Bay to Bay businesses ask Bob Buckhorn to reconsider scrapped street plan

A group of 18 businesses along Bay to Bay Boulevard, the South Tampa artery that has been at the center of a raging debate over safe streets, asked Mayor Bob Buckhorn Wednesday to reconsider his decision to squash a plan to make the busy street safer.

Buckhorn said in March that neighboring streets were best suited for bike lanes.

In a letter to Buckhorn, the businesses said their success relies on accessibility for all residents, especially pedestrians.  They urged the mayor to seek more public input before a joint city-county resurfacing project begins. They advocated for implementing the original plan to reduce lane width and add bike and turning lanes to Bay to Bay.

"Together our businesses employ hundreds of constituents and provide tens of thousands of dollars in tax revenue. We contribute to the neighborhood, city and county by offering destinations for dining, community services, and valuable professional office space. More than ever, Tampa and Hillsborough County need leadership and policies that promote safety alongside of economic prosperity, beginning with our streets and locally owned businesses," the letter read.

The group urged Buckhorn to contact them at betterbay2bay@gmail.com. They also sent similar letters to the Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Commission.

Buckhorn didn't immediately respond to a request for comment emailed to his office.

The businesses and their representatives are:

Brooke Layton, Devonshire Custom Homes

Danny Tham, Crown Royal Day Spa

Courtney Shalk, The Dessert Spot

Kim Dionisio, Swami Juice

Andres Hernandez, Pia Day Spa

Eric Fischman, Soleli Tanning

Matt Jeffries, CHOPS Music Studio

Louis & Nancy Pappas, Louis Pappas Fresh Greek

Wesly Chiu, Kelp Sushi Joint

Andrea Messina Gebbia, Joe and Son's Olive Oil

Eddie Monroy, Palma Ceia Shoe Repair

Dustin Baker, KLIKFIT

Krista Abad, Monaco Salon

Ergin Tek, Gengiz Khan

Kristin Coolman, The Healthy Dose Organics

James Priddy, Smartonix, Inc.

David Williams, LEVO Health

Dominique Conn-Giolito, Traveling Corks