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Extension Work Begins

Construction crews have cleared a swath through the wooded area.

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By LAURA KINSLER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - Construction has started on the Cypress Preserve Drive extension that will connect Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to Tampa Palms Boulevard.

The 3,000-foot section connects two existing segments of the road. The southernmost segment ends at Compton Drive near the New Tampa Family YMCA. Another segment extends beyond Tampa Palms Boulevard, ending at the entrance to the Village of Whitehall.

Construction crews already have cleared a swath through the heavily wooded area. The new segment will skim the back of Oxford Place Condominiums and the Mayfair subdivision and come out near Chiles Elementary.

City Councilman Joseph Caetano said some Mayfair residents are upset about losing their quiet, wooded views. "I've had some phone calls from people who say they want a wall to be built," he said.

The road has always been included in Tampa Palms' long-term plans. Some road maps show it as though it already exists. The Tampa Palms development of regional impact plans require that the road be built before the adjoining parcels fronting Bruce B. Downs are developed. It is set to open in June.

St. James United Methodist Church bought the undeveloped land in 2004 to expand its facilities. The church paid $1 million for 22 acres. In December 2007, the church sold about 5 acres to Atlanta-based Buckley Properties for $2.8 million.

Spokesman Ben McLeish said development plans call for a Fifth Third Bank branch and a Bright Horizons day care center. The plan for Cypress Crossing also has room for nearly 10,000 square feet of retail or restaurant space.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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