County ‘Goofed’ on Lutz Tree Removal Handling

Hillsborough County's intentions to remove 86 trees along a stretch of U.S. 41 that runs through Lutz should have been conveyed to residents from the start.

That’s what Deputy County Administrator Lucia Garsys told residents who packed into the Lutz Community Center Thursday night to voice their opposition to plans to remove landscape plantings along U.S. 41 from the Apex at Nebraska and Florida avenues to the Pasco County Line.

“Where did we goof,” Garsys asked. “We didn’t get to you in advance and for that I apologize that county government didn’t reach out.”

That’s a mistake Garsys and other county officials present during the Jan. 24 public meeting said won’t be made twice.

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The proposed tree removal came about because Hillsborough County has said it can no longer afford to maintain the medians along U.S. 41, which is a federal road under the care of the Florida Department of Transportation.

The county has maintained the medians for years, because FDOT's budget doesn't cover landscape plantings like those found along 41. When county funding came up short, Hillsborough said it wanted to turn maintenance back over to the state.

For that to happen, FDOT’s Jim Moulton said during the public meeting, the landscape plantings have to be removed.

What Happens Next?

Considering the public outcry prior to the meeting and during, Garsys has asked residents to give the county time to work with them and FDOT to come up with a solution to possibly save the landscaping.

No time table has been set up as of yet, but Garsys said the county will explore all the alternatives.

Communication Lines Will be Kept Open

As the county explores the alternatives, it’s promised to keep Lutz residents informed.

Spokesman Willie Puz told meeting attendees a website will soon be set up to help them keep up with steps the county has taken toward reaching an agreement with FDOT and civic leaders.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.

See Also:

• County: ‘Give Us Some Time’ on Lutz Trees
• Lutz Residents Tell County: 'We Don't Trust You'
• U.S. 41 Tree Meeting Takes Place Tonight
• Protest Over U.S. 41 Trees Called Off
• Public Meeting Set to Discuss U.S. 41 Tree Removal