News Summary
The Community Redevelopment Agency Board will review a $5 million funding request for the Meridian Street Pedestrian and Street Safety Project aimed at improving pedestrian connectivity and street safety between Orange Avenue and Magnolia Drive. Proposed enhancements include new sidewalks, multiuse paths, and street trees. If approved, construction is scheduled to begin in Fall 2028, contributing to safer walking and biking in the Southside area.
Tallahassee – The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board will review a request for $5,000,000 in funding for the Meridian Street Pedestrian and Street Safety (PASS) Project on October 23rd. The initiative focuses on enhancing pedestrian connectivity and improving street safety in the area between Orange Avenue and Magnolia Drive.
The proposed improvements will include the construction of a new sidewalk on the east side of Meridian Street and a multiuse path on the west side. The project will also feature enclosures for roadside ditches and the planting of street trees, extending nearly 0.5 miles. The project is strategically located behind the Town South Shopping Center and adjacent to the new Southside Transit Center at the northwest corner of Orange Avenue and Meridian Street.
Project Features and Improvements
Infrastructure enhancements as part of the Meridian Street PASS Project will consist of constructing a new roadside curb and gutter. The project aims to facilitate safe, non-vehicular connectivity for transit users and those accessing nearby amenities such as retail stores, convenience shops, medical centers, churches, and daycares.
The plan for the project includes a 10-foot multiuse path with a 3.5-foot buffer on the west side and a 6-foot sidewalk with a 6-foot buffer on the east side. An underground drainage pipe network is also proposed to replace existing roadside ditches. Additionally, the planting of street trees will not only provide shade but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the area, thereby contributing to the community’s sense of place.
Strategic Importance
The Meridian Street PASS Project is part of a broader effort to promote walking and biking among public transit users in the Southside region. It is designed to complement other ongoing initiatives, including the Orange Meridian Placemaking project by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency and improvements to the East Drainage Ditch at Orange-Meridian Park. If funded, the project aims to significantly increase pedestrian activity and overall connectivity in the area.
The CRA Board, which comprises all city commissioners and the mayor, is expected to make a decision regarding the funding request during their upcoming meeting. The project has been identified by the City of Tallahassee’s Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure Department as a priority within the Greater Frenchtown/Southside District, emphasizing the city’s commitment to enhancing community infrastructure.
Construction Timeline
If approved, construction for the Meridian Street PASS Project is scheduled to commence in the Fall of 2028. This timeline allows adequate planning and coordination for the significant improvements aimed at enhancing pedestrian and street safety in this vital area of Tallahassee.
The proposed project not only addresses immediate infrastructure needs but also aims to lay the groundwork for a safer and more connected environment, ultimately enriching the quality of life for residents and visitors alike in the Southside area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: CRA to Consider $5 Million in Funding for Southside Pedestrian Street Safety Project
- Tallahassee.com: Will Schools in Leon be Open Thursday?
- WTXL: New Calls for Safety Measures on North Meridian
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
