of Tallahassee. But at the same time I could see how it’s a good thing,” said Jackson.

The city has already begun acquiring properties needed to make the project vision a reality. Some apartment complexes include Shaker Heights and Kingston Square. Still there are concerns that many cannot put to rest.

Thursday’s meeting is sure to be an indicator on whether or not the City of Tallahassee should go with things as planned or make the needed adjustments. The new route for FAMU Way is set to be a two lane linear road that will make transportation less of a hassle while still satisfying CSX and Tallahassee residents.

Once complete, builders say FAMU Way will be one of the most attractive roadways in Tallahassee and will provide the community with several recreational areas.

The public workshop will be held on March 15, 2012 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Walker Ford Community Center gymnasium, 2301 Pasco Street.

For more information, please visit Talgov.com or call (850)-891-8535.