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I-275 expansion threatens historic Tampa Heights

I-275 expansion threatens historic Tampa Heights
This is the plan for Interstate 275 through Tampa.

"It is my belief that when you walk through this door and walk into this space, something says this is a good space."

Lena Young Green is a passionate lady. She's fighting to save a once historic church in Tampa Heights which is now taking shape as a place for residents to meet. It sits next to Interstate 275 that the Florida Department of Transportation plans to widen to make way for express lanes that will cut right through the center of the community.

But there's a problem. The church sits on land owned by FDOT. The civic association signed a lease knowing construction was imminent, but Green was hoping those plans could be stopped.

"We do not want to lose another historic building and we want to improve our neighborhood," said Young Green, executive director of the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association.

To that end, Green and the civic association, with grants and donations from the community and local businesses, renovated the space, creating a vibrant center for everyone.

FDOT admits funding for the interstate expansion hasn't been acquired -- yet -- but progress cannot be stopped.

"We feel we can solve traffic congestion and work with the community to have a win-win situation," said FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson.

The fate of the old church may not be known for 10 years, but there is a great possibility that it will be demolished. Despite this, the community plans to fight it the entire way.

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