Tharpe Street: $23.5 million in hand, $20 million in question

The money that arrived

On Oct. 30, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Blueprint $23.5 million through its Safe Streets for All program for Tharpe Street. The money pays for sidewalks along a corridor that has few or none, turn lanes so drivers waiting to turn stop blocking traffic, and piped drainage to replace open ditches. The grant fully funds the project's first segment. The corridor runs about 2.6 miles, from Ocala Road to Capital Circle Northwest. Source

Where the project stands

The planning study was completed in May 2026. Blueprint said it would hire designers in fall 2026. Construction is expected in 2030. Source

The $20 million question

At a September meeting, board member Christian Caban proposed moving money from Segment C of the Airport Gateway project, a planned new road from Orange Avenue to Stuckey Avenue, to Tharpe Street. He said Segment C is unlikely to move forward because state officials aren't expected to approve use of state-owned land for it. Board member Rick Minor said about $20 million could expand Tharpe Street's scope and possibly shorten its timeline. Board member Carolyn Cummings questioned how much faster it could go, since buying right-of-way takes time. The board voted unanimously to delay the decision so members could verify the documents. Source

On Oct. 15, about a dozen residents rallied at West Tharpe and Ocala streets for more sidewalks. The effort is expected to come back to the Blueprint board on Nov. 12. Source

What to watch on Nov. 12

Whether the board moves the money, and what it says the money buys. Reporting in September said reallocated funds would not change the construction start date but could expand the scope. The Blueprint board meets at 3 p.m. at City Hall. City calendar