Enables DOT and County Lands to identify right-of-way needed for the future widening of Ortiz Avenue between SR 82 and SR 80.

Transcription

1 2. What Action Accomplishes: Enables DOT and County Lands to identify right-of-way needed for the future widening of Ortiz Avenue between SR 82 and SR 80. Consent Administrative Admin. Code Commissioner Transportation By: Scott M. Gilbertson 8. Background: In 2001 Cella & Associates was hired to provide professional engineering services necessary to determine the alignment of the Ortiz Ave. widening between SR 82 and SR 80 as included in our long range transportation plan (2020 plan). As part of the alignment study, Lee County DOT held a public workshop on 10/14/2002 at Lee Middle School where alternative alignments, cost, environmental impacts, and safety issues were evaluated and presented to the public for comment. Alternatives A and B were shown and comments were taken. The responses to those comments posted on our web site and are included in the Final Technical Memorandum (attached). Alternative A has been recommended as the preferred alternative due to lower business, residential, and cultural impacts, as well as lower project cost. Documentation on all alignments considered is compiled in the Final Technical Memorandum dated February The Report is available for inspection at LDOT offices at 1500 Monroe Street. 5. Review for Scheduling Human R.3SOUKC?S otiier County Manager / P.W. Director NA Approved

2 B arraco and Associates, Inc. Civil Engineers, Land Sorveyors and Planners DESCRIPTION Proposed Centerline of Ortiz Avenue in Sections 4,9,16 & 21, Township 44 South, Range 25 East Lee County, Florida The Proposed Centerline of Ortiz Avenue lying in Section 4, 9, 16 & 21, Township 45 South, Range 24 East, Lee County, Florida, said centerline being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast Corner of said Section 21 run Soo E along the East line of the Northeast Quarter (NE l/4) of said Section 21 for 1, feet to an intersection with the centerline of State Road 82; thence run N W along said centerline for 1, feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said Point of Beginning run N W parallel and 27.5 feet Easterly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue and West line of the East half (E l/z) of the Northeast Quarter (NE l/4) of said Section 21 for 1,449~5 feet to a point of curvature and an intersection with the North line of Section 21; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 08~42 04 ) (chord bearing No5 o6 o7 W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of cmve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 08~11 34 ) (chord bearing N W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run Nol W parallel and 27.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue and West line of the East half (E l/-z) of the Southeast Quarter (SE l/4) of said Section 16 for feet to a point of curvature and an intersection with the North line of the South Half (S l/z) of the Southeast Quarter (SE l/4) of said Section 16; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No2 291i7 E)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse CUIVatUre; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No~ o1 17 W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency and an intersection with the North line of the Southeast Quarter (SE l/4) of said of Section 16; thence run No W parallel and 21.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the West line of the East half (E 1/z) of,the Northeasi Quarter (NE V4) of said Section 16 for 1, feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 04~13 50 ) (chord bearing No4 r,5 49 W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noo E) (chord 635~4 feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing NOO W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No4 04 o~ W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run Noo E for feet to a point of curvature; Post Office Drawer 2800 * Fort Myers, FL Phone (239) Fax (2.39)

3 arraco B and Associates, Inc. Civil Engineers, Land Surveyors and Planners DESCRIPTION (Cont.) thence ru11 northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noo o4 24 W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run Noo qg 24 W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run No2 1g 24 W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta og 46 z4 ) (chord bearing No E)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing N E) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run N W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing N W)(chord 1, feet) for 1, feet to a point of tangency; thence run N W parallel and 32.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue for 1, feet to an intersection with the centerline of State Road 80 and the end of the herein described centerline. Bearings hereinabove mentioned are based on the East line of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of said %ZCtiOn 21 t0 bear SOO B. Scott A. Wheeler (For The Fir~m) Professional Surveyor and Mapper Florida Certificate No Page 2

4 THIS IS NOT A SURVEY

5 arraeo and Associa~tes, Inc. Civil Engineers, Land Surveyors and Planners DESCRIPTION Proposed Centerline of Ortiz Avenue in Sections 4,9,16 & 21, Township 44 South, Range 25 East Lee County, Florida The Proposed Centerline of Ortiz Avenue lying in Section 4, g, 16 & 21, Township 45 South, Range 24 East, Lee County, Florida, said centerline being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast Corner of said Section 21 run Soo E along the East line of the Northeast Quarter (NE l/d) of said Section 21 for 1,g51.93 feet to an intersection with the centerline of State Road 82; thence run N70"34'27"W along said centerline for 1, feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said Point of Beginning run Noo W parallel and 27.5 feet Easterly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue and West line of the East half (E l/z) of the Northeast Quarter (NE */a) of said Section 21 for 1, feet to a point of curvature and an intersection with the North line of Section 21; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 08~42 04 ) (chord bearing Nog og o7 W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 08~11'34") (chord bearing N05% 22 W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run NolY5 35 W parallel and 27.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue and West line of the East half (E V.2) of ~the Southeast Quarter (SE 11~) of said Section 16 for feet to a point of curvature and an intersection with the North line of the South Half (S 1/z) of the Southeast Quarter (SE l/q) of said Section 16;,thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta & ) (chord bearing No2%!9 17 E)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noi oi i7 W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Nog% 4g W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency and an intersection with the North line of the Southeast Quarter (SE %) of said of Section 16; thence run NO2"08'54"W parallel and 21.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the West line of the East half (E l/z) of the Northeast Quarter (NE 114) of said Section 16 for 1,537& feet to a point of curvature; thence rml northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 04~13 50 ) (chord bearing No4?5 49 W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noo ~2 33 E) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feel- (delta ) (chord bearing Noo W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 09"29'13") (chord bearing N04 04 o~ W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run Noo E for feet to a point of curvature; Post Office Drawer Fort Myers, FL :jsgoz Phone (239) 4@3r70. Fax (qg)

6 arraco and Associates, Inc. DESCRIPTION (Cont.) thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noo004 z4 W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run Noo"~+g'24"W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run N02"19'24"W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 09~46 24 ) (chord bearing No E)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 08~51 24 ) (chord bearing No3 01%3 E) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency;,thence run N W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 30 41~00 ) (chord bearing N W)(chord 1, feet) for 1, feet to a point of tangency; thence run N W parallel and 32.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue for 1, feet to an intersection with the centerline of State Road 80 and the end of the herein described centerline. Bearings hereinabove mentioned are based on the East line of the Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4) of said Section 21 tobear ~00"42'07%. Scott A. Wheeler (For The Firm) Professional Surveyor ai:d Mapper Florida Certificate No Page 2

7 Proposed Center Line POINT OF COMMENCEMENT THIS IS NOT A SURVEY,t

8 FINAL TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM ORTIZ AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY ALIGNMENT STUDY FROM MARTIN LUTHER KING BOULEVARD TO PALM BEACH BOULEVARD LEE COUNTY PROJECT # 4072 Lee County, Florida Prepared for: Lee County Board of County Commissioners Department of Transportation P.O. Box 398 Fort Myers, Florida February 2005

9 Table of Contents Section Page Number 1.0 SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Purpose Project Description NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT Deficiencies Safety Consistency With Transportation Plan Social and Economic Demands EXISTING CONDITIONS Ownership, Zoning and Current Land Use Utilities Natural Environment Hydrology, Soils and Contamination Screening DESIGN CRITERIA Proposed Typical Section ALIGNMENT ANALYSIS Right-of-Way Alignment Evaluation Alternate Corridor Analysis PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Public Involvement Appendix A Legal Description and Aerial of Recommended Alignment Appendix B TECO Peoples Gas Plans Appendix C Estimated Construction Costs

10 List Of Exhibits Section Page Number Exhibit 11.1 Project Location Map Follows Page 1 Exhibit 4.1 General Land Use..... Follows Page 5 Exhibit 4.2 USGS Topographic Quadrangle Map..... Follows Page 7 Exhibit 4.3 Identified Potential Contamination Sites... Follows Page 9 Exhibit 5.1 Four and Six-lane Typical Sections Exhibit 6.1 Alternative Corridor Follows Page 12

11 List Of Tables Section Page Number Table 3.1 Lee County Socio-Economic Information Table 4.1 Identified Potential Contamination Sites - Contamination Risk Evaluation Rating Table 6.1 Alternative Alignment Impacts Analysis

12 Section 1.0 SUMMARY The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) has identified the need to improve and widen Ortiz Avenue from Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Boulevard (S.R. 82) north to Palm Beach Boulevard (S.R. 80). An alternative alignment evaluation was conducted to determine the most feasible alignment and types of improvements needed to satisfy future transportation demand in the area, see the project location map Exhibit 1.l. This project has been identified in the Lee County 2020 Needs and Financially Feasible Plan as four lanes from MLK, Jr. Boulevard to Luckett Road. However, it is anticipated Ortiz Avenue will eventually require sixlaning from MLK Jr. Boulevard north to Palm Beach Boulevard. The study identifies future right-of-way needs for the ultimate six-laning and the County intends to initiate a voluntary acquisition program to purchase the necessary right-of-way. The design and construction for the four-laning of Ortiz Avenue is partially programmed in Lee County s Five Year Capital Improvement Propam in Fiscal Years and , respectively. The recommended alignment and typical sections were developed to minimize impacts to the community and minimize right-of-way acquisition costs. The preferred alignment will require the County to purchase righ-of-way from both the east and west sides of Ortiz Avenue alternately, taking advantage of vacant properties where possible. A legal description of the proposed centerline is contained in Appendix A followed by the recommended alignment on aerial photography. 1

13 Exhibit 1.1 Project Location Map Ortiz Avenue Right-Of-Way Alignment Study

14 Section 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Purpose Lee County is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States. As more people relocate to this area there is a need to expand our existing roadways to provide for the increase in traffic. The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) has identified the need to improve and widen Ortiz Avenue from MLK Jr. Boulevard north to Palm Beach Boulevard. The need to four lane Ortiz Avenue from Colonial Boulevard to Palm Beach Boulevard was first identified as part of the 2010 Long Range Transportation Plan adopted in November 1988 and was also adopted in December 1995 on the initial 2020 Long Range Transportations Plan. However, when the 2020 Plan was updated in December 2000 the need for four lanes on Ortiz Avenue was only shown from Colonial Boulevard to Ballard Road. The northern limit was extended to Luckett Road by the June 2002 update of the 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan. Ortiz Avenue is part of a road system that extends from Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island via Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Gladiolus Drive and Summerlin Road north to Palm Beach Boulevard. It also serves as a roadway for the community with access points to neighborhoods and businesses. It is an alternate route for I-75. The Lee County 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan identifies the need for Ortiz Avenue to be four-laned initially, however, it is anticipated that the roadway will eventually require six-laning from MLK Jr. Boulevard, north to Palm Beach Boulevard. The study identifies future right-ofway needs for the six-laning and will serve as the basis for a voluntary acquisition program for the identified right-of-way. The scope of the study encompasses right-of-way requirements, typical section development, the preferred alignment and public involvement. This report summarizes the factors considered in the development of the preferred alignment: Right-of-way alignment evaluation costs Environmental factors including potential contamination sites Safety considerations Long-range area planning Utilities and drainage structures Contamination screening Public involvement 2.2 Project Description Ortiz Avenue is a two-lane arterial road located in the central portion of Lee County with portions of the roadway lying within the City of Fort Myers. The project limits extend from MLK Jr. Boulevard north to Palm Beach Boulevard. The corridor is approximately two and a half miles long and lies in Sections 04, 09, 16 & 21, Township 44 North, Range 25. The property along the corridor is largely developed residential and commercial/agricultural land with single-family residences, multi-family residences and commercial enterprises. 2

15 Section 3.0 NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT 3.1 Deficiencies Ortiz Avenue traverses a community with high pedestrian activities. The existing roadway is two-lane roadway with discontinuous pedestrian facilities and minimum shoulders. The widening project will provide enhanced pedestrian facilities on both sides of the roadway. 3.2 Safety In 2003, there were nine pedestrian accidents and five bicycle accidents on Ortiz Avenue that resulted in twelve injuries and two fatalities. By providing 6-foot-wide sidewalks and 4-footwide striped bike lanes on both sides of Ortiz Avenue, the widening of the roadway will greatly improve safety to the residents of the community. 3.3 Consistency With Transportation Plan The Lee County 2020 Financially Feasible Plan identities the need for four lanes from MLK Boulevard to Luckett Road. As stated previously, the need for six lanes is anticipated. Jr. 3.4 Social and Economic Demands Lee County, with square miles of land area, is the 24 largest county in the state. Its moderately sized land area and growing population have made Lee County the 10 most densely populated county in Florida. Presently, Lee County has approximately 566 persons per square mile. Lee County is a popular outdoor recreation and vacation spot for over one million people annually. According to the 2000 Census of Population, Housing, and Employment, the county s population was 440,888, which was a 3 1.6% increase over the 1990 population of 335,113, while the State of Florida as a whole grew 23% over the same period. Projected population for 2030 is 753,900, which represents an increase of 71% over Population growth has been stimulated by tourism acquainting future residents with the area, an active second home market, and retirees relocating to the county. The nature of this growth has resulted in Lee Countyy having a high percentage of retirement age residents. Approximately 25.2% of the population is 65 years of age and older. The average purchase price for homes in Lee County was $139,000 in 2003, making it the 12 highest in the state. An emerging issue is the availability of adequate and affordable housing for low and moderate-income populations. This and other socio-economic information is presented in Table

16 Lee County Statistic Population Population Projected population % Increase in population O-2000 % Increase in population - 20C lo-2030 Median age r % 65 and older Table 3-l Socio-I h momic Information Value 335, , , % 71.0% % Average persons per household Average house purchase price (2003) Per capita income (2003) Source: Lee County Economic Development Di iti sion 2.3 $139,000 $

17 EXISTING Section 4.0 CONDITIONS 4.1 Ownership, Zoning and Current Land Use Property owners, zoning and current land use were determined through the use of the Lee County Property Appraiser s Maps and GIS system. Lee County Division of County Lands and the Lee County Department of Transportation Right-of-Way Department also provided detailed information on ownership and right-of-way. The initial phase of this study took into consideration all parcels with frontage along the study corridor. The consultant s recommendation for a preferred alignment is based on engineering design constraints, environmental assessment, impacts to existing and proposed structures and utilities, and the impact to privately owned lands. Along the limits of the project, the majority of the parcels are occupied. Land use and zoning along the corridor includes agricultural, commercial, and residential. Exhibit 4.1 shows the existing land use. The recommended alignment will directly affect 143 properties. Of those directly affected by the right-of way acquisition, five are single family dwellings and two properties have existing commercial/agricultural enterprises. The impacts on the remaining properties are minimal. 4.2 Utilities Utility plans were reviewed for Lee County Utilities, City of Fort Myers Utilities and TECO Peoples Gas, to locate existing and proposed utility service to the Ortiz Avenue study area. The following is a brief summary of these findings. (No utility plans were received for Sprint and Florida Power & Light). A copy of TECO Peoples Gas plans (showing other utilities) are provided in Appendix B. Florida Power & Light Florida Power & Light will need to relocate all of their utility structures within the maintained right-of-way and will assess their position during the design phase of this project. A transmission corridor crosses Ortiz Avenue diagonally from north of Ballard Road on the east side to Ballard Road on the west side. Sprint Sprint has fiber optic located on the west side of the existing right-of-way, which will have to be relocated. Any relocation of the utility structures within the maintained right-of-way will be the responsibility of Sprint. In coordination meetings, Sprint will determine during the design phase of this project which of their structures will need to be relocated and which of the structures will remain buried within the maintained right-of-way.

18

19 Lee County Utilities Lee County Utilities has a 16-inch DIP water main on the east side of Ortiz Avenue from MLK Jr. Boulevard north 1000 feet. The water main crosses Ortiz Avenue and continues to the north to Hunters Green Drive. There is a potable water interconnect located 601 to 665 feet north of MLK Jr. Boulevard on the east side of Ortiz Avenue. At Ballard Road, there is a sewer line on the east side of the road and a water line on the west side of the road that continues to Palm Beach Boulevard. There is a 16-inch force main at Ballard Road and Ortiz Avenue on the east side that continues north to Tice Street. The 1 h-inch force main moves to the west side of rightof-way at Tice Street and then runs north to Palm Beach Boulevard. The sanitary sewer is on the east side of the right-of-way at Ballard Road going north to Tice Street. At Tice Street, the sanitary sewer moves to the west side of the right-of-way and then to the center of the right-ofway. There is a pump station on the cast side of the road just south of Billy s Creek Drive. Fort Myers Utilities There is a 30-inch concrete raw water line on the east side of Ortiz running from MLK Jr. Boulevard to Palm Beach Boulevard. There is also a 20-&h DIP water main on the east side of Or& Avenue running 1000 feet north from MLK Jr. Boulevard where turns and runs to the east. There is a lh-inch force main beginning 1000 feet north of MLK Jr. Boulevard and runs to Ballard Road on the west side of the right-of-way. The force main turns west at Ballard Road. TECO Peoples Gas A gas line is located on the east side of Ortiz Avenue from MLK Jr. Boulevard to Palm Beach Boulevard. There is a gas manifold with guard rail 56 feet south of Sherry Street on the east side of Ortiz Avenue. The gas line from MLK Jr. Boulevard to Luckett Road is a it-inch steel, high-pressure line. The line from Luckett Road to Palm Beach Boulevard is a 4-inch plastic pipe. Utility Easements There is an existing 1 S-foot-wide utility easement adjacent to and east of the Ortiz Avenue rightof-way from 650 feet to 1000 feet north of MLK Jr. Boulevard. There is an existing lo-footwide utility easement adjacent to and west of the Ortiz Avenue right-of-way from High Cotton Lane to Luckett Road. 4.3 Natural Environment Ortiz Avenue has drainage swales in several areas adjacent to the roadway. Jurisdictional determination for wetlands will be made in the design phase. In addition, there is a bridge at Billy s Creek. Environmental mitigation for the bridge widening at the creek will be determined in the design phase. 6

20 4~4 Hydrology, Soils and Contamination Screening Pbysiographic Setting The corridor is found on the south side of the Caloosahatchee Valley physiographic province (White, 1970). Topography along the corridor is relatively level and situated approximately 15 feet (4.6 meters) above mean sea level on the northern end and approximately 20 feet (6.1 meters) on the southern end. Exhibit 4.2 represents a portion of the USGS topographic quadrangle map for Fort Myers, Florida, that contains the corridor. Surface water runoff appears to be controlled primarily by topography and appears to be to the northwest for most of the corridor toward Billy Creek and the Caloosahatchee River. Manmade drainage may influence the actual direction of surface water runoff. Ground water flow in the surticial aquifer system generally mirrors surface topography and in the vicinity of the corridor would also appear to be toward the northwest, however, manmade drainage and surrounding water bodies may have an influence on the actual direction of ground water flow. Surface Water Features Billy Creek traverses the northern portion of the corridor and flows from northeast to southwest. The Caloosahatchee River is located approximately 0.6 miles northwest of the northern end of the corridor. Many manmade ponds (apparent former borrow pits) are found in the vicinity of the corridor, however, none of these ponds are located along the corridor itself. No naturally occurring lakes were noted in the vicinity of the corridor. Subsurface Geological Characterization The area of the corridor is generally underlain by undifferentiated sediments of Pliocene to recent age. These undifferentiated sediments generally consist of silty, clayey, shelly sands and variably indurated shell beds in the study area. This sequence of sediments is approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) thick (SFWMD, 1982) and found from the land surface to approximately -5 feet (-1.5 meters) National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). Underlying the undifferentiated sediments are sediments of the Hawthorn Group of Miocene age. Two formations of the Hawthorn Group are present in the study area: the Peace River Formation and the underlying Arcadia Formation (Scott, 1988). The Peace River Formation sediments consist of interbedded quartz sands, clays, and carbonates. The top of the Peace River Formation is found at or near mean sea level and is approximately 55 feet (16.8 meters) thick and encountered from -5 feet (-1.5 meters) NGVD to -60 feet (-18.3 meters) NGVD. Arcadia Formation sediments consist predominantly of limestone and dolostone containing varying amounts of quartz sand, clay, and phosphate grains (Scott, 1988). The Arcadia Formation is approximately 600 feet (183 meters) thick (SFWMD, 1982) and is encountered from approximately -60 feet (-18.3 meters) NGVD to -660 feet (-201 meters) NGVD in the study area. The lower 125 feet (38.1 meters) of the Arcadia Formation consists of the Nocatee Member. The Nocatee Member of the Arcadia Formation consists predominantly of limestone with subordinate dolostone, sands, and clays that have a lower phosphate content than other portions of the Arcadia Formation. This unit is encountered from approximately -535 feet (-163 meters) NGVD to -660 feet (-201 meters) NGVD.

21 Exhibit 4.2 USGS Topographic Quadrangle Map Ortiz Avenue Right-Of-Way Alignment Study

22 Below the Hawthorne Group sediments are a thick sequence of carbonate sediments in the study area. These sediments in descending order consist of the Suwannee Limestone, Ocala Limestone, and the Avon Park Formation. Ground Water Characterization Four water bearing aquifers are recognized in the area of the corridor in Lee County, Florida (SFWMD, 1982). These are the surficial aquifer system, a sandstone aquifer, the Mid- Hawthorne aquifer, and the Floridian aquifer system which are separated by confining layers that restrict the vertical movement of water between the aquifers (SFWMD, 1982). The surficial aquifer system consists of the Pliocene to recent age sands and shell. With the exception of some lithified shell beds, these sediments are unconsolidated. The top of the surficial aquifer system is the ground water table and water within the surficial aquifer system is generally under unconfined conditions. The base of the surficial aquifer system is formed by the clayey, less permeable beds of the top of the Peace River Formation. Recharge occurs directly from rainfall to the ground surface. The surficial aquifer system is primarily used for lawn irrigation and stock watering supplies. The sandstone aquifer is a lithified sand unit found within the Peace River Formation. This is a confined aquifer and wells constructed into this aquifer can be under artesian conditions. The upper and lower confining units consist of clay layers. The Mid-Hawthorne aquifer is under confined conditions and is found in the carbonate units of the Arcadia Formation of the Hawthorne Group sediments. The upper confining layer of this aquifer consists of the clayey sediments of the Peace River Formation. The lower confining layer consists of the sediments encountered above the Nocatee Member of the Arcadia Formation. The Mid-Hawthorne aquifer averages approximately 200 feet (61 meter) in thickness in the study area. Recharge occurs primarily in topographically high areas where confining beds are absent or penetrated by openings such as sinkholes. Ground water drawn from the Mid- Hawthorne aquifer is primarily utilized for domestic and public supplies. The Floridian aquifer system is comprised of the carbonate units encountered below the Hawthorne Group sediments and contains water under confined conditions. Recharge occurs in areas that may be many miles from where ground water is withdrawn from the Floridian aquifer system. Ground water pumped from the Floridian aquifer system is primarily utilized for largescale irrigation in the study area. Contamination Screening Evaluation The purpose of contamination screening evaluation (CSE) was to screen for potential environmental concerns on and near the Ortiz Avenue corridor (hereafter referred to as the corridor ) which could impact the environmental setting within the corridor itself. This determination was made based on an evaluation of information assimilated regarding the corridor and surrounding properties. The scope of work included a review of published information available from federal, state, and local agencies, a site reconnaissance of the corridor and surrounding areas, collection of information regarding previous usage of the corridor and surrounding areas, and report preparation. 8

23 Risk Rating Determination A risk rating was assigned for each site listed as a potential source of contamination. The contamination rating system is divided into four degrees of risk: No, Low, Medium, and High. The risk ratings are explained as follows: No - After a review of all available information, there is nothing to indicate contamination would be a problem. It ins possible that contaminants could have been handled on the property, however, all available information indicates problems~ should not be expected. Low - The former or current operation has a hazardous waste generator identification number, or deals with hazardous materials however, based on all available information there is no reason to believe there would be any involvement with contamination. Medium - After a review of all available information, indications are found that identify known soil and/or ground water contamination and that the problem does not need remediation, is being remediated, or that continued monitoring is required. High - After a review of all available information, there is a potential for contamination problems. Project Impacts Identified potential contamination sites assigned medium or high-risk ratings were determined to have attributes which could potentially impact the corridor. As indicated in Table 4.1, six sites (8,9, 10, 13, 14, and 26) were assigned a medium risk rating. No sites were assigned a high-risk rating. Exhibit 4.3 shows the locations of the identified potential contamination sites. Table 4.1 Identified Potential Contamination Sites No 6 1,2,5, 11,21,and31 Low 19 3,4,6, 7, 12, 15 through 20, 22 through 25, and 27 through 30 Medium 6 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, and High 10 1 None 9

24 I

25 Recommendations This Contamination Screening Evaluation of the corridor has identified a total of 31 potential contamination sites. Six sites were assigned a medium risk rating. The corridor in the area of these six sites should be assessed to determine the potential for negative environmental impacts to the corridor horn these sites. The recommended assessment activities include laboratory analysis of soil and/or ground water samples collected from the corridor in the area of these six sites. ASC Geosciences, Inc., the geotechnical consultant further recommends that any coordination with potentially contaminated media identified in the corridor be farther assessed and remediated by the appropriate regulatory agency where applicable. In evaluating the alternatives it was determined that there were equal number of potentially contaminated sites on the east and west sides of Ortiz Avenue. Therefore, potential contamination a determining factor in the selection of a preferred alternative. 10

26 DESIGN Section 5.0 CRITERIA 5.1 Proposed Typical Section The widening to four lanes will include a 44-foot curbed median (for future widening to the inside), two (2) Il-foot travel lanes in each direction, /t-foot paved shoulders with curb and gutter and h-foot sidewalks on both sides of the road. When the construction of the project occurs it will include core level landscaping in the median as defined by the LeeScape Plan. Exhibit 5.1 represents the typical section of the road as a four-lane facility and the eventual sixlane facility. Exhibit 5.1 Four and Six-lane Typical Sections INITIAL FOUR-LANE TYPICAL SECTION ii0lld-i POTENTIAL SIX-LANE TYPICAL SECTION rnloe.,e 11

27 ALIGNMENT Section 6.0 ANALYSIS 6.1 Right-of-Way Alignment Evaluation The scope of this project consists of a study to identify the necessary right-of-way required for the future six-laning of an existing two-lane roadway, beginning where the existing four lane undivided section transitions to two lanes between MLK Jr. Boulevard and Palm Beach Boulevard a distance of 2.5 miles. After evaluating alignments that required right-of-way from the west side only, the east side only and both east and west sides, the study team recommended developing an alignment that would minimize impacts to existing structures along the corridor. Two alignments (referred to as Alignments A and B) were developed for this project and are contained in Lee County s project files. Alternatives A and B are very similar with a slight difference and shift in the alignment between Nottingham Drive and MLK Jr. Boulevard. Alternatives A & B have been evaluated for impacts to commercial, single-family residential, multi-family residential, churches and costs as shown in Table 6.1. Alternative A impacts the least number of residential and commercial properties and minimizes cost for utility relocation. Table 6.1 Alternative Alignment Impacts Analysis 135 Right-of-Way Alternative A Alternative B Businesses Single Family Residential Multi-Family Residential 4/l 1 6/l 6 Churches 1 2 Total Number of Parcels Utility Relocation Costs $274,000 $500,000 *Construction Costs $23,028,642 $23,028,642 *Based on 2002 Florida Department of Transportation Long Range Estimates plus 35 percent increase for cost of fuel, oil and construction materials. See Appendix C for detail Alternate Corridor Analysis The initial study area was identified as the existing Ortiz Avenue alignment and 100 feet on each side. However, the social impacts that would occur at the intersection of Tice Street and north to Pahn Beach Boulevard prompted the study team to evaluate a new corridor alignment that would allow the County to utilize County-owned property for much of the alignment in lieu of acquiring several businesses that serve the community and residences. See Exhibit 6.1 for the alternate corridor. However, after conducting a right-of-way cost study, the alternate corridor was deemed cost prohibitive. The estimated right-of-way acquisition costs for the new corridor are $4,000,000 as compared to $2,700,000 for right-of-way acquisition costs along the existing Ortiz Road corridor (west side). 12

28 I I

29 7.1 Public Involvement PUBLIC Section 7.0 INVOL VEMENT The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) makes it a practice to hold public meetings on all new roadway alignments and major improvements. These public meetings are held to inform and solicit input from the public regarding the specific project being presented. The Ortiz Avenue public workshop was held to solicit public input regarding the proposed alternative alignments for the future widening of the corridor and to determine the level of interest from property owners regarding right-of-way acquisition. LC DOT held a public information workshop on October 14, 2002 at the Lee Middle School cafetorium in Fort Myers for the Ortiz Avenue Right-of-Way & Alignment Study. The limits of the project are from MLK Jr. Boulevard to Pahn Beach Boulevard. The purpose of the workshop was to present project information to the public and to gather public opinion. A total of 84 people signed in at the registration table. The public workshop was advertised in the October 7, 2002 edition of The Now-Press as a % page display ad. Letters announcing the public workshop were mailed September 24, 2002 to persons with property lying within 300 of the right-of-way. The Lee County Department of Public Resources transmitted a press release to local media on September 10, Several articles regarding the project were published in The News-Press. Two variable message boards were placed within the project limits for a period of one week prior to the workshop to inform the traveling public. The meeting was conducted in an open-house format that allowed the public to view the project material between the hours of 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A project handout that summarized the project to date was provided to the public at the registration table. In addition, a brochure about the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization and their planning process was available in both English and Spanish. Representatives from LC DOT were stationed at the display boards to explain the project data and answer the public s questions. The public was provided with comment forms in order to have their opinion recorded as public record. A total of 22 comment forms were received from the meeting and during the two-week comment period following the meeting. The comments were analyzed and are summarized below. The response indicates how the project team is addressing the public comment. The numbers in parenthesis indicated the number of times the same or similar comment was su~bmitted. Public Information Workshop Written Comments Comment: If Alternate B is selected I would be interested in selling. Will County pay us for new home of equal or greater value or give us a house instead of paying us? (5) 13

30 Response: Comment: Response: Comment: Response: Comment: Response: Comment: Response: Comment: Response: Comment: Response: Comment: Response: Comment: When a preferred alternative is adopted, property owner.s expressing an interest in selling will be forwarded to Lee County Division of County Lands. If it is determined that right-&way is needed from any parcel for the adopted alignment, Lee County Division of County Lands will conduct an independent appraisal and determine the dollar value to be offered to the property owner. The County will not replace a house in kind. Any improvement to Ortiz is welcome. Russell Park residents would benefit if you implement the Alternative Corridor with a traffic light at Flamingo Circle. (7) The Alternative Corridor was deemed cost prohibitive compared to the existing Ortiz Avenue alignment. Study seems well prepared and it was a good presentation. (2) No response necessary. I would like a satellite picture of all things pertaining to 385 Ortiz Avenue. (1) A copy of the aerialfor this address has been mailed to the property owner. This is a very good project for our community in order to relieve traffic. Tice area needs new road and we think Alternative A would be the best. Project is way over due and hope to see it progress rapidly. (6) No response necessary. In favor of Alternative A or B because we own a three lot parcel which we are interested in selling. (2) When a preferred alternative is adopted, property owners expressing an interest in selling will be forwarded to Lee County Division qf County Lands. If it is determined that right-of-way is needed from any parcel for the adopted alignment, Lee County Division of County Lands will conduct an independent appraisal and determine the dollar value to be qflered to the property owner. As long as we get property value it does not matter which Alternative. (1) No response necessary We are on a dead end street and need to be able to get to Lucketi with a streetlight. Suggest extending a street through Luckett passing Sherry Street and Howard Street giving access from them to Luckett and a traffic light. Constructing medians will limit our access to Qrtiz Ave. Also would need sidewalks on both sides due to the increase in traffic. (2) This suggestion will be forwarded to the Lee County DOTPlanning Division. Sidewalks are proposedfor both sides of the street. Want detailed plan for expansion for 1214 Ortiz Ave. (1) 14

31 Response: A copy of the aerial was mailed to the property owner along with an explanation that we do not have design plans at this time and that when the design phase of the project occurs a public meeting will be held and proper@ owners will be no@ed. Comment: Oppose the widening of Ortiz (3) Response: No response necessary. Comment: Request any future information be mailed to address provided (1) Response: Addresses are provided by the Lee County Property Appraiser and are based upon proper@ ownership. Those addresses can t be changed due to legal requirements. If individuals wish to be added to the mailing address they can do so by making a request to Cella & Associates, Inc. The individual making this request was added to the mailing list for this project and will be mailed future information in addition to the property owner on the original mailing list. 15

32 APPENDIX A

33 B arraco and Associates, Inc. Civil Engineers, Land Surveyors and Planners DESCRIPTION Proposed Centerline of Ortiz Avenue in Sections 4,9,16 & 21, Township 44 South, Range 25 East Lee County, Florida The Proposed Centerline of 01-k Avenue lying in Section 4, 9, 16 & 21, Township 45 South, Range 24 East, Lee County, Florida, said centerline being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast Corner of said Section 21 run Soo E along the East line of the Northeast Quarter (NE i/q) of said Section 21 for 1, feet to an intersection with the centerline of State Road 82; thence run N W along said centerline for 1, feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said Point of Beginning run Noo W parallel and 27.5 feet Easterly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue and West line of the East half (E 1/z) of the Northeast Quarter (NE i/4) of said Section 21 for 1, feet to a point of curvature and an intersection with the North line of Section 21; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 08~42 04 ) (chord bearing Nog W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 08~11 34 ) (chord bearing N05% 22 W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run N01~15 35 W parallel and 27.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue and West line of the East half (E r/z) of the Southeast Quarter (SE i/4) of said Section 16 for feet to a point of curvature and an intersection with the North line of the South Half (S 1/z) of the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/s) of said Section 16; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 07~29 45 ) (chord bearing No E)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency and an intersection with the North line of the Southeast Quarter (SE l/s) of said of Section 16; thence run No W parallel and 21.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the West line of the East half (E 1/z) of the Northeast Quarter (NE l/4) of said Section 16 for 1, feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 04~13 50 ) (chord bearing No W)(chord 199~31 feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noo E) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noo W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing N W) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence ru11 Noo E for feet to a point of curvature; Post Office Drawer 2800 * Fort Myers, FL Phone (239) Fax (239)

34 DESCFUPTION (Cont.) thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Noo o4 24 W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run Noo W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2, feet (delta ) (chord bearing Nor W)(chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence rnn N W for feet to a point of curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the right of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta 09~46 24 ) (chord bearing No E)(chord feet) for feet to a point of reverse curvature; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing No E) (chord feet) for feet to a point of tangency; thence run NOl W for feet t0 a point Of CWVatUre; thence run northerly along an arc of curve to the left of radius 2,700.oo feet (delta ) (chord bearing Nr W)(chord 1, feet) for 1, feet to a point of tangency; thence run N32O05 24 W parallel and 32.5 feet Westerly as measured perpendicular to the existing center line of Ortiz Avenue for 1, feet to an intersection with the centerline of State Road 80 and the end of the herein described centerline. Bearings hereinabove mentioned are based on the East line of the Northeast Quarter (NE i/4) of said SeCtiOn 21 to bear SOO E. <Ldb# Scott A. Wheeler (For The Firm) Professional Surveyor and Mapper Florida Certificate No Page 2

35 ,, A3Abln.S b ION SI SlHl

36

37

38 APYENDIX B

39

40 -, -,_-.,