TRI-COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BPAC) HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES

Transcription

1 TRI-COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BPAC) HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES Wednesday, May 23, 2018, 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL Please enjoy a ride, jog or stroll before the meeting on the new Pinellas Trail Coast-to-Coast Connector Trail. Meet at the Education Center by 4 pm to return by 5:45 p.m. Meeting begins at 6:00 pm. 1. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS AGENDA 2. FRIENDS OF BROOKER CREEK PRESERVE Opening Remarks 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (Limit to 3 minutes, please) 4. APPROVAL OF TRI-COUNTY BPAC MEETING SUMMARY January 24, PRESENTATION Florida Trail Town Program Brian K. Smith, Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation 6. PRESENTATION Safety Harbor Walkability Audit Rodney S. Chatman, Planning Division Manager, Forward Pinellas 7. PRESENTATION St. Petersburg Bicycle Pedestrian Program Lucas Cruse, St. Petersburg Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator 8. FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION Becky Alfonso, FBA Executive Director 9. ROUNDTABLE UPDATES A. Forward Pinellas B. Hillsborough MPO C. Pasco MPO D. FDOT 10. NEW BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS Discussion RE: Tri-County Trail Map Discussion RE: Courtney Campbell Trail / Skyway Park Connection Trail (attachment) 11. NEXT TRI-COUNTY BPAC MEETING September 26, 2018 (Host: Pasco BPAC) 12. ADJOURNMENT NEXT TRI-COUNTY BPAC MEETING: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Pasco County BPAC to host (location TBD) Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Suite 300, Clearwater, Florida 33756; [(727) (V/TDD)] at least seven days prior to the meeting.

2 TRI-COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BPAC) HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES Keystone Recreation Center, Gunn Hwy, Odessa FL JANUARY 24, 2018 Meeting Summary 1. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS The meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM. In attendance: Patrick Thorpe (Chair Hillsborough), Jason Chilson, Allen Howell, Wade Reynolds, Brandon Berry, Rachel Chase, Faye Miller, Morgan Gaynor, Manny Lajmiri, Mark Pinson, Gunter Flag, Tyrone Lovett, Sam Beneck, Joel Jackson, Randy Stovall, Corey Denninger, Mabel Risner, Brian Smith (Chair Forward Pinellas), Paul Kurtz, Lynn Bosco, Susan Miller, Lucas Cruse, Joan Rice, Stephen Lasky, Chris Speese (FDOT), David Long (FDOT), Lucy Gonzales Barr (CUTR) 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Joe Monroe gave public comment regarding the need for a crosswalk on Gunn Highway near the upper Tampa Bay Trail and the regional park. Jason Chilson responded that they were working with Hillsborough Public Works to identify a location and funding for a crosswalk and agreed with the need. Discussion ensued about the construction at Lutz Lake Fern Road and if there would be any disruption. Mr. Chilson responded that there would be a temporary rerouting of the trail during the construction and they are working with the developer on the final configuration. 3. APPROVAL OF TRI-COUNTY BPAC MEETING SUMMARY September 27, 2018 Motion (Gaynor, Smith). Motion approved unanimously. 4. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY MPO South Coast Greenway Wade Reynolds, Hillsborough MPO, gave an update on the kickoff of the South Coast Greenway study looking at connecting Adamo Drive to Symmes Road to determine the most feasible route. Mr. Reynolds outlined the schedule of the study and expected completion date in Summer Mr. Reynolds outlined some of the possible routes and the issues related to the TECO Right of Way Use agreement still being negotiated with Hillsborough County. Howard Frankland Bridge David Long, representing FDOT, outlined the proposed trail connections to the Howard Frankland Bridge on the Hillsborough and Pinellas sides. He explained FDOT ownership on both sides of the bridge. On the Hillsborough side, Mr. Long explained that the current proposal was to connect to Cypress Point Park and the potential to use Hillsborough County ELAPP property or Rio Street to connect to the park. Members commented on the value of using the park as a trailhead on the Hillsborough side and how circulation could work to connect to the Westshore area and that the Westshore Alliance should be brought into the discussion. On the Pinellas side, Mr. Long explained that the path would parallel I-275 along the causeway. Pinellas staff has discussed a bridge to bring pedestrians and cyclists over to Gandy Blvd. Lucas Cruz clarified that currently, they are considering bringing the pat to 4 th Street and then to Gandy. Mr. Long commented on the future replacement of the bridges on 4 th Street and the issues of taking the trail to McMullen Booth. Mr. Long stated that construction will not start on the new Howard Frankland Bridge in 2020 and that construction would run 3-4 years. Members asked about the separation of traffic from the trail and where trailheads might be located. Mr. Long also showed the Pensacola Bay Bridge, and explained the differences between the bridges including speed and functional classification and explained some of the features that could be included in the reconstruction of the Howard Frankland. Chris Speese, FDOT, gave a brief update on the SUNTrail applications received to date. He stated that they are currently evaluating the applications and had received two applications for overpasses in Hillsborough County at Dale Mabry Highway and Big Bend Road. They are developing long-range estimates on cost and are working with central office to incorporate them into the work program. Mr. Speese updated the group on the Starkey Gap of the Coast to Coast Trail, and gave updates on the construction timeframe for construction of various projects. Discussion took place regarding a trail connection to Bexley Ranch and the connection under the turnpike. Mr. Speese also gave updates on projects in Pinellas County including the US 19 overpass and Courtney Campbell Causeway overpass. Mr. Speese asked for the group s support for a resurfacing project in Pasco County between Dade City and Pioneer Museum Rd. Because it is reduced to two lanes on either side of this three-lane segment, FDOT is hoping to incorporate a buffered bicycle lane but needs support from the community.

3 5. PASCO COUNTY MPO Pasco members spoke regarding the Tri-County Trail, which is moving forward with an RFQ to determine the next steps. There was also discussion regarding the Starkey Trail and the crossing at Trinity Blvd. This will be a full signal. The Coastal Anclote Trail is at 100% design plans and the County continues to work with Duke Energy on trail projects. The County is looking at the cross-county trail and is preparing to provide notice to affected landowners. The Coastal Anclote Trail is also up and running. 6. FORWARD PINELLAS Complete Streets Grant Susan Miller, Forward Pinellas, gave an update on complete streets project applications. They have received four applications for the next cycle: Dunedin Skinner Blvd. from US 19 to Bass Blvd. Largo Rosary Road from Missouri to Eagle Lake Park. Oldsmar St. Petersburg Drive from Bayview Blvd. to E. Dartmouth Ave. St. Petersburg Planning funding for complete streets in CRA to improve/reconnect corridors crossing I-275. St. Petersburg Projects Update Lucas Cruse, City of St. Petersburg gave an update on their projects. The City was recently recognized with League of American Cyclists Silver Level. They have been developing a complete streets implementation program that will guide how they move forward with bike and pedestrian projects over the next ten years. There is strong community support for the program and one of the first projects is Dr. Martin Luther King north of Downtown. Coast Bikeshare is celebrating one year in St. Petersburg with a community ride on February 1, they have hit 40,000 trips. The City has started a bike friendly business program with 12 certified businesses currently. There are a number of completed construction projects including the Pinellas Trail Loop eastern leg segment on Roosevelt, improvements on 30 th Ave. North, Treasure Island Trail Phase I, Pinellas Trail Landscaping in Downtown near Tropicana Field, Lighting improvements in the warehouse art district, trail user counters, planters to use for buffered bikeways on 1 st Street South, and sharrows on Beach Drive. Several bulb outs have been constructed and design is underway for a number of projects. The Central Ave. Corridor BRT project is moving forward and bike lanes are proposed for Central Ave. with this project. 7. NEW BUSINESS Wade Reynolds announced that Bike Walk Tampa Bay will be holding a number of events in the coming month and the Safe Streets Summit is being held at the Glazer Children s Museum next month. The announcement is in the agenda packet. 8. ADJOURN There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 PM.

4 A "Trail Town" in Florida is a community located along or in proximity to one or more long-distance non-motorized recreational trails. Whether on a rail trail, paddling trail, equestrian trail or hiking trail, trail users can venture off the trail to enjoy the services and unique heritage of the nearby community. The town is a safe place where both town residents and trail users can walk, bike, jog etc., find the goods and services they need, and easily access both the trail and the town. In such a town, the trail is an integral and important part of the community. A Trail Town is a vibrant destination where people come together. A Trail Town is a friendly place which encourages trail users to visit and welcomes them with warm hospitality. It may have outdoor equipment shops, restaurants, a grocery store, quaint local shops, and lodging. It has wide sidewalks, clean streets, bike racks, and benches at convenient locations. The trail meets the needs of both the trail users and the town's residents. Residents use the trail to access work, schools, parks and shops. Trail Towns are not stand-alone communities; they are linked by the long-distance trail corridor. Trail users may be passing through a town on a day trip or longer trek, or may park and access other trails, such as a paddling trail. Trail users want to explore interesting and vibrant places in their travels and need services that the town provides. Basic characteristics of a successful Trail Town include: Enticements to get trail users off the trail to explore the town Making clear and safe connections between the town and trail Welcoming trail users by making town information readily available Educating businesses on the economic benefits of meeting the needs of trail tourists Promoting a "trail-friendly" town character Integrating the trail into the town's culture with annual festivals and events that draw people to the trail who may not normally be trail users Connecting residents safely to work, schools, parks and shopping Working with neighboring communities to promote the entire long-distance trail as a tourist destination Any trail, long or short, is an economic asset to a community. It provides free recreation for people of all ages and fitness levels, and offers opportunities to study nature or local history. The Office of Greenways and Trails Florida Trail Town program is oriented towards towns which connect to long-distance trails, ones that attract travelers from outside the local community and are not used solely by nearby residents. Studies show that the longer a trail is, the farther people will travel to visit it, the longer they will stay, and the more money they will spend. A day-user will spend four times the amount of a local user, and is likely to make a return trip to the Trail Town. An overnight visitor will spend twice the amount of a day-user. For information to recognize your town as a Florida Trail Town, call or contact Doug.Alderson@dep.state.fl.us at the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails.

5 TRI-COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE - May 23, Safety Harbor Walkability Audit SUMMARY Walkability audits are a proven, effective tool to assist communities in assessing their built environment to identify ways to support better-connected, more sustainable places. Forward Pinellas and the City of Safety Harbor partnered on a walkability audit of two corridors leading into the downtown area in the fall of The goal of this effort was to engage the community in making their streets and neighborhoods more walkable, livable, healthy and welcoming. The participants focused on conditions that affect walkability, connectivity, safety and accessibility. Observations and findings were documented through field notes and recommendations were developed and summarized in the final report.

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7 C o n s t r u c t i o n F a c t S h e e t Courtney Campbell Causeway (S.R. 60) From the Pinellas County Line to Bayport Drive exit Hillsborough County Project Description: Roadway Repave Courtney Campbell Causeway (S.R. 60) between the Pinellas County Line and Rocky Point Drive. Motorists should use caution as the pavement will be rough and the lanes may be uneven during paving activities. Repave the vehicle access road on the north side of SR 60 between the Pinellas County Line and Rocky Point Drive. It will be closed for construction activities when necessary. Sidewalk/Multi-Use Trail Build a five foot sidewalk on the north side of S.R. 60 between Bay Harbor Drive and the Westin Resort driveway. Repaving * Sidewalk/Multi-use trail * Signals * Guardrail Build a 12 foot multi-use trail on the south side of the road between the west end of Ben T. Davis Beach and the Bayport Drive exit. Traffic Signals Replace the current signals and poles with hurricane resistant ones at the boat ramp entrance and the Ben T. Davis Beach entrance. Guardrail Replace the guardrail throughout the project. Lane Closures and Access Road Closures This project will require lane closures which may occur between 8:00 pm and 6:30 am. FPN: Contract start date: April 22, 2012 Contract days: 460 contract days Anticipated Completion: Summer 2013 Project Length: 5.3 miles Contractor: Ajax Paving Industries of Florida Project Cost: $8,441,427 Questions roadwork@dot.state.fl.us Greg Falcone FDOT Project Administrator

8 TRI-COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BPAC) HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO AND PINELLAS COUNTIES Keystone Recreation Center, Gunn Hwy, Odessa FL JANUARY 24, 2018 Meeting Summary 1. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS The meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM. In attendance: Patrick Thorpe (Chair Hillsborough), Jason Chilson, Allen Howell, Wade Reynolds, Brandon Berry, Rachel Chase, Faye Miller, Morgan Gaynor, Manny Lajmiri, Mark Pinson, Gunter Flag, Tyrone Lovett, Sam Beneck, Joel Jackson, Randy Stovall, Corey Denninger, Mabel Risner, Brian Smith (Chair Forward Pinellas), Paul Kurtz, Lynn Bosco, Susan Miller, Lucas Cruse, Joan Rice, Stephen Lasky, Chris Speese (FDOT), David Long (FDOT), Lucy Gonzales Barr (CUTR) 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Joe Monroe gave public comment regarding the need for a crosswalk on Gunn Highway near the upper Tampa Bay Trail and the regional park. Jason Chilson responded that they were working with Hillsborough Public Works to identify a location and funding for a crosswalk and agreed with the need. Discussion ensued about the construction at Lutz Lake Fern Road and if there would be any disruption. Mr. Chilson responded that there would be a temporary rerouting of the trail during the construction and they are working with the developer on the final configuration. 3. APPROVAL OF TRI-COUNTY BPAC MEETING SUMMARY September 27, 2018 Motion (Gaynor, Smith). Motion approved unanimously. 4. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY MPO South Coast Greenway Wade Reynolds, Hillsborough MPO, gave an update on the kickoff of the South Coast Greenway study looking at connecting Adamo Drive to Symmes Road to determine the most feasible route. Mr. Reynolds outlined the schedule of the study and expected completion date in Summer Mr. Reynolds outlined some of the possible routes and the issues related to the TECO Right of Way Use agreement still being negotiated with Hillsborough County. Howard Frankland Bridge David Long, representing FDOT, outlined the proposed trail connections to the Howard Frankland Bridge on the Hillsborough and Pinellas sides. He explained FDOT ownership on both sides of the bridge. On the Hillsborough side, Mr. Long explained that the current proposal was to connect to Cypress Point Park and the potential to use Hillsborough County ELAPP property or Rio Street to connect to the park. Members commented on the value of using the park as a trailhead on the Hillsborough side and how circulation could work to connect to the Westshore area and that the Westshore Alliance should be brought into the discussion. On the Pinellas side, Mr. Long explained that the path would parallel I-275 along the causeway. Pinellas staff has discussed a bridge to bring pedestrians and cyclists over to Gandy Blvd. Lucas Cruz clarified that currently, they are considering bringing the pat to 4 th Street and then to Gandy. Mr. Long commented on the future replacement of the bridges on 4 th Street and the issues of taking the trail to McMullen Booth. Mr. Long stated that construction will not start on the new Howard Frankland Bridge in 2020 and that construction would run 3-4 years. Members asked about the separation of traffic from the trail and where trailheads might be located. Mr. Long also showed the Pensacola Bay Bridge, and explained the differences between the bridges including speed and functional classification and explained some of the features that could be included in the reconstruction of the Howard Frankland. Chris Speese, FDOT, gave a brief update on the SUNTrail applications received to date. He stated that they are currently evaluating the applications and had received two applications for overpasses in Hillsborough County at Dale Mabry Highway and Big Bend Road. They are developing long-range estimates on cost and are working with central office to incorporate them into the work program. Mr. Speese updated the group on the Starkey Gap of the Coast to Coast Trail, and gave updates on the construction timeframe for construction of various projects. Discussion took place regarding a trail connection to Bexley Ranch and the connection under the turnpike. Mr. Speese also gave updates on projects in Pinellas County including the US 19 overpass and Courtney Campbell Causeway overpass. Mr. Speese asked for the group s support for a resurfacing project in Pasco County between Dade City and Pioneer Museum Rd. Because it is reduced to two lanes on either side of this three-lane segment, FDOT is hoping to incorporate a buffered bicycle lane but needs support from the community.

9 5. PASCO COUNTY MPO Pasco members spoke regarding the Tri-County Trail, which is moving forward with an RFQ to determine the next steps. There was also discussion regarding the Starkey Trail and the crossing at Trinity Blvd. This will be a full signal. The Coastal Anclote Trail is at 100% design plans and the County continues to work with Duke Energy on trail projects. The County is looking at the cross-county trail and is preparing to provide notice to affected landowners. The Coastal Anclote Trail is also up and running. 6. FORWARD PINELLAS Complete Streets Grant Susan Miller, Forward Pinellas, gave an update on complete streets project applications. They have received four applications for the next cycle: Dunedin Skinner Blvd. from US 19 to Bass Blvd. Largo Rosary Road from Missouri to Eagle Lake Park. Oldsmar St. Petersburg Drive from Bayview Blvd. to E. Dartmouth Ave. St. Petersburg Planning funding for complete streets in CRA to improve/reconnect corridors crossing I-275. St. Petersburg Projects Update Lucas Cruse, City of St. Petersburg gave an update on their projects. The City was recently recognized with League of American Cyclists Silver Level. They have been developing a complete streets implementation program that will guide how they move forward with bike and pedestrian projects over the next ten years. There is strong community support for the program and one of the first projects is Dr. Martin Luther King north of Downtown. Coast Bikeshare is celebrating one year in St. Petersburg with a community ride on February 1, they have hit 40,000 trips. The City has started a bike friendly business program with 12 certified businesses currently. There are a number of completed construction projects including the Pinellas Trail Loop eastern leg segment on Roosevelt, improvements on 30 th Ave. North, Treasure Island Trail Phase I, Pinellas Trail Landscaping in Downtown near Tropicana Field, Lighting improvements in the warehouse art district, trail user counters, planters to use for buffered bikeways on 1 st Street South, and sharrows on Beach Drive. Several bulb outs have been constructed and design is underway for a number of projects. The Central Ave. Corridor BRT project is moving forward and bike lanes are proposed for Central Ave. with this project. 7. NEW BUSINESS Wade Reynolds announced that Bike Walk Tampa Bay will be holding a number of events in the coming month and the Safe Streets Summit is being held at the Glazer Children s Museum next month. The announcement is in the agenda packet. 8. ADJOURN There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 PM.

10 A "Trail Town" in Florida is a community located along or in proximity to one or more long-distance non-motorized recreational trails. Whether on a rail trail, paddling trail, equestrian trail or hiking trail, trail users can venture off the trail to enjoy the services and unique heritage of the nearby community. The town is a safe place where both town residents and trail users can walk, bike, jog etc., find the goods and services they need, and easily access both the trail and the town. In such a town, the trail is an integral and important part of the community. A Trail Town is a vibrant destination where people come together. A Trail Town is a friendly place which encourages trail users to visit and welcomes them with warm hospitality. It may have outdoor equipment shops, restaurants, a grocery store, quaint local shops, and lodging. It has wide sidewalks, clean streets, bike racks, and benches at convenient locations. The trail meets the needs of both the trail users and the town's residents. Residents use the trail to access work, schools, parks and shops. Trail Towns are not stand-alone communities; they are linked by the long-distance trail corridor. Trail users may be passing through a town on a day trip or longer trek, or may park and access other trails, such as a paddling trail. Trail users want to explore interesting and vibrant places in their travels and need services that the town provides. Basic characteristics of a successful Trail Town include: Enticements to get trail users off the trail to explore the town Making clear and safe connections between the town and trail Welcoming trail users by making town information readily available Educating businesses on the economic benefits of meeting the needs of trail tourists Promoting a "trail-friendly" town character Integrating the trail into the town's culture with annual festivals and events that draw people to the trail who may not normally be trail users Connecting residents safely to work, schools, parks and shopping Working with neighboring communities to promote the entire long-distance trail as a tourist destination Any trail, long or short, is an economic asset to a community. It provides free recreation for people of all ages and fitness levels, and offers opportunities to study nature or local history. The Office of Greenways and Trails Florida Trail Town program is oriented towards towns which connect to long-distance trails, ones that attract travelers from outside the local community and are not used solely by nearby residents. Studies show that the longer a trail is, the farther people will travel to visit it, the longer they will stay, and the more money they will spend. A day-user will spend four times the amount of a local user, and is likely to make a return trip to the Trail Town. An overnight visitor will spend twice the amount of a day-user. For information to recognize your town as a Florida Trail Town, call or contact Doug.Alderson@dep.state.fl.us at the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails.

11 TRI-COUNTY BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE - May 23, Safety Harbor Walkability Audit SUMMARY Walkability audits are a proven, effective tool to assist communities in assessing their built environment to identify ways to support better-connected, more sustainable places. Forward Pinellas and the City of Safety Harbor partnered on a walkability audit of two corridors leading into the downtown area in the fall of The goal of this effort was to engage the community in making their streets and neighborhoods more walkable, livable, healthy and welcoming. The participants focused on conditions that affect walkability, connectivity, safety and accessibility. Observations and findings were documented through field notes and recommendations were developed and summarized in the final report.

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13 C o n s t r u c t i o n F a c t S h e e t Courtney Campbell Causeway (S.R. 60) From the Pinellas County Line to Bayport Drive exit Hillsborough County Project Description: Roadway Repave Courtney Campbell Causeway (S.R. 60) between the Pinellas County Line and Rocky Point Drive. Motorists should use caution as the pavement will be rough and the lanes may be uneven during paving activities. Repave the vehicle access road on the north side of SR 60 between the Pinellas County Line and Rocky Point Drive. It will be closed for construction activities when necessary. Sidewalk/Multi-Use Trail Build a five foot sidewalk on the north side of S.R. 60 between Bay Harbor Drive and the Westin Resort driveway. Repaving * Sidewalk/Multi-use trail * Signals * Guardrail Build a 12 foot multi-use trail on the south side of the road between the west end of Ben T. Davis Beach and the Bayport Drive exit. Traffic Signals Replace the current signals and poles with hurricane resistant ones at the boat ramp entrance and the Ben T. Davis Beach entrance. Guardrail Replace the guardrail throughout the project. Lane Closures and Access Road Closures This project will require lane closures which may occur between 8:00 pm and 6:30 am. FPN: Contract start date: April 22, 2012 Contract days: 460 contract days Anticipated Completion: Summer 2013 Project Length: 5.3 miles Contractor: Ajax Paving Industries of Florida Project Cost: $8,441,427 Questions roadwork@dot.state.fl.us Greg Falcone FDOT Project Administrator