What: Ribbon-cutting for North 22nd Street Improvement Project, Bus Tour of Area and Reception

When: Monday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.

Where: University Area Community Center complex, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa

Hillsborough County Commissioners will join Senator Victor Crist, other University area community representatives, and children from nearby schools and the HeadStart Center for a ribbon-cutting on the newly-completed North 22nd Street on Monday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. The event will be held at the entrance to the University Area Community Center complex off of 22nd Street at 14013 N. 22nd St. in Tampa.

The improvements on North 22nd Street from Fletcher to Bearss Avenues include traffic calming, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and other improvements. The project was part of the overall vision in the University Area Community Plan, which was approved by the Hillsborough County Commission in 2001. The County undertook a later North 22nd Street Master Plan study in 2002, which laid out many of the improvements that have now been made to the roadway.

The County began the extensive improvement project in 2004 with the design phase, purchased land for the improvements from 2005-2007, and began construction in 2007. The total cost of the project was approximately $7.9 million and was funded through the Community Investment Tax.

Improvements on the roadway include improving the two-lane road to add curb and gutters; widening sidewalks; adding on-street parking, bus bays and bicycle lanes; and add street lighting and landscaping improvements.

The University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. will provide a bus tour after the ceremony of improvements and facilities in area, including Bowers Whitley Career Center, Junior Achievement's Enterprise Village, Muller Magnet Elementary School, the University Community Resource Center, and the University Area Community Center Complex. Many of these facilities were envisioned in the North 22nd Street Master Plan and the University Area Community Plan.

A reception also will be provided by the University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. starting around 11:30 a.m. on the patio behind the University Area Community Center Complex, following the tour.