Public Participation Plan
Measures of Effectiveness for
Two Year Public Engagement Evaluation for 2014 & 2015
April 2016
Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization P.O. Box 1110, 18th Floor, Tampa, FL 33601-1110 Phone: 813/272-5940 Fax: 813/301-7172
www.planhillsborough.org
Contents CHAPTER 1: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION...... 4
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ...... 4 CHAPTER 2: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION...... 6
GUIDING PRINCIPLES ...... 6 CHAPTER 3: MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS ...... 9
VISIBILITY & PRODUCTIVITY ...... 9 CHAPTER 4: MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS ...... 27
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES ...... 27 CHAPTER 5: MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS ...... 33
PUBLIC INTEREST & FEEDBACK ...... 33 CHAPTER 6: MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS ...... 39
PUBLIC INPUT RESULTS ...... 39 CHAPTER 7: REFINING THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ...... 56
FOLLOW UP ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE LAST MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS REPORT ...... 58 CHAPTER 8: SUMMARY, RESULTS & RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 62
NOTABLE SUCCESSES IN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ...... 62 MAKING IT EASIER TO PARTICIPATE ...... 63 RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM ...... 66
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Appendices – Annual Logs for
Public Outreach Events & Meetings
Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary
Facebook Posts, Comments and Shares
NewsBank Articles for 2014-2015
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Chapter 1: Public Participation
Historical Perspective
In 1998, the Hillsborough County MPO adopted a Public Involvement Plan (PIP). The PIP identified a proactive public participation process for the transportation planning products of the MPO. The process included timely public notices, full access and input to key decisions and supported early and continuing involvement of the community. In 1999, several evaluation measures were adopted by the MPO in response to the Federal Highway Administration’s suggestion that the MPO develop a mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of the PIP. The PIP has been updated regularly, typically at the onset of the Long Range Transportation Plan updates. In 2003, it included guiding principles on which to build the MPO public outreach efforts, modified goals, objectives, an updated toolkit and a revised evaluation section. In 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) was enacted, carrying forward a strong federal emphasis on public participation programs. Pursuant to SAFETEA-LU as well as the passage of Florida’s Growth Management legislation, and the declaration of the Tampa Bay air-shed being in attainment of national ambient air quality standards, the PIP was further amended and renamed the Public Participation Plan (PPP) in 2006.
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In 2010, the MPO updated the Public Participation Plan to be more user-friendly and clearly define procedures for notification and public participation, including an extensive review of requirements, transportation terms and acronyms, an expanded toolbox, and a new Limited English Proficiency Plan. The Plan was amended in 2012 to incorporate new public involvement techniques and procedural requirements and was adopted by the MPO along with an updated Limited English Proficiency Plan.
In 2014 the MPO amended its PPP to incorporate recommendations of the 2013 federal certification review, to reflect new tools and to simplify the document. Revisions reflect the consolidated agency website, the expansion of MPO committees, the streamlined downloading of the PPP document from our website and clarified the public notice process for TIP amendments.
The Hillsborough County MPO has been and continues to be fully compliant with federal and state requirements pertaining to public participation, including: §450.316, §450.322, §450.324, and §450.326 in Chapter 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Limited English Proficiency Executive Order 13166; Florida Statute 339.175; and The Sunshine Law.
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Chapter 2: Public Participation
Guiding Principles
Engaging the public effectively is crucial to the MPO’s success. Without it, the MPO would operate in a vacuum and its plans and programs would not reflect the public’s values and preferences. Without obtaining public input, the MPO would be unlikely to gain the broad support needed to ensure that transportation plans and programs are implemented.
The Public Participation Plan (PPP) describes the MPO’s strategies and techniques to inform and engage the public in transportation planning issues with the purpose of maximizing participation and effectiveness. The following principles, developed in conjunction with best practice standards for public involvement, guide the PPP.
Provide opportunities for involvement.
Avenues for involvement will be open, meaningful and organized so as to provide an environment that encourages convenient and comfortable participation. Consideration of needs for accessibility, scheduling, location, format and language of informational materials will be structured to allow informed, constructive exchanges with clear definition of the information being presented. Participants will be provided information so that they more clearly understand the trade-offs and will be encouraged to grapple with the many competing transportation objectives.
Be inclusive of constituencies.
Determine stakeholders and target audience. Identify strategies to bring the information to these groups. Efforts to reach new and existing constituencies include continuing outreach to those with accessibility issues as
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well as minority, low income, elderly, youth communities and neighborhoods or groups that may be affected by proposed projects. Use creative techniques to engage the audience in discussion and interaction throughout the planning process.
Be responsive to participants.
MPO forums will facilitate discussion that directly corresponds to the participants and their available time. Informational materials should be clear, concise and address the concerns of the participants. Information will be available in sufficient detail to allow citizens to form and express their independent views. The results of all public involvement activities will be documented and given full consideration in all MPO decision-making as well as conveyed to the implementing agencies for their consideration.
Provide a Predictable Process.
The planning process will be understandable and known well in advance. This consistency in our process will allow the MPO staff, citizens and officials to plan their time and effectively apply their resources.
Be creative and flexible.
The direction and effectiveness of this program should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it meets the needs of the public and the MPO. This program should continue to evolve and include new avenues of communication to augment the MPO’s public outreach efforts.
Maximize exposure, minimize costs.
The Hillsborough County MPO is committed to coordinate this process with local, federal, statewide public involvement processes wherever possible to enhance public consideration of the issues, plans, and programs while reducing redundancies and minimizing costs.
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The measures of effectiveness (MOEs) used as part of the evaluation process under these guiding principles fall into the following categories:
Visibility & Productivity
Participation Opportunities
Public Interest & Feedback
Input Results
At the conclusion of the review of MPO performance in each of these areas, there is an opportunity to refine the PPP process through a series of recommendations. Other opportunities to enhance performance may occur because of ongoing feedback, periodic surveys, or with the update of the Public Participation Plan that accompanies the launch of each Long Range Transportation Plan update.
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Chapter 3: Measures of Effectiveness
Visibility & Productivity
MPO Documents
Each year the MPO produces plans, projects and studies as outlined in its Unified Planning Work Program. The resulting documents are made available to the public as reports, technical memoranda, and maps. Table 1 shows the documents produced by the MPO in this evaluation cycle.
During 2014 and 2015, the MPO published several project reports related to a diverse range of topics. Some of them are mentioned below:
Projects related to Congestion Management and Crash Mitigation Process o Columbus Drive and 17th/18th/19th Avenue Study, o 131st Av and 46th St/Skipper Road Complete Streets o Tampa/Highland Street/Florida Avenue Study Projects related to Non-Motorized Planning: o Tampa-Hillsborough Greenways and Trails Plans Update, o Tampa Bike Walk Plan Phase V o George Road Walk/Bike Connector and Complete Street Study, Projects related to Adaptation and Resilience o Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Pilot Project The MPO adopted the Imagine 2040 Transportation Plan
These are in addition the annual MPO documents such as the Community Transportation Coordinator Evaluation, Transportation Improvement Program and Unified Planning Work Program. During this period, the MPO continues to make available and improve the web-based interactive Transportation Improvement Program that enables users to map, search out and zoom in to transportation projects
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programmed for the next five years. At the end of this reporting period the TIP tool was being revamped, the new and improved version is expected to launch in 2016. The detailed list of documents can be found in Table 1.
Table 1: Documents Produced from January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2015
Title Adopted or Published
Imagine 2040 Transportation Plan (LRTP) Nov 2014
Imagine 2040 – Needs Assessment ‐ Part 2 Public Engagement Summary (Appendix) Nov 2014
Annual MPO Certification Reviews March 2014, 2015
Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan 2014, 2015
Annual Evaluation of the Community Transportation Coordinator Sept 2014, 2015
Transportation Improvement Program Amendments June 2014, 2015
Express Bus in Tampa Bay Express Lanes Report May 2015
Tri‐County Area Regional Mobility Needs Feb 2014
Feasibility Study of Shared High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes on Bruce B Downs Boulevard Mar 2014 between Interstate 75 and Bearss Avenue
Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Pilot Project Oct 2014
USF Area Complete Streets Concept Plan 46th St/Skipper Rd and 131st Ave Mar 2015
2013 and 2014 Public Participation Measures of Effectiveness Report June 2015
Columbus Drive/17th/18th/19th Avenue Corridor Redesign Jan 2015
USF Area Compete Streets Concept Plan Mar 2015
Florida Avenue and Tampa Street/ Highland Avenue Corridor Study July 2015
Tech Memo I Evaluation Criteria
Tech Memo II Existing Conditions Sep 2015
I‐275/Fowler & I‐275/Busch Gateway Concept Study (draft) Nov 2015
Tampa Walk Bike Phase V Nov 2015
George Road Complete Streets Study Dec 2015
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Visibility
Leadership in Metropolitan Transportation Planning
Twice over the past year, our public participation projects were considered innovative enough to be featured on the national stage:
American Planning Association Annual Conference, April 2015 – Public Opinion Research as a Planning Tool: the Hillsborough MPO Post-Referendum Study Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Scenario Planning Peer Exchange, August 2015 – Imagine 2040 Growth, Transportation, and Investment Scenarios
New levels of public engagement
While the MPO has had a proactive public participation program for years, in 2015 we raised the bar, we moved the TIP public hearing to evening, adding a live-call-in at our annual public hearing on investment priorities, and expanding social media usage with a Facebook “event” and week-long public comment period prior to board meetings.
The MPO adopted the Imagine 2040 Transportation Plan on November 12, 2014 and in 2015 the plan won four state and regional awards. With nearly 6,000 participants, Imagine 2040’s outreach program had the greatest amount of public participation ever achieved by the Hillsborough MPO and Planning Commission.
On March 27, 2015, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council held its 23rd Annual Future of the Region Awards program, and Imagine 2040 was pleased to receive first Place in the Public Education category and also to receive the One Bay Award. In September 2015, Imagine 2040 received the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association’s 2015 Project Award of Merit in the Best Practices category. Imagine 2040 also received an Exemplary Implementation Award from Open Planning Tools Group (OPTG) in Baltimore, Maryland, which recognizes projects that utilize planning tools in an innovative manner to create effective public engagement.
Important collaboration achievements Beginning in May of 2015, staff began researching and reviewing literature on the relationship between the built environment and health. The research included a survey of health impact assessments, healthy planning policies, health in comprehensive
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planning, and strategies for building healthy places. Staff has also worked with the Hillsborough County Health Department to provide presentations to the Planning Commission and Tampa City Council on Health in All Policies (HiAP) as a collaborative approach to improving the health of all people by incorporating health considerations into decision making across sectors and policy areas. See George Road Complete Streets Study Chapter 6.
Other noteworthy new collaborations are noted as follows:
. A new member of our board: the School District of Hillsborough County, which has led to the development of an ad hoc working group on schools and transportation to begin in 2016 . A new graduate fellowship with the USF Urban & Regional Planning Program. The MPO created two fellowships to support interns from the University of South Florida's Urban and Regional Planning Program for the 2015-16 school year. Familiarizing emerging planners with community priorities encourages talented students to remain in Hillsborough County after graduation. The Agency gets the benefit of their knowledge, skills and possible future employment
MPO Publications Available On-line
The MPO maintained a strong presence on the Internet to publicize its plans, studies, regular and special meetings. All agenda packets for regular MPO and standing committee meetings were posted to the MPO’s primary website,
www.planhillsborough.org, typically one week before their meetings. During this evaluation cycle, the MPO continuously expanded its on-line library of completed and pending plans, studies, maps and documents covering virtually every aspect of the planning program. The MPO’s main website also included an archive of current and past newsletters going back to 2011, as well as current and past meeting agenda packets dating back to 2014. Although the website archives older agenda packets, these can be provided upon request. Table 2 shows the number of packets and newsletters available through the MPO’s websites.
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Table 2: Documents Available on MPO Websites
Documents and Newsletters 2014 2015
Current & Archived Meeting Packets 463 549
Informational Pages & Hot-Linked Informational Sites 255 295
Current & Archived Newsletters 45 57
Total: 763 901
MPO Newsletters, Guides, Maps and Brochures Distributed
The MPO continued its three “eNews” publications, and distributed monthly on a rotating basis:
Rubber Meets the Road, providing news about the MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program; Walk Bike News, emphasizing livable roadways and complete streets planning; Hillsborough Rides, focusing on transit and transportation disadvantaged services.
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These newsletters publicized meetings of, and topics of interest to, the MPO’s advisory committees. A limited number of copies were printed and made available to the public in the MPO lobby and at events, as well as through other public agencies, and all newsletters were posted on the MPO website and promoted via Facebook and Twitter.
Distribution of newsletters, as well as committee agenda packets, continues to be sent via Constant Contact©. This provides some significant advantages:
1. Reduced printing and mailing costs;
2. Quicker access to information;
3. Allowing members of the public to easily subscribe and unsubscribe to any or all mailing lists and
4. Enabling the MPO to track how many recipients opened, “clicked through” links, and forwarded the newsletters. For example, during this period, approximately 30% of Constant Contact © newsletter subscribers opened their email notification, approximately the same as the previous evaluation period. Of those, the most recent newsletter had a 35/65% mobile/computer split.
As of December 2015, the mailing list database contained approximately 6,100 email addresses, twenty two percent more than during the previous evaluation period. Table 3a (2014) and Table 3b (2015) summarize the distribution of all MPO meeting agendas via Constant Contact© during the two- year evaluation period. Tables 4a (2014) and 4b (2015) show the number of newsletters. Table 5a (2014) and Table 5b (2015) show the number of press releases and Table 6a (2014) and Table 6b (2015) inidcate eht email communications which were distributed during the same period. Citizens were able to subscribe by simply clicking on the “join our mailing list” button on MPO websites. Currently, about 2,100 subscribe to one or more MPO newsletters,
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which is an increase from 1,900 in 2013. The MPO offers the capability for users to receive Spanish versions of the newsletters. (To date, no requests for Spanish versions have been received.) In addition, many newsletters, invitations and advertisements were sent via newsgroups, whereby dozens or even hundreds of additional users were informed via one email address. Table 3a: 2014 MPO Agendas Distributed via Constant Contact Date Sent Email Content Distribution 12/31/2013 MPO Board Agenda January 2014 255 1/22/2014 MPO Policy Committee Agenda January 2014 89 1/7/2014 MPO LRC Agenda January 2014 128 1/17/2014 MPO TAC Agenda January 2014 112 1/3/2014 MPO ITS Agenda January 204 77 1/72014 MPO BPAC Agenda January 2014 121 1/8/2014 MPO CAC Agenda January 2014 92 1/29/2014 MPO Board Agenda February 2014 258 1/22/2015 MPO Policy Committee Agenda February 2014 89 2/21/2014 MPO TDCB Agenda February 2014 85 2/13/2014 MPO LRC Agenda February 2014 134 2/10/2014 MPO TAC Agenda February 2014 119 2/5/2014 MPO CAC Agenda February 2014 96 2/11/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda February 2014 129 3/26/2014 MPO Board Agenda March 2014 261 3/11/2014 MPO TAC Agenda March 2014 122 3/13/2014 MPO LRC Agenda March 2014 133 3/20/2014 MPO Policy Committee Agenda March 2014 101 3/5/2014 MPO CAC Agenda March 2014 102 3/5/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda March 2014 129 4/17/2014 MPO TDCB Agenda April 2014 90 3/26/2014 MPO Board Agenda April 2014 261 4/9/2014 MPO LRC Agenda April 2014 135 4/22/2014 MPO Policy Committee Agenda April 2014 101 4/15/2014 MPO TAC Agenda April 2014 128 4/16/2014 MPO CAC Agenda April 2014 106 4/2/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda April 2014 133 4/3/2014 MPO ITS Agenda April 2014 86 4/30/2014 MPO Board Agenda May 2014 263 5/14/2015 MPO LRC Agenda May 2014 144 4/22/2014 MPO Policy Committee Agenda May 2014 101 5/12/2014 MPO TAC Agenda May 2014 132 5/7/2014 MPO CAC Agenda May 2014 116 5/7/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda May 2014 136 5/28/2014 MPO Board Agenda June 2014 263 6/25/2014 MPO TDCB Agenda June 2014 101 6/11/2014 MPO LRC Agenda June 2014 146 6/9/2014 MPO TAC Agenda June 2014 132 6/4/2014 MPO CAC Agenda June 2014 118 6/4/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda June 2014 143 5/20/2014 MPO Policy Agenda June 2015 105 MPO Board July 2014 (Recess) MPO LRC Agenda July 2014 7/7/2014 MPO ITS Agenda July 2014 101 7/14/2014 MPO TAC Agenda May 2014 136
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MPO CAC Agenda July 2014 (Recess) 7/23/2014 MPO Policy Agenda July 2014 112 MPO BPAC Agenda July 2014 (Recess) 7/30/2014 MPO Board Agenda 283 8/6/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda August 2014 151 8/6/2014 MPO CAC Agenda August 2014 127 8/15/2014 MPO TDCB Agenda August 2014 107 8/13/2014 MPO LRC Agenda August 2014 157 8/12/2014 MPO TAC Agenda August 2014 138 MPO Policy Agenda August 2014 (full board workshop) 219 8/20/2014 MPO Board Agenda September 2014 289 9/3/2014 MPO LRC Agenda September 2014 163 9/8/2014 MPO TAC Agenda September 2014 141 9/3/2014 MPO CAC Agenda September 2014 134 9/3/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda September 2014 154 9/19/2014 MPO Policy Agenda September 2014 119 9/26/2014 MPO Board Agenda October 2014 292 10/13/2014 MPO LRC Agenda October 2014 162 10/13/2014 MPO TAC Agenda October 2014 142 10/1/2014 MPO CAC Agenda October 2014 135 10/1/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda October 2014 155 10/2/2014 MPO ITS Agenda October 2014 113 11/5/2014 MPO Board Agenda November 2014 298 11/12/2014 MPO LRC Agenda November 2014 166 11/12/2014 MPO TAC Agenda November 2014 145 11/12/2014 MPO CAC Agenda November 2014 139 11/12/2014 MPO BPAC Agenda November 2014 160 11/25/2014 MPO Board Agenda December 2014 298 12/9/2014 TDCB Agenda December 2014 109 MPO Policy Agenda December 2014 (no meeting) 12/3/2014 MPO Joint BPAC/LRC Agenda December 2014 227 12/3/2014 MPO Joint CAC/TAC Agenda December 2014 196 77 Email Communications sent via Constant Contact in 10,840 2014 to:
Table 3b: 2015 MPO Agendas Distributed via Constant Contact
Date Sent Email Content Distribution 1/28/2015 MPO Policy Committee Agenda January 2015 127 1/4/2015 MPO LRC Agenda January 2015 160 1/16/2015 MPO TAC Agenda January 2015 144 1/7/2015 MPO ITS Agenda January 2015 138 1/7/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda January 2015 155 1/14/2015 MPO CAC Agenda January 2015 140 2/17/2015 MPO Policy Committee Agenda February 2015 127 2/20/2015 MPO TDCB Agenda February 2015 114 2/11/2015 MPO LRC Agenda February 2015 159 2/9/2015 MPO TAC Agenda February 2015 144 2/4/2015 MPO CAC Agenda February 2015 138 2/4/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda February 2015 154 3/9/2015 MPO TAC Agenda March 2015 146 3/11/2015 MPO LRC Agenda March 2015 161 161 MPO Policy Committee Agenda March 2015 (no meeting – workshop with facilitators) 3/11/2015 MPO CAC Agenda March 2015 139 3/5/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda March 2015 156
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4/6/2015 MPO TDCB Agenda April 2015 114 MPO Board Agenda April 2015 (CANCELLED) 4/8/2015 MPO LRC Agenda April 2015 4/21/2015 MPO Policy Committee Agenda April 2015 130 4/13/2015 MPO TAC Agenda April 2015 4/1/2015 MPO CAC Agenda April 2015 141 4/1/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda April 2015 159 4/2/2015 MPO ITS Agenda April 2015 113 5/13/2015 MPO LRC Agenda May 2015 168 5/9/2015 MPO Policy Committee Agenda May 2015 135 5/12/2015 MPO TAC Agenda May 2015 150 5/13/2015 MPO CAC Agenda May 2015 145 5/6/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda May 2015 164 6/19/2015 MPO TDCB Agenda June 2014 118 6/17/2015 MPO LRC Agenda June 2015 118 6/9/2015 MPO TAC Agenda June 2015 153 6/10/2015 MPO CAC Agenda June 2015 148 MPO BPAC Agenda June 2015 (Recess) MPO Policy Agenda June 2015 (Recess) MPO TDCB (Special Tri-County) Agenda June 2012 (special regional needs tri-county meeting) MPO Board July 2015 (Recess) 7/8/2015 MPO LRC Agenda July 2015 173 7/2/2015 MPO ITS Agenda July 2015 121 7/13/2015 MPO TAC Agenda May 2014 156 7/9/2015 MPO CAC Agenda July 2015 150 7/21/2015 MPO Policy Agenda July 2015 140 7/2/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda July 2015 170 8/5/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda August 2015 172 8/5/2015 MPO CAC Agenda August 2015 150 8/21/2015 MPO TDCB Agenda August 2015 123 8/12/2015 MPO LRC Agenda August 2015 178 MPO TAC Agenda August 2015 (Recess) 8/18/2015 MPO Policy Agenda August 2015 146 8/25/2015 MPO Board Agenda September 2015 310 9/9/2015 MPO LRC Agenda September 2015 9/15/2015 MPO TAC Agenda September 2015 159 MPO CAC Agenda September 2015 (Recess) MPO BPAC Agenda September 2015 9/22/2015 MPO Policy Agenda September 2015 149 10/14/2015 MPO LRC Agenda October 2015 186 10/12/2015 MPO TAC Agenda October 2015 163 10/7/2015 MPO CAC Agenda October 2015 159 10/7/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda October 2015 181 10/1/2015 MPO ITS Agenda October 2015 134 11/4/2015 MPO Board Agenda November 2015 319 11/13/15 MPO LRC Agenda November 2015 185 11/9/2015 MPO TAC Agenda November 2015 167 11/12/2015 MPO CAC Agenda November 2015 155 10/28/2015 MPO BPAC Agenda November 2015 184 12/4/2015 TDCB Agenda December 2015 123 MPO Policy Agenda December 2015 (Recess) 12/9/2015 MPO Joint BPAC/LRC Agenda December 2015 184 12/9/2015 MPO Joint CAC/TAC Agenda December 2015 156 70 Email Communications sent via Constant Contact in 8,851 2015 to:
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Table 4a: 2014 MPO Newsletters Distribution via Constant Contact Date Sent Newsletter Distribution 1/2/2014 Rubber Meets The Road: Issue 11 3445 2/5/2014 Walk Bike News: Issue 12 3554 3/5/2014 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 11 3218 4/2/2014 Rubber Meets The Road: Issue 12 3395 5/2/2014 Walk Bike News: Issue 13 3522 6/4/2014 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 12 3520 7/6/2014 Rubber Meets the Road: Issue 13 3596 9/5/2014 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 13 3499 8/8/2014 Rubber Meets the Road: Issue 14 4254 12/3/2014 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 14 4151 11/8/2014 Walk Bike News: Issue 15 4070 TOTAL 40,224
Table 4b: 2015 MPO Newsletters Distribution via Constant Contact Date Sent Newsletter Distribution 1/6/2015 Rubber Meets The Road: Issue 15 3923 2/3/2015 Walk Bike News: Issue 16 3895 3/5/2015 Hillsborough Rides : Issue 15 3860 5/1/2015 Walk Bike News: Issue 17 4007 6/4/2015 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 16 4072 4/6/2015 Rubber Meets the Road: Issue 16 4001 9/2/2015 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 17 4085 8/6/2015 Walk Bike News: Issue 18 4403 7/2/2015 Rubber Meets the Road: Issue 17 4288 12/9/2015 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 18 3921 10/7/2015 Rubber Meets the Road: Issue 18 4331 12/9/2015 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 18 3921 12/29/2015 Hillsborough Rides: Issue 19 3921 TOTAL 52,628
Table 5a: 2014 Press Releases via Constant Contact Date Sent Press Release Distribution 5/13/2014 ENews Public Records SPAM 5489 TOTAL 5,489
Table 5b: 2015 Press Releases via Constant Contact Date Sent Press Release Distribution 12/14/2015 MPO Press Release for Contest Announcement: High School Student Videos 4/3/2015 Imagine 2040 receives top honors at the 23rd Annual Future of the Region Awards r TOTAL 2,649
Table 6a: 2014 Email Communications via Constant Contact Date Sent Email Name Distribution 1/9/2014 DTAOS meeting #2 99 1/10/2014 Southshore Transit Study meeting #2 62 1/13/2014 Joint Local Coordinating Board meeting announcement for 82 Michele 011014 1/31/2014 DTAOS meeting #2 followup 101 2/14/2014 DTAOS next meeting refresher 105
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3/4/2014 Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group March 11th 119 meeting 3/9/2014 Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group March 11th 257 meeting follow-up announcement 3/18/2014 DTAOS March 27 meeting announcement 238 3/31/2014 DTAOS meeting #3 follow-up 112 4/11/2014 Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group May 6th postponed 119 4/28/2014 DTAOS meeting #4 announcement May 6 119 4/30/2014 DTAOS meeting #4 May 6 postponement notice 119 5/21/2014 Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group May 29th meeting 128 5/27/2014 Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group May 29th meeting 128 reminder 6/2/2014 Imagine2040: Part 2 - Working Group Meeting June 12 2477 6/4/2014 DTAOS rescheduled meeting #4 announcement June 23rd 121 6/19/2014 DTAOS rescheduled meeting #4 announcement June 23rd 122 reminder 6/30/2014 DTAOS meeting #4 follow-up 122 10/15/2014 LRC & CTST joint workshop Nov 5th 306 10/17/2014 DTAOS finalization announcement 122 12/31/2014 George Road Connector mailout 36
Table 6b: 2015 Email Communications via Constant Contact
Date Sent Email Name Distribution 4/20/2015 MPO notice to GPC 368 4/20/2015 MPO Walk Bike Survey 140 12/14/2015 MPO Press Release 12.14.15 2473
The MPO printed 13,000 copies of the Hillsborough County Bicycle Map in 2013. During 2014 and 2015, free copies were continuously distributed through partner agencies and bicycle shops throughout Hillsborough County, as well as at Parks and community centers, the Health Department, community events, such as the neighborhood conferences, MPO and BPAC events and informational displays. A continued feature is an interactive version of the Bicycle Suility Map available on the MPO website. Users can pan around Hillsborough County and zoom in to find trails and roads equipped with bicycle facilities and/or those with medium or high traffic conditions. The interactive application can also be
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used by people on the street to submit comments and photographs via smart phones.
The Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board with its counterparts at the Pasco and Pinellas MPOs continued to publicize mobility options available to the transportation disadvantaged through the jointly prepared and distributed document known as the Ride Guide: Your Guide to Getting a Ride in the Tampa Bay Region. The Ride Guide can also be downloaded from the MPOs’ websites. Our community finds this to be an extremely useful guide for serving those with the greatest needs in our county. A multitude of groups and organizations distributed the Ride Guide, including:
TBARTA The Planning Commission Hillsborough County Citizens Action Center Hillsborough County Aging Services Hillsborough County Health & Social Services Hillsborough County ADA, African American, and Hispanic Liaisons Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Hillsborough County Sunshine Line Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center Hillsborough County Public Library System Department of Veterans Affairs YES! Of America Self-Reliance Federation of Families Alzheimer’s Association HARC Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind Plant City Neighborhood Service Center Florida Department of Children & Families Florida Division of Blind Service Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. As part of its Congestion Management/Crash Mitigation efforts, the MPO staff continued to get out the safety outreach messages identified in the Bicycle Safety
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Action Plan. The MPO distributed safety posters, handlebar hangtags, brochures and stickers. The materials were printed in both English and Spanish and distributed to libraries, bike shops, labor offices, HART facilities, schools, and a through number of other avenues and at MPO events. The MPO also distributed high-visibility safety vests and bicycle light kits through local law enforcement agencies and BPAC events.
Table 7 summarizes the MPO’s printed and collateral materials for 2014 and 2015. Each of these pieces is a work that exemplifies to the public the relevance of the planning the MPO, TDCB and BPAC do, and how it can positively impact their daily lives now and in the future. They not only educate and encourage participation in the transportation planning process, but influence mobility choices for individuals in our community today.
To publicize the Imagine 2040, Part 2 further, the MPO printed and mailed 481,000 copies of an 8½ x 3½ inch counter card, also known as a rack card, to every property and business owner in Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County’s Property Appraiser allowed us to achieve this mass mailing by inserting the counter card during the August TRIM notice. The card described Hillsborough County’s expected growth by 2040, and encouraging the public to visit imagine2040.org and take the interactive MetroQuest survey.
Table 7: Other MPO Brochures, Maps and Public Information Pieces
Brochures, Maps and Flyers Date Printed Copies
Hillsborough County Bicycle Suitability Map (2013) 2014, 2015 3,000
Imagine 2040 counter card 2014 481,000
Reflective, fluorescent vests and bicycle light kits 2014, 2015 805
Bike/Ped Safety Posters, stickers and flyers 2014, 2015 100
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Newspaper advertisements, circulation figures and public notices posted on-line or placed in publications
Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay region are also served by two major daily newspapers; the Tampa Bay Times and the Tampa Tribune. According to Alliance for Audited Media (AAM) report on August 2014, Tampa Bay Times remains as the top subscribed newspaper in the region, with over 317,270 daily subscriptions. The Tampa Tribune had about 198,543 subscriptions.
(Source: Top Daily Newspapers in Florida. Alliance for Audited Media Report, August 13, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.cision.com/us/2014/08/top-10-daily-newspapers-in-florida/)
The MPO placed legal notices and advertisements of major public meetings in The Tampa Tribune, the local newspaper of general circulation. The Tribune’s parent company also owns a number of local weekly community publications, which run neighborhood-specific articles and repeat ads as appropriate. These include the Brandon News & Tribune, Carrollwood News & Tribune, Northeast News & Tribune, Northwest News & Tribune, Plant City Courier & Tribune, South Central News & Tribune, and South Shore News & Tribune. It includes CENTRO Tampa; the largest free Spanish-language weekly home delivered Hispanic publication in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. In March 2014 they expanded their coverage to include Pinellas County increasing circulation by 21%. The Tribune also includes affiliates such as St. Petersburg Tribune, Clearwater Gazette, Suncoast News and Highlands today serving other areas.
TBO.com, powered by The Tampa Tribune, is the number one local news and information website in the Tampa Bay area. However, the Tribune’s total weekday circulation, including adjacent counties, has declined 13% since 2012. Circulation is significantly down from previous years due to news availability around the clock on the Internet and cable news. The Tampa Bay Times showed similar declines in circulation, but its circulation within Hillsborough County increased by 16% since 2012. Table 9 summarizes these figures.
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The MPO kept up with the changing news habits of the public by posting notices, announcements and information via email, Facebook, Twitter, and on its regularly updated websites. The MPO had about 45,200 visitors to its website in 2015. During this review period, the MPO continued announcing major projects and events on its home page, which become part of a news archive when they become dated.
In addition, legal notices were placed in two newspapers serving minority audiences: La Gaceta, a weekly, published in English, Spanish and Italian, with over 18,000 predominantly Hispanic readers in 2014 and 2015 have about 30% Spanish speaking subscribers; and The Florida Sentinel, a newspaper published twice weekly aimed at the local African-American population, with a 2013 circulation of 25,000. Table 8a and 8b below give the total number of advertisements placed in local newspapers during the evaluation period. The list does not include announcements posted to our web site and extensive online media campaigns.
Table 8a: Ad Placements in Newspapers in 2014 Publication Date Notice or Announcement
Advertisement 10/31/14 MPO LRPT Public Comment Period and NOV 12 PH to adopt LRTP (Trib)
Advertisement 10/30/14 Thank you to Imagine 2040 participants and Nov 12 PH to adopt LRTP (Times – color)
Advertisement 10/10/14 MPO LRTP 30-day Public Comment Period and Nov 12 PH to adopt LRTP
Advertisement 8/22/14 MPO Sept 2nd Public Hearing to adopt TIP priorities for FY 15/16 - 19/20
Advertisement 7/14 – 8/14 Imagine 2040 - Osprey Observer neighborhood editions and online
Advertisement 7/14 – 8/14 Imagine 2040 – Tampa Tribune and Tampa Bay Times color ads
Advertisement 6/3/14 MPO CCC June 13th Public Hearing to adopt priorities for MUT and TRIP
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Advertisement 5/23/14 MPO June 3rd TIP Public Hearing for FY 14/15 - 18/19
Press Release 5/13/14 Announcement regarding our email subscription list
Advertisement 4/17/14 MPO TDCB April 24th Annual Public Hearing (La Gaceta and Florida Sentinel Bulletin)
Advertisement 4/14/14 MPO TDCB April 24th Annual Public Hearing
Table 8b Ad Placements in Newspapers in 2015 Publication Date Notice or Announcement
Press Release 12/23/15 New Year, New Look
Press Release 12/14/15 Announcement for High School Student Safety Video Contest Advertisement 10/30/15 MPO CAC position recruitment for TPC
Advertisement 10/16/15 MPO CAC position recruitment for TPC
Advertisement 7/24/15 MPO August 4th TIP Priorities Public Hearing for FY 16/17 – 20/21 Advertisement 5/22/15 MPO June 2nd TIP Public Hearing for FY 15/16 – 19/20
Advertisement 5/7/15 MPO CCC May 15th PH Notice for 2040 Regional projects and priorities for MUT and TRIP Advertisement 4/16/15 MPO Notice of Bid/RFP GPC Letters of Response request Advertisement 4/15/15 MPO TDCB April 23rd Annual Public Hearing
Advertisement 4/13/15 MPO TDCB April 23rd Annual Public Hearing & remaining 2015 TDCB Meetings (FAR)
In compliance with State requirements, in 2012 the MPO began to advertise Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board meetings in the Florida Administrative Weekly, published on the internet free of charge by the Florida Department of State as a means of increasing public access to Florida government.
Table 9 provides the published circulation figures for the daily and weekly newspapers used by the MPO and its percent change over the years.
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Table 9: Daily Newspaper Circulation
% Change Newspaper 2010 2012 2014 2012 to 2014
Tampa Tribune (Weekday)1 154,130 118,637 103,729 -13% Within Hillsborough County 82,745 63,783 58,074 -9% Tampa Tribune (Sunday)1 257,393 227,127 204,620 -10%
Within Hillsborough County 154,563 136,134 107,086 -21%
Tampa Bay Times (Weekday)1 240,024 245,991 215,096 -13%
Tampa Bay Times (Sunday)1 403,229 397,701 367,936 -7%
Within Hillsborough County1 90,000 87,434 101,190 16%
TBT Weekday (Sun-Wed)2 45,000 80,000 - -
TBT Weekend (Thu-Sat)2 90,000 111,500 - -
La Gaceta2 18,000 18,000 18,000 -
Florida Sentinel2 23,000 25,000 - -
Centro Tampa - 41,000 51,584 - 21%
Source: 2014 AAM Audit Reports (based on total paid circulation)
1Alliance for Audited Media Report, year- end 2012 2Estimates provided by Times Publishing Group, La Gaceta and the Florida Sentinel
Media Coverage of the MPO
By virtue of having elected officials serving on its board, and by providing a public forum in which to discuss transportation issues, the media frequently covers the Hillsborough County MPO. A search of the Newsbank© archives showed that the MPO was cited in 73 articles: 26 published by the Tampa Bay Times and 47 published by
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the Tampa Tribune for the period between Jan 1, 2014 to Dec 31, 2015.
In 2014 and 2015 the coverage increased 56% over the previous period due to the popularity of the following issues which focused on one of three general areas: 1) GoHillsborough the pursuit of an alternative funding referendum option in Hillsborough Count; 2) general transportation planning issues such as I-275 Tampa Bay Express lanes expansion; and 3) general articles about bicycle and pedestrian safety, wrong- way driving and the hiring of Beth Alden as the new executive Director of the MPO.
Meetings broadcast on Television
All regular MPO meetings and public hearings were publicly noticed on the agency wide website, as well as Hillsborough County Television’s (HTV’s) on-screen calendar. The MPO Board televised 22 MPO meetings held between January 2014 and December 2015, and 1 Transportation Disadvantaged public hearing in 2014. All of these meetings were broadcast live and later rebroadcast throughout the corresponding month.
Although it is not possible to track exactly who views these televised broadcasts, based on The Nielsen Company, TVB Local Media Marketing Solutions; Florida has over 5 million households with cable TV3. With the population of Hillsborough County being close to 1 million and 400,000 households, and 70% of them having cable, we estimate that around 275,000 households (close to 700,000 people) have cable TV access. A 2009 survey of viewers – the latest available – revealed that 33% of cable subscribers watch HTV, and more than 60% of HTV viewers preferred coverage of public meetings with elected officials, public affairs shows, and features about community history. In addition, 21% of those surveyed watch Spanish programming, and 10% use the “close captioned” feature on their TV.4.
3The Nielsen Company, Television & Cable Fact book 2016, TVB Local Media Marketing Solutions.
4Source: HTV, 2009 Survey Highlights
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Chapter 4: Measures of Effectiveness
Participation Opportunities
Participants at MPO public forums, workshops and community meetings
Actively pursuing public outreach to obtain citizens’ feedback continues to be a major priority for the MPO. Hillsborough County citizens have always been able to interact with the MPO in several different ways, depending on what is most convenient for them. They can attend a regularly scheduled MPO or committee meeting and weigh in on whatever transportation topic interests them. If interested, they can apply to become a member of an MPO committee. They can attend a public workshop on a specific topic sponsored by the MPO. Citizens may also simply discover the MPO through a display at a fair or exhibition and obtain information on a topic of interest. During this two year period, the MPO stressed social media, including Twitter and Facebook, as a more immediate way for citizens to become aware and share information on transportation planning.
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Participation at Regularly Scheduled MPO and Committee Meetings
All MPO board and advisory committee meetings were publically noticed, open to the public, and allowed for the opportunity for public comment. Public hearings and associated regular meetings were counted as one meeting. Compared to the previous reporting period there was a slight decrease in attendance (16%) and significant increase in public speakers (52%) at committee and MPO meetings due to the intense interest in the Tampa Bay Express Lanes Project. In August 2015 we added a live-call-in (GoToMeeting) at our annual TIP public hearing on investment priorities the evening event attracted approximately 360 participants; in addition to the 65 who were "virtual" attendees, and more than 60 speakers. Table 10 shows attendance at MPO meetings held over the two-year evaluation period. The November 2015 meeting on the FDOT 5 year work program drew 165 attendances with over 30 signing up to speak. In 2015, given the public interest the MPO moved two public meetings to evening start times to give more citizens an opportunity to participant in the Tampa Bay Express discussions. The MPO also began to host Facebook “event” a week prior to each MPO Board meeting. The event allowed the public to comment online and then have their comments shared during the MPO Board Meeting.
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During the year 2014-2015 the Joint Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Bicycle/ Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) hosted their first meeting on September, 22, 2015. It was attended by 35 BPAC members, staff and visitors from the three counties. The tri-county group agreed to meet as a Regional BPAC three times a year, with each county’s BPAC hosting in a rotating manner. Table 10: MPO and Committee Participation Board/ Committee 2014 2015 Meetings Attendees Public Meetings Attendees Public Speakers Speakers MPO Board 12 459 5 9 840 139 Citizens Advisory Committee 10 218 1 19 239 12 Technical Advisory 10 226 1 10 241 4 Committee Policy Committee 8 158 1 9 187 11 Bicycle/Ped. Advisory 11 270 13 10 264 13 Committee Livable Roadways Committee 10 197 0 11 307 10 Transportation 6 124 2 6 131 5 Disadvantaged Coord. Board Intelligent Transportation 4 48 0 4 74 6 Committee MPO Chairs Coordinating 1 27 1 1 26 0 Committee Joint TAC/CAC Meeting 1 41 1 1 36 1 Joint LRC/BPAC Meeting 1 37 1 1 35 2 Tampa Bay TMA Meeting 5 153 0 6 185 0 Total 79 1958 26 87 2565 203 Printed agendas were distributed only to MPO board members. However, all agenda materials were also posted on the MPO website and notices of their availability emailed via Constant Contact © to members and interested parties. Citizens were able to sign up via the website to receive these notices.
MPO Participation in Public Outreach Events at which displays, presentations, discussions and feedback occurred
Beyond regularly scheduled meetings, the MPO hosted or participated in 168 public meetings or events in 2014 and 2015, compared to 135 in the previous two-year period, a 20% increase. Sign-in sheets were not always available, but approximately 14,009 participants, the largest number ever, are estimated to have attended these events. This compares with 6,751 participants in the previous evaluation period, a 52% increase in total participants. Additionally, staff attended and provided support and answered
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public inquiries at the GoHillsborough initiative, there were 55 events with approximately 2,853 participants. Those are in a separate log in the Appendix.
The outreach logs in Appendix detail the event dates and number of attendees. During this evaluation cycle, the events with the most attendees (over 100) included:
MPO TIP hearing-August 4, 2015 MPO Meeting- November 10, 2015-FDOT 5 year work program Downtown Debriefing Go Hillsborough – 2015 Cyclovia – Downtown Tampa Clean Air Fair, 2014 and 2015 Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association General Membership Meeting CUTR/USF Area Complete Streets Summit, August 2014 and 2015 Transportation Disadvantaged Day in Tallahassee, March 2014 and 2015 National Train Day-Tampa Union Station. May 2105 25th Transportation Supersession at Tampa Convention Center, September 2014 Imagine 2040-Part 2 Events: Good Samaritans Back to School Immunizations and Physicals Event at Eisenhower Middle school and Webb Middle School HCC Brandon Campus USF College of Public Health Fair MetroQuest Outreach Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Presentation, Aug 2014 Back to School Physical and Immunization Eisenhower Middle School and Webb Middle School, Aug 2014 Turner Home Show, Imagine 2040 Vision, Aug- Sep 2014
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The outreach logs, including Imagine 2040 and GoHillsborough, in the Appendix provide a complete listing of the public events and meetings that the MPO sponsored or took part in.
Of the 168 meetings (not including GoHillsborough events), at least 36 or 21% were held in locations or involved groups associated with low income and/or minority areas (referred to as Environmental Justice areas). Altogether for 2014 and 2015, more than 2,473 of 14,009 total attendees, or 18% of all participants, were identified with Environmental Justice areas, compared to 16% in the previous reporting period.
Surveys, Draft Documents and Plans Available for Public Comment
During 2014-15, there were various surveys, one conducted through Constant Contact for the Imagine 2040 Part 2 Outreach, MPO Walk Bike Survey, SouthShore Transit Circulator Study and MPO Trails and one sent to MPO Board members for input on the Vision and Mission statement as well as new logo design.
Our larger ever survey, the online MetroQuest interactive survey generated 5,261 visits, of which 2,217 surveys were submitted with data, for a response rate of 42%. The details are in the Summary in the Appendix.
Native American Population
In our efforts to reach out to the Native American population we did direct mail of the Imagine 2040 counter card to all 80 Seminole Tribe members, throughout the state of Florida, and provided a display in their local office lobby. Tribal contacts receive all MPO agenda packets, newsletters, and invitations to participate in special surveys and
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studies.
The details can be found in Table 11.
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Chapter 5: Measures of Effectiveness
Public Interest & Feedback
Feedback through Comment Cards, Surveys and Oral Comments
Feedback from the public was received from across Hillsborough County via community events, public hearings, meetings, comment cards, and the MPO website; as well as from walk-in visitors, websites, phone calls, and emails. Table 10 summarizes responses to electronic surveys available through MPO newsletters, email and websites.
Table 11 Public Surveys Date Topic Survey Responses April 14 SouthShore Transit Circulator Study* 12 September 14 Columbus Dr./17th/18th/19th Ave 50 Redesign Open House Summer 14 Imagine 2040 2400 September 14 CTC Survey 965 September 15 CTC Survey 973 April 15 MPO Walk Bike Survey* 140 Feb- July-15 MPO Trails Survey Spring 2015* 17
Sources: Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Constant Contact ©
Annual Evaluation of the Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) A formalized assessment is undertaken each year to measure the level of rider satisfaction, as a means to determine whether or not the transportation disadvantaged services in this county are meeting client needs. The Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB’s) Evaluation Subcommittee developed two client satisfaction surveys and administers them to existing door-to-door and bus pass clients on an annual basis.
To encourage participation, the cover letter and survey questions are distributed in both English and Spanish, and pre-addressed postage-paid return envelopes are provided.
Imagine 2040-Part 2
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A total of 3,217 client surveys were distributed by mail in September 2014 and 3,474 client surveys in September 2015.The survey results suggest that satisfaction with the service has remained very high since the 2011 evaluation year.
Some Comments Related to the Evaluation:
Sometimes I wait an hour or so, but I don't mind. Being able to call you for a ride to mydoctor is a blessing. Thank you for all your help and God bless. Christopher M. I have had very good service. Thanks-Robert M.
The Imagine 2040 conducted public surveys as part of the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan - Needs Assessment Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary, located in the in the Appendix, to get public inputs on how to fund proposed transit improvements over the next approximate 26 year timeframe. Surveys were distributed either through internet, using online interactive survey using computers and tablets set up at public meetings or through paper surveys. The details of the surveys can be found in Chapter 6. In addition to surveys distributed through newsletters and the MPO website, the public was encouraged to submit verbal and written comments at meetings, workshops, and hearings or participate in polls or surveys.
Visitors to MPO websites and MPO documents, plans and reports available on Websites
Internet usage continued to expand during this two-year review period. The growth of Internet-enabled mobile devices is making access easier and more ubiquitous. As of August 2015, the Pew Research Center estimates:
92% of adults have a cell phone, including 67% who own a smartphone in America Recent research from the U.S. government shows that almost 43% of adults live in a cellphone-only household – that is, without a landline 32% of American adults own an e-reader and 42% own a tablet computer in 2014
Source: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/08/26/chapter-1-always-on-connectivity/
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Moreover, citizens who make use of the Internet to become involved with the MPO are a self-selected group and not necessarily reflective of the public at large. Thus, while it befits the MPO to make full use of the Internet, it cannot be relied on as the only way to engage the public.
As in previous evaluation periods, the MPO heavily publicized its main website. All MPO materials distributed to the public prominently feature this web address. It also appears in the caption bar on all MPO HTV broadcasts. This site also linked to surveys published in the MPO newsletters.
The MPO website www.planhillsborough.org continued to be easy for users to
navigate and staff to maintain continual software and content updates. It features an easy-to-use calendar with meetings, agendas, and events, and employs Google Search software that facilitates searches for MPO studies, reports and plans. The site provided multi-lingual options for viewing content and newsletters, integrating Google Translate into the website so that users can now translate the entire site to one of about
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95 languages. The website’s design and navigation enabled citizens to find out more and get involved in topics of interest to them. It included more relevant information and a news archive. Each issue or topic has an explanation of why it’s meaningful, who was working on it, when they meet, how to get newsletters and meeting agendas, and how to apply to be a committee member.
In 2013, the PlanHillsborough website had about 11,600 visitors while in 2015 the number of website visitors almost grew 100% to about 21,354, the details of which can be seen in the table below. In 2014 the www.imagine2040.org website continued to host the public outreach information, involving the Imagine 2040 Part II survey that was used for 2040 LRTP update.
Most Viewed Web Pages
There were an estimated total of 21,354 website views and 7,953 MPO specific views in 2015. After the home pages, the most viewed sub-pages on the MPO’s websites are shown in Table 12
Table 12: Most Viewed Web Pages for 2015
Landing Page Views
http://www.planhillsborough.org/ 21,354 http://www.planhillsborough.org/metropolitan-planning- 7,953 organization-mpo/ http://www.planhillsborough.org/2040-lrtp/ 4,154 http://www.planhillsborough.org/mpo-board-committee- 3,066 agendas/
Source: Google Analytics On average, visitors spent about 1 minute 33 seconds on the MPO’s websites, down from an average of two minutes during the previous evaluation period. This may suggest that citizens are able to efficiently obtain the information they require from the website.
Social Networks
The MPO continued social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube links and feeds on its websites. These media were used to broaden public notice and foster
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public interest, particularly with the younger generation who are not typically attuned to long range transportation planning.
In 2010, the MPO established a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/hillsboroughmpo), which was employed to post meeting notices, links to plans and events produced by the MPO and others, newsletters, bicycle and pedestrian safety topics, multi- modal transportation trends and new ideas, local improvements and traffic alerts. Tables providing an overview of the MPO’s Facebook activity for the evaluation period are in the Appendix. Critical comments and inquiries were forwarded for a response by MPO staff.
In 2015, the MPO began to host Facebook “event” a week prior to each MPO Board meeting. The event allowed the public to comment online and then have their comments shared during the MPO Board Meeting.
In 2014, most of the Facebook posts were focused towards Imagine 2040 announcements and survey notifications. Since responses to public surveys is an important part of the public participation plan, the posts were targeted towards inviting the public to participate in the surveys and also visit the plan and documents related to the same online and during Florida’s Largest Home Show in 2014. Other posts were generally related to bike and pedestrian safety and complete streets. In 2015 the focus was on TBX managed toll lanes being proposed as a new choice in transportation and Go Hillsborough meetings and public workshops through the new website launched. Other notable event posts were related to Cyclovia, smart, safe and complete streets projects launched throughout the county. Based on the most frequent and top key words, the posts can be categorized as shown in Table 13.
Table 13: Facebook summary
2014 Jan - Dec 178 posts Imagine 2040, part 2 survey – announcement
Imagine 2040 –message thanking public for participating
Ride of silence event
National train day
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Value of public transit – travel in public transit, National transit expert on PSTA board addressing
Cyclovia event, partners in obesity prevention, safe and smart bicycling
MPOs connect a region’s roads, bridges, transit, rail, sidewalks and bike lanes
Imagine 2040, part 2 survey – announcement
Imagine 2040 – thanking participants
Florida’s largest home show event announcement
Test signs for wrong way drivers
Partners in Green Artery
2015 Jan - Dec 64 posts Tampa Comprehensive Plan update
Cyclovia multiple event announcement
EPA air quality
SunRail
More money for smarter projects
Go Hillsborough website and workshop announcement
Tampa Bay Express (TBX) managed toll lanes, a new choice for a better commute
New officers, new Executive Director!
This tool was used as rapid news feed to alert the public to MPO plans and events, generate public interest in a variety of transportation topics, facilitate discussion, and capture “in the moment” feedback. At the end of 2015, the MPO had 4,968 followers on Twitter, up from 4,250 followers from the previous year, making it one of the most followed MPOs in the U.S. Followers included citizens, elected officials, candidates, journalists, bloggers, local businesses, professionals, non-profits, advocates, and other planning organizations.
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Chapter 6: Measures of Effectiveness
Public Input Results
Issues identified through public input and responded to by the MPO and documented revisions to plans based on citizen input
Progressive and creative public involvement strategies and techniques continued to give citizens a variety of ways to express themselves. As previous sections of this report make clear, comments and recommendations were received in various forms, including face-to-face meetings at the MPO offices or meetings/workshops, surveys, written comments; phone, email, texts and polling via the MPO websites and mobile phones. Numerous issues were identified through public input and responded to by the MPO. When appropriate, the MPO staff recommended that the implementing agencies work closely with surrounding communities to address specific needs or concerns associated with future projects.
Extensive public outreach was conducted for a number of major planning initiatives and studies in 2014 and 2015. Most of these efforts were designed to seek the public’s opinions early and continuously. Public and stakeholder involvement was crucial in identifying issues, developing goals and objectives, proposing alternatives, and prioritizing strategies. The MPO believes this is essential to maximize the likelihood that final products have broad community support when brought to the MPO for adoption. Consequently, because plans are built on public input, extensive revisions to draft plans and studies are the exception rather than the rule. Highlights of the studies or plans during the evaluation period and issues identified through public input follow.
2040 Long Range Transportation Plan - Imagine 2040: Part 2
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The Hillsborough County Planning Commission and MPO undertook a countywide land use and transportation scenario planning project to lay the groundwork for updating the county’s and three cities’ Comprehensive Plans simultaneously with the Long Range Transportation Plan. The Imagine Hillsborough 2040 public outreach process guided the update of the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan and the jurisdictional Comprehensive Plans. There were two phases of public engagement including: an online interactive survey, taken either via computer or tablets placed in various public locations; or at community meetings where audiences could take a paper version of the survey, these were summarized in the Measures of Effectiveness Report for 2012-13.
After the successful completion of part 1 in 2013, Part 2 of the outreach was launched in July 2014, honed in on how to get there by focusing on the transportation investments most important to secure a prosperous future for our region given the limited funding available. Imagine 2040: Part 2, was themed “You spoke. We listened. Tell us more,” consisted of an exercise/survey gauging how to fund proposed transit improvements over the approximate 26 year timeframe. During Summer 2014, the Imagine 2040: Part 2 outreach and public engagement program conducted by the MPO and Planning Commission staff, interacted with over 6,800 attendees at 65 events, meetings and presentations. The public engagement program began on July 10th and concluded on September 3rd. The outreach approach included a series of events and methods to encourage the public to participate in the LRTP update phase and make them participate in the surveys. Some of them were the media day launch event, an interactive online survey,
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community and business group presentations, social media, online ads and an interactive super-sized exhibit at the Florida Home Show during the Labor Day weekend. The survey itself was built on an online, layperson-friendly interactive platform designed by the vendor MetroQuest. It was made online at www.Imagine2040.org, as well as directly through the main landing page for the agency-wide website at www.planhillsborough.org.There was also a print version for use at public meetings and/or when Internet access was not practical. The online MetroQuest interactive survey generated 5,261 visits, of which 2,217 surveys were submitted with data, for a response rate of 42%. This online community engagement platform allowed the public to select future growth strategies as well as choose their preferred future transportation infrastructure program investment levels and major projects they want for Hillsborough County. After they selected their transportation preferences, they could see how their selections compared with the limited funding available, and with other users. In instances where the cost of their preferred program investment levels and projects exceeded the funding available, users were able to select whether they would like to balance the budget by changing the projects and investment levels, or leave the budget unbalanced and assume that a new funding source, such as new taxes or fees may be explored.
In addition to this, there was a live audience response tool, Poll Everywhere, to help increase the public participation and to reach out to a wider audience. The same questions in the MetroQuest Survey were used in the survey which had about 225 respondents. In addition, paper surveys handouts and mail-outs also were presented and included major projects in the area.
To publicize the Imagine 2040, Part 2 further, the MPO printed and distributed 481,000 copies of an 8½ x 3½ inch counter card, also known as a rack card, describing Hillsborough County’s expected growth by 2040, and encouraging the
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public to visit imagine2040.org and take the interactive MetroQuest survey. Other forms of e-communications were multi-media campaign in articles, newsletters, email blasts, newspapers and social media including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube videos.
Some major questions/topics and their most relevant responses:
Strategies to Guide Growth - Walkable Places Spending on Transportation Infrastructure Programs - Preserving the system, Reducing crashes and vulnerability, Minimizing traffic for drivers and shippers, Real choices when not driving Identifying major projects and key economic spaces
Summary of Comments
Survey takers were given the opportunity to make comments or suggestions throughout the MetroQuest survey. Over 1,000 individual comments were recorded covering various topics as below:
Encourage and Strengthen Transit Encourage and Strengthen the Multimodal System Strengthening Roads Compact Redevelopment Job Centers Ideas for Funding Projects
At the public hearing in Nov 2014, the MPO board discussed funding proposals under discussion by the Transportation for Economic Development Policy Leadership Group. The MPO took up a motion to adopt the plan assuming additional funding equivalent to a one-cent sales tax, and to incorporate a letter from the County Administrator clarifying that the Long Range Transportation Plan’s funding assumptions were subject to decisions to be made by the Policy Leadership Group (made up of the BOCC, mayors of the three cities and Chairman of the Transit Authority). Following a roll call vote, the motion passed 12 to 1.
Columbus Drive and 17th /18th /19th Avenue Study
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In the summer of 2014, The City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) conducted a study for Columbus Drive and 17th/18th/19th Avenue, currently a one-way pair through Ybor City and East Tampa, for their ability to meet the needs of users. The study examined the option of returning the 17th, 18th, 19th and Columbus Drive corridors to two-way operations.
A Transportation Advisory Group of government agencies, residents, and business entities was formed to gather input on the Columbus Drive/17th/18th/19th Avenue Corridor Redesign Study from groups affected by changes on the corridors. The group met several times and included representatives from the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, FDOT, the Historic Ybor Civic Association, Design Styles Architecture, the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, the Green Artery, and the JC Newman Cigar Company.
Two public events were conducted in the neighborhood. An Open House was held on September 17, 2014 and a Public Meeting on January 5, 2015.
The Open House introduced the residents to the project. Over 50 people including multigenerational residents, homeowners, and students from local schools participated in the event. Participants were asked to complete a survey to share their experiences and concerns on the Columbus Drive and 17th, 18th, and 19th Avenue corridors and to determine if the residents were in support of the corridors being switched to 2-way traffic. There was significant support for changing the roadways to two-way operations, adding on-street parking where possible, shifting the bulk of traffic to Columbus Drive and transforming 17th/18th/19th Avenues into a neighborhood street with slower traffic with safer walking and cycling. Approximately 70% of the residents were in support of
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the two-way conversion. Participants were also asked what additional improvements they would like to see out of the following choices: more street lighting; landscaping; protected bike lanes; high emphasis crosswalks; more on-street parking; less on-street parking; and other street improvements. The options that received the greatest response were: 24% considered better landscaping; 23% supported enhanced street lighting; 17% for on-street parking; 15% favored high-emphasis crosswalks; and 14% supported protected bike lanes.
In addition to the survey, participants were encouraged to provide feedback on two large aerial maps of the corridor study area. Map comments were grouped according to location and sorted.
At a public meeting in January 2015, the efforts completed on the corridor study were presented for feedback. More than 40 attendees participated at the event. The following were the public comments received:
o Columbus Drive & 21st Street is an accident prone intersection. o Concern about going around the block if there is a closure at the 18th Ave/ 17th Ave curve (29th Place) 26th Street & Columbus Drive and 26th Street & 17th Street needs to have a stop or signal control. Traffic signals would end up being timed to cause cars to speed through. o 26th Street needs speed tables between 21st Avenue and I-4. 12 o Columbus Drive & 16th Street – JC Newman is concerned about employees crossing the Columbus Drive and 16th Street to reach their employee parking lot. o Requests for how to follow up and with whom to find the funding for the recommendations. o Other issues were on-street parking, pedestrian and bicycle safety, lighting and streetscaping which were part of the conceptual corridor design.
In addition to public meetings, the Redesign Columbus Drive/17th/18th/19th Avenue a Mind Mixer website www.redesigncolumbusdrive.mindmixer.com was created to solicit feedback from residents and Columbus Drive stakeholders. Questions were posted in connection with the improvements, public transportation options, safety, street design and general concerns and/or suggestions for further improvement. After
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the visitors answered the posted questions, site administrators followed up on their ideas to get clarification, to ask for additional details, and to encourage further participation. The interaction between site administrators and site visitors gave reassurance that their valued input was being heard and documented accurately.
Public comment heard at the two outreach meetings had a direct impact on the project design that was finally recommended. The study team initially thought that the additional pavement left after converting to two-way on the more residential 17/18/19th corridor could be used for buffered bicycle lanes or even a separated bi-directional trail. However, the residents were much more supportive of the additional space being used for on-street parking. Parking is in high demand for residents who front 17/18/19th Avenues. Many of the lots are not large enough to allow a driveway, and the driveways that do exist are not deep enough to permit more than one car to fit. The recommended design was changed to show on-street parking, alternating from side to side, which has added benefit of a traffic calming effect. The slower traffic, along with the addition of midblock crossings, and marking a sharrow to indicate the lane is shared with cyclists and motorists, makes cycling much safer and gives the neighborhood their much needed parking.
With strong public support and traffic analyses showing little to no impact on the circulation system, it was recommended that Columbus Drive and 17th/18th/19th Avenue be converted to two-way operations with pedestrian, bicycle and/or on-street parking amenities within the existing right-of-way. Since the cost of conversion by installing traffic signals exceeded the funding available, stop signs were proposed at the 17th, 18th and 19th Avenues.
Complete Streets 131st & 46th Street Complete Streets
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A complete streets concept plan was initiated in August 2014 for 131st Av and 46th St/ Skipper Road in 2014 to develop an integrated plan for street and landscaping improvements, with particular attention being paid to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodations on both roadways. The project limits on 131st Avenue were from Nebraska Avenue to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and from Fletcher Avenue to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on 46th Street/Skipper Road.
Since the social, physical and travel characteristics in the two corridors differ, potential complete streets identified reflect the differences. The corridors were evaluated together but considered separately. Along 131st Avenue, the four major intersections are Nebraska Avenue, 15th Street, 22nd Street, and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The 46th Street / Skipper Road corridor is dominated by multi-family housing complexes and the only key intersections are the corridor endpoints of Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
The MPO team worked closely with Hillsborough County’s engineering team to ensure consistency between the efforts and to identify which ideas developed in this study could be implemented with the upcoming corridor modifications.
Ongoing meetings with staff were held throughout the study, and an on-site corridor visit was conducted. A meeting was held with area stakeholders including
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administrators from University of South Florida, to discuss their vision for these two corridors. Input from stakeholders identified the physical characteristics, distinguishing features, physical constraints, and potential enhancement opportunities of each roadway. Various typical sections were then developed and evaluated by the study team, and the advantages and disadvantages of each were discussed. Once a general consensus had been reached for each corridor, detailed plans were produced for key areas, with detail on potential landscape and hardscape aesthetics and materials.
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Tampa St/Highland St/ Florida Ave Study
The Florida Avenue and Tampa Street/Highland Avenue Corridor study was conducted beginning in February 2015 to identify and evaluate potential planning-level alternative configurations of the Florida Avenue and Tampa Street/Highland Avenue corridor to determine the current and future needs of the wide range of users within this corridor.
A transportation project advisory group was established consisting of key stakeholders to provide guidance for the study team. FDOT had the approval authority on the final decision as to whether any alternatives (or variants thereof) would be further analyzed through the PD&E or similar processes, since the roads were maintained by FDOT.
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Representatives on the group included:
o The Study Project Management Team (MPO, City of Tampa Transportation Division, FDOT Intermodal Systems Development) o FDOT Traffic Operations and/or Design Offices o City of Tampa Planning and Development Department o Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) o Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA)
The advisory group addressed specific topics at select milestones. As requested by the Tampa Heights Civil Association Board, a briefing on Thursday, October 22nd at 7pm was held with representatives from MPO and FDOT.
What we’ve learned so far, looking at the roadways today is that there are fewer people driving than there were 10 years ago. For example, on Florida Avenue south of Palm Avenue, the number of vehicles per day has declined by about 10%. Other observations show that on paper, there are complete sidewalks for almost the entire study area. But when taking a closer look, the conditions are less than ideal for walking and cycling, including poor sidewalk conditions. This study is ongoing and expected to conclude in 2016.
Tampa-Hillsborough Greenways and Trails Plans Update
Work began in February 2015 when the MPO Staff together with Hillsborough County and City of Tampa staff updated and integrated trails and greenways plans for the City
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of Tampa and the Hillsborough County. The update had two major objectives: 1) Update the County's Greenways Master Plan by integrating recent pedestrian, bicycle, and multi-use trail projects and initiatives into the Plan; and 2) Identify opportunities to improve the region's multimodal networks providing further trail connections to Pasco, Manatee, and Polk counties as potential components of the State of Florida’s SUNTrails system.
Staff working with the volunteer Greenways & Trails Committees identified priority gaps critical to the completion of an overall trail network. This project unifies the planning documents and refines some of the opportunities defined in the Hillsborough County Greenways Master Plan (1995) and the City of Tampa’s Greenways and Trails Master Plan (2000).
On May 19, 2015, the Tampa & Hillsborough Greenways and Trails Committee meeting was held at the Peoples Life Center and attended by 50 people. This provided a valuable opportunity for staff and committee members to provide feedback and help prioritize the proposed trails.
The key trails identified by this study were:
I-275 Greenway Selmon Greenway Connector Kirby Creek Trail NW Hillsborough/Upper Tampa Bay Trail Connector South County Greenway Connector USF / Tampa ByPass Canal Connector Memorial Bikeway /Oldsmar-Pinellas County Connection US 301/Pasco County Connection Plant City/Polk Connection
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George Road Studies Walk/Bike Connector Study
The George Road Walk-Bike Connector Study concluded in February 2015. It evaluated the improvements necessary to provide a safe bicycle/pedestrian corridor between the Town ‘N’ Country (TNC) Greenway and the Courtney Campbell Trail (CCT). The George Road Complete Streets Study Team was specifically tasked with the investigation of a proposed north-south connection between the existing TNC Greenway and the north end of the U-path Trail at Skyway Park, which connects to the CCT. The U-path, on the west side of the Veterans Expressway, runs south to the City of Tampa’s Cypress Point Park and the Westshore area.
During a public meeting at the Town and Country Library on January 15, 2015, which was attended by 42 people, proposed trail routes were presented to the public and input was received from neighborhood groups and residents. Based on the results of this meeting, George Road was selected as the preferred alternative.
George Road Complete Streets Study
The results led to a study to develop a proposal to “complete” George Road to include sidewalks and bicycle facilities to connect the U-path Trail to the Town N Country Greenway. The resulting study is identified as the George Road Complete Street feasibility study, which began during the second half of 2015.
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Based on the public input from the George Road Walk Bike Connector Study, the complete streets study will focus on the George Road right-of-way, and evaluate bike- and pedestrian-activated crosswalks, a pedestrian/bicycle overpass at Hillsborough Avenue, traffic signal timing, lighting, gateway treatments, traffic circle and raised intersection traffic calming strategies, and other pedestrian friendly treatments. The outreach on this phase of the project will be completed in 2016.
Green ARTery Neighborhoods Community Garden Initiative
During summer 2015 the Green Artery Neighborhoods Community Garden Initiative’s purpose was to increase community gardens awareness in Tampa and Hillsborough County and to start the planning for the Annual Garden walk on Earth Day 2016. This report included identifying new garden sites, interviewing communities to gauge residential interest, identifying intermediate and mentor gardens, and the groundwork for the 2016 Gardenwalk. The initiative supported area-wide, link-specific and node- specific types of pedestrian and bicycle treatments advocated through Complete Streets.
The public outreach efforts included two meetings; August 18, 2015 at the Tampa Garden Club assembly in Tampa Heights and August 20, 2015 and the Eastern Heights Neighborhood Association.
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It was anticipated the effort would lead to a tour of gardens (Gardenwalk), instead with input from the community several celebrations at specific sites occurred and an extensive knowledge of healthy foods was gained by the participants.
Tampa Bay Express Lanes Project
The Florida Department of Transportation continued work on a traffic management concept to reduce congestion on the interstate system. Called the Tampa Bay Express (TBX), the idea is a system of new express toll lanes that will be built in the median of existing interstate highways of the Tampa Bay region. The plan contemplates new express toll lanes built next to the existing lanes in I-275, I-75 and I-4. The managed lanes consist of “dynamic pricing” based on demand throughout the day.
During the summer of 2015, after the MPO board members received several emails and phone calls and the agency received significant emails, phone calls and Facebook comments the Hillsborough MPO offered to facilitate community meetings with representatives of neighborhoods in proximity to I-275 to learn more about the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Tampa Bay Express Study. MPO board Chair Les Miller hosted four roundtable discussions in Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights and Ybor City. Approximately 212 attendees expressed significant interest and concern over the project.
In August 2015 at the TIP Public Hearing attracted more than 360 residents and business representatives in person, with another 65 attending via GoToMeeting, to weigh in on TBX being added to the priority list. Over 60 citizens and business representatives spoke either for or against the project.
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As a result of the extensive public input the board moved that the MPO approve the TIP with the TBX Project included, with the following conditions:
• That our community and FDOT representatives come to the table to work together to enhance the community through this project;
• Understanding that a 20-year old study was done, and that the project will be reevaluated, as part of this reevaluation, ask that FDOT look at the project’s community impact and include a robust outreach initiative, focusing on:
1. Significant social and physical changes in the project area;
2. Changes to the impact caused by the project;
3. Anticipated population and employment growth;
4. Land use and comprehensive plans; and
5. Most importantly, the affected communities and community commitments;
The MPO also requested that FDOT work with the City of Tampa to look at the possibilities with the future redesign of Florida Avenue/Tampa Street to provide for opportunities for pedestrian, bicycle and transit operations.
Given the extensive media coverage and continued significant concerns expressed by neighborhood and civic groups in the vicinity of I-275 at the Tampa downtown interchange, in December, FDOT convened a series of community charrettes on the Tampa Bay Express (TBX) toll-managed lanes project. The charrettes were facilitated by USF’s Florida Center for Community Design and Research and MPO staff participated along with other local agencies as an information resource, and will conclude in 2016.
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I-275/Fowler & I-275/Busch Gateway Concept Study
In 2015 the MPO undertook a preliminary design concept for two themed gateways at the I-275/Busch Boulevard and the I-275/Fowler Avenue interchanges.
The gateway design concepts focused on making a creative statement at each interchange that creates themes that communicate a sense of entry and innovation. The concepts include landscape and hardscape features as well as lighting.
The preliminary plans, concepts and sketches were presented for feedback to the stakeholders at two meetings, one on September 24, 2015 and the second on November 13, 2015. The stakeholders included the various Innovation Alliance members, FDOT, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa staffs. Thirty four stakeholders participated; their input led to the theme “Global Citizenship” and selection of the Bridge Arch concept over the Art-Sculpture concept.
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Chapter 7: Refining the Public Participation Process
Periodic public involvement process surveys
Subscribers to various MPO newsletters and other electronic mailing lists were invited to offer comments or suggestions, and the MPO website included a prompt to email public comments.
Over the two-year review period, the MPO received a twenty eight emails related to its projects and public involvement process. A few offered constructive criticism ranged from finding more convenient meeting times, to enabling public comments at hearings remotely. The majority of emails received were regarding the Tampa Bay Express lanes project.
Refining the Public Participation Plan
The MPO continually seeks to improve the way in which it engages the public in transportation planning. The MPO updated its Public Participation Plan most recently in January 2014. Revisions included addressing recommendations made in the MPO’s federal certification review, reflect the consolidated agency website, and the proposed expansion of MPO committees.
The Federal Certification Report, which also covers the Pasco and Pinellas MPOs, is vital to ensuring that Hillsborough County remains eligible for federal funding for transportation improvements. The certification report cited the MPO for its efforts to work with the TMA to develop a single list of regional properties, extensive public participation for Imagine 2040, good job with social media and website, filling vacant positions on the TAC and CAC. The certification report recommended a Table of Content and Acronym Glossary be added to better navigate the LRTP Transportation Plan. Hillsborough MPO Interactive TIP Tool The MPO added an Interactive TIP tool to its website. The MPO’s information on transportation projects in the Hillsborough County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) was available through an agency web mapping application. The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a five year plan that identifies, prioritizes and allocates funding for transportation projects.
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The existing web tool named Planning Information Mapping Application (PIMA), by the Hillsborough.org is an interactive resource designed for planners and citizens. Users can view land use, transportation, environmental, and other planning-related map layers and data. It provided the ability to zoom in on areas of interest, search for specific properties, and view parcel and land use information.
During this period, a new “Search TIP” feature was added to PIMA that allows users to search for TIP projects, and print related reports or maps. The creation of this new interactive tool was the result of the MPO’s recent work on updating data management methods and document creation processes for the Transportation Improvement Program.
The Transportation Improvement Program document is designed to follow a format that includes introductory materials, a narrative, and detailed project listings for five fiscal years - but it doesn’t show specific project locations. Refining the data organization process necessary for creating the project lists provided an opportunity to develop the automated mapping tool, allowing users to see these projects in the context of our community. The TIP tool was taken offline in 2015 to make further improvements to its readability and ease of use. The new and improved version is expected to launch in 2016.
Consolidated TBARTA Master Plan and MPO Chairs' Coordinating Committee (RLRTP)
In the last reporting period Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) and the Central Florida MPO Chairs Coordinating Committee (CCC) joined together to align efforts and prevent duplication while creating a combined regional master plan and regional long range transportation plan (RLRTP), sponsored by the Hillsborough MPO and TBARTA. As a result, the TBARTA 2040 regional network maps and projects now are based on the five MPOs' long range cost feasible transportation plans, and the LRTPs' Needs Assessments are illustrated in the TBARTA Longer Range Needs network maps. Partnering together helps state and federal governments
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better understand which projects are most important to the residents and businesses of the region.
What results is better cohesion-one region, one plan, one voice- so that from every angle, Tampa Bay area leaders are on the same page when it comes to the future of transportation. This helps state and federal legislators better understand which projects are most important to the residents and businesses of the region, and in turn, allocate funding.
Follow up on recommendations from the last Measures of Effectiveness report The last MPO Measures of Effectiveness report covered the period of January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013. Table 13 shows the recommendations and their current status.
Table 13–Recommendations
1. Continue to expand use of technology designed to facilitate public participation, such as “virtual” meetings, workshops or hearings, and telephone call-in lines to enable the public to participate remotely from their home or workplace. (Continued from 2010/2010 Measures of Effectiveness Report.)
The MPO has continued to use technology to assist with effective outreach. The MetroQuest survey, an online, layperson-friendly interactive platform designed by the vendor MetroQuest, enabled participation from anywhere and was used in Imagine 2040 - Part 2. Computers and IPads were used to encourage citizens to electronically complete the surveys on location. Other tools used were the TIP website mapping tool, Mindmixer website for Columbus Drive study. A new technology called Poll Everywhere which uses texts from cellphones and input from web-enabled smartphones to capture feedback from audiences. It was embedded in a PowerPoint to capture the real time responses. A Facebook event was created to allow citizens to submitted comments one week prior to each MPO Board meeting and GoToMeeting was open for the August 2015 TIP Hearing to allow live participation remotely by citizens.
2. Publicize interactive tools and comment forms available on MPO or project-
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specific web pages to maximize public feedback. Public surveys, polls and comment forms are effective only to the extent they receive widespread distribution and reach the intended survey population. Paid and earned media can help in this regard, as well as enlisting support from survey partners such as schools, colleges and universities.
MPO sent the largest mailing ever of counter cards to every property and business owner in Hillsborough County to encourage them to take the online MetroQuest survey for Imagine 2040. The online MetroQuest interactive survey generated 5,261 visits, of which 2,217 surveys were submitted with data, for a response rate of 42%. (See specific examples in Chapter 6.)
3. Seek feedback that is immediate and project specific, by asking questions such as “was this informative and helpful to you?” at the conclusion of every survey or public meeting sponsored by the MPO. This would be in lieu of conducting periodic polls on the effectiveness public engagement. MPO sent the largest mailing ever of counter cards to every property and business owner in Hillsborough County to encourage them to take the online MetroQuest survey for Imagine 2040. The online MetroQuest interactive survey generated 5,261 visits, of which 2,217 surveys were submitted with data, for a response rate of 42%. (See specific examples in Chapter 6.) On the completion page of the survey the public was asked to provide feedback on the survey. 4. Manage input received from social networking, making sure they are properly retained. Explore the use of software to enable Facebook posts and Tweets from the public to be captured and analyzed. As a related issue, ensure that the public is notified that comments posted to the MPO’s Facebook and Twitter accounts may be considered public records and subject to inspection.
Facebook posts and Tweets received over the past two years have been captured and retained in the Appendix. The MPO continued to seek a technology to automate this objective. All emails and social media input are captured but we continue to search for appropriate tools to consolidate their content into one centralized source that can be searched sorted and analyzed. To ensure timely capture MPO staff scheduled timeframes to accurately collect the feedback. Additionally MPO staff added a Facebook event for each MPO board meeting and
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comments from that site are collected and distributed to the MPO board before each meeting.
5. Continue to clarify regional decision-making processes and solicit public input on regional issues. Ensure that the public has an opportunity to speak at all regional meetings and comment on published regional documents. Raise the profile of the Leadership Group for the Tampa Bay TMA and publicize their meetings.
Staff worked with the other MPOs in West Central Florida, and developed a Regional Public Participation Plan (PPP). The Regional Plan laid the groundwork for a regional long range master plan to be jointly developed by TBARTA and the CCC. One outcome at the regional level is the integration of TBARTA’s CAC and the CCC’s respective Citizens Advisory Committees. Representatives from each now meet with TBARTA’s CAC to discuss items of mutual interest.
6. Fully document what the public said and how it affected the outcome of MPO reports or studies. Every such document should include a section detailing “what we heard” from the public, and how the MPO responded. Surveys should be summarized and compiled in the documentation, irrespective of whether they were administered on-line, by mail or at meetings.
The MPO ensured that public comments were captured, responded to and posted. A description of public feedback and response to the input is now a standard section in our report template.
7. Monitor utilization of the agency-wide website and report the number of unique visitors, visits and most popular MPO pages on a quarterly basis.
The MPO website doubled its visits and staff tracked the number of visits in the agency quarterly reports.
8. Streamline the measures of effectiveness used to evaluate the MPO’s public participation process by removing the following outdated measures: o Less than a dozen emails were sent to [email protected] in this two-year review period. Given that those who want to check on dates and times of MPO meetings and events easily do so through the MPO website or directly contact individual staff emails responsible for specific MPO planning products, the
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measurement of [email protected] is recommended to be discontinued. (Importantly, this email address will continue to be supported for members of the public who are uncertain of who to contact at the MPO.)
o Discontinue counting the number of customers obtaining materials by visiting the Planning Commission Media Center. The visitors were relatively low as the number of MPO publications downloaded for free from MPO websites continues to climb. o Discontinue using the MPO’s Client Assistance Database to track responses to public inquiries. Many MPO staff now use iPads and/or laptops to respond to requests. In addition, given that virtually all MPO documents are posted to the website and are searchable via that tool, it is likely that many inquiries are satisfied by the customer immediately.
The MPO does not formally track these measures any longer.
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Chapter 8: Summary, Results & Recommendations The strategies outlined in the MPO’s Public Participation Plan provide for timely public notice, complete access to information, and support early and continuing involvement of the community. The record shows that the MPO accomplished these objectives during this two-year evaluation period.
Notable Successes in Public Engagement Beginning in May of 2015, staff began researching and reviewing literature on the relationship between the built environment and health. The research included a survey of health impact assessments, healthy planning policies, health in comprehensive planning, and strategies for building healthy places. Staff has also worked with the Hillsborough County Health Department to provide presentations to the Planning Commission and Tampa City Council on Health in All Policies (HiAP) as a collaborative approach to improving the health of all people by incorporating health considerations into decision making across sectors and policy areas. See George Road Complete Streets Study Chapter 6.
Other noteworthy new collaborations are noted as follows:
. A new member of our board: the School District of Hillsborough County, which has led to the development of an ad hoc working group on schools and transportation to begin in 2016 . A new graduate fellowship with the USF Urban & Regional Planning Program. The MPO created two fellowships to support interns from the University of South Florida's Urban and Regional Planning Program for the 2015-16 school year. Familiarizing emerging planners with community priorities encourages talented students to remain in Hillsborough County after graduation. The Agency gets the benefit of their knowledge, skills and possible future employment.
Expanding the MPO’s Following
The MPO adopted the Imagine 2040 Transportation Plan on November 12, 2014 and in 2015 the plan won several state and regional awards. With nearly 6,000 participants, Imagine 2040’s outreach program had the greatest amount of public participation ever achieved by the Hillsborough MPO and Planning Commission.
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The MPO continues its effort to expand the use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to advertise events, share information and promote participation in transportation planning. As a result, the number of MPO “followers” has reached close to 5,000, and the MPO continues as the largest Twitter followers for any MPO. As of December 2015, the email database increased 20% to about 6,260 email addresses.
Thanks to all of our eNews subscribers, we again received the 2014 and 2015 All Star Award from Constant Contact ©, Inc. Only the top 10% of Constant Contact’s half a million worldwide businesses and nonprofits are recognized for how successful they are at engaging their customers. Consistently high open rates, click through rates, and low bounce rates were among the qualifications.
Making it Easier to Participate The MPO moved two public meetings to a 6PM start time to give more citizens an opportunity to participant in the Tampa Bay Express discussions. The MPO continued to use technology to assist with effective outreach. The MPO introduced a Facebook “event” page to solicit public comments for one week before MPO Board meetings and adding a live-call-in (GoToMeeting) at our annual public hearing on investment priorities. By doing so the MPO is encouraging more public participation and makes it easier for people who have other time constraints to voice their opinion. The public comments are then included with all email correspondence provided to MPO members and summarized during Public Comments at the Board Meetings.
The MetroQuest survey, on an online, layperson-friendly interactive platform designed by the vendor MetroQuest enabled participation from anywhere and was used in Imagine 2040 - Part 2. Computers and IPads were used to encourage citizens to electronically complete the surveys on location. Other tools used were the TIP
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website mapping tool, Mindmixer website for Columbus Drive study. A new technology called Poll Everywhere which uses texts from cellphones and input from web-enabled smartphones to capture feedback from audiences. It was embedded in a PowerPoint to capture the real time responses.
The MPO changed it’s document stardards to make them easier to read. All materials use Ariel font style.
New Committees Meeting Room
Having outgrown the MPO Boardroom, work began to structurally modify the offices to accommodate more public meetings. A new meeting room was designed to provide more convenience to the attendees. The structural work was funded and started in 2015, with completion anticipated in early 2016. The new meeting room is approximately 850 square feet with special features to enhance the audio/visual quality experience during meetings. The budget for the new features were:
. $2,500 for projectors, . $1,500 for speakers/amplifiers, . $2,300 for wireless microphones and . $15,250 for new furniture.
Previously, the MPO was using the training room on the 15th floor for their committee meetings which only had access behind security doors. The new room will have improved access to public restrooms.
New Planning Commission/MPO Library
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Although visits to the library are not measured any longer it is notable that during 2015 the Planning Commission library was relocated, enhanced and enlarged. The library devoted to plans, studies and documents pertaining to growth and development in Hillsborough County and is a partner with the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, and its holdings are included in the Cooperative’s catalogue.
Letting the Public Have Its Say
The public continued to have its say on MPO plans and indeed was involved at the inception and throughout their development. Specific issues related to the MPO’s mission or plans became newsworthy and attracted a high degree of public attention and input.
Notable examples include:
While the MPO has had a proactive public participation program for years, in 2015 we raised the bar, we moved the TIP public hearing to evening, adding a live-call-in (GoToMeeting) at our annual public hearing on investment priorities, and expanded social media usage with a Facebook “event” with a week-long public comment period prior to board meetings. The evening event attracted approximately 360 participants in addition to the 65 who were "virtual" attendees.
The MPO adopted the Imagine 2040 Transportation Plan on November 12, 2014 and in 2015 the plan won four state and regional awards. With nearly 6,000 participants, Imagine 2040’s outreach program had the greatest amount of public participation ever achieved by the Hillsborough MPO and Planning Commission.
During Imagine 2040 the MPO sent the largest mailing ever of counter cards to
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every property and business owner in Hillsborough County to encourage them to take the online MetroQuest survey for Imagine 2040. The online MetroQuest interactive survey generated 5,261 visits, of which 2,217 surveys were submitted with data, for a response rate of 42%.
On March 27, 2015, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council held its 23rd Annual Future of the Region Awards program, and Imagine 2040 was pleased to receive first Place in the Public Education category and also to receive the One Bay Award. In September 2015, Imagine 2040 received the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association’s 2015 Project Award of Merit in the Best Practices category. Imagine 2040 also received an Exemplary Implementation Award from Open Planning Tools Group (OPTG) in Baltimore, Maryland, which recognizes projects that utilize planning tools in an innovative manner to create effective public engagement.
Recommendations to Enhance the Public Participation Program Based on this review, the MPO’s Public Participation Plan has worked effectively over the last two years. In keeping with the MPO’s objectives of continuous improvement and making the best use of limited resources, the following refinements are recommended.
1. Seek feedback that is immediate and project specific, by asking questions such as “was this informative and helpful to you?” at the conclusion of every survey or public meeting sponsored by the MPO. This would be in lieu of conducting periodic polls on the effectiveness public engagement. (Continued from 2010/2010 and 2012/2013 Measures of Effectiveness Reports.)
2. Increase public participation efforts with minorities, low-income individuals, and the transportation disadvantaged. The FDOT updated to Chapter 9-Title VI and Nondiscrimination Program Guidance for MPOs of the MPO Program Management Handbook in October 2015. The MPO will therefore update the Public Participation Plan to reflect the following requirements:
Ensure the Measures of effectiveness report details representative public involvement. Develop a map with update community characteristics showing the
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MPOs geographic area broken down by socioeconomic factors. List all MPO committees’ members by race, ethnicity, age and whether or not disabled. 3. Continue to improve the public participation and cooperation with our agency partners through better education of processes. As evidenced the increased numbers of public comments and increased attendance at many of the MPO Board meetings and the media coverage many of the processes by which projects are prioritized for funding and advance are not fully understood by the public. We can work better together by collaborating more closely on documents such as the LRTP, TIP and FDOT District 7 work program, as well as major projects. For example, it would be beneficial to have the District share conceptual design plans as soon as possible so that we can ensure consistency between those plans and the MPO's adopted or pending long-range plans, TIPs, etc. It would also be useful for FDOT staff to be available to discuss major projects at LRTP outreach events before they get adopted into the LRTP. Lastly, we will request more complete information from FDOT on projects included in the TIP. For example, in the past, the "snapshot" of the adopted work program that becomes part of the TIP included data on project limits, lengths and the number of lanes existing/improved/added. Many capacity projects in the department's work program often only indicate "add lanes and reconstruct." Furnishing more complete information would ensure that the TIP is useful to the public. Given the many questions and misperceptions of the various processes and projects it is recommended an education campaign be designed with input from citizens to determine the best method (presentation, brochure, ad, app, webpage, video etc.) for explaining the project development process in plain English. The campaign should be launched with the next TIP cycle. It is also recommended the MPO update collateral public message materials as they are a bit dated.
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2014 MPO Outreach Calendar of Events
# Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Engaged/Surveyed Attendees
1 1/16 3:30 PM Tri County TD Committee Meeting FDOT Y Meeting 30
Downtown Transit Assets and Opportunities Straz Center for Performing arts 2 1/22 9:00 PM Y Meeting Rich Clarendon 22 Study Project #2 Maestro's Restaurant Tampa Chamber of Commerce Transportation 3 1/25 1:00 PM Downtown Tampa N Summit 40 Summit Leadership Tampa‐ LRTP 2040 Plan 4 1/29 N Presentation 39 Presentation
5 2/5 11:30 AM ‐ 1:30 PM Governor's Day Fairgrounds Y Event 20
6 2/10 1:30 PM Leadership Policy Group Meeting 26th Floor County Center N 22
SouthShore Areawide Systems Plan/ Transit 7 2/18 5:30 PM Ruskin Y Meeting/ Open House Sarah 40 Circulator Study Meeting
Downtown Transit Assets and Opportunities 8 2/27 4:00 PM ‐ 6:00 PM 26th Floor County Center N Meeting Rich Clarendon 22 Study
9 2/27 10:00 AM Westshore Intermodal Center Meeting N Meeting Ray 15
CNU Tampa Bay with Jim Kumon, Director of 10 2/27 5:30 PM Buddy Brew, Tampa N Meet and Greet None 8 Strong Towns
11 3/3 1:00 PM Plant City Strawberry Parade Downtown Plant City Y Event Ray 0
Presented the Imagine 2040 to the 12 3/5 10:00 AM Hillsborough County Bar Association’s N Presentation Ray 23 Environmental and Land Use Section
13 3/5 10:00 AM Press Conference at Tampa International Tampa International Airport N Meet and Greet Ray 7
14 3/7 10:00 AM Downtown Transit Meeting Downtown Tampa N Meeting Ray 11
15 3/7 2:00 PM Roundtable Discussion Regarding Street Car N Meeting Ray 8
16 3/11 1:30 ‐ 3:30 PM Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group 22nd Floor County Center N Meeting Allison Yeh 15
17 3/14 All day Transportation Disadvantaged Board Day Tallahassee N Meeting and Meet and Greet 100
18 3/14 Home Show Imagine 2040 Town Hall Panel Y Ray 25
Downtown Transit Assets and Opportunities 22 3/27 10:00 AM County Center N Presentation Rich 22 Meeting #3
25 4/15 6:00 PM ASCE Spring Banquet USF Y Presentation Ray 125 2014 MPO Outreach Calendar of Events
# Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Engaged/Surveyed Attendees
Westshore Intermodal Center and 26 4/15 2:00 PM ‐ 4:00 PM Hillsborough Transportation Working N Meeting Ray 12 Committee meeting Commissioner Sharpe’s Talk Show at Buddy 27 4/18 4:00 PM Buddy Brew, Tampa N Presentation Ray 10 Brew’s
APA National Conference Presentation on 28 4/19 All day Surface Transportation Vulnerability & Atlanta, GA N Presentation Ray 35 Adaptation Analysis
29 4/28 ‐ 4/30 All day TRB 2014 Asset Management Conference Miami, FL Y Presentation Rich 25
Westshore Intermodal Center and 30 5/9 10:30 AM ‐ 11:30 AM Hillsborough Transportation Working N Workshop Ray 15 Committee Meeting
Tampa/Hillsborough Economic Development 31 5/9 9:00 AM Corporation/Pinellas Co. Economic Town Hall N Meeting Ray 25 Development ‐ Annual Town Hall Event
Interview on "Bayside" Community Affairs 32 5/6 1:30 PM CW 44, 365 105th Terrace NE St. Pete N Interview Frank Chillura 5 Show RE: Cyclovia Beth Alden/ 33 5/19 12:00 PM ‐ 1:00 PM West Tampa Chamber Higgins Hall Y Presentation 45 Gena Torres
34 5/29 1:30 PM ‐ 3:30 PM Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group 22nd Floor County Center N Meeting 14
35 5/21 6:00 PM Ride of Silence Curtis Hixon Park N Meet and Greet Michele 65
36 6/17 11:30 ‐ 1:30 PM Downtown Partnership 29th Annual Meeting Tampa Convention Center N Meeting and Greet Beth 20
Downtown Transit Assets and Opportunities 37 6/23 Tampa History Center N Workshop 35 Study Fourth Stakeholder Meeting
38 7/8 11:30 AM ‐ 2:00 PM Ybor Business Expo Columbia Restaurant ‐ 2103 E 7th Ave N Table and ipads Sarah, Tony L N/A 30
River Hills Country Club ‐ 3943 New 39 7/8 9:00 AM Fish Hawk‐Valrico Chamber N Presentation Melissa and Rich 30 River Hills Pkwy, Valrico
Ragan Community Center, 1200 E. Lake 40 7/8 10:00 AM East Tampa CRP Y Presentation Gena, Tony L3232 Ave.
URS 7650 West Courtney Campbell 41 7/9 10:00 AM ‐ 11:30 AM Westshore Alliance Transp. Committee N Presentation Beth, Lisa 22 22 Cswy, 7th FL Conf Rm
"Race to the Future" Imagine 2040 Launch Tampa Bay Grand Prix ‐ 3404 Cragmont 42 7/10 8:30 AM ‐12:30 PM N Media Event All staff 76 76 Event Drive (Sabal Park) 2014 MPO Outreach Calendar of Events
# Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Engaged/Surveyed Attendees
Baltimore Peer Exchange‐ Hillsborough County 43 7/14 All day MPO Critical Transportation Infrastructure Baltimore, MD N National Webinar 50 Analysis and Scenario Planning
South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Gov 44 7/15 12:00 PM ‐ 1:00 PM 2113 S Dale Mabry (Chamber Office) N Presentation Rich, Tony G6 6 Affairs Committee
45 7/16 3:00 PM Plant City Chamber 106 N Evers St, Plant City, FL N Presentation Mark, Beth ? 15
Seminole Heights Library, 4711 Central 46 7/17 6:30 PM Green Artery Board N Presentation Michelle, Jay 12 12 Ave 47 7/17 8:00 AM ‐ 12:00 PM Marion Transit Center Outreach MTC ‐ 1211 N Marion St Y Table and ipads Rich, Steve 15 surveyed 50
48 7/21 7:00 PM Walden Lake HOA 3035 Griffin Boulevard Plant City, FL N Presentation Mark, Beth 15 15
49 7/22 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Assoc Seminole Heights Library y Table with ipads Jay, Gena 50+ 50
50 7/22 2:00 PM ‐ 6:00 PM Marion Transit Center Outreach MTC ‐ 1211 N Marion St Y Table and ipads Sam, Sarah 20 surveyed 50
County Center Lobby (601 E Kennedy Staff w/survey ipads and at 51 7/23 9:00 AM ‐ 2:00 PM Hillsborough Disability Awareness Expo Y Lynn, Linda, Bud 24 71 Blvd) community table for event 15, Interested in Plant City Hall ‐ 302 W Reynolds St, 52 7/24 8:00 AM Plant City Planning Board N Meeting Rich, Mark outreach for all HCC 15 Plant City, FL campuses County Center, 601 E Kennedy Blvd, 18 53 7/24 1:30 PM ‐ 3:30 PM Development Industry Focus Group N Presentation Lisa, Melissa 10 10 Floor County Center, 601 E Kennedy Blvd, 18 54 7/24 4:00 PM Community Focus Group N Melissa 5 5 Floor 55 7/26 8:00 AM ‐ 11:00 AM Back to School Physical and Immunizations TGH Healthpark (5802 N 30th St) Y Fair Rich, Hassan 15 surveys 60 Campo Family YMCA‐ Gymnasium, 3414 Steve G. 2‐3 surveys, request 56 7/27 1:00 PM ‐ 4:00 PM Fish Hawk‐Valrico Back‐to‐School Festival N Table and ipads 40 Culbreath Road, Valrico /Melissa/Krista for Riverview Rotary
HCC Plant City, Trinkle Center (1206 N Gena, Mark, 57 7/28 12:00 PM Plant City Rotarians N Presentation 60 Park Rd, Plant City) Jackson
58 7/28 5:30 PM "Planning for Education" Kevin O'Hare Event Property Appraiser, 15th Floor N Presentation Rich 25
University Area Community 59 7/29 5:30 PM USF Area Land Use Change Public Meeting Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd Y ipads Bud, Randy 0 34 Street, Tampa Upper Tampa Bay Library, 11211 60 7/30 6:30 PM Upper Tampa Bay ‐ Adam Gormly N Rack cards Randy 7 Countryway Blvd 5339 County Rd 579 61 7/31 6:30 PM UF/IFAS ‐ Adam Gormly Y Rack cards Pedro 18 Seffner, FL Bloomingdale Library, 1906 62 8/5 6:30 PM Bloomingdale ‐ Adam Gormly N Rack cards Melissa 25 Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico, FL 2014 MPO Outreach Calendar of Events
# Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Engaged/Surveyed Attendees
Rich, Jackson, 100 PE + 1 paper 63 8/5 11:30 AM Brandon Chamber The Regent, 6437 Watson Road N Lunch presentation 125 Steve survey
64 8/6 6:30 PM University Area ‐ Adam Gormly 14013 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33613 Y Rack cards Marcie 5
Seminole Heights Public Library, 4711 N 65 8/6 7:00 PM Sierra Club Executive Committee N Presentation Gena, Jay 12 12 Central Ave. Gaslight Park (Kennedy and Franklin, 66 8/6 11:00 AM ‐ 2:00 PM Mayor's Food Truck Fiesta N Table and ipads Wally, Bud, Steve 5‐8 surveyed 15 Downtown) SS Reg. Library 15816 Beth Shields Way 67 8/7 6:30 PM South Shore ‐ Adam Gormly Y Rack cards Steve 30 Ruskin, FL 33573‐4903
South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 Ray, Mark, Rich, 68 8/7 12:00 PM Downtown [Plant City] Lunch Club N Presentation 11 PE surveys 18 North Alexander Street Jackson
Parrish Hall Temple Terrace Community 69 8/7 7:00 PM Temple Terrace Preservation Group Church, 210 Inverness Ave., Temple N Presentation Wally, Tony G5 paper surveys 13 Terrace, FL 33617
70 8/7 6:30 PM Carver City‐Lincoln Gardens Civic Assoc. 1512 North Clark Avenue Y Presentation Gena, Rich 2 22
71 8/7 6:30 PM Apollo Beach Republicans N Presentation Sarah 30
72 8/8 8:30 AM Downtown Partnership Transp. Committee Rivergate Tower ‐ 400 N. Ashley Dr. N Meeting Lisa 12
14920 Balm Wimauma Rd, Wimauma, Pedro, Beth, 73 8/9 10:00 AM ‐ 2:00 PM Good Samaritans Y Table and ipads talked to 50 174 FL Carmen Telesca Center Club, 123 South Westshore Blvd, 74 8/12 11:30 AM ‐ 1:30 PM Network of Executive Women N Meeting/Presentation Lisa, Krista 34 8th Floor Brio Restaurant, International Plaza 75 8/12 12:00 PM ‐ 1:00 PM American Society of Highway Engineers N Meeting/Presentation Wally, Melissa 35 (2223 N Westshore Blvd)
76 8/12 1:30 PM Policy Leadership Group County Center, 26th Floor N Ray 22 Greater Tampa Chamber ‐ Transportation GTCC Office (Tampa City Center, 2nd 77 8/12 4:00 PM N Presentation Ray, Rich 10 cards distributed 10 Cmte. Floor)
78 8/13 12:15 PM ‐ 1:15 PM Ybor City Rotary Columbia Restaurant ‐ 2103 E 7th Ave Y Presentation Beth, Tony L60
79 8/13 7:00 PM THAN Tampa Homeowners Assoc. Union Station ‐ 601 N Nebraska Ave Y Speaker Presentation Ray, Tony Garcia 19/1 paper copy 19
Fletcher Ave Complete Streets Ribbon Cutting 80 8/14 10:00 AM 22nd St and Fletcher Ave Y Event 27 and Opening Greater Tampa Chamber & Combined Tampa Bay Partnership Offices ‐ 4300 Beth, Ray, 81 8/14 3:00 PM N Presentation 5 Chambers W. Cypress Street, Suite 700 Melissa 82 8/14 8:00 AM Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce 101 State Street W Oldsmar N Speaker Presentation Lisa, Randy 23 Eisenhower Middle School (7620 Old Big 83 8/16 9:00 AM ‐ 1:00 PM Back to School Physical and Immunizations Y Afir, table ipad Sarah, Brandon 200 cards distributed 200 Bend Rd, Gibsonton) Webb Middle School (6035 Hanley 84 8/16 8:00 AM ‐ 1:00 PM Back to School Physical and Immunizations Y Table ipad Lisa, Rich, Hassan 300 cards distributed 600 Road) 2014 MPO Outreach Calendar of Events
# Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Engaged/Surveyed Attendees
Rec & Parks Admin Office, 1904 South 85 8/18 6:30 PM Plant City Optimist Club N Presentation Rich, Mark 7 PE + 2 paper surveys 12 Park Road
11250 N. 56th Street , Temple Terrace 86 8/19 6:00 PM Temple Terrace City Council City Hall N Presentation Gena, Tony L25 Temple Terrace, FL
Donald & Nancy Morse Community Hall, South Shore Areawide Systems Plan Update‐ Allison, Pedro, 87 8/19 6:00 PM ‐ 8:00 PM 1901 S. Pebble Beach Blvd., Sun City N ipads 11 Community Meeting 2 Sarah, Brandon Center, FL
Tax Collectors Office ‐ North Tampa 88 8/20 9:00 AM ‐ 1:00 PM Tax Collector ‐ North Tampa Location Location ‐ 3011 University Center Drive, Y ipads Sarah, Krista 33 Suite 150,
89 8/21 9:00 AM DT Partnership Urban Design Cmte. Rivergate Tower ‐ 400 N. Ashley Dr. N Lisa, David 10
County Center 18th Floor (601 E 90 8/22 8:30 AM ‐ 11:30 AM Hillsborough CAC N Speaker Presentation Ray, Melissa 10 Kennedy Blvd)
91 8/25 9:30 AM ‐ 1:30 PM HCC ‐ Brandon Campus Cafeteria, 10414 E. Columbus Dr. N ipads Rich, Brandon 5 MQ surveys 250
Plant City Hall ‐ 302 W. Reynolds St 92 8/25 7:30 PM Plant City Commission N Presentation Wally, Melissa 20 Plant City, FL
South Shore Areawide Systems Plan Update ‐ East Bay High School, 7710 Old Big Bend Allison, Pedro, 93 8/26 6:00 PM ‐ 8:00 PM N ipads 830 Community Meeting 3 Rd., Gibsonton, FL 33534 Rich
Brandon, Sarah, 94 8/27 10:15 AM ‐ 3:00 PM USF College of Public Health Fair USF College of Public Health N ipads 205 Michelle, Allison internet went down 95 8/28 7:00 PM Keystone Civic Assoc Keystone Civic Center, Gunn Hwy N Presentation Lisa, Pedro during PE, got paper 39 copies Hugo's SOHO, 931 S Howard Ave, 96 8/29 8:00 AM Café Con Tampa N Discussion Ray C Beth 15 Tampa, FL 33606 Tampa Palms Clubhouse, 5811 Tampa 97 8/29 7:00 AM New Tampa Rotary N Presentation Lisa, Jay 40 43 Palms Boulevard 1250 cookies, 2500 98 8/29 ‐ 9/1 11:00 AM ‐ 6:00 PM Turner Home Show Fairgrounds N ipads rack cards, 1200 bike 3600 maps Lisa, Pedro, 99 9/3 11:00 AM ‐ 2:00 PM USF Walk‐Bike Week, Complete Street Summit USF Marshall Center N Summit/Open House 51 210 Michelle, Sarah
100 9/3 5:00 PM ‐ 6:00 PM USF Inter‐College Environmental Seminar USF Bldg ENC 1002 N Presentation Shawn 63
Temple Terrace Country Club on 101 9/9 7:15 AM ‐ 8:30 AM Temple Terrace Rotary Club N Presentation Beth 23 Inverness Across from FL College 102 9/17 6:00 PM Columbus Street Redesign Open House Academy Prep Center of Tampa Y Open House/Meeting Gena Torres 50 2014 MPO Outreach Calendar of Events
# Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Engaged/Surveyed Attendees
Barry University ‐Public Planning and Growth Presentation, 2040 scenarios to 103 9/22 5501 W. Waters Avenue, Suite 401, N Beth 12 Management Class planning students
Howard Johnson, 111 W. Fortune St., 104 9/23 6:00 PM ‐ 7:45 PM Tampa Bay Young Republicans N Presentation Rich 40 Tampa
FHWA "Every Day Counts" Initiative on Allison Yeh & 105 9/30 All day FDOT D7 N Presentation 30 Regional Coordination Beth Alden One Bay ‐ Resilient Communities Working Allison Yeh, Rich 106 10/3 9:30 AM ‐ 11:30 AM TBRPC Office, Pinellas Park N Presentation 30 Group Clarendon
107 10/8 12:00 PM ‐ 1:15 PM Kiwanis Club of Tampa Tampa Club Restaurant N Presentation Ray 30
Seminole Heights Library, 4711 Central 108 10/8 7:00 PM Sierra Club N Presentation Gena 42 Ave
Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, 200 N. 109 10/14 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Downtown Debriefing N Presentation Beth 103 Ashely Dr 110 10/14 6:30 PM Bloomingdale HOA 3509 Bell Shoals Road, Valrico 33596 N Presentation Rich 24 111 10/14 7:00 PM Westchase Community Association 10405 Countryway Blvd N Presentation Ray 35
Plant City Hall ‐ 302 W Reynolds St., 112 10/27 7:30 PM Plant City Commission N Presentation Beth or Ray 25 Plant City, FL
113 11/17 8:00 AM Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition USF, Tampa, FL N Ray 24
Tampa Bay International Airport 114 11/20 10:00 AM Tampa International Airport N Event Ray 12 Groundbreaking Ceremony for Master Plan
Hugo's SOHO, 931 S Howard Ave, 115 11/21 8:00 AM Café con Tampa N Discussion Ray C 20 Tampa, FL 33606
116 11/24 Day DEO CRI Focus Group Pinellas MPO N Webinar Allison Yeh 0 Univ. Square Mall, 2200 E. Fowler 117 12/8 9:00 AM Tampa Bay Community Network N Presentation 10 Avenue FHWA "Every Day Counts" Initiative on 118 12/9 All day Charlotte, NC N Presentation Beth Alden 40 Regional Coordination FHWA "Every Day Counts" Initiative on 119 1/10 All day Richmond,VA N Presentation Beth Alden 50 Regional Coordination TOTAL 8,375 2015 MPO OUTREACH CALENDAR
Engaged/ # Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Attendees Surveys
1 1/5 6:30 PM ‐ 8:30 PM Columbus Dr. Corridor Redesign Academy Prep Center of Tampa Y Open House Gena Torres 45 Over 40 people
2 1/13 6PM Joint Hills./Pinellas BPAC Mtg. City of Oldsmar Fire Rescue N Meeting 35
3 1/13 8 AM ‐ 12 PM Safety Summit FDOT N Presentation Beth Alden 80 Proposed trail 4 1/15 6 PM ‐ 8 PM George Road Connector Meeting Town n Country Library Y Presentation Michele Ogilvie 42 routes presented Gasparilla Children's Parade Bike Safety 5 1/24 10 AM ‐ 2PM Bayshore Boulevard N Info Table/Event Michele Ogilvie 500 Rodeo
Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation 6 2/19 2 PM ‐ 4 PM New College, Sarasota N Presentation Beth Alden 30 Board of Directors
7 3/3 All day Transportation Disadvantaged Day Tallahassee N Meet and Greet 100
FHWA Site Visit ‐ Scenario Planing Hosted by MPO for FHWA at Workshop & 8 3/10 8:30 AM ‐ 12 PM Performace Based Planning Guidebook N Beth Alden 30 MPO office Presentation Project
Tampa‐Hillsborough Greenways Kickoff 9 3/11 1:30PM ‐ 4PM 26th Floor, County Center N Meeting Michele Ogilvie 20 Meeting
Vulnerability Analysis ‐ FHWA PM 10 3/20 All day Portland, OR N Workshop Allison Yeh 15 Workshop
11 3/24 All day FHWA Climate Resilience Pilot Project Peer Exchange, Nationwide N Presentation Allison Yeh 50 FDOT Turnpike Office in Ocoee, 12 4/14 All day Annual Meeting of MPO & FDOT Planners N Presentation Beth Alden 100 FL
13 4/16 2PM TBX Express Bus Working Group Tampa International Airport N Workshop Sarah Mckinley 10
American Planning Association National 14 4/21 11:00 AM Seattle, WA N Presentation Beth Alden 150 Conference 2015 MPO OUTREACH CALENDAR
Engaged/ # Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Attendees Surveys
Beth Alden/ Lisa 15 5/2 10:30 AM Ribbon Cutting for Selmon Greenway Brorien and Franklin Street N 30 Silva
Hillsborough Community 16 5/6 Plant City Economic Summit N Meet and Greet Beth 40 College Plant City
Interview on "Bayside" Community Affairs CW 44, 365 105th Terrace NE, 17 5/6 1:30 PM N Interview Frank Chillura 5 Show RE: Cyclovia St. Pete EPC HC 200 N. Franklin St 18 5/7 11AM‐2PM Clean Air Fair Poe Plaza N Exhibit/Table EPC 320 Poe Plaza, 200 Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 Roundtable Mtg. w/Com. Miller & FDOT Community Center, 2005 N Roundtable 19 5/12 6:30 PM ‐ 8:30 PM Y 25 RE: Express Lanes Lamar Ave, Tampa FL 33602 Discussion
20 5/17 9AM ‐ 2PM Cyclovia Temple Terrace N Info Table/Event 32
Tampa & Hills. Greenways & Trails 21 5/19 6:15 PM ‐ 8:00 PM People's Life Center Y Open House Michele Ogilvie 50 Committee Meeting
TBX Express Bus project ‐ Tri County 22 5/26 3.30 PM TIA N Workshop Sarah Mckinley 12 meeting
23 5/28 12‐2PM Tampa Bay Applications Group FDOT N Presentation Bud, Sara, Beth 100
TBX meeting‐ FDOT and Tampa Heights 24 6/1 6:00 PM Tampa Heights Civic Assn Y meeting 5 Civic Assn Roundtable Mtg. w/Com. Miller & FDOT Roundtable 25 6/3 6:30PM ‐ 8:30 PM Children's Board, Ybor City y Gena Torres 85 RE: Express Lanes Discussion 2015 MPO OUTREACH CALENDAR
Engaged/ # Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Attendees Surveys Florida Ave and 40th/22nd 26 6/10 3PM Roundabout Tour y bus tour/field visit Lisa Silva 19 street 27 6/17 9AM‐10:30 AM Smart Safe Street Summit Subcommittee Planning Commission N Workshop Lisa Silva 14 Roundtable Mtg. w/Com. Miller & FDOT Seminole Heights Library 4711 N Roundtable 28 6/23 6:30PM ‐ 8:30 PM y Gena Torres 82 RE: Express Lanes Central Ave, Tampa FL Discussion 29 6/24 6PM‐8PM Tampa Comp Plan Open House N Open House Beth 20 Livable Roadways Smart Safe Street 30 7/2 3:30PM‐5PM Planning Commission N Meeting Lisa Silva 8 Summit Meeting 31 7/24 9 AM ‐ 10.30 AM Smart Safe Street Summit Subcommittee Planning Commission N Workshop Lisa Silva 7
32 8/12‐8/13 All day FHWA Scenario Planning Peer Exchange New Orleans, LA N Meeting Beth Alden 40
33 8/18 6:00 PM Community Gardens Williams Park, Tampa Y Meeting Michele Ogilvie 18
Eastern Heights Neighborhood 34 8/20 6:00 PM Community Gardens Y Meeting Michele Ogilvie 15 Association Coastal Adaptation & Resilience in Tampa 35 9/23 All day USF St. Pete N Presentation Allison Yeh 55 Bay Workshop Innovation Alliance offices, USF 36 9/24 1:30‐3:30 Innovation Gateway Stakeholders Meeting N Presentation Lisa Silva/Atkins 24 Research Park 2015 Transportation Supersession: 37 10/1 4:30PM‐8:30PM A La Carte Pavilion, Tampa N Info Table/Event Beth 30 Transportation in Transition Interagency working group on Walk & Bike 38 10/12 8AM‐10 AM MPO Office N Workshop Michele Ogilvie 12 Safety Messaging
Seminole Heights Library, 4711 39 10/13 9AM‐12PM Council on Aging Y Presentation Wade Reynolds 50 N Central Ave, Tampa FL Rich Clarendon & 40 10/15 6:30PM ‐ 8:30 PM Brandon Lions Club 610 Limona Rd N Meeting 20 Pedro Parra Florida Redevelopment Assoc. Annual Info Table/Poster 41 10/22 2:30 PM Tampa N Beth Alden 20 Meeting Session
42 10/23 7PM Tampa Heights Civic Assoc. Tampa Heights Civic Assn Y Presentation Gena Torres 20 2015 MPO OUTREACH CALENDAR
Engaged/ # Date Time Name of Event or Group Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Attendees Surveys Beth Alden, Gena Torres, Lisa Silva, 43 10/25 9AM‐ 2PM Cyclovia Downtown Tampa N Info table 3000 Wade Reynolds, Sarah McKinley Interagency working group on Walk & Bike 44 10/27 3PM ‐ 4PM MPO Office N Presentation Gena Torres 14 Safety Messaging Beth Alden, Com. Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Assoc. 45 10/27 7PM Seminole Heights Library Y Presentation Miller, Debbie Hunt, 100 General Membership Mtg. FDOT Rich Clarendon, Florida Section Institute of Transportation 46 11/2 ‐ 11/3 10:30 AM Marriot Waterside N Presentation Gena Torres & Beth 60 Engineers (FSITE) Conference Alden Freight Logistics Zone Strategic Plan 47 11/5 1‐3PM Plant City N Workshop Lisa Silva 25 Stakeholder Roundtable 48 11/13 1:30‐3:30 PM Innovation Gateway Stakeholders Meeting Innovation Allinace offices N Workshop Lisa Silva/Atkins 10 John. F. German Downtown 49 12/2 5.30 ‐ 8.15 PM Bike WalkTampa Bay Summit N Meeting Wade Reynolds 60 Library
5634 GO HILLSBOROUGH 2015 MEETINGS 2015 GO HILLSBOROUGH MEETINGS Name of Event or PollEv Interview Source (TBT, WNMF etc. # Date Time Event Location/Address E.J. Area? Format Presenter Event Contact Person Email Phone Telephone Attendees Surveys # Handouts/Documents/Maps Status/Prep Notes Group Used? ) 1,906 Total Workshop 1 2/17 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Mt., Olive AME Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org Attendance
2 2/19 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough TnC Reg Pub Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 3 2/23 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Waterset Landing Café Workshop GoHillsborough.org 4 2/24 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Ragan Park Workshop GoHillsborough.org 5 2/26 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough SouthShore Reg Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 6 3/2 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Manhattan Ave United Methodist Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 7 3/3 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Bell Shoals Baptist Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 8 3/9 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough New Tampa Com. Park Workshop GoHillsborough.org 9 3/10 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Omar K. Lightfoot Ctr Workshop GoHillsborough.org 10 3/12 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough St. Timothy Catholic Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 11 3/16 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Thonotosassa Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 12 3/17 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Trinkle Center Workshop GoHillsborough.org 13 3/19 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Telephone Town Hall Meeting Workshop GoHillsborough.org 14 3/24 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Omar K. Lightfoot Ctr Workshop GoHillsborough.org 15 3/26 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Bell Shoals Baptist Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 16 3/30 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough TnC Reg Pub Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 17 3/31 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Trinkle Center Workshop GoHillsborough.org 18 4/2 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Telephone Town Hall Meeting Workshop GoHillsborough.org 19 4/6 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough SouthShore Reg Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 20 4/7 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Upper Tampa Bay Reg Pub Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 21 4/9 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Ragan Park Workshop GoHillsborough.org
22 4/13 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Manhattan Ave United Methodist Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org
23 4/14 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Bell Shoals Baptist Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 24 4/15 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Mt., Olive AME Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 25 4/16 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Mt., Olive AME Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 26 4/20 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough New Tampa Reg. Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 27 4/21 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Waterset Landing Café Workshop GoHillsborough.org 28 4/23 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Trinkle Center Workshop GoHillsborough.org 29 4/27 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Thonotosassa Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 30 4/28 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Omar K. Lightfoot Ctr Workshop GoHillsborough.org 31 4/30 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough St. Timothy Catholic Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org 32 5/4 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Telephone Town Hall Meeting Workshop GoHillsborough.org Total of 947 citizens attended 33 5/11 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Bell Shoals Baptist Church Workshop GoHillsborough.org Phase II of the Go Hillsborough meetings. 34 5/12 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Omar K. Lightfoot Ctr Workshop GoHillsborough.org 35 5/18 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough TnC Reg Pub Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 36 5/19 6PM‐8PM GoHillsborough Telephone Town Hall Meeting Workshop GoHillsborough.org 37 9/22 10AM‐12PM GoHillsborough Egypt Lake Recreation Center Workshop GoHillsborough.org 38 9/22 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Brandon Regional Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 39 9/23 10AM‐12PM GoHillsborough Bloomindale Regional Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 40 9/24 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Lib. Workshop GoHillsborough.org 41 9/25 10AM ‐ 12PM GoHillsborough Ruskin Branch Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 42 9/28 10AM ‐ 12PM GoHillsborough Upper Tampa Bay Reg Pub Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 43 9/28 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Jan Kaminis Platt Reg. Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 44 9/29 10AM ‐ 12PM GoHillsborough Seminole Heights Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 45 9/29 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Riverview Branch Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 46 9/30 10AM ‐ 12PM GoHillsborough Thonotosassa Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 47 10/1 10AM ‐ 12PM GoHillsborough Seffner‐Mango Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 48 10/1 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Bruton Memorial Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 49 10/5 10AM ‐ 12PM GoHillsborough Charles J. Fendig Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 50 10/5 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Jimmie B. Keel Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 51 10/6 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough W. Tampa Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 52 10/8 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Bloomindale Regional Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 53 10/13 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough Town n Country Library Workshop GoHillsborough.org 54 10/15 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough N. Tampa Branch Lib Workshop GoHillsborough.org 55 10/15 5:30PM‐7:30PM GoHillsborough 78th Street Community Lib. Workshop GoHillsborough.org Total 2853
2040 Long Range Transportation Plan - Needs Assessment Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary
Prepared for:
601 E Kennedy Boulevard, 18th Floor Tampa, FL 33602 www.planhillsborough.org
November 2014
Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ...... 2 1.1 Purpose ...... 2 1.2 Approach ...... 2 2.0 Interactive Online Survey (MetroQuest) ...... 3 2.1 Purpose ...... 3 2.2 Screen 1: You spoke. We listened. Tell us more! ...... 3 2.3 Screen 2: Planning for Growth...... 4 2.4 Screen 3: Transportation Infrastructure Investment Programs ...... 6 2.5 Screen 4: Major Projects for Job Growth ...... 9 2.6 Screen 5: Thank You and Stay Involved ...... 12 2.7 Online Survey Results ...... 12 3.0 Distribution & Promotion ...... 13 3.1 Imagine 2040 Events, Meetings & Presentations ...... 13 3.2 Audience‐response tool component (Poll Everywhere) ...... 18 3.3 Paper surveys ...... 18 3.4 Handouts and Mail‐outs ...... 18 3.5 Media & Advertising ...... 21 3.6 Social Media ...... 21 3.7 Partners ...... 22 4.0 Results ...... 23 4.1 Who did we hear from? ...... 23 4.2 What did they tell us? ...... 26 4.2.1 Strategies to Guide Growth ...... 26 4.2.2 Spending on Transportation Infrastructure Programs ...... 28 4.2.3 Spending on Major Projects for Job Growth ...... 31 4.2.4 Summary of Comments ...... 32 5.0 How was public input used to shape the Imagine 2040 Plan? ...... 50 6.0 Appendices ...... 52 6.1 PowerPoint presentation used during outreach events ...... 53 6.2 Paper survey form ...... 73 6.3 Outreach materials ...... 78 6.4 Online and print advertisements ...... 81 6.5 Tweets & Facebook posts ...... 84 6.6 Public Comment Log ...... 101
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page i
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Purpose After thousands weighed in on Imagine 2040: Part 1, the Hillsborough Planning Commission and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) continued their joint effort to create a vision that will guide the Plan 2040 Transportation Plan and the Comprehensive Plans for Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City, and unincorporated Hillsborough County. This next phase, called Imagine 2040: Part 2, was themed “You spoke. We listened. Tell us more.” After listening to the public’s Part 1 vision, Part 2 honed in on how to get there by focusing on which transportation investments are most important to secure a prosperous future for our region given the limited funding available. 1.2 Approach Challenged by a shorter outreach period than Part 1 during the peak of summer vacations, Part 2 of Imagine 2040 used a wide variety of public involvement strategies and partnerships to attract the public’s interest and participation in the survey, including, Media Day Launch Event ‐ “Race to the Future” at Tampa Bay Grand Prix Interactive, engaging online survey (MetroQuest) with an incentive to take the survey offered by Florida’s Largest Home Show Community, neighborhood and business groups presentations Counter card with multiple distribution methods, including blanketing Hillsborough County in a mass mailing of more than 453,000 cards inserted into the TRIM notices sent to every property and business owner e‐Communications and social media Online ads featured on the Green ARTery, Florida’s Largest Home Show, Patch, Osprey Observer and tampabay.com, and partner sites Fortune cookies with custom message sending people to the survey A super‐sized interactive exhibit at the four‐day Florida’s Largest Home Show during Labor Day Weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 2
2.0 Interactive Online Survey (MetroQuest) 2.1 Purpose Proven to be successful during Part 1 of Imagine 2040, an interactive online survey hosted by MetroQuest was used during Part 2 as well. It was made available at www.Imagine2040.org, as well as directly through the main landing page for the agency‐wide website at www.planhillsborough.org. This online community engagement platform allowed the public to select future growth strategies as well as choose their preferred future transportation infrastructure program investment levels and major projects they want for Hillsborough County. After they selected their transportation preferences, they could see how their selections compared with the limited funding available, and with other users. In instances where the cost of their preferred program investment levels and projects exceeded the funding available, users were able to select whether they would like to balance the budget by changing the projects and investment levels, or leave the budget unbalanced and assume that a new funding source, such as new taxes or fees may be explored. 2.2 Screen 1: You spoke. We listened. Tell us more! This welcome screen reminded the public to keep in mind during the survey that by 2040, Hillsborough County is expected to have about a half million new residents and new jobs. They were able to review the Part 1 results and a brief overview of what would be asked during Part 2. Respondents were also given an incentive to complete the entire survey by August 25th to receive a free ticket to Florida’s Largest Home Show.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 3
2.3 Screen 2: Planning for Growth This screen related directly back to Imagine 2040: Part 1 in which the public said they want to grow as a vibrant and bustling place that their children will want to call home in 20 years. Here, the public was asked to choose which strategies would best guide this type of growth countywide, and in their neighborhood. Choices for both countywide and neighborhood strategies included: reduce redevelopment rules; encourage walkable places; build homes near transit; save land to build job centers; fill in and reuse; and keep neighborhood choices.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 4
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 5
2.4 Screen 3: Transportation Infrastructure Investment Programs Once the respondents selected their preferred growth strategies, they were asked to set priorities for infrastructure. They were able to set priorities by applying a limited budget (approximately $5.5 billion based extending on existing transportation revenues to 2040) to four transportation investment programs. The levels of investment included low (generally based on current spending in Hillsborough County), medium (investing more), and high (investing more than ever). The four programs include: Preserve the System; Reduce Crashes and Vulnerability; Minimize Traffic for Drivers and Shippers; and Real Choices When Not Driving. Each screen included a brief description of the investment program, with summaries of each investment level and the benefits that were expected based on that investment level. Benefits were presented in terms of performance measures quantified for each program, as documented in a series of technical reports prepared for the 2040 Plan. As a respondent selected the level of investment for each program, the MetroQuest tool kept track of their cumulative investment level by means of a bar chart that moved up or down depending on their last selection. If they exceeded the $5.5 billion budget that is based on current revenues, a message would appear with a link to information on existing and potential new revenue sources (included in Appendix 6.3). The MetroQuest tool kept a running tally of their program spending, presented as a bar chart that moved up or down as respondents made their choices.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 6
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 7
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 8
2.5 Screen 4: Major Projects for Job Growth Once the user completed the first four investment programs, the next step asked the public to use the remaining budget (or, they could choose to go over the budget) on some “big‐ticket” major capacity projects such as widening major roadways, constructing express toll lanes, or building rapid transit systems like passenger rail or a water ferry. The activity included a map showing 15 areas, (symbolized by boxes) with the most businesses and jobs in the county, and the public was asked to click on an area and give the illustrative transportation investments a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.” The areas in which the user was asked to identify whether or not to invest in economic growth included: Airport North Business Area; Brandon West; CSX Rail Intermodal Area; Greater Downtown; MacDill Air Force Base Area; NetPark & Breckenridge Area; New Tampa & Hidden River/Telecom Park; Plant City East; Port Tampa Bay Area; Port Redwing/Big Bend Corridor; Sabal Park Area; Sun City Center Commercial; USF Area & Medical Centers; Westshore & Rocky Point; and Interstate Highway Improvements/New Express Toll Lanes. By clicking on each area, users could view the type and “price tag” for major projects proposed for that area as well as the number of jobs as of 2010 and 2040. Users could zoom in to view projects proposed in a particular area, and could also click on a link to view a list of all major projects as well as other development‐related projects (without “price tags”) grouped by area (included in Appendix 6.3). If they did not find a major project among those proposed for an area, users had the option of proposing other projects by clicking on “Suggestion/Comment.” If they clicked on “yes” or “no” under the “invest here?” question, a thumbs up or down icon appeared in the box.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 9
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 10
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 11
2.6 Screen 5: Thank You and Stay Involved The final screen asked respondents to provide some information about themselves, including zip code (required to consider the survey complete) as well as a few optional fields. They were also reminded to stay involved with the Planning Commission and the MPO by entering their email address. The email address was also required to receive the free ticket to Florida’s Largest Home Show.
2.7 Online Survey Results During the nearly two‐month period of July 10, 2014 to September 5, 2014, the online MetroQuest interactive survey generated 5,261 visits, of which 2,217 surveys were submitted with data, for a response rate of 42%. In the “stay involved” section, 610 participants provided their email address, and 100 existing email addresses were updated, bringing our active subscribers mail list to just under 6,000.
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3.0 Distribution & Promotion 3.1 Imagine 2040 Events, Meetings & Presentations Prior to the launch of Imagine 2040, staff contacted a wide variety of community organizations, homeowners’ associations, chambers of commerce, business groups, civic and environmental organizations. Neighborhood groups registered with the County and cities were also contacted. Staff solicited their interest in taking part in the interactive survey, asked them to publicize the survey in their membership communications such as newsletters, and offered to present Imagine 2040 to their group. In addition, a number of fairs, community festivals, planning open houses, transit centers and back‐to‐ school events were targeted as opportunities to expose large groups of people to Imagine 2040 and encourage them to take the interactive survey using an iPads and mobile “hot spots” to ensure Internet connectivity. During Summer 2014, the Imagine 2040: Part 2 outreach and public engagement program conducted by the MPO and Planning Commission staff interacted with over 6,800 attendees at 65 events, meetings and presentations. The public engagement program began on July 10th and concluded on September 3rd. The following map and corresponding list show the location of these events, meetings and presentations.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 13
Imagine 2040: Part 2 Events, Presentation & Meetings Engaged Name of Event or Event E.J. Date Format or Attendees Group Location/Address Area? Surveyed
Columbia Restaurant ‐ 2103 E 7/8 Ybor Business Expo N Distribute rack cards 30 7th Ave River Hills Country Club ‐ Fish Hawk‐Valrico 7/8 3943 New River Hills Pkwy, N Presentation 30 Chamber Valrico Ragan Community Center, 7/8 East Tampa CRP Y Presentation 32 32 1200 E. Lake Ave.
Westshore Alliance URS 7650 West Courtney 7/9 N Meeting 22 22 Transp. Committee Campbell Cswy, "Race to the Future" Tampa Bay Grand Prix ‐ 3404 7/10 Imagine 2040 Launch N Media event/iPads 76 76 Cragmont Drive (Sabal Park) Event South Tampa Chamber of Govt. Affairs Committee 7/15 N Presentation 6 6 Commerce, 2113 S Dale Mabry
7/16 Plant City Chamber 106 N Evers St, Plant City, FL N Presentation ? 15
Seminole Heights Library , 7/17 Green Artery Board N Presentation 12 12 4711 Central Ave
Marion Transit Center 7/17 MTC ‐ 1211 N Marion St Y Table and iPads 15 50 Outreach
3035 Griffin Boulevard 7/21 Walden Lake HOA N Presentation 15 15 Plant City, FL 33566
Old Seminole Heights 7/22 Seminole Heights Library Y Table and iPads 50+ 50 Neighborhood Assoc.
Marion Transit Center 7/22 MTC ‐ 1211 N Marion St Y Table and iPads 20 50 Outreach
Hillsborough Disability County Center Lobby (601 E 7/23 Y Table and iPads 24 71 Awareness Expo Kennedy Blvd)
Plant City Hall ‐ 302 W 7/24 Plant City Planning Board N meeting 15 15 Reynolds St
Development Industry County Center, 601 E 7/24 N Presentation 10 10 Focus Group Kennedy Blvd, 18 floor
County Center, 601 E 7/24 Community Focus Group N Presentation 5 5 Kennedy Blvd, 18 floor
Back to School Physical TGH Healthpark (5802 N 30th 7/26 Y Table and iPads 15 60 and Immunizations St)
Fish Hawk‐Valrico Back‐to‐ Campo Family YMCA 7/27 N Table and iPads 3 40 School Festival 3414 Culbreath Road HCC Plant City, Trinkle Center 7/28 Plant City Rotarians N Presentation 60 1206 N Park Rd, Plant City
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Engaged Name of Event or Event E.J. Date Format or Attendees Group Location/Address Area? Surveyed
"Planning for Education" Property Appraisers Office 7/28 N Presentation 25 Kevin O'Hare Event 15th floor, County Center
USF Area Land Use Change Univ. Area Community Devt. 7/29 Y iPad 0 34 Public Meeting Center, 14013 N. 22nd Street
Meet & Greet Dir. of Upper Tampa Bay Library, 7/30 N Distribute rack cards 7 Development Services Countryway Blvd. UF/IFAS Extension Office Meet & Greet Dir. of 7/31 5339 County Road 579, Y Distribute rack cards 18 Development Services Seffner Bloomingdale Library Meet & Greet Dir. of 8/5 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., N Distribute rack cards 25 Development Services Valrico The Regent, 6437 Watson 8/5 Brandon Chamber N Presentation 100 125 Road
Meet & Greet Dir. of Univ. Area Community Devt. 8/6 Y Distribute rack cards 5 Development Services Center, 14013 N. 22nd Street
Sierra Club Executive Seminole Heights Public 8/6 N Presentation 12 12 Committee Library, 4711 N Central Ave.
Gaslight Park (Kennedy and 8/6 Mayor's Food Truck Fiesta N Table and iPads 5‐8 15 Franklin, Downtown) Southshore Regional Service Meet & Greet Dir. of 8/7 Center, 410 30th St. SE, Y Distribute rack cards 30 Development Services Ruskin South Florida Baptist Downtown Plant City 8/7 Hospital, 301 North Y Presentation 11 18 Lunch Club Alexander Street Temple Terrace Temple Terrace Community 8/7 N Presentation 5 13 Preservation Group Church, 210 Inverness Ave.,
Carver City‐Lincoln
8/7 1512 North Clark Avenue Y Presentation 2 22 Gardens Civic Assoc.
Aloha Pizza 8/7 Apollo Beach Republicans N Presentation 30 Apollo Beach
Downtown Partnership Rivergate Tower ‐ 400 N. 8/8 N meeting 12 Transp. Committee Ashley Dr.
14920 Balm Wimauma Rd, 8/9 Good Samaritans Y Table and iPads 50 174 Wimauma, FL Center Club Network of Executive 8/12 123 S. Westshore Blvd, 8th N meeting/Presentation 34 Women Floor Brio Restaurant, International American Society of 8/12 Plaza (2223 N Westshore N meeting/Presentation 35 Highway Engineers Blvd)
8/12 Policy Leadership Group County Center, 26th Floor N Meeting 0
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Engaged Name of Event or Event E.J. Date Format or Attendees Group Location/Address Area? Surveyed
Greater Tampa Chamber ‐ GTCC Office (Tampa City 8/12 N Presentation 10 10 Transportation Cmte. Center, 2nd Floor)
Columbia Restaurant ‐ 2103 E 8/13 Ybor City Rotary Y Presentation 60 7th Ave
MPO Citizens Advisory 8/13 County Center N Presentation 14 Committee
MPO Bike‐Pedestrian 8/13 County Center N Presentation 24 Advisory Committee
THAN Tampa Union Station ‐ 601 N 8/13 Y Presentation 20 19 Homeowners Assoc. Nebraska Ave Tampa Bay Partnership Greater Tampa Chamber & 8/14 Offices ‐ 4300 W. Cypress St., N Presentation 5 Combined Chambers Suite 700 Upper Tampa Bay 8/14 101 State Street W Oldsmar N Presentation 23 Chamber of Commerce Eisenhower Middle School Back to School Physical 8/16 (7620 Old Big Bend Rd, Y Table and iPads 200 200 and Immunizations Gibsonton) Back to School Physical Webb Middle School (6035 8/16 Y Table and iPads 300 600 and Immunizations Hanley Road)
Rec & Parks admin office, 8/18 Plant City Optimist Club N Presentation 9 12 1904 South Park Road
Temple Terrace City 11250 N. 56th St. 8/19 N Presentation 25 Council Temple Terrace South Shore Areawide Sys. 1901 S. Pebble Beach Blvd. 8/19 Plan ‐ Community Meeting N Table and iPads 11 Sun City Center 2 North Tampa Location ‐ 3011 8/20 Tax Collector Office University Center Drive, Suite Y Distribute rack cards 33 150 MPO Livable Roadways 8/20 County Center N Presentation 1 Committee
DT Partnership Urban Rivergate Tower ‐ 400 N. 8/21 N Presentation 10 Design Cmte. Ashley Dr.
County Center 18th Floor 8/22 Hillsborough CAC N Presentation 10 (601 E Kennedy Blvd) MPO Transp. County Center 8/22 Disadvantaged Y Presentation 15 601 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa Coordinating Board Cafeteria 8/25 HCC ‐ Brandon Campus N Table and iPads 5 250 10414 E. Columbus Dr.
Plant City Hall ‐ 302 W 8/25 Plant City Commission N Presentation 20 Reynolds St, Plant City, FL
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Engaged Name of Event or Event E.J. Date Format or Attendees Group Location/Address Area? Surveyed
South Shore Areawide Sys. East Bay High School, 7710 8/26 Plan ‐ Community Meeting N Table and iPads 8 30 Old Big Bend Rd., Gibsonton 3 USF College of Public USF College of Public Health, 8/27 N iPad 205 Health Fair 4202 E. Fowler Av.
Keystone Civic Center, Gunn 8/28 Keystone Civic Assoc. N Presentation 39 Hwy
Hugo's SOHO 8/29 Café con Tampa N Discussion 15 931 S Howard Av
Tampa Palms Clubhouse, 8/29 New Tampa Rotary N Presentation 40 43 5811 Tampa Palms Boulevard
8/29‐ Turner Home Show Fairgrounds N Table and iPads 2500 3600 9/1 (Imagine 2040 Vision)
USF Walk‐Bike Week, 9/3 USF Marshall Center N Summit/Open House/iPads 51 210 Complete Street Summit
USF Inter‐College 9/3 USF bldg. ENC 1002 N Presentation 22 63 Environmental Seminar
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3.2 Audience-response tool component (Poll Everywhere) New technologies in public engagement help increase participation, reach and capture input from wider audiences, accommodate different preferences, and adapt to how people prefer to receive information and stay informed. The Imagine 2040: Part 2 outreach used one of these new technologies, called Poll Everywhere. This platform relies on texts from cell phones and input from web‐enabled smartphones to capture feedback from audiences. As shown in Appendix 6.1, it was embedded in a PowerPoint presentation to display the audience’s collective response in real time. Staff replicated the same questions as in online MetroQuest survey and employed Poll Everywhere to obtain feedback from a wide variety of groups. This allowed the MPO to poll participants at small and large group settings to participate in an interactive way, whether on their smartphones or with phones that simply text, in the survey. The polls got audiences to think individually and register their preferences collectively about which transportation investments are most important to them. Poll Everywhere facilitated discussion and input in group settings on the same topics covered in the MetroQuest survey. Over the course of the Imagine 2040: Part 2 outreach from July 10th through September 3rd, 225 respondents took part in Poll Everywhere survey. 3.3 Paper surveys The survey was re‐created in paper form for distribution to audience members and others who preferred to participate in the survey with a pen and paper instead of a digital device. The paper survey duplicated the questions from the online MetroQuest tool and was accompanied by the list of major projects by area. Appendix 6.2 includes a copy of the survey form. The completed paper surveys were entered on‐line. 3.4 Handouts and Mail-outs Several different forms of written collateral material were distributed to promote Imagine 2040: Part 2, encourage the public to participate in the phase of the LRTP update, and supplemental information on costs and funding linked to the MetroQuest survey. Examples are provided in Appendix 6.3. Counter cards To publicize Imagine 2040: Part 2, the MPO printed and distributed 481,000 copies of a 8½ x 3½ inch counter card, also known as a rack card, describing Hillsborough County’s expected growth by 2040, and encouraging the public to visit imagine2040.org and take the interactive MetroQuest survey.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 18
The cards were displayed and distributed through direct mail, to targeted groups, and at meetings or events, including: Seminole Tribe (mailed to each of the 80 members and displayed in local office lobby) Tampa Bay Grand Prix “Race to the Future” Tampa General Health Fair USF Public Health Dept. Welcome Back Fair USF Walk‐Bike Week Complete Street Summit (205 copies) Back‐to‐School events (3) SouthShore Community Plan open houses (2) “Meet the Development Services Director” events (5) Aboard HART buses (6, 000 copies) Hispanic Services Council ‐ Wimauma (200 copies) August TRIM notice (453,000 inserts reached property and business owners in cities and county) Downtown businesses and hotels (3,000 distributed by Downtown Partnership Guides) Takeaways from community presentations and event Community bulletin boards Florida’s Largest Home Show (3,500 copies) Fortune Cookies To attract public interest in a fun and engaging way at community events, meetings and
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presentations, the MPO distributed several thousand fortune cookies, each with the same message inside: “You determine our fortune. Take survey at Imagine2040.org. Invest wisely for our future”. The purpose of these inexpensive giveaways was to: Attract people to Imagine 2040 displays Make them aware of Imagine 2040: Part 2 Drive them to the survey website.
E-Communications You spoke. We listened. Tell us more. This theme was carried to thousands through a multi‐layered multi‐media campaign in articles, newsletters, and much more, including: Imagine2040.org and planhillsborough.org/imagine2040 Beyond Today | issue 17 Beyond Today | issue 16 | Imagine2040 : Part 2 special edition Rubber Meets the Road | issue 13 Personal email from MPO Executive Director to the heads of hundreds of major employers Greater Tampa Chamber newsletters and social media Emerge Tampa Bay newsletters and social media Tampa Downtown Partnership Monday Morning Memos Temple Terrace Preservation Society Westshore Alliance newsletter World of Westchase newsletter Keystone Civic Association newsletter
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 20
Connect Tampa Bay E‐blast E‐Hillsborough yahoo group E‐blast ONETampaBay E‐blast Florida’s Largest Home Show web site (and FREE ticket offer)
3.5 Media & Advertising The Imagine 2040: Part 2 initiative benefited from print and broadcast coverage, using both paid and earned media. Some of the more notable included:
ABC Action News coverage on launch morning – walk through the survey BayNews 9 Getting There extended feature with Ray Chiaramonte and Chuck Henson HTV News Brief of Imagine 2040 : Part 2 Launch Event Tampa Tribune article and ad Osprey Observer article, plus media buy in print, e‐blasts, and online in all four areas The Patch (all Hillsborough County neighborhood editions online and e‐blasts) Talk Back Tampa Bay radio live interview 970 WFLA AM Tampa Bay radio live interview Tampabay.com and extended media partners web campaign ‐ 459,000 impressions! tbt* front and back cover banners
3.6 Social Media Likewise, the Imagine 2040: Part 2 initiative employed the full range of social media:
Facebook – new Facebook highs for likes and shares for Hillsborough MPO! At least one post was made on most work days inviting #Imagine2040 participation on both the MPO and Planning Commission pages. Twitter – 500,000+ mentions and retweet reach on @HillsboroughMPO! At least one #imagine2040 post was made (usually many more) on most days on @HillsboroughMPO, @HillsCoPlanCom and @PlanHillsborough YouTube video of HTV News Brief of Imagine 2040 launch event BayNews 9 video links
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3.7 Partners The MPO and Planning Commission cultivated partnerships with a diverse range of community organizations, agencies, and private sector interests. Many hosted presentations, distributed information to their members, translated information and communicated with e‐blasts to draw attention to Imagine 2040: Part 2 and encourage the public to participate. Partners included:
Florida’s Largest Home Show Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Hillsborough County Community Affairs Department Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Services Council City of Plant City Seminole Tribe of Florida Transportation for Economic Development in Hillsborough County City of Tampa Tampa Bay Grand Prix Tampa Bay Times Tampa Downtown Partnership City of Temple Terrace Westchase Community Association Westshore Alliance University of South Florida (CUTR and Health Dept.) Hillsborough Community College
3.8 Outreach to Traditionally Under-Represented Populations Consistent with its mandate to reach out to all segments of Hillsborough County’s diverse population (spelled out in Executive Order 12898 ‐ federal actions to address Environmental Justice and other federal and state requirements), the MPO sought out and involved groups that traditionally have not been represented in transportation decision‐making. These population groups include low income, minorities, and persons with limited English proficiency. Strategies to involve these groups included:
Invitations to get involved emailed to groups such as the local branch of the NAACP, Hispanic Services Council, and Seminole Tribe of Florida, promoting the Imagine 2040: Part 2 survey and offering to make a presentation to their members. Distribution of counter cards to organizations serving these population segments, notably including HART’s entire fleet, Hispanic Services Council and Seminole Tribe of Florida. Keeping track of where meetings and events were held and ensuring that communities and organizations representing these populations had ample opportunities to participate. Securing a Spanish interpreter from the Hillsborough County Community Affairs Department for an event sponsored by the Good Samaritans in Wimauma, where there is a concentration of persons with limited English proficiency; the Imagine 2040: Part 2 Survey was administered in Spanish to a number of attendees.
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4.0 Results Over the eight‐week Imagine 2040: Part 2 survey period, the MPO obtained input from more than 2,400 survey respondents. This includes both the MetroQuest and Poll Everywhere platforms. They both covered the same survey questions. More than 2,200 people entered data into the MetroQuest survey and more than 200 registered their input through the Poll Everywhere survey. Approximately 700 people provided their email address and thus were eligible for tickets to Florida’s Largest Home Show, which took place over the Labor Day weekend.
To promote the Imagine 2040: Part 2 survey and encourage public input, the MPO participated in 65 meetings or events, with an estimated attendance of 6,830 people.
The following chart tracks traffic recorded on the MetroQuest website during the period when the survey was live.
4.1 Who did we hear from? MetroQuest survey takers were asked to provide their zip codes, and almost 70% did. Poll Everywhere respondents were not asked for their zip codes, but if they were part of an audience representing a specific area, they were attributed to the zip code for that area. Thirty‐one percent of respondents did not give their zip code, but 63% live or work in Hillsborough County, five percent come from elsewhere in the region, and one percent is from outside the region.
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The following map shows the number of Imagine 2040 survey respondents from each zip code in Hillsborough County and compares it with population density, shown in blue.
Looked at another way, although zip codes don’t match exactly city boundaries, responses from zip codes can be aligned jurisdictions and major subareas of Hillsborough County.
Northwest County Tampa Area 24% 38%
Temple Terrace Central County Area 13% 5% Plant City / East County South County 3% 17%
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MetroQuest respondents had the option of defining themselves by race or ethnicity, and provided the following breakdown. Regarding outreach to traditionally under‐represented population groups, 18 out of 65 events or meetings (28%) engaged EJ groups or areas, with an estimated attendance of 1,523 out of a total of 6,830 (22%).
A Mix of African American/ Ethnicities American Indian Black 6% 0.4% 5% Asian 2.6% Hispanic/ Latino 8%
Other White/ 3% Caucasian 75%
MetroQuest respondents also had the opportunity to provide information on what they do here in Hillsborough County, with the following results: Live here 34% Work or go to school here 14% Own a business or property here 5% Play or visit here 4% Some combination of the above 44% Of those who answered, 94% of the MetroQuest survey takers are registered voters. In terms of their work status, MetroQuest respondents provide the following breakdown.
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Retired or Unemployed 15%
Student 7%
Work at or from my home Work outside 12% my home 66%
4.2 What did they tell us? 4.2.1 Strategies to Guide Growth Asked to think about what strategies would best guide growth, respondents were given six choices and asked to indicate their three most important priorities. The question was posed in two different ways: 1) what our county needs to do, and 2) what my neighborhoods needs to do.
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Growth Strategies: Our County Needs to …
5. Keep 6. Save land to neighborhood build job centers* choices 6% 14% 1. Encourage walkable places* 25%
3. Build homes 4. Reduce near transit* 17% redevelopment rules 2. Fill in and 14% reuse* 24%
5,341 Responses * Same rank as Neighborhoods
Growth Strategies: My neighborhood needs to …
4. Keep neighborhood 6. Save land to build choices job centers* 15% 1. Encourage 5% walkable places* 27%
3. Build homes near transit* 16% 5. Reduce redevelopment rules 14%
2. Fill in and reuse* 23%
4,987 Responses *Same rank as County‐wide
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4.2.2 Spending on Transportation Infrastructure Programs The next series of questions asked respondents to consider funding over the next 20 years and choose the appropriate level of spending in four different transportation infrastructure programs: System Preservation
Reducing Crashes and Vulnerability
Minimizing Traffic for Drivers and Shippers
Real Choices When Not Driving
The survey offered three levels of spending, quantified in current year dollars for each program: low (based on current spending), medium and high. Each spending level was equated with expected performance outcomes, such as roads repaved every 25 years under a medium level of spending for system preservation. The survey advised respondents that they have $5.5 billion to invest in transportation, based on existing funding sources projected to the year 2040. The MetroQuest tool kept a running tally of their program spending, presented as a bar chart that moved up or down as respondents made their choices. The results of questions related to transportation infrastructure programs are presented in the following charts.
Preserve the System 1964 responses
Low 16% High 33%
Medium 51%
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Reduce Crashes & Vulnerability 1921 responses
High Low 28% 25%
Medium 47%
Minimize Traffic for Drivers & Shippers 1920 responses
Low High 26% 34%
Medium 40%
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Real Choices When Not Driving
1886 responses
High Low 34% 34%
Medium 32%
When these responses are summed in terms of total funding for transportation infrastructure programs, the mean average that survey respondents would “spend” over the next 20 years was $7.1 billion. The following chart gives the breakdown of funding level across all programs.
900
800 767
700 629 600 Less than $5 Billion 500 $5 Billion ‐ $7 Billion Responses 400 357 of $7 Billion ‐ $9 Billion 300 217 Over $9 Billion Number 200
100
1,970 Responses 0 Total 2040 Funding Level
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4.2.3 Spending on Major Projects for Job Growth Survey takers were presented with the following map color‐coded to show major projects proposed to serve concentrations of businesses and jobs in Hillsborough County (known as Key Economic Spaces). These are “big‐ticket” capacity projects such as widening major roadways, constructing express toll lanes, or building rapid transit systems like passenger rail or a water ferry. For each area, they could see how many jobs exist now and in the future, as well as type and “price tag” for major projects proposed for that area. They were asked if funds should be invested there and given the opportunity to vote yes or no (“thumbs up” or “thumbs down”).
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The following chart shows how many yes and no votes each major project area received.
Greater Downtown (Rail to USF & TIA) USF Area & Med Centers Interstate Hwys (New Express Toll Lanes) Westshore & Rocky Point Brandon West CSX Intermodal Area Airport North Business Area THUMBS UP Port Tampa Bay Area MacDill AFB Area THUMBS DOWN New Tampa & Hidden River/Telecom… Plant City East Port Redwing / Big Bend Corridor Sun City Center Commercial Sabal Park Area NetPark & Breckenridge Area
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Importantly, not every respondent gave thumbs up or down to investing in all 15 Key Economic Spaces. However, the mean average was $678 million to be spent on major projects over the next 20 years. 4.2.4 Summary of Comments Survey takers were given the opportunity to make comments or suggestions throughout the MetroQuest survey. Over 1,000 individual comments were recorded. A complete log of comments is provided in Appendix 6.6. These comments covered a wide variety of topics, but can be categorized into several overarching ideas. Encourage and Strengthen Transit Over 260 comments were categorized in this group. Some commonly repeated comments include: Need to connect light rail from Citrus Park, Town and Country, and Carrollwood to downtown, airport, USF, and South Tampa area. I believe that inner city rail connecting downtown, the airport, USF and neighborhoods should be a transportation priority for the next 20 years. Don't forget the neighborhoods. Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights where people can walk to the rail to get to work, shopping, school..... Stop widening roads and create rapid, mass transit.
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If you have reliable transit, and people actually riding transit, you wouldn't have to widen so many roads. Why is transit only in Tampa? I live in Carrollwood. I want more transit. We need to invest in transit, especially rail to offer alternatives for the future. We need more Transit ‐ This plan has no BRT, no clear layout of bike‐ped solutions, all roads. Very disappointed. Growing the community through smart growth and mass transit improvements is extremely important. Mother of 4 who struggles with constant traffic jams and craves alternative transportation Good rail service has helped ease road congestion in many cities in the world. Soon to retire and want better public transportation. The top priority should be better/more efficient public transportation. This will attract more businesses that offer higher wages than retail business. People who do not have their own transportation will be able to work in places where they could not have before. Must find a way to expand public transportation, especially the "last mile" Every big city has public transit that eliminates the need for owning a car in the city. Let’s get to that point! BRT in dedicated lanes along arterial roads such as Hillsborough, Fowler, and Busch can greatly encourage ridership along the many communities already along the major arterials. Doing so will also increase pedestrian safety by reducing the amount of general purpose lanes pedestrians have to cross. Also light rail where applicable would be great. We can't keep growing without a good mass transit system such as has been built in cities like Miami & Atlanta For years we have used light rail between Ybor and downtown but, why has it yet to expand to other areas within Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Manatee County? Where are the mass transit plans linking counties? A light rail system is a must. There are plenty of RR tracks already in place. How about a bus service that is more frequent than hourly? Encourage and Strengthen the Multimodal System Approximately 60 comments fell into this group. Some of the representative comments were: Add ‐ Westshore Blvd complete streets project All new roads should be Complete Streets. As for the bike lanes and bikers why not just put in a side walk like path with protection from cars? Build more trails for biking. I used to bike to work until I was hit by a car. Now I add to the traffic problem by driving to work.
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Create street lights on dark roads to prevent car crashes Green ARTery Perimeter Trail Keeping a city walkable is key to attracting and retaining residents. Example: Bayshore Boulevard. Although it is a great place to walk, it is not safe to cross and cars zooming by. Encourage through traffic to use the Expressway. Reduce the number of lanes on Bayshore to 2 lanes. More sidewalks please Need bike and walking trails to help bring in hi‐tech. Please improve biking infrastructure to make it desirable for young people to move to the Tampa area. In my neighborhood (Tampa Palms) we could use a bicycle lane parallel to Bruce B Downs Blvd that does not need to cross streets so much. Somewhere an overpass or tunnel should be constructed, and the lane should go all the way to USF. We need more sidewalks in Sulphur Springs Redo / fix Gandy walking bridge. When this was open it was an amazing place to spend time and connected the two sides with safe walking / biking, etc. Strengthening Roads Approximately 45 comments were logged under this heading: "Minimize traffic..." Maybe somewhere between medium and high. 2 railroad over passes would be helpful but no added smart tech & real time traffic. Complete the Citrus Park Drive extension from Sheldon Road to Countryway Boulevard. CSX needs to do all their decoupling of cars in their rail yard and not block the streets by going back and forth across the streets and tying up vehicle traffic needlessly! Dangerous intersection at SR 674 and West Lake Expansion of roads should be part of the approval process when new housing or business units submitted to planning commission. Waiting for gridlock to develop is not only poor planning but results in large increases in consumer transportation costs from idling engines. Fix the roads. All the new construction and the people can't get anywhere. Pathetic. Florida highway engineers sucks. Focus more on roadway than walk paths and/or bike trails. Fund and construct the Citrus Park Drive extension Get the school buses off of major commuting roads and thoroughfares. The impact on traffic of buses is impactful. Gunn Hwy is operating poorly. The intersection of Gunn & Linebaugh is a bottleneck. The E‐W routes from Westchase to the east and Citrus Park all filter to one overcrowded, deteriorated, sub‐standard intersection (Linebaugh and Gunn) I can see you are pushing us for transit and we do NOT need transit. Why are you people doing that as this is NOT a transit state to begin with? We are over budgeted on it already and much
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areas do not need it at all. How about finding waste in your budget, forget any rail or buses and do what is right by the people !!!!! Just do the projects that keep traffic down in the airport and USF area, but NO rail.... I don't like the ferry idea, but I DO like the idea of extending the Crosstown Expressway to the Gandy Bridge. I don't want to see this lovely city turn into a New York or Chicago. We need to step away from all transit, it is not a good thing for Florida. It will extremely turn people off that are looking for a Florida lifestyle, the kind our parents and our generation saw, not one where they have us cramped in like sardines where they no longer freedom. I think extending the Selmon Expressway to the Bloomingdale, Lumsden Road and Plant City area would be amazing I think the best types of projects are the addition of toll lanes and light rail. Toll lanes relieve congestion without forcing anyone to use them if they choose not to. Light rail leads to development of townhomes and multi‐family dwellings all along the rail line, and provides a much more pleasant alternative than taking the bus. If you would just build roads of better quality to begin with (like they do in Germany) you wouldn't need to spend the money or create the inconvenience to repave them as often. We should be able to choose the Low option and only repave every 50 years but our roads aren't good enough quality to last that long. It's a shame we are so shortsighted about this. Interstates need more lanes built in quicker time. No tolls Living in the Brandon area, I like the idea of widening the roads. However, after living through the 301 and Gibsonton/Boyette/Fishhawk widening and how ridiculously long it took to fix those as well as how inconvenient it has been for the last several years (with the Gibsonton/Boyette/Fishhawk STILL not working properly), I have serious concerns about supporting the road widening on Bloomingdale, were everything is already so tight. Look for areas that can open traffic to existing roads and reduce traffic on crowded roads. For example in Sun City Center connect Del Web to 19th Ave. and connect south pebble beach to 301 thus reducing traffic on Route 674. Maintenance is only part of the issue ‐ making our roads look nicer will drive higher property values and taxes. We spend a lot already on road projects, but do not maintain the landscaping (irrigation/fertilization/etc.). And we have to bury utility lines if we want to truly beautify like other counties. Major improvements need to be made on Lithia Pinecrest Rd & Bloomingdale Rd. I do not see them noted here at all. Need a combination of wider/better highways and commuter transportation Need better mass transit system that is convenient to people and not the buses. Widen I‐275 from Howard into Tampa Need to reduce traffic coming from St. Petersburg over the bride to the Veterans Expressway. One lane off of the Howard Frankland to the airport is not enough. New express toll lanes only willing to pay tolls on I‐275 currently. I‐4 and I‐75 aren't as necessary right now. Could reconsider in the future.
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Perhaps it's about time to spend more on roads, traffic and emergency management. Rather than rail between Tampa and Orlando, I suggest we build an elevated express road similar to the Selmon Crosstown Expressway with HOV lanes and limited exit/entrance points (perhaps Lakeland and Disney only). This should be designed and built for future expansion/improvements such as driverless cars and high speed rail running down the center of the elevated highway. Roads have major deferred maintenance problems in this city, shame on city for getting us to this point by not investing in infrastructure! Sligh/Hanna Extension (US 301 to Eureka Springs) New bridge over Tampa Bypass Canal. DELETE the project. The Eureka Springs community does not want it. We have been against it since it was 1st proposed, but it just doesn't seem to die. Sorry about your programs but roads come first. All this "walkable" stuff sounds good but my family DRIVES to work 5 to 10 miles in three different directions. Maybe retirees can do walkable stuff but we work for a living and good roads are essential!!! spend money on roads not rail surveys That Tampa Bay market is the 12th largest media market in the US. Several market sizes larger than Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Both the US Census Bureau and the FDOT forget (ignore) that. While the US Census (SMSA) reflects Miami's media market status, the Tampa Bay SMSA does not. It divides the market up into at least three metro areas; Tampa/St. Pete, Northport/Sarasota/Bradenton and Lakeland/Winter Haven despite the fact that the cities in the Tampa market are physically closer together than those in the Miami SMSA and have higher commuter numbers than those in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. We need to put pressure on the US Census Bureau to redefine the Tampa Bay SMSA by absorbing the sub‐markets around it into a true metro area (The Tampasphere?) that reflects its size and vibrancy in a more realistic and impressive light. Then we need to add more lanes and more roads (not trains) throughout the area not in 2040 but in 2015‐20. Have you driven in this mess lately? The Lutz extension of Veterans Expressway and Gandy Expressway should be revived. Interchanges with I‐75 at Fletcher Avenue, Fowler Avenue, and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard should have at‐surface left turns in their medians replaced by flyover ramps. To me the most important items are to reduce crashes and vulnerability as well as minimize traffic for drivers and shippers. I also think roadways needs to be maintained better. I think the allocations could be tweaked better to accomplish the most important items. Toll roads are the way to go. It lets the roads pay their own way by charging those who use them. This is especially effective if you toll one lane for faster traffic and let others not in such a hurry to drive in slower lane. Traffic could be greatly reduced on Route 674 through Sun City Center by proving access to the community on the north via 19th Ave and Dale Web and on the south at Route 301 and South Pebble Beach Ave. This would require only a little planning and a small amount of funds. It would require a good plan to prevent excessive through traffic in the community and to make people feel secure. Under Preserve the System, I hope road repaving includes our neighborhoods. The roads in the Seminole Heights area are horrible. While these bad roads provide a little bit of natural slowing
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of traffic, it is quite annoying that all we get is occasional pothole repairs. Continuing to reduce flooding in neighborhood streets is also important, and the City has done a good job on that lately. As far as Real Choices When Not Driving, it would be great to have quick public transport to the airport as an alternative to taxis or driving your personal vehicle. That way the airport won't have to continue to invest in long term parking as it grows. This public transit needs to have connections to downtown USF (for students at USF), Tampa (for the convention center), St Pete (for tourists) and the beaches (tourists). Parking options around the endpoints would affect use by locals. Walking trails do not serve many people. Get private donations to cover the cost. Add sensored traffic lights so traffic does not stop when there is no traffic or stay red or green too long which encourages people to run lights. Oklahoma City has many sensored lights to move traffic on city streets. We have many North/South transportation options including the Suncoast Parkway, I275, and I75. We have a dearth however or limited access routes East/West with I4 being the only real option. Hillsborough need a good East/West expressway across the northern area of the county to create a true transportation loop that connects the Suncoast expressway, I275, and I75. Yes, this is an expensive endeavor, but is a necessity based on the _actual_ not just the desired growth patterns of our burgeoning metropolitan area. We need more east‐west streets in New Tampa. It is ridiculous to have to drive 4 miles north and 1 mile west to go back south on I75 or I275. People may balk but it's time to develop for the 'greater good', not for a few select individuals. We need some sort of expressway going East/West. Currently residents in the Odessa, Cheval, Citrus Park areas must go south to get to I‐275 before heading east. If there were another East/West option north of 275 it would relieve some of the traffic from the Veterans and other arties heading North/South reducing morning/evening commuter traffic WIDEN I‐275 from Howard Frankland into Tampa. Why does it make sense to go from 4 lanes to 2 and create the huge bottleneck? Move the Veterans exist further back and make it separate from Kennedy exit to help with flow and backups. Widen Orient Road south of I4 Widen Providence and Riverview drive where new homes are going in to Bloomingdale and 301 You need to fix road you have and if you want wide road buy the land that for sale now work on the road later Compact Redevelopment Respondents made more than 130 comments under this overarching idea: I would have voted for some sort of mass transit connecting areas. I don’t want new development. I want intensification of existing development. Encourage occupancy at key economic places like university mall I work out of my home, so I don't know a lot about traffic. I think concentrating on reducing it through some of the earlier ideas ‐ live where you work, make traffic flow more efficient with technology, and shop/play near your resident would be the best investments.
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I live next to & identify with the rural Thonotosassa area, even though my zip code says "urban". Keep Thonotosassa & Eureka Springs RURAL Please enforce zoning and development guidelines so that we are CBD and urban core is developed with sufficient density and walkability. Suburban areas should stay suburban with less commercial/retail and more re‐development within the city limits! Say NO to sprawl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe in residential density, urban infill, and transit oriented development We NEED better transit, and connections. If we do not improve our infrastructure, and focus on smart growth. Our community will fail. Need to reduce traffic coming from St. Petersburg over the bride to the Veterans Expressway. One lane off of the Howard Franklin to the airport is not enough. You need to leave green land in place as much as possible. Use empty strip malls & redo them. All bus stops needs pull over areas for the buses & shelter areas. All major intersections need turn lights. Stop tearing down & reuse what we have. Growing the community through smart growth and mass transit improvements is extremely important. We need to re‐invest in the resources and spaces we already have developed while adding convenient and comprehensive mass transit options. I want to see light rail in Tampa! Stop Sprawling Development! Let/Make Brandon Incorporate! 20‐somethings don't want to live in the suburbs. Infill. Reduce the red tape. Encourage restorations of old buildings etc. Invest in strategies that will improve quality of life without increasing sprawl. There should be more communities that have schools, shopping and restaurants within walking distance of homes. To move Tampa forward, being a car centric city isn't the way to do that. If you keep investing in roads to encourage more cars, Tampa will be just like Atlanta in a couple years. Maintain more green space Believe that suburban sprawl is not sustainable. Recent study indicates younger generation using autos and malls less. Keep the rural areas rural...we live here because we dislike all the traffic noise and congestion I have a strong belief that the existing developed land should be redeveloped rather than building something in a cow pasture/farm land even if it hinders growth rate or tax revenue. Need to keep the agricultural lands from being developed and turned into sub divisions I would like to see more emphasis placed on renewable energy, and sustainable growth. Save agricultural land We need to redevelop our existing neighborhoods and downtowns
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Many areas within the City of Tampa should be priority for redevelopment instead of pushing development into rural areas where the land is cheaper. Each neighborhood should be able to choose how it would grow and look into the future. Community Based Plans should be of highest priority. Urban Service lines should not be moved without community input and consensus. Lure a grocery store to downtown Tampa! Then put in Light Rail ‐ you can't have metropolitan living without metro transit. I'm not from here but we need to put in place more help for the homeless an develop housing so they can become more self help Preserve the ambience of existing neighborhoods (e.g., don't put in 3 story condos in a neighborhood that is primarily one and two story single family homes) There are hundreds of acres that have either been skipped by development or abandoned. There is so much opportunity to fill in these spaces with commerce or housing. This will renew tired neighborhoods as well as prevent more urban sprawl. Access to bus routes is needed when building new neighborhoods. Example all the homes being built on 301 with only have one bus route 31 there needs to be more. Create urban density along arteries such as Nebraska Florida Waters Kennedy. Replace single story strip malls with low to mid rise multi use: residential, commercial and office buildings. Creating transit corridors along routes such as Kennedy and Nebraska would encourage development of multi‐use buildings and the urban density capable of sustaining light rail. San Jose California is a good example. Development has been out of control. Large scale with huge investor seems to be all we have had. Consideration should be given to allow small developers to build mid to Low Rise buildings in populated areas. Variances to the urban forest vision should be provided and new architectural standards developed. High‐density multi use neighborhoods encourage walking. In vision being able to get off you light rail commute from work and walking to the corner grocery to purchase your evening meal. Or stopping at walking not driving to the local pub to meet with friends no dui. I like this, but just make sure there is more than one exit onto a road from a subdivision. We don't want to end up with Naples‐like or Miami‐like traffic problems. Constructing thoughtful routes to work and allowing our roads to grow is so important. I do not know what the current rules are so I am not necessarily advocating reducing them. However, we need to use the space we have already developed. There are lots of areas throughout Hillsborough County that have been abandoned or are run down. We should invest in incentives to re‐develop these spaces both commercial and residential. keep suburban and rural choices Yes, but no forced eminent domain on private property to accomplish. Fair buy‐outs. Let places be filled in, in nice community areas by offering incentives for people to build there, not large scale projects which make it like you are in jail, but nice communities that have never reached their full potential.
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Tampa has loads of land left which would be near communities away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This can be developed so people can be bear work and away from a crowded city. We are NOT a transit society and this would prevent that. In a perfect world, these alternatives would embrace green alternatives and local (walkable) shopping and entertainment alternatives as well. Too bad I only have 3 choices. I hate the dense housing development underway. I do not believe a house should be so close (14') apart. Roof lines almost touch. No future in this development. It creates an environment for bad things to happen. NO MORE SECTION 8 OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS OF TAMPA Saving trees are important This ties in hand‐in‐hand with increasing protected land and issuing more regulations to make developing more difficult ‐ build up, NOT out. Yes, please leave the cows alone. Yes, why are they vacant? People can't afford to open a mom and pop business. Redesign poor neighborhoods I believe in using what we have if possible. Why spend money to demolish a building that can be remodeled, only to have to rebuild? Build mixed income housing options near transit so as to enable those who need public transportation to use it, and encourage those for whom it is an option to use it and begin driving less. Encourage mixed income neighborhoods so there are not concentrations of extreme poverty. This will help those in the lower socioeconomic status have access to what they need, and everyone will benefit from living in Tampa. Revitalize dying communities without pushing the people who live there out, but instead giving them the opportunity for jobs and renewed life in the neighborhood they've made their home in. The best way to save land for future development is to reuse and fill in currently developed space that is sitting idle. The development rules are already too little and too loose. Rules need to be strengthened and expanded. Especially where development will negatively impact already overcrowded roads. There are already plenty of empty spaces (businesses, ghost developments, dead malls with unused parking lots). Developers should be reworking or rebuilding these spaces before expanding. Fill in and re‐use : I like the idea I'm completely for this idea! I hate to see pastures of land that once had cows or horses on it destroyed because our government makes it so hard to get through the red tape and reuse good, already commercialized land! Reuse what we've got instead of turning undeveloped land into concrete cities!
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More economical than building from the ground up and getting rid of "dead" space. Updating is more aesthetically pleasing and will preserve some land. Reiterating that it is critical to reuse the land that has already been developed and is now either abandoned or should be torn down. In redeveloping, the property should be brought up to current condition standards and should include green spaces for drainage. This is key. Demolishing and rebuilding reduces expansion and sprawl. This allows us to focus on improving what is already available, reduces strain on roadways, and reduces long term waste. A side benefit is that it eliminates the "sketchy" areas and increases the overall value of our City. South Tampa (Palma Ceia/Hyde Park area) is a perfect example of how rebuilding in a developed area improves the health of the neighborhood and local businesses, which are owned by our Tampa neighbors, can thrive. There is a lot of blighted land near areas that would be convenient to job centers. Revitalizing this land will help to make Hillsborough a more desirable place to live. I believe instead of adding more business centers to un‐developed, build up the centers that are existing by building more office next to or on top of existing buildings and add Parking garages for any Parking issues that will occur. Vacant ‐out of business stores or big box (like the Sweetbay in downtown Plant City) could also house vital recreation for communities. Sometimes MORE retail is not needed. we've got plenty of empty space in between the neighborhoods that exist, encourage appropriate fill‐in Living quarters near public transit cuts down on auto traffic I don't like the term "red tape" as it has a negative connotation which is sometimes undeserved. There are good rules/regs that need to be preserved even in cases where we really want/need development. Please seek good balance. Stop allowing all these cookie cutter neighborhood where all the house look alike and are sitting on top of one another. Bring back character to some of these homes with porches etc. 'Hoods make the cities...each 'hood should be listened too and in neighborhoods that have an active citizenry their requests and anti‐requests should be considered...Obviously, this did not happen in V. M. Ybor where a "homeless" café has caused a swift deterioration of our 'hood. Reuse already existing vacated strip malls for office complexes. Increase downtown parking This is a great idea! There are plenty of vacated pieces of property on Hillsborough Avenue, Florida Avenue, and Dale Mabry that would be perfect locations for new business in the heart of the city. YESSSSSSSSS! Redevelopment with historical integrity is what strengthens the community and keeps Tampa a strong, historical, and eco‐friendly city! The new Medical city area of Orlando seems very impressive (at least from the recent Fortune article.) If that is possible, even on a much smaller scale, it could make a huge difference. There are clearly a lot of strip mall area (such as all the old Sweetbay locations that closed) with high vacancy rates. Most sit empty for long periods of time. Some kind of incentive system to turn those and some models to adopt rapidly when feasible could be great.
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I would also like to see land saved to ensure adequate green space both in urban and rural areas so the county does not become a concrete jungle and continues to provide enough outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, horseback riding, etc. I would like to see in the urban centers and introduction of grocery stores to provide residents a place to buy food. They need to be close enough to walk home with the groceries, but economical enough to shop there. Also, provide the mix use to have professionals the ability to work, shop and dine out within walking distance. Exempt job centers from development review. Implement Mobility Fees at much higher levels on suburban areas for residential development Retail stores complex plaza where people can shop eat at restaurants and have nice walking surroundings. Seffner area would be nice to have a shopping complex. Building very nice and more neighborhoods within suburban and rural areas Work with developers to build Shopping Plaza and restaurants in suburb area Seffner with nice walking surroundings. A lot of neighborhoods look like a dump with empty buildings sitting around going to waste. Renovate them (encouraging jobs) and re‐use them. Stop building on every green space in the city! Again, let's redevelop and re‐use what we already have instead of building on every green space in the city! My goodness ‐ buildings and homes are crammed into every available green space because everyone is trying to make a dollar at any and all costs! Have you noticed that all of Tampa is one of two things: strip malls or "communities" of cookie‐ cutter homes that all look the same and are crammed as close to one another as possible (so that the developer can maximize its money)? All of that is just plain ugly! There's almost no creativity or originality in this city at all! No place to walk, no place to do anything on foot. Everything is drive 20‐30 minutes, get out, do what you have to do, drive 20‐30 minutes, get out, do what you have to do, etc. That's a waste of an entire day! Vacant strip malls are a blight and drag down how people feel about their communities. I drive by them all the time, in short ‐ they are depressing and make me feel terrible about this community. Building near established transportation, with stores and restaurants nearby, and reusing currently developed land will ease traffic problems and not require more roads be built or expanded. Reduce Urban Sprawl. This only places more burden on transportation and the use of energy, a limited resource. This is what builds communities! Mixed use, localized amenities are sustainable. Do not overdevelop (as on Howard and Cass St) Less development needed‐‐better sidewalks and greenways. More parks and easy access to them Sidewalks, greenways, and parks needed‐‐not more development. Red tape necessary to keep the county from haphazard and ugly building
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I think it is proven that neighborhood that you can walk around, parks, libraries are healthy... shopping areas Reuse spaces before building more Our first goal should be to utilize the infrastructure that is already in place. Urban sprawl is cheap for developers, but increases the strain in County maintenance budgets that are already UNDER funded, Transit should be based upon the development on new homes rather than building homes near transit. Neighborhoods build a better neighbor where people would care about where they live, if you give them something to care about. Use the buildings that are there instead of ripping up land to build new developments. If you reuse the existing buildings it will look like less of a ghost town when hoodlums can congregate. Use them and redeveloped them. We need better public transportation from homes to jobs and get more cars off the highway because that is a night mare, with accidents waiting to happen. It is currently very difficult for small businesses to develop in existing areas making it prohibitively costly because of highly restrictive government rules and regulations, or greatly restrictive to the point of making business development almost impossible Encourage the education on various rules and regulations to increase our safety. I live out in the country and would like it to stay that way. The city is a necessary evil to provide work and homes for those that like the city. In Pinellas Park, we are not actively acquiring park land. My neighborhood is nowhere near a park we could walk kids to, for example. The county has preserves nearby at Cross Bayou, but it just sits there. Cross Bayou is a beautiful asset that could be made into a center of development while being preserved. It'd be great to eliminate public "dead zones" like the seemingly endless stretch of used auto lots along N. Florida Avenue. A greener, safer and more sustainable Tampa is where I want to live More walking and biking schools. Many schools are surrounded by large roadways which would lead to required hazardous busing for students. I live in Central Tampa along Hillsborough Avenue. I feel with pedestrian bridges and rezoning it could become an avenue with mixed‐used development, and properties with parking facing away from the corridor. More housing options needed, affordable Apartments away from traffic for kids Walkability is most important. I need to feel safe walking and riding in Tampa. The roads are already too congested. We need bike lanes and complete streets! Put more money in code enforcement, the houses and businesses that are not keeping up with their property is making Tampa look bad. And Please NO MORE STRIP CLUBS
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The best way to save land for future development is to reuse and fill in currently developed space that is sitting idle. The development rules are already too little and too loose. Rules need to be strengthened and expanded. Especially where development will negatively impact already overcrowded roads. There are already plenty of empty spaces (businesses, ghost developments, dead malls with unused parking lots). Developers should be reworking or rebuilding these spaces before expanding. Fill in and Reuse: This will save lots of money versus starting from the ground up and make these eye sores go away. Updating will be aesthetically pleasing and we don't want to build on every piece of land available. We still won't some rural areas. Good idea to redevelop old non historical areas and update and reuse some of the eyesore areas That Tampa has (warehouses etc.) It's important to make sure development includes trees and green space to reduce runoff flooding and cool the county with shade trees and shrubs Reduce red tape yes, but make developers responsible for providing green space and shady areas in the plan and proper drainage. Empty big box stores can house other things besides more retail. Plant City needs more recreational outlets for growing family. The downtown space that is being redeveloped...should offer more than a place to walk and sit. Consider an area for open air concerts, art fairs, fund raising wine events held outdoor ‐ like those offered in Lakeland Lake Mirror. Plant city needs to consider the aging population. There are few areas for working seniors and those to live as they mature to need assistance. We need more than modular home parks. PC and Ag area have many agricultural workers‐ fulltime and visitors that need suitable housing that is properly maintained and aesthetic to roadway traffic. Using empty big stores for community recreation or school activity would be improvement over more outlet retail. Retail additions should be surveyed...PC residents must OUTSHOP too much for many basic items they might need. Keep Florida Green and Beautiful We're pretty loose in terms of zoning here, but there is some Ag around here would be nice to preserve. Much of Carrollwood is ripe for revitalization and much of it has already happened, but more often than not it increases congestion, rather than developing with transit in mind and easing it. Some community/business partnerships or incentives or even some city planning creativity programs could be a start. Building suburban and rural areas for people to live in nice communities and have shops restaurants shopping plaza nearby to enjoy. Encourage and work with developers and retail stores to build plaza, complex with nice walking surroundings. Encourage business to come to Tampa Bay to Help our Job market Need more retail plaza shops and restaurants near neighborhood areas
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Also require trees and landscaping be planted; don't just create concrete and steel jungles. And no MORE strip malls! Building homes near transits would encourage more walking and biking Job Centers Thirteen comments were submitted in this category: We already have two great underutilized job centers (Downtown and Westshore), why do we need more? If we keep spreading out everything we will never achieve a critical mass needed for viable transit. Job centers...are not what create real economic growth. It is supporting business growth and that means incentives for small to mid‐sized businesses Grow agricultural jobs There are already plenty of empty spaces (businesses, ghost developments, dead malls with unused parking lots). Developers should be reworking or rebuilding these spaces before expanding. Save land to build job centers: good idea I don't like the term "red tape" as it has a negative connotation which is sometimes undeserved. There are good rules/regs that need to be preserved even in cases where we really want/need development. Please seek good balance. Exempt job centers from development review. Bring Business to the Tampa Bay area for a better job market Keep Florida Green and Beautiful Stop large job centers from going outside the city. Limit the sprawl and work inwards back to the city for some time. This is probably the best option for Carrollwood Village. It might be possible to carve out some small center job centers, but I am not sure there is sufficient land around here to do that, so fill in and reuse is probably most viable. Bring business to Tampa Bay area for better place to Live Work and Play. Encourage business to come to Tampa Bay to Help our Job market Ideas for Funding Projects More than 50 comments fell into this category: 1 cent sales tax to pay for rail connecting airport, downtown, & USF & some medium to high level improvements would be worth every penny. A 0.5% sales tax increase rather than the full percent may garner more votes and I would avoid any additional gas tax. Any additional projects exceeding budget should be funded through a system like the our World War 2 war bonds system give the people an additional investment in the future by asking to invest money with a return in 10‐20 years
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As bad as the economy is, I believe people would vote for 1/2 cent raise in sales tax as long as you don't mention rail. I go along with people mover from TIA to Westshore, then buses to downtown and will be glad to explain why. Better manage our road money better. Cut waist. Developers need to pay a far greater share of what it will take to make all of this a reality. Developers need to take on the responsibility of paying for a greater share of these projects. We cannot allow them to continue to build without caring about the consequences to traffic, safety, natural resources, schools, etc. Do not even propose light rail or subway without letting the public know which systems in the United States are self‐sustaining after the initial investment of tax dollars. We can then use those as a model for our system. NYC raised taxes a few years ago...to pay for its systems since they were NOT self‐sustaining. Elected officials PLEASE listen and provide more funding for transit! Even though I am retired, I am willing to pay additional taxes/fees at a reasonable level to provide a REAL mass transit solution for Hillsborough County. But that investment needs to be tempered with REAL reduction in waste and misuse of tax payer $$$. Fill in and Reuse: This will save lots of money versus starting from the ground up and make these eye sores go away. For the toll lanes on I4, I75 and I275, take the funds planned for that to expand the light rail connector (USF to the Airport thru Downtown) to include its twin (Brandon to MacDill using the existing track the parallels the Crosstown. Going for things that connect major plugs like USF and the airport, which also mean thousands more jobs, can keep that money spent in our local economy. How about instead of raising taxes, you better allocate money and quit WASTING IT! I am sick and tired of the solution to everything being more taxes. Have some transparency by showing a complete breakdown of project‐by‐project cost of everything. Put this information on your website in an easily locatable place (link on the homepage) and in a format that non‐ accountants can understand. All I see is "I want more and more" by the county with the city looking the same sorry way it has been for a long time. Help neighborhoods that look like crap and stop wasting money on "big name"/"big money" places like Bayshore Blvd. and South Tampa. You're kissing their butt because those are high income people with power who generate a lot of taxes, so you keep their area looking nice while neglecting the rest of the county. This is an "open secret" that a lot of people know or assume to be true. I added my gas tax comment on the previous panel. Bottom line is additional money will be needed to fund whatever is planned unless we want to live in gridlock and the current gas tax won't work in the future with new technology for vehicles. Sales or property tax shouldn't have to fund major portions of road maintenance & improvements. I believe this town would explode if there were a way not to have a car. Everyone's disposable income would increase by hundreds and people would be less stressed and spend a lot more money.
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I don't like the term "red tape" as it has a negative connotation which is sometimes undeserved. There are good rules/regs that need to be preserved even in cases where we really want/need development. Please seek good balance. I want more than what is in the current budget. I am a 24 year old who plans to live in Hillsborough for the next 30‐40 years to work at USF, so I am willing to invest more tax dollars if it means more access to public services. I want more than what is in the current budget. I am a 24 year old who plans to live in Hillsborough for the next 30‐40 years to work at USF, so I am willing to invest more tax dollars if it means more access to public services. I went back and adjusted my budget. Let’s only spend what we have! I would consider increasing gasoline taxes before any general tax to fund the projects. Gas and oil companies already take advantage regardless of supply and demand rules. Rather than tax the taxpayer, tax the oil company for operating in the state as they are more apt to survive a billion dollar hit. I would also consider a CO2 emission tax to get people to use the light rail and reduce congestion on road. It will also reduce the need to continuously add wider lanes and expand highways/interstates. I would support a 1 cent increase in the sales tax and up to a 5 cent increase in gas tax as long as all revenue is dedicated to highway and bridge maintenance and capacity improvements on major east‐west and north south corridors. I would also support limited access tolled express lanes for through traffic on I‐75, I‐5 and I‐275. I'd love to run for public office, but I'd never be elected. I'd propose responsible taxation, which at our present levels would mean raising taxes. If we don't our infrastructure will continue to lag and crumble, and we'll have a new nickname: The Cheapskate State. In evaluating these, if Cost > $3M per 1000 jobs, then it's not worth the money. To pay for the extra spending, levy the 5‐cent gas tax ($500M) and ACCEPT FEDERAL FUNDING ($1000M)! Increase job opportunities for the growing population. Infrastructure should be a top priority. De‐emphasize dubious cultural / sports investments like stadiums that are too event‐based. Give emphasis to full time jobs. My budget exceeds. One suggestion to raise additional money is via the City parking lots. The monthly fee is currently $65 for parking in Whiting ‐ the fee charged by 71 Parking is $117. Raise the monthly parking fee by $25/month, which is still a lot less than 717 and the City could generate a couple hundred thousand/year. It doesn't solve the shortfall, but it is one option. After all, it is all the little things that make a difference. Also, I do not think a gas tax is the answer. We are trying to reduce driving and, if the revenue relies on a gas tax, we would (hopefully) not raise enough revenue when people reduce their driving. We need local rail ‐ and it needs to be an affordable option. Need to rebuild city from inside out as older areas with infrastructure mature with development group, must be hybrid city/private to keep moving and reduce politics. Prefer to raise revenue with property taxes from new homes and 1 cent on sales and 1 or 2 cents on Gas. Don't create incentives for new developments that increase transportation or infrastructure costs when we can help our aging neighborhoods. You develop Florida Ave. and people will start riding buses in and out of town. New Orleans did it.
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NO MORE ROADS!! Rails, rapid transit please. Would pay more taxes for a North‐South urban rail Please make bus riders pay for their ride the way I must pay to operate my car. It is not fair that I pay for their ride but they do not pay for mine. NO RAIL! It is a money hole that does not work. Require developers to pay for infrastructure improvement required for their developments. Thank you. Please place the highest priority on maintaining or lowering the tax burden on Hillsborough residents. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this process. Raise sales tax rate to pay for all these expenditures. Raise taxes for safety. Paying more money is worth it if it will reduce Florida's (already high) pedestrian mortality rate. Raise taxes, our roadway congestion is deplorable Raise tobacco tax by a % that would offset budget overages. Reduce taxes. Return leftover money to taxpayers. Saving trees are important Since I don't see a comment area on raising more dollars to pay for the "needed" projects I'll use this. I think the gas tax (or mileage tax once that is an option) has to increase. I don't see why a sales tax should pay for road improvements. MPG is up and cents per gallon no longer is the way to pay for transportation. Hybrids don't pay their share with a gas only tax, especially cents per gallon. Taxes need to be raised, we need to invest and commit funding to making transit a priority. Stop talking about it and do something. We have already spent over 35 years discussing whether we need transit in this area ‐ and the answer has always been YES. Stop politicking, our elected officials need to stand up and make changes. Stop worrying about whether they will be re‐ elected and actually do something positive. We will continue to loose talent and money if we don't move on transit. There are too many urban and neighborhood growth that are not supported with critical transit and lowering of property taxes. Your retired generation are here to relax and enjoy living, not to rejoin the work force because their property tax keeps rising. There is no reason taxes should be raised to accomplish this. Current tax rate is sufficient to fund projects. If there is a gap than I would suggest the county learn to work smarter not harder. Develop more resources and tools that make employees more accountable and responsible for performance metrics. By becoming leaner and smarter in house, there should be no need to increase taxes or fees. Property taxes are outrageous in Hillsborough County; consider alternative means of taxing (e.g., fuel tax, vehicle / boating tax). To be good stewards of our money we need to get out of debt, save money and then we can look at spending money on projects. I would like to save the money and pay down debt first. To rebuild the economy, we need to cost the local taxpayers less at this time. Increase the tax on the tourists through hotel room tax, and other visitor‐related items.
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Transit projects should be carefully looked at. I don't ride a bus or plan on riding any train if they come into the future plans, and I don't like the idea of paying for something with my tax dollars that I probably will never use. Walking trails do not serve many people. Get private donations to cover the cost. Add sensored traffic lights so traffic does not stop when there is no traffic or stay red or green too long which encourages people to run lights. Oklahoma City has many sensored lights to move traffic on city streets. We need a major investment in mass transit. I support a 1 cent sales tax. You will not need to raise taxes as your projection of over 150,000 new jobs in these areas should provide more than enough to cover the budget.
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5.0 How was public input used to shape the Imagine 2040 Plan?
Building on input received in the first part of the Imagine 2040 public outreach, Part 2 offered the public broad and multiple opportunities to provide their input on investment choices and trade‐offs embodied in the Cost Feasible Plan. These choices included investment programs and major capacity projects, as well at what level and where they should be funded.
The Imagine 2040: Part 2 interactive surveys enabled the MPO to quantify and respond to the preferences expressed by citizens who took part in the surveys. The following table recaps these choices and the decisions made by the MPO board in adopting the Imagine 2040 Plan.
Public Preference from Surveys How Addressed in Imagine 2040 Plan Growth Strategies Our county and neighborhoods need to encourage Population and employment distribution used in 2040 walkable places, fill in and re‐use and build homes near Plan follows “bustling metro” scenario (see Imagine transit 2040: Part 1). Investment Programs System Preservation: 84% opted to invest at a medium Plan invests med‐high level of funding to maintain or high levels pavement & bridges and high level of funding for bus fleet renewal. Safety & Resiliency: 75% opted to invest at medium or Plan invests in med‐high level of funding in complete high levels streets and intersection projects to reduce crashes, and high level of funding to mitigate vulnerability to flooding. Minimizing traffic for drivers and shippers: 74% opted Plan invests high level of funding for ITS, signals, turn to invest at medium or high levels lanes and overpasses to reduce delays and smooth traffic flow. Real choices when not driving: 66% opted to invest at Plan invests high level of funding in more trails medium or high levels sidepaths, and more frequent bus service for more people. Top Preferences for Major Projects serving Job Growth Areas* Over 85% of those who responded gave “thumbs up” to Plan funds fixed guideway transit from downtown to investing in projects serving greater Downtown Tampa. TIA, Westshore and USF, downtown interchange and managed lanes serving downtown area. 61% gave “thumbs up” to investing in projects serving Plan funds expansion of Bearss Ave and Fletcher Ave, the USF area and medical centers. and fixed guideway transit to downtown Tampa. 56% gave “thumbs up” to investing in Interstate Plan funds interchange projects and new express toll Highways lanes on I‐275, I‐75 and I‐4. 56% gave “thumbs up” to investing in Brandon West Plan funds special use lane on Bloomingdale Ave, expansion of Woodberry Rd 51% gave “thumbs up” to investing in Westshore and Plan funds Westshore Intermodal Center, fixed Rocky Point guideway transit to TIA, downtown Tampa and USF, expansion of I‐275/Memorial Hwy interchange, new frontage roads on Hillsborough Ave.
* Note: does not include all major projects in the Plan, only those with highest level of public approval.
These ingredients went into a draft Cost Feasible Plan that was released and advertised for public review on October 12, 2015. Following a 30‐day public review period, during which
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additional comments were received from the public, other agencies and elected officials, the following checks and adjustments were made to the draft Cost Feasible Plan:
Cost estimates for resurfacing needs were verified Woodberry Rd east of Grand Regency Rd was not recommended for widening due to potential impacts on surrounding residential neighborhoods Funding was identified as a set‐aside to acquire future transit right‐of‐way
During a public hearing held on the evening of November 12, 2015, six citizens made comments on the draft cost feasible plan:
One citizen asked to have the draft plan include the widening of segment B of Lithia‐ Pinecrest Rd (between Lumsden Rd and Bloomingdale Ave) as recommended in a PD&E study prepared for Hillsborough County One Bloomindale resident spoke against the plan as it did not address her community’s needs Four citizens spoke in favor of the plan.
After hearing from the public, the MPO board discussed funding proposals under discussion by the Transportation for Economic Development Policy Leadership Group. The MPO took up a motion to adopt the plan assuming additional funding equivalent to a one‐cent sales tax, and to incorporate a letter from the County Administrator clarifying that the Long Range Transportation Plan’s funding assumptions were subject to decisions to be made by the Policy Leadership Group. Following a roll call vote, the motion passed 12 to 1.
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6.0 Appendices
6.1 PowerPoint presentation used during outreach events 6.2 Paper survey form 6.3 Outreach materials 6.4 Online and print advertisements 6.5 Tweets & Facebook posts 6.6 Public Comment Log
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Appendix 6.1 PowerPoint presentation used during outreach events
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Presenter instructions for Version A Login for best results: 1. Got website or Click here: www.polleverywhere.com/imagine2040 2. [email protected] 3. Happy001
YouYou spoke.spoke. WeWe listened.listened. TellTell UsUs More!More! AA Planning Planning Commission Commission – – Metropolitan Metropolitan Planning Planning Organization Organization for for Transportation Transportation Partnership Partnership in Coordinationin Coordination with with the the Transportation Transportation for forEconomic Economic Development Development Initiative Initiative PartPart 2:2: HowHow will will we we get get there? there?
Slide 1
Why Imagine 2040? Where We Are Now?
Joint effort will shape updates of the: Long Range Transportation Plan 2013 2013/ 2014 4 Comprehensive Plans •Explore 2014 •Part 2 –Public Potential Outreach Strategies •Create • Update Plan 2040 Final •Part 1‐ Long Range By 2040, Hillsborough Vision Imagine Transportation will have over ½ million 2040 •Results Plan and new residents and about Comprehensive ½ million new jobs. Plans
We are here!
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Part 1: Results Part 1: Residential Growth Preferences
Other 3,529 survey responders redevelopment Most significant public outreach ever New suburban Rural Transit oriented expansion areas development Engaged people in a new way connecting major activity centers Provided basis for well‐ informed choices Filling in existing Received detailed comments suburban areas on different scenarios and options
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Part 1: Employment Growth Preferences Part 1: Transportation Preferences What options will we need more of?
New corporate Rural Transit oriented centers in development New Express Toll Lanes expansion areas connecting along interstates Smart traffic signals & better major activity intersections centers like Downtown, Sidewalks, bike lanes, & trail Westshore, USF Smaller circulator buses & Filling in existing Other shuttles serving… FAVORITES suburban areas redevelopment of existing job Commuter or Light Rail areas 4 & 5 Stars Express or BRT 3 Stars 1 & 2 Stars 0 500 1000 1500 2000
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Imagine 2040 | Part 2 | July 10-Sept 1 Tell Us By Text or Web!
Building on Part 1: pollev.com/imagine2040 22333 We heard what you want. Now tell us how to [code or keyword] get there.
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To vote by text message To vote with a web browser Text a CODE to 22333 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
By text message From any browser pollev.com/imagine2040 22333
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View the results in real time! First, the big picture… Which strategies Text a CODE to 22333 or Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040 would best guide growth countywide? We heard you want to To do this, Text CODE of your grow as a vibrant and Top 3 to 22333 bustling place that our All in one text, separated by children will want to call a space. Example: home in 20 years. Select COUNTY1 COUNTY2 the 3 ways that best get COUNTY5 us there. Or 3 separate texts: HOOD2 HOOD4 HOOD6
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Q1: Which 3 strategies would best guide growth? Our county needs to… Q1: County Poll results Keeping Neighborhood Choices Save land to build job centers Build homes near transit
Continue to build different types of Actively assemble and preserve land so it is Support more transportation choices by building neighborhoods: urban, suburban, and rural. available to build job centers. homes, such as townhomes and apartments, near roadways where public transportation runs or is planned.
Reduce redevelopment rules Fill in and reuse Encourage walkable places
Make it easier to redevelop in existing areas Encourage better use of the areas we've Reduce the red tape and make it easier to build that are ready for change rather than on already developed and where the developments that allow walking between agricultural lands that have never been infrastructure is in place, such as vacant strip home, shopping, work, school, and malls. Text a CODE to 22333 or developed. entertainment. 15 Slide 16 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
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Q2: Which 3 strategies would best guide growth? Q2: Hood Poll results Our neighborhood needs to… Keeping Neighborhood Choices Save land to build job centers Build homes near transit
Continue to build different types of Actively assemble and preserve land so it is Support more transportation choices by building neighborhoods: urban, suburban, and rural. available to build job centers. homes, such as townhomes and apartments, near roadways where public transportation runs or is planned.
Reduce redevelopment rules Fill in and reuse Encourage walkable places
Make it easier to redevelop in existing areas Encourage better use of the areas we've Reduce the red tape and make it easier to build that are ready for change rather than on already developed and where the developments that allow walking between agricultural lands that have never been infrastructure is in place, such as vacant strip home, shopping, work, school, and malls. Text a CODE to 22333 or developed. entertainment. 17 Slide 18 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
Q3: Select the amount to invest for Set your priorities for infrastructure. Preserving the System. You have about $5,500 M to spend on four transportation programs: Low ...... $1,273 Preserve the System • Roads repaved every 50 years, buses replaced every 26 years • Basic bridge maintenance
Reduce Crashes and Vulnerability Medium ...... $1,987 • Roads repaved every 25 years, buses replaced every 16 years Minimize Traffic for Drivers & Shippers • Replace aged bridges and maintain
Real Choices When Not Driving High ...... $2,566 • Roads repaved every 17 years, buses replaced every 10 years Save some money for Major Projects! (within national guidelines) • Replace aged bridges and maintain
For simplicity, the cost estimates and budget are shown in millions of present‐day dollars, for a 20‐year period of spending. In each program, the low investment level is based on current spending in our county. 19 All funding levels are in millions of present‐day $, for a 20‐year period. 20
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Q3: System Poll results Q4: Select the amount to invest for Reduce Crashes and Vulnerability
Low ...... $1,121 • Safety signs, guardrail, minor road fixes, & education reduce crashes 10% • Highways in low lying areas unusable for 8 weeks after Category 3 hurricane Medium ...... $1,745 • Low level, plus sidewalks and street lighting on all major roads, and 900 high‐crash intersections get fixes – reducing crashes 20% • Interstate highways in low‐lying areas are protected from storm surge High ...... $3,185 • Medium level, plus 900 miles of “Complete Streets” projects (medians, streetscape, traffic calming) – reducing crashes 50% Text a CODE to 22333 or • Major roads and interstates in low‐lying areas are Slide 21 22 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040 All spending protectedlevels are forfrom 20 storm years, surge in present day million $.
Q4: Safety Poll results Q5: Select the amount to invest for Minimize Traffic for Drivers and Shippers
Low ...... $285 • Traffic signal upgrades reduce delay 7% on major roads • Adjust curbs to move trucks through intersections better Medium ...... $872 • Low level, plus more & better turn lanes at 640 intersections – reducing delay 17% on major roads • Build 1 RR overpass –remove 5 hrs of stopped traffic/day High ...... $1,060 • Medium level, plus 120 miles of freeways have real‐time smart tech, adjusting lanes, speeds, ramp meters – reducing delay 10% on freeways • Build 2 RR overpasses –remove 10 hrs of stopped traffic/day
Text a CODE to 22333 or Slide 23 All spending levels are for 20 years, in present day million $. 24 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
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Q5: Traffic Poll results Q6: Select the amount to invest for Real Choices When Not Driving
Low ...... $1,771 • Paved trails –add 40 miles to today’s 80‐mile system • Bus network –today’s service, plus more evening & weekend service
Medium ...... $2,405 • Paved trails – build 140 miles • Bus network –low level, plus 6 new MetroRapid routes and 30+ new or improved local/connecting routes
High ...... $2,945 • Paved trails – build 240 miles • Bus network –medium level, plus new or improved express bus routes (20+) and flex/ circulator routes (18+)
Text a CODE to 22333 or Slide 25 All spending levels are for 20 years, in present day million $. 26 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
Major Q6: Choices Poll results investments should go where? Use your remaining budget on some big‐ ticket items: widening major roads, building express toll lanes or rapid transit systems.
The map shows areas with the most businesses and jobs. Investing in these areas could promote economic growth.
You can also suggest new projects in the Text a CODE to 22333 or Comments section of Slide 27 28 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040 your paper survey.
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1. Airport North Business 1. Airport North Business
Jobs in 2010: 48,000 Airport North Business Area: $460 M Potential jobs, 2040: 52,000‐65,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Anderson Rd (Hillsborough‐Hoover, Sligh‐ Widen to 4 lanes and 6 Linebaugh) lanes respectively $81.80 Benjamin Rd (Hillsborough to Waters) Widen to 4 lanes $53.72 Dale Mabry Hwy (at Waters Ave) New interchange $89.31 Hillsborough Ave (Veterans Exwy to Dale Mabry) Add frontage roads $94.87 Linebaugh Ave (Sheldon Rd to Veterans Exwy) Widen to 6 lanes $49.84 Waters Ave (Sheldon Rd to Veterans Exwy) Widen to 8 lanes $90.56 Other projects which have been suggested: Hoover Ave (Hillsborough to Sligh) Widen to 6 lanes Sligh Ave (Benjamin to Manhattan) Widen to 4 lanes
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2. Brandon West 1. Airport North Business Brandon West: $302 M Jobs in 2010: 25,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 44,000‐108,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Bloomingdale Ave (US 301 to Bell Shoals Rd) Add a reversible lane in center $3.40 New 2‐lane road with turn lanes & Everhard Rd Extension (Falkenburg to US 301) $3.44 medians Parsons / John Moore (Bloomingdale to Widen to 6 lanes north of SR 60, 4 $113.57 Windhorst) lanes south of SR 60 Pauls Drive (Brandon Pky to SR 60/Brandon Blvd) Add turn lanes and median $4.95 Progress Blvd (Falkenburg Rd to US 301) Widen to 4 lanes $24.26 US 301 at SR 60 and at Causeway Blvd 2 new interchanges $115.65 Woodberry Rd (Falkenburg Rd to Lakewood Dr) Widen to 4 lanes $37.19 Other projects which have been suggested: Camden Field Pkwy (US 41 to Falkenburg Rd) New 2 lane road Falkenburg Road (78th Street to Eagle Palm) Extend to 78th Street Gornto Lake Rd (Providence Lake to Providence Widen to 4 lanes Ridge) th Text a CODE to 22333 or Palm River Rd (78 Street to Falkenburg Rd) Widen to 4 lanes Return to map Slide 31 32 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040 US 301 (at Bloomingdale Ave) New interchange
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2. Brandon West 2. Brandon West
Text a CODE to 22333 or 33 Return to map Slide 34 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
3. CSX Rail Intermodal 3. CSX Rail Intermodal
Jobs in 2010: 17,000 CSX Rail Intermodal Area: $35 M Potential jobs, 2040: 25,000‐33,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Broadway Ave (62nd St to US 301) Add turn lanes and medians $21.06 Columbus St (52nd St to 62nd St) Add turn lanes and medians $9.11 62nd St (Columbus to CSX Add turn lanes and medians $4.89 Intermodal Yard)
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3. CSX Rail Intermodal 4. Greater Downtown
Jobs in 2010: 68,000 Greater Downtown: $330 M* Potential jobs, 2040: 80,000‐112,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: Passenger Rail Service going west Reuse the Tampa Streetcar track with (alongside I‐275) modern vehicles, & extend to
Passenger Rail Service going north Add passenger service on the under‐ (parallel to I‐275) used freight track connecting
Passenger Rail Service to Airport Extend the Airport People‐Mover into p, Westshore Intermodal Center Downtown, Pinellas County *This pricetag includes 10 years of operation, 25% paid by passenger fares. Construction costs, and agreements with freight track owner, are supported by federal and state grant programs, similar to Text a CODE to 22333 or the Orlando Sunrail project. Return to map Slide 37 38 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
4. Greater Downtown USF Ybor West Bank
Office Core
Channelside Greater Downtown Conv. Ctr.
Airport
Westshore
Text a CODE to 22333 or 39 Slide 40 Return to map Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
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5. MacDill AFB Area 5. MacDill AFB Area
Jobs in 2010: 8,000 MacDill AFB Area $198 M Potential jobs, 2040: 9,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Gandy Blvd (Selmon Exwy to Gandy Add 2 elevated express toll $180.73 Bridge) lanes Interbay Blvd (Dale Mabry Hwy to Add turn lanes and median $8.55 Manhattan) High Speed Ferry (SouthShore to Commuter service from CENTCOM $8.47* Air Force Base) SouthShore Park & Ride SOCOM *This pricetag does not include operating costs, which are yet to be negotiated. Federal & state Med Center grants cover 50% of construction.
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5. MacDill AFB Area 6. NetPark/Breckenridge
NetPark & Breckenridge Area $246 M Jobs in 2010: 19,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 26,000‐40,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Hanna Ave (Nebraska Ave to Harney Add turn lanes and medians $40.11 Rd) SR 574/M.L. King Jr. Blvd (I‐4 to 40th St) Widen to 4 lanes $44.96 US 92/Hillsborough Ave (Orient Rd to Widen to 6 lanes & build an $57.18 50th St) interchange at 56th St US 301 (Selmon Exwy to Sligh Ave) Widen to 6 lanes $104.05 Other projects which have been suggested: Davis Rd Extension (Harney Rd to New 2 lane road Maislin Dr) Harney Rd (56th Street to Temple Widen to 4 lanes Terrace Hwy) Sligh Ave (56th Street to US 301) Widen to 4 lanes Text a CODE to 22333 or Sligh/Hanna Extension (US 301 to New bridge over Tampa Bypass Return to map Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040 Slide 43 Eureka Springs) Canal 44
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6. NetPark/Breckenridge 6. NetPark/Breckenridge
Text a CODE to 22333 or 45 Return to map Slide 46 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
7. New Tampa & Hidden River 7. New Tampa & Hidden River
Jobs in 2010: 41,000 New Tampa & Hidden River/Telecom Park Potential jobs, 2040: 58,000‐88,000 $260 M These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Fletcher Ave (Bruce B Downs to Morris Widen to 6 lanes $133.18 Bridge Rd) New Tampa Blvd (Bruce B Downs to Widen to 4 lanes $23.92 Commerce Park) New Tampa Blvd Extension (Commerce Park New 4‐lane road $103.14 to I‐275)
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7. New Tampa/Hidden River 8. Plant City East
Jobs in 2010: 6,000 Plant City East $153 M Potential jobs, 2040: 17,000‐32,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Charlie Taylor Rd (I‐4 to US 92) Add turn lanes and median $4.75 Sam Allen Rd (Forbes Rd to Alexander Add turn lanes and median $16.69 Street Sam Allen Rd (Park Road to County Widen to 4 lanes and extend $64.78 Line) eastward to Polk Co Trapnell Rd Extension (Old Mulberry Rd New 2‐lane road $4.74 to Co Line) US 92 (Reynolds St to County Line) Widen to 4 lanes $61.92 Other projects which have been suggested: County Line Rd (north of I‐4 to Knights New 4 lane road Griffin Rd)
Text a CODE to 22333 or Return to map Slide 49 50 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
Q14: Plant City 8. Plant City
Plant City East $153 M Jobs in 2010: 6,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 17,000‐32,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Charlie Taylor Rd (I‐4 to US 92) Add turn lanes and median $4.75 Sam Allen Rd (Forbes Rd to Alexander Street Add turn lanes and median $16.69 Sam Allen Rd (Park Road to County Line) Widen to 4 lanes and extend eastward to P$64.78 Trapnell Rd Extension (Old Mulberry Rd to Co Line) New 2‐lane road $4.74 US 92 (Reynolds St to County Line) Widen to 4 lanes $61.92 Other projects which have been suggested: County Line Rd (north of I‐4 to Knights Griffin Rd) New 4 lane road
Return to map Text a CODE to 22333 or 51 Return to map Slide 52 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
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9. Port Tampa Bay 9. Port Tampa Bay
Jobs in 2010: 11,000 Port Tampa Bay Area $251 M Potential jobs, 2040: 21,000‐25,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Causeway Blvd (US 41/50th St to Widen to 6 lanes $121.17 Falkenburg) US 41/50th St (at Causeway Blvd & CSX New overpass/ interchange $96.75 rail crossing)
78th St (Causeway Blvd to Madison Ave) Widen to 4 lanes $33.40
Other projects which have been suggested
US 41 (Causeway Blvd to Madison Ave) Widen to 6 lanes
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10. Port Redwing/ 9. Port Tampa Bay Big Bend Corridor
Port Redwing/ Big Bend Corridor $129 M Jobs in 2010: 4,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 19,000‐33,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Major improvements at I‐75 (at Big Bend Rd, and at Gibsonton Rd) $73.72 interchanges US 41 (Apollo Beach Blvd to Pembroke Rd/Mosaic) Widen to 6 lanes $54.85 Other projects which have been suggested New 4 lane road with I‐ Apollo Beach Blvd Ext. (US 41 to US 301) 75 overpass Big Bend Rd (US 41 to US 301) Widen to 6 lanes Big Bend Rd (Balm Riverview Rd to Boyette New 2 lane road Rd) Simmons Loop Rd (US 301 to Gibsonton Dr) New 2 lane road
Text a CODE to 22333 or Return to map Slide 55 56 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
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10. Port Redwing/ 10. Port Redwing/ Big Bend Corridor Big Bend Corridor
Text a CODE to 22333 or 57 Return to map Slide 58 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
11. Sabal Park Q17: Sabal Park
Jobs in 2010: 24,000 Sabal Park Area $404M Potential jobs, 2040: 33,000‐55,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions CR 579 (US 92/Hillsborough Ave to Sligh Ave) Widen to 6 lanes $22.79 Falkenburg Rd (Bryan Rd to Hillsborough Ave) Widen to 4 lanes $19.36 Add turn lanes and Lakewood Dr (SR 60/Brandon Blvd to SR 574/MLK) $23.79 medians US 92/Hillsborough Ave (US 301 to Thonotosassa Rd) Widen to 4 lanes $254.63 US 301 (at SR 574/MLK) New interchange $35.17 Williams Rd (Broadway Ave to Sligh Ave) Widen to 4 lanes $48.67 Other projects which have been suggested:
Falkenburg Road (M.L. King Jr. Blvd to Palm River Rd) Widen to 6 lanes
59 60
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11. Sabal Park 12: Sun City Center Commercial
Jobs in 2010: 5,000 Sun City Center Commercial $49 M Potential jobs, 2040: 14,000‐23,000 $ Millions These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: SR 674 (US 301 to CR 579/Saffold Rd) Widen to 4 lanes $49.19 Other projects which have been suggested: Widen to 4 lanes and extend 24th Street (SR 674 to Big Bend Rd) north to Big Bend Rd 30th Street (19th Ave to Apollo Beach New 2 lane road Blvd)
Text a CODE to 22333 or Return to map Slide 61 62 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
12: Sun City Center 12. Sun City Center Commercial Commercial
Text a CODE to 22333 or 63 Return to map Slide 64 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
16 9/23/2014
13. USF Area/Med Centers 13. USF Area/Med Centers
Jobs in 2010: 50,000 USF Area & Med Centers $328 M Potential jobs, 2040: 54,000‐71,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Bearss Ave (I‐275 to Bruce B Downs) Widen to 6 lanes $60.00 Fowler Ave (I‐275 to I‐75) Reconstruct with frontage roads$162.05 Livingston Ave (Bearss to Vandervort) Widen to 6 lanes $41.09 Skipper Rd (Bruce B Downs to 46th St) Widen to 4 lanes $11.38 46th St (Skipper to Fletcher) Widen to 4 lanes $21.25 131st Ave (Nebraska to 30th St) Widen to 4 lanes $31.94 Other projects which have been suggested Bougainvillea Ave (30th Street to Widen to 4 lanes McKinley Dr) Passenger Rail Service going north Add passenger service on the (parallel to I‐275) under‐used freight track to
65 66
13. USF Area/Med Centers 14. Westshore/Rocky Point
Jobs in 2010: 54,000 Westshore & Rocky Point $81 M Potential jobs, 2040: 61,000‐80,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Dale Mabry Hwy (I‐275 to Hillsborough Ave) Add a reversible lane in center $3.04 Memorial Highway (Independence to Widen to 6 lanes $65.24 Hillsborough) Occident St Extension (Westshore Plaza to New 2‐lane road under new I‐275 $4.85 Cypress St) bridge Trask St (Gray St to Boy Scout Blvd)Add turn lanes & medians; extend $7.50 under new I‐275 bridge Other projects which have been suggested: Dale Mabry Hwy (at Columbus Dr) New interchange
Text a CODE to 22333 or Return to map Slide 67 68 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
17 9/23/2014
14. Westshore/Rocky Point 14. Westshore/Rocky Point
Text a CODE to 22333 or 69 Return to map Slide 70 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
15. New Express Toll Lanes 15. New Express Toll Lanes
Interstate Hwy Improvements/ New Express Toll Lanes Willing to Pay Tolls I‐275 (West of Downtown to Howard Frankland Add two express toll lanes each Bridge) direction I‐275 (Downtown interchange to Bearss Ave) Add one express toll lane each I‐4 (East of Downtown to east of I‐75) Add one express toll lane each I‐75 throughout Hillsborough County Add one express toll lane each I‐275 Downtown Interchange Interchange improvements I‐275 Westshore/Memorial Hwy interchange Interchange improvements I‐4 at I‐75 Interchange improvements I‐75 at US 301, I‐4, SR 60, Selmon Exwy Interchange improvements
71 72
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15. New Express Toll Lanes How much have we spent?
Current Budget: $5,403 M • Today’s gas taxes Low Med. High • Bus farebox • Development impact fees • Federal & state grants Potential New Funding: $5,419 M Existing Potential • Extend CIT past 2026 • Add 5 cent/ gal gas tax • Add 1% sales tax
All funding levels are in millions of present‐day $, for a 20‐year period. Return to map Text a CODE to 22333 or Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040 Slide 73 74
Q22: How should we balance the Q22: Poll results budget? (select one) We’ve spent more than the existing funding. How would you like to handle the deficit? Raise Taxes/Fees Spend Less on Projects/Programs
We’ve spent less than the existing funding. How would you like to handle the surplus? No change Pick more Projects/Programs Text a CODE to 22333 or Slide 76 75 Submit responses to PollEv.com/imagine2040
19 9/23/2014
What happens next?
Visit Imagine2040.org before Sept. 1 to complete full survey Complete survey by Aug 25 for free Home Show ticket Tour Imagine 2040 display at Home Show • August 29 ‐ Sept 1 @ Florida State Fairgrounds • Live surveys on iPads, HART CNG bus, Tampa LEGO display + more! Review results and draft plan in October Final LRTP Public Hearing‐ November 12, 2014 YouYou spoke.spoke. WeWe listened.listened. TellTell UsUs More!More! AA Planning Planning Commission Commission – – Metropolitan Metropolitan Planning Planning Organization Organization for for Transportation Transportation Partnership Partnership in Coordinationin Coordination with with the the Transportation Transportation for forEconomic Economic Development Development Initiative Initiative PartPart 2:2: HowHow will will we we get get there? there?
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Appendix 6.2 Paper survey form
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 73
Imagine2040.org You spoke. We listened. Tell Us More! What’s Important to You?
Poll Everywhere: Text to 22333 or go to PollEv.com/Imagine2040
First, think about the big picture. Which strategies would best guide growth? We heard you want to grow as a vibrant and bustling place that our children will want to call home in 20 years. Please select the three ways you think can best get us there.
Q1. Our county needs to… Choose your 3 most important priorities. Keep neighborhood choices Save land to build job centers Build homes near transit COUNTY1 COUNTY2 COUNTY3 Reduce redevelopment rules Fill in and reuse Encourage walkable places COUNTY4 COUNTY5 COUNTY6
Q2. My neighborhood needs to… Choose your 3 most important priorities. Keep neighborhood choices Save land to build job centers Build homes near transit HOOD1 HOOD2 HOOD3 Reduce redevelopment rules Fill in and reuse Encourage walkable places HOOD4 HOOD5 HOOD6
How do we get there? Choose the amount to invest (Low, Medium, or High) over 20 years in each of the four programs: Preserve the System, Reduce Crashes & Vulnerability, Minimize Traffic for Drivers & Shippers, and Real Choices When Not Driving. You have about $5,500 million to spend. For simplicity, the cost estimates and budget are shown in millions of present‐day dollars, for a 20‐year period of spending. In each program, the low investment level is based on current spending in our county. Background information can be found at Imagine2040.org.
Q7‐Q21. Major Projects: Use your remaining budget on some big‐ticket items: widening major roads, building express toll lanes or rapid transit systems. The map shows areas with the most businesses and jobs. Investing in these areas could promote economic growth. Vote for any area’s transportation investments by choosing “Yes” or “No”. You can see projects for each business area on the map, or look at the attached list for more info. You can also suggest new projects in the space provided below.
Rail connecting Downtown, Westshore/Airport, and USF is included in the “Greater Downtown” business area, 4
High speed ferry connecting MacDill Air Force Base and SouthShore is included in the “MacDill AFB” area, 5
New express toll lanes are included in “Interstate Hwy Improvements, 15
Yes No Poll Codes 1. Airport North Business Area: $460 M YESAIR NOAIR Q22. We've spent more than the existng funding. How would you like to handle the 2. Brandon West: $302 M YESBW NOBW deficit? Select one. 3. CSX Rail Intermodal Area: $35 M YESCSX NOCSX Raise Taxes 4. Greater Downtown: $330 M YESGD NOGD OVER1 /Fees 5. MacDill AFB Area $198 M YESAFB NOAFB 6. NetPark & Breckenridge Area $246 M YESNP NONP Spend Less on 7. New Tampa & Hidden River/Telecom Park $260 M YESNT NONT Projects/ OVER2 8. Plant City East $153 M YESPC NOPC Programs 9. Port Tampa Bay Area $251 M YESPT NOPT We've spent less than the existng funding. How would you like to handle the surplus? 10. Port Redwing/ Big Bend Corridor $129 M YESPR NOPR Select one. 11. Sabal Park Area $404M YESSP NOSP No change UNDER1 12. Sun City Center Commercial $49 M YESSUN NOSUN 13. USF Area & Med Centers $328 M YESUSF NOUSF Pick more 14. Westshore & Rocky Point $81 M YESWD NOWD Projects/ UNDER2 15. Interstate Hwy Improvements/ New Express Toll Lanes YESTOLL NOTOLL Programs Comments & Suggestions:
Tell us a little about you Thank you for your time!
Zip Code 22 What best describes you? Registered Voter? Yes No Work outside of my home Work at or from my home Retired or unemployed Student E‐mail Address (Optional) How do you describe yourself?
A mix of ethnicities Hispanic/Latino African American/Black White/Caucasian Which describes your activities in Hillsborough County? American Indian Other Live Play/Visit Asian Work/School Business/Property Owner Some combination of the above
Return survey to: Lisa Silva, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd, 18th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602, fax 813 272‐6255, or [email protected].
Imagine 2040 – Major Projects: 1. Airport North Business Area: $460 M Jobs in 2010: 48,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 52,000‐65,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Anderson Rd (Hillsborough‐Hoover, Sligh‐Linebaugh) Widen to 4 lanes and 6 lanes respectively $81.80 Benjamin Rd (Hillsborough to Waters) Widen to 4 lanes $53.72 Dale Mabry Hwy (at Waters Ave) New interchange $89.31 Hillsborough Ave (Veterans Exwy to Dale Mabry) Add frontage roads $94.87 Linebaugh Ave (Sheldon Rd to Veterans Exwy) Widen to 6 lanes $49.84 Waters Ave (Sheldon Rd to Veterans Exwy) Widen to 8 lanes $90.56 Other projects which have been suggested: Hoover Ave (Hillsborough to Sligh) Widen to 6 lanes Sligh Ave (Benjamin to Manhattan) Widen to 4 lanes Passenger Rail Service alongside Busch/Linebaugh Reuse Existing Freight Track 2. Brandon West: $302 M Jobs in 2010: 25,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 44,000‐108,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Bloomingdale Ave (US 301 to Bell Shoals Rd) Add a reversible lane in center $3.40 Everhard Rd Extension (Falkenburg to US 301) New 2‐lane road with turn lanes & medians $3.44 Parsons / John Moore (Bloomingdale to Windhorst) Widen to 6 lanes north of SR 60, 4 lanes south of SR 60 $113.57
Pauls Drive (Brandon Pky to SR 60/Brandon Blvd) Add turn lanes and median $4.95 Progress Blvd (Falkenburg Rd to US 301) Widen to 4 lanes $24.26 US 301 at SR 60 and at Causeway Blvd 2 new interchanges $115.65 Woodberry Rd (Falkenburg Rd to Lakewood Dr) Widen to 4 lanes $37.19 Other projects which have been suggested: Camden Field Pkwy (US 41 to Falkenburg Rd) New 2 lane road Falkenburg Road (78th Street to Eagle Palm) Extend to 78th Street Gornto Lake Rd (Providence Lake to Providence Ridge) Widen to 4 lanes Palm River Rd (78th Street to Falkenburg Rd) Widen to 4 lanes US 301 (at Bloomingdale Ave) New interchange 3. CSX Rail Intermodal Area: $35 M Jobs in 2010: 17,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 25,000‐33,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Broadway Ave (62nd St to US 301) Add turn lanes and medians $21.06 Columbus St (52nd St to 62nd St) Add turn lanes and medians $9.11 62nd St (Columbus to CSX Intermodal Yard) Add turn lanes and medians $4.89 4. Greater Downtown: $330 M* Jobs in 2010: 68,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 80,000‐112,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: Passenger Rail Service going west (alongside I‐275) Reuse the Tampa Streetcar track with modern vehicles, & extend to Westshore Passenger Rail Service going north (parallel to I‐275) Add passenger service on the under‐used freight track connecting Downtown & USF Passenger Rail Service to Airport Extend the Airport People‐Mover into the Westshore Business District Westshore Intermodal Center Hub for buses & rail to Airport, Downtown, Pinellas County *This pricetag is the local share and includes 10 years of operation, 25% paid by passenger fares. Construction costs, and agreements with freight track owner, are supported by federal and state grant programs, similar to the Orlando Sunrail project. 5. MacDill AFB Area $198 M Jobs in 2010: 8,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 9,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Gandy Blvd (Selmon Exwy to Gandy Bridge) Add 2 elevated express toll lanes $180.73 Interbay Blvd (Dale Mabry Hwy to Manhattan) Add turn lanes and median $8.55 High Speed Ferry (SouthShore to Air Force Base) Commuter service from SouthShore Park & Ride $8.47* *This pricetag does not include operating costs, which are yet to be negotiated. Federal & state grants cover 50% of construction. 6. NetPark & Breckenridge Area $246 M Jobs in 2010: 19,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 26,000‐40,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Hanna Ave (Nebraska Ave to Harney Rd) Add turn lanes and medians $40.11 SR 574/M.L. King Jr. Blvd (I‐4 to 40th St) Widen to 4 lanes $44.96 US 92/Hillsborough Ave (Orient Rd to 50th St) Widen to 6 lanes & build an interchange at 56th St $57.18 US 301 (Selmon Exwy to Sligh Ave) Widen to 6 lanes $104.05 Other projects which have been suggested: Davis Rd Extension (Harney Rd to Maislin Dr) New 2 lane road Harney Rd (56th Street to Temple Terrace Hwy) Widen to 4 lanes Sligh Ave (56th Street to US 301) Widen to 4 lanes Sligh/Hanna Extension (US 301 to Eureka Springs) New bridge over Tampa Bypass Canal Jobs in 2010: 41,000 7. New Tampa & Hidden River/Telecom Park Potential jobs, 2040: 58,000‐88,000 $260 M
These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Fletcher Ave (Bruce B Downs to Morris Bridge Rd) Widen to 6 lanes $133.18 New Tampa Blvd (Bruce B Downs to Commerce Park) Widen to 4 lanes $23.92 New Tampa Blvd Extension (Commerce Park to I‐275) New 4‐lane road $103.14 8. Plant City East $153 M Jobs in 2010: 6,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 17,000‐32,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Charlie Taylor Rd (I‐4 to US 92) Add turn lanes and median $4.75 Sam Allen Rd (Forbes Rd to Alexander Street Add turn lanes and median $16.69 Sam Allen Rd (Park Road to County Line) Widen to 4 lanes and extend eastward to Polk Co $64.78 Trapnell Rd Extension (Old Mulberry Rd to Co Line) New 2‐lane road $4.74 US 92 (Reynolds St to County Line) Widen to 4 lanes $61.92 Other projects which have been suggested: County Line Rd (north of I‐4 to Knights Griffin Rd) New 4 lane road 9. Port Tampa Bay Area $251 M Jobs in 2010: 11,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 21,000‐25,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Causeway Blvd (US 41/50th St to Falkenburg) Widen to 6 lanes $121.17 US 41/50th St (at Causeway Blvd & CSX rail crossing) New overpass/ interchange $96.75 78th St (Causeway Blvd to Madison Ave) Widen to 4 lanes $33.40 Other projects which have been suggested US 41 (Causeway Blvd to Madison Ave) Widen to 6 lanes 10. Port Redwing/ Big Bend Corridor $129 M Jobs in 2010: 4,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 19,000‐33,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions I‐75 (at Big Bend Rd, and at Gibsonton Rd) Major improvements at interchanges $73.72 US 41 (Apollo Beach Blvd to Pembroke Rd/Mosaic) Widen to 6 lanes $54.85 Other projects which have been suggested Apollo Beach Blvd Ext. (US 41 to US 301) New 4 lane road with I‐75 overpass Big Bend Rd (US 41 to US 301) Widen to 6 lanes Big Bend Rd (Balm Riverview Rd to Boyette Rd) New 2 lane road Simmons Loop Rd (US 301 to Gibsonton Dr) New 2 lane road 11. Sabal Park Area $404M Jobs in 2010: 24,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 33,000‐55,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions CR 579 (US 92/Hillsborough Ave to Sligh Ave) Widen to 6 lanes $22.79 Falkenburg Rd (Bryan Rd to Hillsborough Ave) Widen to 4 lanes $19.36 Lakewood Dr (SR 60/Brandon Blvd to SR 574/MLK) Add turn lanes and medians $23.79 US 92/Hillsborough Ave (US 301 to Thonotosassa Rd) Widen to 4 lanes $254.63 US 301 (at SR 574/MLK) New interchange $35.17 Williams Rd (Broadway Ave to Sligh Ave) Widen to 4 lanes $48.67 Other projects which have been suggested: Falkenburg Road (M.L. King Jr. Blvd to Palm River Rd) Widen to 6 lanes 12. Sun City Center Commercial $49 M Jobs in 2010: 5,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 14,000‐23,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions SR 674 (US 301 to CR 579/Saffold Rd) Widen to 4 lanes $49.19 Other projects which have been suggested: 24th Street (SR 674 to Big Bend Rd) Widen to 4 lanes and extend north to Big Bend Rd 30th Street (19th Ave to Apollo Beach Blvd) New 2 lane road 13. USF Area & Med Centers $328 M Jobs in 2010: 50,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 54,000‐71,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Bearss Ave (I‐275 to Bruce B Downs) Widen to 6 lanes $60.00 Fowler Ave (I‐275 to I‐75) Reconstruct with frontage roads $162.05 Livingston Ave (Bearss to Vandervort) Widen to 6 lanes $41.09 Skipper Rd (Bruce B Downs to 46th St) Widen to 4 lanes $11.38 46th St (Skipper to Fletcher) Widen to 4 lanes $21.25 131st Ave (Nebraska to 30th St) Widen to 4 lanes $31.94 Other projects which have been suggested Bougainvillea Ave (30th Street to McKinley Dr) Widen to 4 lanes Passenger Rail Service going north (parallel to I‐275) Add passenger service on the under‐used freight track to northern suburbs
14. Westshore & Rocky Point $81 M Jobs in 2010: 54,000 Potential jobs, 2040: 61,000‐80,000 These projects are on or parallel to the most congested roads: $ Millions Dale Mabry Hwy (I‐275 to Hillsborough Ave) Add a reversible lane in center $3.04 Memorial Highway (Independence to Hillsborough) Widen to 6 lanes $65.24 Occident St Extension (Westshore Plaza to Cypress St) New 2‐lane road under new I‐275 bridge $4.85 Trask St (Gray St to Boy Scout Blvd) Add turn lanes & medians; extend under new I‐275 bridge $7.50
Other projects which have been suggested: Dale Mabry Hwy (at Columbus Dr) New interchange 15. Interstate Hwy Improvements/ New Express Toll Lanes I‐275 (West of Downtown to Howard Frankland Bridge) Add two express toll lanes each direction I‐275 (Downtown interchange to Bearss Ave) Add one express toll lane each direction I‐4 (East of Downtown to east of I‐75) Add one express toll lane each direction I‐75 throughout Hillsborough County Add one express toll lane each direction I‐275 Downtown Interchange Interchange improvements I‐275 Westshore/Memorial Hwy interchange Interchange improvements I‐4 at I‐75 Interchange improvements I‐75 at US 301, I‐4, SR 60, Selmon Exwy Interchange improvements
Appendix 6.3 Outreach materials
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 78 You Spoke. We Listened.
Tell Us More. imagine2040.org We heard what you want - now tell us how to get there. By 2040, Hillsborough County will have over half a million new residents and almost half a million new jobs. How will we all get around? Visit imagine2040.org and tell us which projects you would invest in. Not everyone can make it to a public meeting. Share your thoughts online or contact us for a presentation to your group.
Take the survey online by August 25 & get a free Home Show ticket! Get innovative ideas and expert advice at 900+ exhibits, all under one roof! Imagine 2040 is a partnership Take 10 between the Hillsborough MPO minutes to and the Planning Commission. decide our future! 813/272-5940 • [email protected] Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, family or religious status. Persons needing translation services or special accommodations (provided at no cost) due to a disability should contact [email protected] or 813/272-5940.
The Current Budget is based on continuing today's taxes, fees, and grants, such as the existing gas tax (7 cents per gallon is levied by Hillsborough County); federal and state grants for transportation; and transit rider fares.
If local residents wish to raise more money for transportation, there are a number of ways to do that-- but only a few, shown here, raise enough funds to make a difference. More information on revenues is at www.planhillsborough.org/imagine 2040/
Today we spend most of our existing budget on the four Programs. We are able to pay for the Low investment levels, and have a little left over for a few Major Projects.
Appendix 6.4 Online and print advertisements
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 81
Print and Online Ads – Tampabay.com – July & August 2014
Print Ads – Osprey Observer – July & August 2014
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 82
Print and Online Ads – Tbt* & Tampabay.com – November 2014
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 83
Appendix 6.5 Tweets & Facebook Posts from Public
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 84
Imagine 2040 Social Media Engagement Twitter Handle: Hillsborough MPO Related 'Tweets' from July 2014 to October 2014 (Mentions + accompanying conversations and posts tagged #Imagine2040)
Date Handle Content Direct Replies and Conversations
Kids bored? Join me Thurs @TampaBayGP to kickoff #Imagine2040 survey. I'll be there 9:30‐11. 7/9/2014 @MeredythTV http://www.planhillsborough.org/imagine2040/
First stop today: Go kart racing in support of #Imagine2040 @HillsboroughMPO @PlnHillsborough http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs124/1102733644 7/10/2014 @MeredythTV 576/archive/1117862335213.html#LETTER.BLOCK50 … Mayor Chillura @CityofTempleTer helps usher in phase 2 of #Imagine 2040 @HillsboroughMPO wants 2 hear 7/10/2014 @LJMFLA frm u
Want to weigh in on what Tampa should look like in the future? Here's your chance. @abcactionnews 7/10/2014 @deiahrileywfts http://bit.ly/1sAUFw8
@HillsboroughMPO #imagine2040 media event. Shout out to @BobHenriquez & @hcpafl for including info in 7/10/2014 @FloridaNereia TRIM notice
Jack Harris @970wfla launching #Imagine2040 survey II. It'll help shape TB's future. $10 racing Tampa Bay Grand 7/10/2014 @MeredythTV Prix. Racing to the future for #Imagine2040. Come join me at 7/10/2014 @MeredythTV Grand Prix Tampa on Cragmont Dr. I'll be here til 11 ish.
Councilwoman @LJMFLA among the supporters of #Imagine2040, a plan to shape future transportation, 7/10/2014 @MeredythTV growth, safety.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 85
Frank Chillura, mayor of @CityofTempleTer also here to support #Imagine2040. Learn more 7/10/2014 @MeredythTV http://www.planhillsborogh.org @FloridaNereia @HillsboroughMPO @BobHenriquez 7/10/2014 @BrianWillisTPA @hcpafl do you get to ride the go carts?
@HillsboroughMPO #Imagine2040 Confunions says ... planning 4 the future requires your participatuon. 7/10/2014 @LJMFLA @CityofTampa
@HillsboroughMPO The guys really enjoyed the #Imagine2040 kickoff @TampaBayGP @Bdoubledeuce 7/10/2014 @Bdoubledeuce takes the win!! #25.6 Great event today W/ @HillsboroughMPO with rollout 7/10/2014 @KOHareFL of Imagine 2040 Pt 2!
TY for having me! MT @HillsboroughMPO: You're great @ selfies & public speaking! #imagine2040 7/10/2014 @MeredythTV http://imagine2040.org
We're at the #imagine2040 public hearing. Keep an eye out for phase 2 of public input this... 7/12/2014 @CoastBikes http://4sq.com/1xQirrW
Here's me "racing to the future" (#44) with @HillsboroughMPO! Take #imagine2040 survey ‐ 7/14/2014 @MeredythTV http://imagine2040.org
Attending FDOT Westshore Multimodal public hearing. Good turnout @TBARTA @HillsboroughMPO @MyFDOT 7/17/2014 @MarkSharpeFL ‐ smart transit hubs are good for business
Tired of #traffic? What's #IMAGINE2040? Lets talk about it~ Sat. 3pm https://soundcloud.com/lynntbf/tired‐of‐ traffic‐whats‐imagine‐2040‐lets‐talk‐sat‐ 3pm?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share& 7/17/2014 @TalkBackFlorida utm_medium=twitter …
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 86
@HillsboroughMPO @MarkSharpeFL HART Board Raises Concerns About MPO's Rail Plan and Proposed Restructuring http://eyeontampabay.blogspot.com/2014/07/hart‐ 7/22/2014 @shcalvert13 board‐raises‐concerns‐about‐mpos.html …
MT @HillsboroughMPO Exec Dir Ray Chiaramonte #imagine2040 with @BN9traffic.Story airs WED! 7/22/2014 @BN9traffic http://imagine2040.org
Take the #Imagine2040 Part 2 Survey! #ShareThis @HillsboroughMPO http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/n ews/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/7/23 7/24/2014 @BN9traffic /input_needed_for_tra.html … @HillsboroughMPO asking public for input on #Imagine2040 long‐range plan. http://tbo.com/news/business/county‐planners‐ask‐ public‐for‐input‐on‐development‐priorities‐ 7/24/2014 @GoHART 20140723/ …
@HillsboroughMPO Randal Nardone and All Aboard Florida has come up with a pump and dump scheme 7/24/2014 @gprince1110 arresting poor blacks http://youtu.be/23wQxVAW8LQ
County planners ask public for input on development priorities http://shar.es/LXhcU via @sharethis 7/24/2014 @Yvette_Hammett #hillsboroughfuture #imagine2040
Weigh in on Hillsborough's future at http://imagine2040.org Take survey by 8/25; get a 7/24/2014 @FLHomeShow @FLHomeShow ticket! #imagine2040
7:25a @RayChiaramonte @HillsboroughMPO discusses #Imagine2040 LISTEN{http://bit.ly/1qGQke2 } 970am 7/28/2014 @970wfla #Tampa
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 87
Take the @HillsboroughMPO #Imagine2040 Part 2 Survey to have a say in Tampa's transportation future! 7/28/2014 @CoastBikes http://bit.ly/UyiWXB
MT @CoastBikes: Take the @HillsboroughMPO #Imagine2040 Part 2 Survey to have a say in #Tampa's 7/28/2014 @wmnfnews transportation future http://bit.ly/UyiWXB
MT @CoastBikes: Take the @HillsboroughMPO #Imagine2040 Part 2 Survey to have a say in #Tampa's 7/28/2014 @TampaDailyNews transportation future http://bit.ly/UyiWXB
Check out my recent appearance at the launch of #Imagine2040 : Part 2. You'll see me @ the end. 7/29/2014 @MeredythTV http://youtu.be/YtjtvZzdFhY via @YouTube
How do you want the University area, Tampa, and Hillsborough County to change over the next 20 years? 7/29/2014 @SPAUSF Participate... http://fb.me/4cyFtpcCe
Transportation for Economic Development in @HillsboroughFL rolls out comprehensive #mobility 7/29/2014 @83DegreesMedia strategy #TampaBay @LJMFLA: @83DegreesMedia @HillsboroughFL and it consists of ??? @HillsboroughMPO Vice Chair would love to get a look at the plan. @ConnectTB @GoHART ICYMI I almost did. Leadrs unveil dtails of Hillsborough transportation tax plan http://shar.es/L5cV4 @ConnectTB @HillsboroughMPO 7/30/2014 @LJMFLA @GoHART
Tampa Bay has fewer public transit trips per capita than Kalamazoo, Reno, & Anchorage. Why? Spending: http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/how‐your‐citys‐ 8/5/2014 @ConnectTB public‐transit‐stacks‐up/ …
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 88
@LJMFLA: @ConnectTB Sorry no one @HillsboroughMPO 2day speakng drng public comment. It was the 1st presentation by county on #TED/PLG plan. #novoice
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO we have spoken many time to many places about the county plan. MPO LRTP not as ambitious.
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO hoping that the LRTP transit plans change. Have explain many times that people not heard by MPO
@LJMFLA: @ConnectTB no presence @HillsboroughMPO to stand agnst wider rds & 2 speak re: lack of TED/PLG public particptn = apathy n brd membrs minds
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO again we spoke to MPO & they have less transit than any plan in history in survey. Not being heard.
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 89
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO there are 30% less road widenings in TED/PLG than MPO survey ...
@LJMFLA: @ConnectTB @HillsboroughMPO as vice chair I am at every meeting and there has never been a full house of speakers
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO well when thousands participate in a survey & it is ignored why would anyone?
@LJMFLA: @ConnectTB @HillsboroughMPO I don't see the respondents being ignored. Results not yet tabulated.
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO the first survey was. Transit was #1 and MPO survey cuts transit by min of 59% TEd/PLG has no such limitation
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@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO No major transit projects outside city of Tampa & more
@LJMFLA: @ConnectTB @HillsboroughMPO TED/PLG not been presntd & don't know wht is/is not included & may change aftr they decide 2 consult the public
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO it's why we have not asked our members to participate in survey #2 Finding way to do it while rejecting transit cut
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO I thought they just presented to MPO today? It's available online.
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO but why the min 59% transit cut from 2035 in MPO survey? It's why we called your office hoping to meet,
@ConnectTB: @LJMFLA @HillsboroughMPO what is public puts the highest amount available for transit at 5 times MPO survey
Tampa‐ mention disability access :) MT @HillsboroughMPO: I weighed in on Hillsborough’s 8/5/2014 @mutant_robot future at http://imagine2040.org You should too! @HillsboroughMPO Thank you for supporting public 8/6/2014 @Transit_GATW transportation!
@HillsboroughMPO @BN9traffic @ChuckHenson1 riding in these narrow lanes is scary. How about 8/6/2014 @axelclauberg enforcing that bikers don't ride against traffic
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@HillsboroughMPO: @axelclauberg @BN9traffic @ChuckHenson1 Education and enforcement are a big part of making things safer #imagine2040
Fun story RT @HillsboroughMPO @BN9traffic @ChuckHenson1 talking about new wider bike lanes coming to Fowler http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/n ews/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/8/6/ 8/7/2014 @BN9traffic new_bike_lanes_for_f.html …
In the spirit of cooperation @HillsboroughMPO steps up to help @gohart plan for future http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get 8/7/2014 @MarkSharpeFL /file/1100778660802‐1894/Scan_Doc0040.pdf … Walk Bike News http://conta.cc/1oxS81a from 8/8/2014 @CycleSafeFla @HillsboroughMPO @HillsboroughFL
.@HillsboroughMPO @GoHART Inconvenient Truths on Local Transit Conveniently Avoided 8/10/2014 @shcalvert13 http://bit.ly/1nFxXOS #hillsborough County #transit
PR necesita que los residentes se envuelvan mas con las decisiones del país. Condado de Hills Cty en 8/14/2014 @MarieRivera07 FL.http://imagine2040.org #imagine2040 I weighed in on Hillsborough County's future, you 8/18/2014 @TheNicoHohman should too! #imagine2040 http://bit.ly/1pzklK3
Hillsborough Leaders Engage Public On Transportation http://www.83degreesmedia.com/devnews/transportat ion081914.aspx … @HillsboroughFL @HillsboroughMPO 8/19/2014 @83DegreesMedia @HillsCoPlanCom #transit
I weighed in on Hillsborough's future at http://imagine2040.org You should too! #imagine2040 8/19/2014 @kellymachonis Take survey by 8/25, get a @FLHomeShow ticket!
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@MyFDOT_SEFL Wait, is this an entire video dedicated to victim blaming? I don't get it @TampaPD 8/20/2014 @Flmassacre @HillsboroughMPO
Ok I compiled ppl's tweets about the barriers to biking and transit working together: https://storify.com/urbanadonia/barriers‐to‐ 8/20/2014 @urbanadonia multimodal‐collaboration‐bikes‐and‐bus … @PolkTPO: @urbanadonia @BikeLeague Thank you for gathering this data. @MetroPlan_Orl @HillsboroughMPO Have you seen this?
@HillsboroughMPO: @PolkTPO @urbanadonia TY for compiling and sharing! @BikeLeague @MetroPlan_Orl
Hillsborough Leaders Engage Public On Transportation http://www.83degreesmedia.com/devnews/transportat ion081914.aspx … @HillsboroughFL @HillsboroughMPO 8/21/2014 @83DegreesMedia @HillsCoPlanCom #mobility 7 Excellent Examples of Repurposed Bike Infrastructure ‐ by @RachelAnnaD ‐ http://nextcity.org/daily/entry/best‐bike‐lanes‐bike‐ 8/22/2014 @NextCityOrg infrastructure … @BicycleManSnel: @NextCityOrg @RachelAnnaD @cl_tampabay @CityofTampa @BobBuckhorn @TampaBayCycle @HillsboroughMPO @HillsboroughFL Delving into the FTA transit funding process at 8/26/2014 @TBARTA workshop with @HillsboroughMPO Trying to watch the @HillsboroughMPO meeting is HTV 8/26/2014 @BrianWillisTPA streaming not working for everyone or is it just me?
Next meeting of @CafeconTampa is Friday at 8a at Hugo’s on Howard. Guest this week is Ray Chiaramonte, 8/27/2014 @carlsonbill Executive Director @HillsboroughMPO
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Next meeting of @CafeconTampa is Friday at 8a at Hugo’s on Howard. Guest this week is Ray Chiaramonte, 8/27/2014 @CafeconTampa Executive Director @HillsboroughMPO
RT @HillsboroughMPO: #Tampa, you ain’t seen nothin’ ‘til you see our city in Legos! More than a million, all 4 8/28/2014 @TampaTweeters days. #flhomeshow #thebigshow
Ray Chiaramonte from @hillscoplancom and @HillsboroughMPO at @CafeconTampa this am 8/29/2014 @CafeconTampa http://ow.ly/i/6I7Gz
Ray Chiaramonte from @hillscoplancom and @HillsboroughMPO at @CafeconTampa this am 8/29/2014 @carlsonbill http://ow.ly/i/6I7Gz
RT @HillsboroughMPO: Great people at @FLHomeShow taking #imagine2040 survey! We’ll be here. MON too. 8/31/2014 @FLHomeShow How about you?
RT @HillsboroughMPO: We’re here at @flstfairgrounds for the @FLHomeShow. Take the #imagine2040 survey 9/1/2014 @FLHomeShow and get 10 FREE go kart laps! Hearing updates on WIC & TIA master plan at 9/2/2014 @TBARTA @HillsboroughMPO board meeting
.@MarkSharpeFL @HillsboroughMPO #Hillsborough must fix it’s critical road funding gap now‐our lives may depend on it http://www.betterroads.com/firefighters‐ 9/2/2014 @shcalvert13 plea‐for‐better‐roads‐and‐bridges/ … I weighed in on Hillsborough's future at 9/2/2014 @Rolandmassa73 http://imagine2040.org You should too! #imagine2040
Let your voice be heard Hillsborough! Visit http://Imagine2040.org and create your transportation 9/2/2014 @LJMFLA future. http://fb.me/2CSp93Dbf
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.@HillsboroughMPO Where’s next 600K going? Probably where the last 600K went & not in 36 story towers in Tampa http://eyeontampabay.blogspot.com/2014/09/where‐ 9/3/2014 @shcalvert13 will‐next‐600000‐live.html …
@HillsboroughMPO thank you for all you do and for all you added to Labor Day show at @flstfairgrounds :) 9/3/2014 @FLHomeShow #FLHomeShow #thebigshow
Melissa Zornita @hillsboroughmpo kicks off #fapa2014 on last day of public input for #imagine2040 with 9/4/2014 @davbiggs @MetroQuest http://ow.ly/i/6M0O3
Melissa Zornita @hillsboroughmpo kicks off #fapa2014 on last day of public input for #imagine2040 with 9/4/2014 @MetroQuest @MetroQuest http://ow.ly/i/6M0O3
Great session at #APAFL14 about engaging thousands for #imagine2040 with @HillsboroughMPO 9/5/2014 @davbiggs @FLHomeShow http://ow.ly/i/6MZMk
Great session at #APAFL14 about engaging thousands for #imagine2040 with @HillsboroughMPO 9/5/2014 @MetroQuest @FLHomeShow http://ow.ly/i/6MZMk
#APAFL14 President‐Elect Melissa Zornitta @HillsboroughMPO thumbs up talking about 9/5/2014 @MetroQuest @MetroQuest in #imagine2040 http://ow.ly/i/6N07V
#APAFL14 President‐Elect Melissa Zornitta @HillsboroughMPO thumbs up talking about 9/5/2014 @davbiggs @MetroQuest in #imagine2040 http://ow.ly/i/6N07V
RT @MetroQuest: Great session at #APAFL14 about engaging thousands for #imagine2040 with @HillsboroughMPO @FLHomeShow 9/8/2014 @FLHomeShow http://ow.ly/i/6MZMk
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MT @HillsboroughMPO: Brian Santos sharing our @FLHomeShow partnership via gotomtg at #APAFL14 ‐ 9/8/2014 @FLHomeShow working to improve life in our region.
.@MarkSharpeFL @HillsboroughMPO Pls correct the public record‐there’s NOT $1.4B dedicated to roads over next 4‐5 yrs http://eyeontampabay.blogspot.com/2014/09/lets‐ 9/8/2014 @shcalvert13 correct‐record‐about‐county‐road.html … @MarkSharpeFL: #s on way @shcalvert13: @HillsboroughMPO Pls correct the public record‐ there’s NOT $1.4B dedicated to roads over next 4‐5 yrs
@HillsboroughMPO: @MarkSharpeFL TIP graphic shows breakdown of the $1.4 billion to be spent on transportation projects over next 5 yrs
#imagine2040part2 survey shows strong support for light rail and tax increases for transit projects 9/10/2014 @KOHareFL countywide #connecttb @HillsboroughMPO
At the @hillsboroughmpo CAC meeting. Here is a rendering of the intermodal center in Westshore. What 9/10/2014 @BrianWillisTPA do you think? @SaintPetersblog: @BrianWillisTPA Absolutely inspiring (to geometry majors who enjoy pics of squares and circles). @hillsboroughmpo @bduryeatimes
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@seeltampa: @BrianWillisTPA @HillsboroughMPO does site have opp for future higher density? Looks low‐rise to me 4 the intersctn of TIA, 275, & any rail
@BrianWillisTPA: @seeltampa @HillsboroughMPO @TylerJHudson the response to concerns is basically ignore the rendering we provided you
@TylerJHudson: @BrianWillisTPA @seeltampa @HillsboroughMPO can we at least get a Bass Pro Shops above the intermodal center? @kmthurman: @BrianWillisTPA @WS_Alliance @HillsboroughMPO not sure what modes it's connecting. That is the key question before we build anything
@ResponsibleRad1: @BrianWillisTPA @WS_Alliance @HillsboroughMPO In the wrong place. Destroys the Doubletree hotel & jobs. Designed for 1850's transportation.
@BrianWillisTPA: @ResponsibleRad1 @WS_Alliance @HillsboroughMPO 1850's transportation?
@ReponsibleRad1: @BrianWillisTPA @WS_Alliance @HillsboroughMPO trains...
@BrianWillisTPA @HillsboroughMPO does site have opp for future higher density? Looks low‐rise to me 4 the 9/10/2014 @seeltampa intersctn of TIA, 275, & any rail
Learning about the Imagine 2040 plan and transportation at our meeting this evening. 9/23/2014 @TBYR @HillsboroughMPO @HillsCoPlanCom
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Conversation by @HillsboroughMPO regarding the road system presentation program. MSG ‐ take care of what 9/30/2014 @MarkSharpeFL we have before adding to network
Amazing! Thanks RT@HillsboroughMPO: MPO Board passes a letter of support for @yesongreenlight #transit 9/30/2014 @yesongreenlight #regionalism #imagine2040” The @HillsboroughMPO just approved a letter of 9/30/2014 @TBARTA support for the @Greenlight2014 effort this morning
United for Progress! RT @TBARTA: The @HillsboroughMPO just approved a letter of support for 9/30/2014 @Kenwelch the @Greenlight2014 effort this morning @ChiaramonteRayC @HillsboroughMPO ‐ #Tampa needs better #transit system to compete. 9/30/2014 @bcarlin http://buff.ly/YP5a54
Tampa (and surrounding region) need better transit to compete http://tbo.com/news/business/tampa‐needs‐ better‐transit‐system‐to‐compete‐official‐says‐ 10/1/2014 @TBARTA 20140930/ … @HillsboroughMPO We can do better! This is an embarrassment.... 10/2/2014 @geraldunf @HillsboroughMPO @HillsboroughFL @HillsboroughFL: @geraldunf The guardrail is for the canal hazard here and existed before either the bike lane or the sidewalk. @HillsboroughMPO #Safety
New #Fletcher #traffic signal activated near Walmart. #CrossSafe @MyFDOT_Tampa @WalkWiseFlorida 10/2/2014 @HillsboroughFL @HillsboroughMPO
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@FLmassacre: @HillsboroughFL @MyFDOT_Tampa @WalkWiseFlorida @HillsboroughMPO Is this a HAWK?
@FLmassacre: @HillsboroughFL @MyFDOT_Tampa @WalkWiseFlorida @HillsboroughMPO nm, zoomed in. Conventional traffic light. Nice ‐ if quick response!
@HillsboroughFL: @FLmassacre Fletcher also has 5 mid block crossings with overhead RRFBs coming online soon. http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/crosssafe
@FLmassacre: @HillsboroughFL Great news. I'm still unimpressed with RRFB driver compliance compared to traffic lights. Are lights THAT cost prohibitive?
@FLmassacre: @HillsboroughFL I mean, 75% is >> 0%, but 99%+ is way better. With 75%, in time it takes to cross "expected value" of non‐yielding cars > 1
@FLmassacre: @HillsboroughFL Don't get me wrong I'm very happy something's being done, +++safety, but it's a missed opportunity w/o hooks 4 future gains Busy street in Tampa gets a pricey makeover 10/7/2014 @WFLA http://8.wfla.com/1CQYrqI @WFLAMelissa
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@FLmassacre: @WFLAMelissa @GoHART @WFLA Deadly street in #Tampa gets overdue safety makeover. #StopKillingPedestrians
@FLmassacre: @GoHART @WFLA But still, this is GREAT news @HillsboroughMPO, but hope @WFLAMelissa can learn that her writing is full of victim blaming
@HillsboroughMPO: .@FLmassacre @WFLA When it comes to walking/biking #safety's a 2way street. Be seen, be alert, be aware + courteous, follow rules #savelives
@FLmassacre: @HillsboroughMPO @WFLA Agreed. But in some cases it's difficult, unsafe, or impossible when the road & rules aren't designed for you :‐(
Facebook Handle: Hillsborough MPO Incoming Facebook Posts from July 2014 to September 2014
Date Author Post Likes Shares Replies
So if you live or work in Hillsborough County, check your tax bill. Florida's Largest Home Show is in every tax bill in Hillsborough County. Special thanks to Lynn Urban Planner and Hillsborough MPO. We are ready for the Labor Day Weekend show, FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS, Aug 29 ‐ 8/14/2014 Paige Kolm Sept 1. 6 1 "Sweet!!!" "Making effective fixed guideway transit investments: Indicators of 8/8/2014 Catherine Hartley success" 4 0
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Appendix 6.6 Public Comment Log
LRTP Needs Assessment November 2014 Imagine 2040: Part 2 Public Engagement Summary Page 101 VisitTime Identifier Source FeedbackID FeedbackText 2014/07/10 15:54:53 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 89751 Why are buses lumped in with roads? I don't like any of these choices, because they all preserve and continue the auto-centric exclusivity of our 2014/07/10 15:54:53 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 89753 Why are buses lumped in with roads? I don't like any of these choices, because they all preserve and continue the auto-centric exclusivity of our plan moving forward for this county, I will absolutely be moving my family out of this area and will encourage everyone I know to do the same. 2014/07/11 19:01:00 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 89868 test comment 2014/07/11 19:01:00 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 89869 test comment 2014/07/11 19:01:00 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 89870 test comment 2014/07/14 20:45:31 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 89957 If you choose low onthe first three programs, you still cannot choose high for "real choices". Result against high real choices is pre-determined. 2014/07/15 16:59:15 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 90209 To me the most important items are to reduce crashes and Vulnerability as well as minimize traffic for drivers and shippers. I also think roadways 2014/07/18 15:49:51 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 90674 if you focus more on active transportation (people powered) and less on autocentric, then you will save money in the long run on road maintenan 2014/07/23 22:33:41 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 91690 Light rail 2014/07/24 11:28:33 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 91768 few people like the bus system... it's as much perception as anything else. we need ferry and light/metro rail with easy bike/walk access. 2014/07/24 15:40:33 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 91867 I want more than what is in the current budget. I am a 24 year old who plans to live in Hillsborough for the next 30-40 years to work at USF, so I a 2014/07/24 19:26:56 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 91988 Look for areas that can open traffic to existing roads and reduce traffic on crowded roads. For example in Sun City Center connect Del Web to 19 2014/07/28 16:01:52 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 92285 Under Preserve the System, I hope road repaving includes our neighborhoods. The roads in the Seminole Heights area are horrible. While thes flooding in neighborhood streets is also important, and the City has done a good job on that lately. As far as Real Choices When Not Driving, it w to continue to invest in long term parking as it grows. This public transit needs to have connections to downtown USF (for students at USF), Tam 2014/07/28 16:01:52 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 92286 Under Preserve the System, I hope road repaving includes our neighborhoods. The roads in the Seminole Heights area are horrible. While thes flooding in neighborhood streets is also important, and the City has done a good job on that lately. As far as Real Choices When Not Driving, it w to continue to invest in long term parking as it grows. This public transit needs to have connections to downtown USF (for students at USF), Tam 2014/08/12 15:17:50 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 95167 It's clear increased investment is necessary, and that should be focused not on business as usual, but on changing our priorities. 2014/08/12 16:45:23 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 95236 Develop a true mass transit system; metro system into the airport and to major living areas. Tampa will never become a viable cosmopolitan city make roads more bike friendly and encourage use 2014/08/13 17:45:24 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 95503 Maintenance is only part of the issue - making our roads look nicer will drive higher property values and taxes. We spend alot already on road pr 2014/08/14 13:55:16 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 95951 I don't believe investing in the bus network is the best option. We need to encourage viable alternatives to vehicular transportation. Let's make Hi 2014/08/14 19:16:16 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96142 omit "street scape" and apply funds to medians and traffic calming 2014/08/14 19:16:16 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96143 omit "street scape" and apply funds to medians and traffic calming make the new sidewalk areas wider to account for more pedestrian use 2014/08/14 19:16:16 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96144 omit "street scape" and apply funds to medians and traffic calming make the new sidewalk areas wider to account for more pedestrian use enough of the trails. they are not in areas where people commute they se 2014/08/14 19:16:16 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96145 omit "street scape" and apply funds to medians and traffic calming make the new sidewalk areas wider to account for more pedestrian use enough of the trails. they are not in areas where people commute they se 2014/08/14 22:36:33 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96276 If you would just build roads of better quality to begin with (like they do in Germany) you wouldn't need to spend the money or create the inconven quality to last that long. It's a shame we are so short sighted about this. 2014/08/14 23:59:48 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96311 We need to be investing in functional mass transit and light rail. Also no one that has a car is going to ride the bus if you don't at the VERY LEAS 2014/08/14 23:59:48 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96313 We need to be investing in functional mass transit and light rail. Also no one that has a car is going to ride the bus if you don't at the VERY LEAS 2014/08/15 22:13:16 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96672 You can't ignore light rail, just because people who've never lived anywhere else don't think it will work. Just look at Pittsburgh, St Louis, etc. 2014/08/16 13:06:27 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96718 Infrastructure should be a top priority. De-emphasize dubious cultural / sports investments like stadiums that are too event-based. Give emphasis 2014/08/16 16:14:47 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96755 Please consider more non-vehicle related transportation opportunities projects; too much focus on personal vehicular traffic. Building more trails stuck on old ways of thinking. Please (1) include an assessment of openness to new ideas/creativity/innovation in your screening of applicants f remarking existing paved roads to include bike lanes, etc. 2014/08/17 13:11:26 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96812 Add bike trails to encourage people to bike to work... 2014/08/17 13:11:26 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96815 Add bike trails to encourage people to bike to work... What would be the cost to build a bike trail around the bay? I don't know anyone who now o 2014/08/17 13:27:21 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 96817 I am confused as to how rail is left out of most of these plans and choices. between 3 & 4 of this, rail is mentioned only once. It's not worth being 2014/08/18 22:36:48 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 97028 Perhaps it's about time to spend more on roads, traffic and emergency management. 2014/08/20 17:00:15 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 97698 "Minimize traffic..." Maybe somewhere between medium and high. 2 railroad over passes would be helpful but no added smart tech & real time tra 2014/08/21 14:20:50 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 97875 We have plenty of offline trails, we would be better off with sidewalks for walking and biking between SOHO, downtown and ybor 2014/08/21 16:26:33 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 97907 I think sidewalks are much more important than hiking trails. Shouldn't groups like Sierra Club and Parks/Rec take care of hiking? 2014/08/24 16:32:27 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 99417 It is painfully obvious that the rail component is missing. How can you have a tab called "real choices when not driving" and include only include then I feel it will hamper our ability to compete with other markets for attracting companies to relocate here and prevent our ability to grow and thr 2014/08/24 16:32:27 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 99418 It is painfully obvious that the rail component is missing. How can you have a tab called "real choices when not driving" and include only include then I feel it will hamper our ability to compete with other markets for attracting companies to relocate here and prevent our ability to grow and thr date with new technology; I am not in favor of building more lanes or widening highways, or other roadways. We cannot pave our way to reduced 2014/08/24 16:32:27 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 99419 It is painfully obvious that the rail component is missing. How can you have a tab called "real choices when not driving" and include only include then I feel it will hamper our ability to compete with other markets for attracting companies to relocate here and prevent our ability to grow and thr date with new technology; I am not in favor of building more lanes or widening highways, or other roadways. We cannot pave our way to reduced 2014/08/26 02:28:39 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 100094 na 2014/08/27 12:02:50 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 100441 the way this county continues to better the quality of life - all of the sidewalks and walking spaces, for example - bike areas - these choices make 2014/08/27 17:14:04 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 100567 Raise tobacco tax by a % that would offset budget overages. 2014/08/29 18:25:20 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 102902 Would like to see better bus service that connects sun city and other communities like that to Brandon, downtown. Connect to rail. Like in Europe 2014/08/31 10:55:32 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 103085 Get the school buses off of major commuting roads and thoroughfares. The impact on traffic of buses is impactful. 2014/09/03 03:05:07 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 103377 Define paved trails. 2014/09/03 15:41:42 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 103413 Raise taxes for safety. Paying more money is worth it if it will reduce Florida's (already high) pedestrian mortality rate. 2014/09/03 15:41:42 S3_InvestmentPrograms_Comme ProgramsComment,67651 103414 Raise taxes for safety. Paying more money is worth it if it will reduce Florida's (already high) pedestrian mortality rate. 2014/07/10 14:36:42 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89744 Complete the Citrus Park Drive extension from Sheldon Road to Countryway Boulevard. 2014/07/10 15:54:53 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89754 Why are transit options like the ferry for MacDill AFB pumped in with $190 million being blown on roads? The entire point of why this region sucks automobiles. And upcoming generations are vigorously rejecting that failed planning model. Why is Hillsborough County insisting on implementin 2014/07/10 17:00:21 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89763 WIDEN I-275 from Howard Franklin into Tampa. Why does it makes sense to go from 4 lanes to 2 and create the huge bottle neck. Move the Vet 2014/07/10 18:03:47 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89768 Sligh/Hanna Extension (US 301 to Eureka Springs) New bridge over Tampa Bypass Canal. DELETE the project. The Eureka Springs communit 2014/07/11 12:11:15 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89815 i wouold support a 1 cent increase inthe sales tax and up to a 5 cent increase in gas tax as long as all revenue is dedicated to highway and bridg through traffic on I-75, I-5 and I-275. 2014/07/11 13:27:00 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89819 Add - Westshore Blvd complete streets project 2014/07/11 13:31:32 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89820 Gunn Hwy is operating poorly. The intersection of Gunn & Linebaugh os a bottleneck. The E-W routes from Westchase to the east and Citrus Pa 2014/07/11 15:18:25 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89830 We need even more transit options!m 2014/07/11 15:45:17 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89837 Ffff 2014/07/11 19:16:26 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89871 No need to widen/expand roads in Westshore, Downtown Tampa and USF area with expanded public transit (BRT/Rail) 2014/07/13 23:21:37 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89916 Need to connect light rail from citrus park, town and country, and carrolwood to downtown, airport, USF, and South Tampa area 2014/07/14 19:28:08 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89955 You will not need to raise taxes as your projection of over 150,000 new jobs in these areas should provide more than enough to cover the budget 2014/07/15 02:07:01 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 89988 i would have voted for some sort of mass transit connecting aread. i dont want new development. i want intensification of existing development. 2014/07/16 16:00:37 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 90441 no more road widenings- more transit 2014/07/18 06:01:40 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 90634 We have many North/South transportation options including the Suncoast parkway, I275, and I75. We have a dearth however or limited access ro a true transportation loop that connects the Suncoast expressway, I275, and I75. Yes, this is an expensive endeavor, but is a necessity based on 2014/07/19 02:28:54 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 90885 Please don't widen roads! It will lead to more sprawl! I'm sure you all are aware of this since you went to planning school. But interestingly, widen sustainable and now is the time to HALT it and focus on density, walkability, and connectivity. Again, you probably know this already. But I'm just 2014/07/22 15:57:51 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91434 More roadway changes for cars is not needed. Reducing the NEED for cars will reduce the wear on the roads. Complete streets everywhere! Tax 2014/07/22 15:57:51 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91435 More roadway changes for cars is not needed. Reducing the NEED for cars will reduce the wear on the roads. Complete streets everywhere! Tax streets, or just more lanes of traffic?? 2014/07/22 16:30:20 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91441 Major improvements need to be made on Lithia Pinecrest Rd & Bloomingdale Rd. I do not see them noted here at all. 2014/07/23 14:03:55 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91560 Improving road conditions for bike riders and pedestrians. The Tampa Bay area is currently number two in the nation (after the Orlando-Kissimme 2014/07/23 15:42:44 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91563 Encourage occupancy at key economic places like university mall 2014/07/23 22:27:44 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91673 We need more side walks in Sulphur Springs 2014/07/24 00:10:09 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91719 We need light rail ASAP. We alson need to allow for uber and lyft. The current cab companies are scary and several have tried to take me the wr 2014/07/24 00:10:09 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91720 We need light rail ASAP. We alson need to allow for uber and lyft. The current cab companies are scary and several have tried to take me the wr 2014/07/24 09:48:10 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91760 Interstates need more lanes built in quicker time. No tolls 2014/07/24 12:55:40 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91780 I am tired of all the road widening. We need real options to driving. Light rail AND express bus. Busses should provide transportation for the "las 2014/07/24 18:19:48 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 91965 Walking trails do not serve many people. Get private donations to cover the cost. Add sensored traffic lights so traffic does not stop when there 2014/07/25 18:22:29 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 92114 New Project: Extend driverless airport shuttle train to downtown Tampa and possibly Channelside. New Project: Use streetcar on Marion Street extend to bus depot (and possible All Aboard Florida station) then arts district. Use real light rail cars Comment: Ferry connections need rail connections. 2014/07/25 18:28:21 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 92112 There could be increased transit in the Lutz and Odessa areas. 2014/07/26 13:44:01 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 92201 Rail to hwy 60 and I75 too 2014/07/29 21:24:17 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 92583 I'd like to see a rail system. I also own a home in Apollo Beach and I'd like to see rail from there to Tampa. I actually want rail everywhere!! Would of transportation through rail. 2014/07/30 18:14:20 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 92692 I was disapointed that it was set up so that Program choices would excede the current budget without great care. 2014/07/31 15:57:22 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 92804 Sorry about your programs but roads come first. All this "walkable" stuff sounds good but my family DRIVES to work 5 to 10 miles in three differen 2014/08/01 02:17:15 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 93029 The Lutz extension of Veterans Expressway and Gandy Expressway should be revived.
Interchanges with I-75 at Fletcher Avenue, Fowler Avenue, and Bruce B. Downs Bouelvard should have at-surface left turns in their medians repl 2014/08/05 19:01:21 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 93508 Making areas more accessible for the disabled. Having a fund to help small businesses in older buildings to meet ADA guidelines. 2014/08/05 19:05:02 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 93514 Remove the "bicycle" lanes from highways with speeds over 40 mph as it encourages bicycling in an unsafe environment. If bicycle lanes are ad The roads here are excessively wide, spend more on alternative transportation options to encourage people to walk or bike to work. Or possibly l and number of people driving. It is depressing. 2014/08/05 22:22:37 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 93611 I can see you are pushing us for transit and we do NOT need transit. Why are you people doing that as this is NOT a transit state to begin with. W 2014/08/05 22:22:37 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 93615 I can see you are pushing us for transit and we do NOT need transit. Why are you people doing that as this is NOT a transit state to begin with. W How about finding waste in your budget, forget any rail or buses and do what is right by the people !!!!! 2014/08/05 22:22:37 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 93623 I can see you are pushing us for transit and we do NOT need transit. Why are you people doing that as this is NOT a transit state to begin with. W How about finding waste in your budget, forget any rail or buses and do what is right by the people !!!!! Just do the projects that keep traffic down 2014/08/08 21:23:52 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 94511 We need more alternatives to road projects! More attention to walking and bicycling safety. Rail MUST be in the mix at core of the transportation 2014/08/09 13:45:23 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 94625 Shouldn't the project list include alternatives to driving? Commuter or light rail is not in this plan? What about ferries on the bay? 2014/08/09 16:55:28 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 94644 Dangerous intersection at SR 674 and Wesley 2014/08/11 21:45:23 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 94979 STOP all road construction, and make it EASY to use rail or other transit. It would be better to reduce traffic lanes and widen BIKE LANES. . . wh 2014/08/12 13:15:49 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95140 Green ARTery Perimeter Trail 2014/08/12 15:23:49 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95178 We need faster transit to get downtown and to the airport. Elevated train is the way to go. Downtown St. Pete and downtown Tampa should also regional train and local loop downtown is a good model for Tampa to follow.
In my neighborhood (Tampa Palms) we could use a bicycle lane parallel to Bruce B Downs Blvd that does not need to cross streets so much. So 2014/08/12 15:42:39 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95197 I would consider increasing gasoline taxes before any general tax to fund the projects. Gas and oil companies already take advantage regardless dollar hit. I would also consider a CO2 emission tax to get people to use the light rail and reduce congestion on road. It will also reduce the need t 2014/08/12 16:16:31 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95220 Where are the projects for better public transportation? Tampa will not be competitive for young people and jobs until there is a robust, viable pub 2014/08/12 16:33:18 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95343 All new roads should be Complete streets. 2014/08/12 16:33:18 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95344 All new roads should be specified as "Complete streets." 2014/08/12 16:45:23 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95237 Stop widening roads and create rapid, mass transit. 2014/08/12 20:18:33 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95302 We need MORE rail than is proposed to serve the entire county, and ultimate connect to surrounding counties and to SunRail. 2014/08/12 21:54:41 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95312 Green Artery Trail 2014/08/13 15:53:01 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95911 much less focus on enhancing and building more and more roads, more focus on mass transit, thus reducing the needs for road enhancements. mass transit is used the safer roads become, not to mention the transformation that would take place in Tampa itself as getting to and from down 2014/08/13 16:14:55 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95454 BUS SERVICES FOR THIS AREA. THE CHILDRENS AT HCC SCHOOL WALKING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN ETC.OLD PEOPL 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95506 Developers need to take on the responsibility of paying for a greater share of these projects. We cannot allow them to continue to build build build 2014/08/13 19:08:08 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95537 Invest in green bike trails in city and county. 2014/08/13 20:46:05 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95628 Build more trails for biking. I used to bike to work until I was hit by a car. Now I add to the traffic problem by driving to work. 2014/08/14 00:17:18 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95816 we really need more flexability within each budget area to eliminate certain items within each program or project. the choices given for the ranges 2014/08/14 12:38:14 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95925 NO MORE ROADS!! Rails, rapid transit please. Would pay more taxes for a North-South urban rail 2014/08/14 12:38:29 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95924 Invest in light rail that connects with other jurisdictions! 2014/08/14 13:17:39 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 95944 More light rail! Build a ferry system please! If we had a light rail or ferry I would use them. 2014/08/14 19:29:52 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96146 Living in the Brandon area, I like the idea of widening the roads. However, after living through the 301 and Gibsonton/Boyette/Fishhawk widening not working properly), I have serious concerns about supporting the road widening on Bloomingdale, were everything is already so tight. 2014/08/14 22:18:05 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96274 Please let's look at other major cities and learn from their success and failure 2014/08/15 04:11:45 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96371 Going for things that connect major plugs like USF and the airport, which also mean thousands more jobs, can keep that money spent in our loca 2014/08/15 14:54:05 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96431 My budget exceeds. One suggestion to raise additional money is via the City parking lots. The monthly fee is currently $65 for parking in Whiting couple hundred thousand/year. It doesn't solve the shortfall, but it is one option. After all, it is all the little things that make a difference. Also, I d revenue when people reduce their driving.
We need local rail - and it needs to be an affordable option. 2014/08/15 16:04:42 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96476 Include a rail system from South County and New Tampa areas to Brandon, Tampa and the airport. 2014/08/15 18:36:25 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96554 Since I don't see a comment area on raising more dollars to pay for the "needed" projects I'll use this. I think the gas tax (or mileage tax once tha to pay for transportation. Hybrids don't pay their share with a gas only tax, especially cents per gallon. 2014/08/15 20:53:13 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96647 You need to fix road you have and if you want wide road buy the land that for sale now work on the road later 2014/08/15 21:43:33 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96657 better manage our road money better. cut waist. 2014/08/15 22:13:16 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96673 For the toll lanes on I4, I75 and I275, take the funds planned for that to expand the light rail connector (USF to the Airport thru Downtown) to inclu 2014/08/15 22:47:38 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96683 if we continue to expand roads into outlying areas, we continue to encourage growth to those areas which means more new roads. 2014/08/16 08:07:18 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96713 Widening roads and curbs and adding barriers and trees will not help our increasing elderly population reach medical care and shopping. Get ligh case in point. 2014/08/16 16:14:47 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96756 Again, the overwhelming majority of 15 listed projects are "extend roads." Is that the extent of visioning for the future? Building more roads? Plea 2014/08/17 12:39:10 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96813 Commercial light rail along/on-center/elevated-over interstates as far as Orlando to St. Petersburg and Bradenton to Wesley Chapel should be co 2014/08/17 13:27:21 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96818 I am still confused as to why you built a giant raised toll road from Brandon to Tampa, when you had plenty oflad to establish a park n Ride at the are spending years and money on adding 2 lanes to 275 north while you could have added an express rail in that middle median section with limi WON'T HAVE RAIL! 2014/08/17 14:25:42 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96838 I think the best types of projects are the addition of toll lanes and light rail. Toll lanes relieve congestion without forcing anyone to use them if they alternative than taking the bus. 2014/08/17 17:35:19 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96867 Only develop passenger RAIL services and stop expanding/widening roads. Good public transportation lowers the need for it. I'm pro rail service 2014/08/18 01:07:20 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96894 I went back and adjusted my budget. Lets only spend what we have! 2014/08/18 12:51:22 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 96913 I live in Riverview. The traffic in the Brandon Riverview area is ridiculous. It can take me 30-45 min to go 7 miles. 2014/08/18 21:05:42 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97024 In evaluating these, if Cost > $3M per 1000 jobs, then it's not worth the money. 2014/08/18 21:05:42 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97025 In evaluating these, if Cost > $3M per 1000 jobs, then it's not worth the money. To pay for the extra spending, levy the 5-cent gas tax ($500M) an 2014/08/18 22:36:48 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97029 We need more east-west streets in New Tampa. It is ridiculous to have to drive 4 miles north and 1 mile west to go back south on I75 or I275. Pe 2014/08/19 00:30:35 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97038 Redo / fix Gandy walking bridge. When this was open it was an amazing place to spend time and connected the two sides with safe walking / biki 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97123 I work out of my home, so I don't know a lot about traffic. I think concentrating on reducing it through some of the earlier ideas - live where you w 2014/08/19 14:22:12 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97141 We need some sort of expressway going East/West. Currently residents in the Odessa, Cheval, Citrus Park areas must go south to get to I-275 b heading North/South reducing morning/evening commuter traffic 2014/08/19 15:34:32 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97198 Building bigger roads will not solve the problem. TOO far behind. Promote programs to reduce car traffic...commuter buses to industrial and comm 2014/08/19 15:34:32 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97199 Building bigger roads will not solve the problem. TOO far behind. Promote programs to reduce car traffic...commuter buses to industrial and comm people do slow down. 2014/08/19 19:51:15 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97345 Toll roads are the way to go. It lets the roads pay their own way by charging those who use them. This is especially effective if you toll one lane 2014/08/20 11:42:45 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97576 High speed rail to Orlando, rail to St Pete, Rail system in Tampa 2014/08/20 17:00:15 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97691 New express toll lanes only willing to pay tolls on I-275 currently. I-4 and I-75 aren't as necessary right now. Could reconsider in the future. 2014/08/20 19:01:58 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97739 Replacing the buses every 10 years, and repaved road every 20 years 2014/08/20 19:01:58 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97743 Replacing the buses every 10 years, and repaved road every 20 years. I live in the Brandon West area, voted NO because is to much money and closer to Hwy 60, just few blocks. 2014/08/20 20:00:59 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97745 Would love to see the Green Artery Perimeter Trail built! 2014/08/21 13:26:57 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 97871 If you have reliable transit, and people actually riding transit, you wouldn't have to widen so many roads. 2014/08/22 03:12:23 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 98115 Too much money has already been spent on highway improvements, such as 275. You can never build enough highways to hold the number of 2014/08/22 15:43:00 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 98201 1 cent sales tax to pay for rail connecting airport, downtown, & USF & some medium to high level improvements would be worth every penny. 2014/08/23 16:08:39 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 99321 The choices only allow to exceed the current project. Survey is unbalanced. 2014/08/23 16:48:29 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 99329 How about instead of raising taxes, you better allocate money and quit WASTING IT! I am sick and tired of the solution to everything being more an easily locatable place (link on the homepage) and in a format that non-accountants can understand. All I see is "I want more and more" by the name"/"big money" places like Bayshore Blvd. and South Tampa. You're kissing their butt because those are high income people with power who or assume to be true. 2014/08/23 19:04:43 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 99757 Would have voted for Westshore project, but object to 6 lanes on Memorial/Independence to Hillsborough as unnecessary. 2014/08/24 14:29:49 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 99382 A 3 spurred(parknride) train leading to downtown; possibly one in east/Brandon, another in the north/near 75 Pasco border, and northern Town'n 2014/08/24 16:32:27 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 99423 The list of projects is scary. It seems as if the entire county will be paved over by 2040 with all the road widening projects listed. I bet by then 6 or
I had hoped to see a rail line from USF to DT, but the one on the list is to northern suburbs, which would be great to alleviate traffic on BBD & the Imagine, connecting Busch Gardens to the Pinellas beaches! That would be impactful for the economies of both counties! 2014/08/25 12:05:09 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 99477 Do not even propose light rail or subway without letting the public know which systems in the United States are self sustaining after the initial inve NOT self-sustaining. 2014/08/25 17:48:14 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 99801 The only suggested project that is not widening roads is the ferry. That is the only project I would invest. STOP WIDENING ROADS. 2014/08/26 02:28:39 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 100096 na 2014/08/26 14:32:54 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 100129 To be good stewards of our money we need to get out of debt, save money and then we can look at spending money on projects. I would like to s 2014/08/26 18:14:38 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 100339 this whole thing is meaningless. It does not allow for real input. 2014/08/26 20:00:03 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 100369 Why is transit only in Tampa. I live in Carrollwood. I want more transit. 2014/08/26 21:42:57 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 100385 Widen Providence and Riverview drive where new homes are going in to Bloomingdales and 301 2014/08/26 22:40:50 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 100392 CSX needs to do all their decoupling of cars in their rail yard and not block the streets by going back and forth across the streets and tying up veh 2014/08/28 12:06:48 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 101269 There is no reason taxes should be raised to accomplish this. Current tax rate is sufficient to fund projects. If there is a gap than I would suggest t performance metrics. By becoming leaner and smarter in house, there should be no need to increase taxes or fees. Property taxes are outrageou 2014/08/28 20:59:28 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 101689 Reduce taxes. 2014/08/29 14:34:11 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 102838 Applies to all of the projects: These are capital projects. What about operations improvements? How does this plan consider the role of automat 2014/08/29 16:32:31 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 102874 I would like to be able to take transit to the airport. Outlying areas of the county have no way to get to airport cheaply, car service/taxi is expensiv 2014/08/29 18:25:20 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 102903 Like the streetcar. 2014/08/29 18:57:08 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 102905 Widen Orient Road south of I4 2014/08/30 15:21:46 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103051 Brt to Brandon & Pasco. Ferry to downtown st Pete Commuter rail to Pasco High speed rail to orlando 2014/08/31 16:17:11 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103100 We need the rail from Tampa to Orlando 2014/08/31 17:03:32 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103096 North to south Mass transit rail system to relieve traffic. Will prevent widening and upkeep of roads 2014/09/01 18:41:27 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103139 Plan for maintenance in the farming or rural communities. 2014/09/02 13:52:36 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103190 Extend passenger rail into New Tampa. For 2040 - electric and smart vehicles + smart roadway - driverless vehicles - charging networks. 2014/09/02 15:05:10 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103212 Connect Tampa Bay with Orlando and new areas by rail.
I am NOT supporting Express Toll Lanes on existing freeways like on I-75 and I-4. No two class system on the freeways!! 2014/09/02 15:14:27 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103216 As bad as the economy is, I believe people would vote for 1/2 cent raise in sales tax as long as you don't mention rail.
I go along with people mover from TIA to Westshore, then buses to downtown and will be glad to explain why. 2014/09/02 18:44:23 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103311 We need to reduce road widenings.
We need transportation options. 2014/09/02 18:50:13 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103316 There is very little connection between the priorities voted on in the 1st section and the Q7-Q21 major projects. The poll asks if we want transit op 2014/09/02 20:23:53 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103331 Traffic could be greatly reduce on Route 674 through Sun City Center by proving access to the community on the north via 19th Ave and Dale Web and on the south at Route 301 and South Pebble Beach Ave. This would require only feel secure. 2014/09/03 18:43:32 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103436 Return leftover money to taxpayers. 2014/09/03 19:01:12 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103440 What are you doing for the residences in the NW corner of Hillsborough. We pay and get nothing. 2014/09/03 21:30:50 S4_Projects_Comment ProjectComment,67652 103453 Light rail for south tampa/Macdill is key to a vibrant downtown/south tampa community. 2014/07/10 12:40:11 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 89693 I don't understand how you can create walkable places without "rules" such as design standards and other important regulations that ensure a co 2014/07/10 12:40:11 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 89694 We already have two great underutilized job centers (Downtown and Westshore), why do we need more? If we keep spreading out everything w 2014/07/10 15:35:35 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 89747 We need to redevelop our existing neighborhoods and downtowns 2014/07/10 15:35:35 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 89748 We need to redevelop our existing neighborhoods and downtowns 2014/07/10 17:52:15 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 89766 Many areas within the City of Tampa should be priority for redevelopment instead of pushing development into ruural areas where the land is che 2014/07/10 17:52:15 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 89767 Many areas within the City of Tampa should be priority for redevelopment instead of pushing development into ruural areas where the land is che 2014/07/11 12:11:15 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 89812 People should have choces of where to live and not be forced into some pre-determined vison by local politicians and planners. 2014/07/11 12:11:15 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 89813 People should have choces of where to live and not be forced into some pre-determined vison by local politicians and planners. 2014/07/11 15:45:17 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 89835 Ttttt 2014/07/11 15:45:17 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 89836 Ttttt 2014/07/12 02:19:29 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 89896 This is a given 2014/07/15 01:02:04 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 89984 Each neighborhood should be able to choose how it would grow and look into the future. Community Based Plans should be of highest priority. U 2014/07/17 14:59:06 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 90562 Lure a grocery store to downtown Tampa! Then put in Light Rail - you can't have metropolitan living without metro transit. 2014/07/17 14:59:06 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 90563 Lure a grocery store to downtown Tampa! Then put in Light Rail - you can't have metropolitan living without metro transit. 2014/07/18 14:50:10 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 90660 This will bring working class people together in a community setting, save energy in the form of fuel and reduce air pollution. 2014/07/18 22:01:58 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 90860 BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF SHOPS, PARKS, SHOPPING AND DINING WOULD BRING MOR 2014/07/18 22:01:58 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 90863 SOME HOMES, APARTMENT COMPLEX SHOULD BE BUILT CLOSER TO TRANSIT. LINES IF POSSIBLE, ATTRACTING FOLKS WHO DON THERE. I KNOW SOMEONE WHO WENT THROUGH THAT EXPERIENCE. 2014/07/18 23:43:39 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 90876 I believe this town would explode if there were a way not to have a car. Everyone's disposable income would increase by hundreds and people w 2014/07/19 13:20:57 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 90958 People who do not have their own transportation will be able to work in places where they could not have before. 2014/07/19 13:20:57 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 90959 People who do not have their own transportation will be able to work in places where they could not have before. 2014/07/19 13:20:57 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 90957 People will be able to commute 2014/07/22 01:37:44 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91302 light rail system traffic lanes dedicated to Hart buses 2014/07/22 01:37:44 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91303 light rail system traffic lanes dedicated to Hart buses 2014/07/22 18:02:43 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91468 With our transportation isues, having access to transit near the home would be a plus! 2014/07/22 18:16:36 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 91484 I'm not from here but we need to put in place more help for the homeless an develop housing so they can become more self help 2014/07/22 19:40:25 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91489 Reduce the need for single driver vehicles. Make buses run later and more often. 2014/07/22 19:40:25 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91490 Reduce the need for single driver vehicles. Make buses run later and more often. 2014/07/22 19:40:25 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91491 Reduce the need for single driver vehicles. Make buses run later and more often. 2014/07/23 14:01:58 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91544 I would like to see the rail transit transportation come to Tampa, Fl. 2014/07/23 14:01:58 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91545 I would like to see the rail transit transportation come to Tampa, Fl. 2014/07/24 01:14:01 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 91722 Keeping a city walkable is key to attracting and retaining residents. Example: Bayshore Boulevard. Although it is a great place to walk, it is not sa to 35 and designate it a scenic drive/linear park. Widen sidewalks, separate bike lanes and extend the streetcar from downtown to Ballast Point. 2014/07/24 01:14:01 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 91721 Preserve the ambience of existing neighborhoods (e.g., don't put in 3 story condos in a neighborhood that is primarily one and two story single fa 2014/07/24 01:14:01 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 91723 There are hundreds of acres that have either been skipped by development or abandoned. There is so much opportunity to fill in these spaces w 2014/07/24 01:25:42 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 91727 Access to bus routes are needed when building new neighborhoods. Example all the homes being built on 301 with only have one bus route 31 th 2014/07/24 01:35:09 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 91728 Create urban density along arteries such as Nebraska Florida Waters Kennedy. Replace single story strip malls with low to mid rise multi use: res 2014/07/24 01:35:09 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91731 Creating transit corridors along routes such as Kennedy and Nebraska would encourage development of multi use buildings and the urban densit 2014/07/24 01:35:09 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 91738 Development has been out of control. Large scale with huge investor seems to be all we have had. Consideration should be given to allow small 2014/07/24 01:35:09 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 91742 Development has been out of control. Large scale with huge investor seems to be all we have had. Consideration should be given to allow small standards developed. 2014/07/24 01:35:09 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 91745 high-density multi use neighborhos encourage walking. In vision being able to get off you light rail commute from work and walking to the corner g 2014/07/24 01:35:09 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 91746 high-density multi use neighborhos encourage walking. In vision being able to get off you light rail commute from work and walking to the corner g 2014/07/24 02:38:52 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 91754 Job centers...are not what creates real economic growth. It is sup porting business growth and thatmeans incentives for small to mid sized busine 2014/07/24 12:55:40 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91775 Must find a way to expand public transportation, especially the "last mile" 2014/07/24 12:55:40 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91776 Must find a way to expand public transportation, especially the "last mile" 2014/07/24 15:40:33 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 91849 Every big city has public transit that eliminates the need for owning a car in the city. Lets get to that point! 2014/07/24 15:40:33 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 91851 I like this, but just make sure there is more than one exit onto a road from a subdivision. We don't want to end up with Naples-like or Miami-like tra 2014/07/25 13:21:06 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 92070 I do not know what the current rules are so I am not necessarily advocating reducing them. However, we need to use the space we have already develop these spaces both commercial and residential. 2014/07/25 14:48:31 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 92086 I wish we had more places to ride bikes! 2014/07/25 14:48:31 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 92087 I wish we had more places to ride bikes! 2014/07/25 22:06:24 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 92169 keep suburban and rural choies 2014/07/26 02:07:51 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 92176 Yes, but no forced eminent domain on private property to accomplish. Fair buy-outs. 2014/08/01 16:33:31 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 93090 BRT in dedicated lanes along arterial roads such as Hillsborough, Fowler, and Busch can greatly encourage ridership along the many communitie to cross. Also light rail where applicable would be great. 2014/08/01 16:33:31 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 93091 BRT in dedicated lanes along arterial roads such as Hillsborough, Fowler, and Busch can greatly encourage ridership along the many communitie to cross. Also light rail where applicable would be great. 2014/08/01 16:33:31 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 93092 BRT in dedicated lanes along arterial roads such as Hillsborough, Fowler, and Busch can greatly encourage ridership along the many communitie to cross. Also light rail where applicable would be great. 2014/08/05 22:16:55 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 93597 The American way is free choice. The transit will destroy our freedom. Never have transit. 2014/08/05 22:22:37 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 93601 Be sure that people have the freedom to choose. This is NOT a transit society and people need to be able to find places to live that suit a lifestyle 2014/08/05 22:22:37 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 93607 Let places be filled in, in nice community areas by offering incentives for people to build there, not large scale projects which makes it like you are 2014/08/05 22:22:37 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 93605 Tampa has loads of land left which would be near communities away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This can be developed so people can 2014/08/08 12:54:57 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 94437 In a perfect world, these alternatives would embrace green alternatives and local (walkable) shopping and entertaiment alternatives as well. 2014/08/08 12:54:57 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 94438 In a perfect world, these alternatives would embrace green alternatives and local (walkable) shopping and entertaiment alternatives as well. 2014/08/08 12:54:57 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 94439 One of the dumbest things I every have seen was the demise of the bullet traing. I do support mass transit. Look out the window, it is a must. 2014/08/08 12:54:57 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 94440 Too bad I only have 3 choices. I hate the dense housing development underway. I do not beleive a house should be so close (14') apart. Roof l 2014/08/08 13:10:38 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 94444 This is good 2014/08/08 17:18:43 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 94474 NO MORE SECTION 8 OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS OF TAMPA 2014/08/09 15:39:13 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 94634 Saving trees are important 2014/08/09 15:39:13 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 94635 Saving trees are important 2014/08/09 19:22:13 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 94652 Grow agricultural jobs 2014/08/11 21:45:23 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 94960 it's not just red tape, but also auto focus that needs to change. Remove parking support and force more transit use 2014/08/11 21:45:23 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 94961 it's not just red tape, but also auto focus that needs to change. Remove parking support and force more transit use 2014/08/11 21:45:23 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 94962 it's not just red tape, but also auto focus that needs to change. Remove parking support and force more transit use 2014/08/12 15:17:46 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 95166 Encourage walkable places as well as more and safer bike infrastructure. 2014/08/12 15:17:50 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 95164 What about developing the transit???? 2014/08/12 15:17:50 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 95165 What about developing the transit???? 2014/08/12 15:32:52 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95260 This ties in hand-in-hand with increasing protected land and issuing more regulations to make developing more difficult - build up, NOT out. 2014/08/12 15:32:52 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95261 This ties in hand-in-hand with increasing protected land and issuing more regulations to make developing more difficult - build up, NOT out. 2014/08/12 15:45:49 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 95183 walking to work would be great in a safe neighborhood. 2014/08/12 15:45:49 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 95188 yes, please leave the cows alone. 2014/08/12 15:45:49 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95185 yes, why are they vacant.? People can't afford to open a mom and pop business. 2014/08/12 16:16:31 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95219 More bike paths and walkable routes!! 2014/08/12 23:49:56 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 95339 redesign poor neighborhoods 2014/08/13 15:19:17 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95439 I believe in using what we have if possible. Why spend money to demolish a building that can be remodeled, only to have to rebuild? 2014/08/13 15:19:17 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 95441 More people are into being health conscience. I would rather walk to shop than have to drive. It might be easier for handicapped individuals to liv 2014/08/13 15:19:17 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 95442 More people are into being health conscience. I would rather walk to shop than have to drive. It might be easier for handicapped individuals to liv 2014/08/13 15:19:17 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 95440 This would make it more convenient for residents to get around without having a vehicle. It would save money on gas and is environmental a goo 2014/08/13 15:37:34 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 95445 Build mixed income housing options near transit so as to enable those who need public transportation to use it, and encourage those for whom it 2014/08/13 15:37:34 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 95446 Build mixed income housing options near transit so as to enable those who need public transportation to use it, and encourage those for whom it 2014/08/13 15:37:34 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 95444 Encourage mixed income neighborhoods so there are not concentrations of extreme poverty. This will help those in the lower socioeconomic stat 2014/08/13 15:37:34 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95447 Revitalize dying communities without pushing the people who live there out, but instead giving them the opportunity for jobs and renewed life in th 2014/08/13 16:14:55 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 95452 I LIVE IN PLANT CITY NEAR PARK ROAD.DOWN FROM HCC SCHOOL. THERE IS NO BUS SERVICE HERE. I HAD KNEE SERVICE, HART I WAS ON CRUCTES . TRY TO FIND SOMEONE TO GET ME HOME. WAS HARD. 2014/08/13 16:59:28 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95480 More trees for shaded walking and more sidewalks in both directions to encourage walking 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 95504 The best way to save land for future development is to reuse and fill in currently developed space that is sitting idle. 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 95493 The development rules are already too little and too loose. Rules need to be strengthened and expanded. Especially where development will neg 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 95494 The development rules are already too little and too loose. Rules need to be strengthened and expanded. Especially where development will neg 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95498 There are already plenty of empty spaces (businesses, ghost developments, dead malls with unused parking lots). Developers should be reworki 2014/08/13 22:22:01 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 95744 no expensive light rail that will waste taxpayer money while they are little used. 2014/08/13 22:22:01 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 95745 no expensive light rail that will waste taxpayer money while they are little used. 2014/08/13 23:53:44 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95803 I like the idea 2014/08/13 23:58:44 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 95805 good idea 2014/08/13 23:58:44 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 95806 I agree 2014/08/13 23:58:44 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 95807 wise choice 2014/08/14 00:20:30 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 95812 I would love to ride my bike to work safely, but the lack of designated bike lanes on Lumsden road in Brandon leaves me no choice but to take my 2014/08/14 00:20:30 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 95813 I would love to ride my bike to work safely, but the lack of designated bike lanes on Lumsden road in Brandon leaves me no choice but to take my 2014/08/14 00:20:30 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 95814 I'm completely for this idea! I hate to see pastures of land that once had cows or horses on it destroyed because our government makes it so har 2014/08/14 00:20:30 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 95815 Reuse what we've got instead of turning undeveloped land into concrete cities! 2014/08/14 17:46:39 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96075 we need to make Tampa MUCH MORE walkable due its diverse nationalities that come and are accustomed to public transportation and walkabi 2014/08/14 17:46:39 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96076 we need to make Tampa MUCH MORE walkable due its diverse nationalities that come and are accustomed to public transportation and walkabi 2014/08/15 04:11:45 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96368 Large portions of Tampa with transit are not safely walkable, like Hillsborough Ave between Dale Mabry and 56th. Larger portions of Tampa have 2014/08/15 04:11:45 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96369 Large portions of Tampa with transit are not safely walkable, like Hillsborough Ave between Dale Mabry and 56th. Larger portions of Tampa have 2014/08/15 04:11:45 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96370 Large portions of Tampa with transit are not safely walkable, like Hillsborough Ave between Dale Mabry and 56th. Larger portions of Tampa have 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 96389 More economical than building from the ground up and getting rid of "dead" space. 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 96390 More economical than building from the ground up and getting rid of "dead" space. 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96392 This will reduce traffic. 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 96391 Updating is more aesthetically pleasing and will preserve some land. 2014/08/15 14:54:05 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 96429 Public transportation will never be used if it is not accessible. If a person must get in their car to drive to public transportation, chances are, they w 2014/08/15 14:54:05 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 96428 Reiterating that it is critical to reuse the land that has already been developed and is now either abandoned or should be torn down. In redevelop 2014/08/15 14:54:05 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 96427 This is key. Demolishing and rebuilding reduces expansion and sprawl. This allows us to focus on improving what is already available, reduces st South Tampa (Palma Ceia/Hyde Park area) is a perfect example of how rebuilding in a developed area improves the health of the neighborhood 2014/08/15 15:23:52 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96441 More options for homes near transit will help to make transit more usable for commuters and reduce congestion. 2014/08/15 15:23:52 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96440 The USF area and Brandon are perfect candidates for more walkable places. They have destinations where people want to go and want to walk a 2014/08/15 15:23:52 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 96444 There is a lot of blighted land near areas that would be convenient to job centers. Revitalizing this land will help to make Hillsborough a more des 2014/08/15 16:23:29 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 96478 I believe instead of adding more business centers to un-developed, build up the centers that are existing by building more office next to or on top 2014/08/15 20:35:58 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 96628 good idea 2014/08/15 20:35:58 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 96629 good idea 2014/08/15 21:34:29 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96654 We can't keep growing without a good mass transit system such as has been built in cities like Miami & Atlanta 2014/08/15 22:13:16 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96666 That transit should include some form of light rail to MacDill AFB from Brandon, Bloomingdale, Valrico, and Fishhawk. 2014/08/16 02:41:54 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96704 we need to encourage walkable places but perhaps the tag comments that begin with 'reduce the red tape' are a bit leading. It's not all red tape a 2014/08/16 02:41:54 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96705 Yes, but there also needs to be more transit brought into where homes are 2014/08/16 16:09:11 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96751 walk in important 2014/08/16 16:09:11 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96752 walk in important 2014/08/16 17:37:16 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96772 As population grows more diverse with cultures and backgrounds. Our senior adults continue to work longer. Metro housing - not only the $1mill housing must be thoughtful of citizen safety. 2014/08/16 17:37:16 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 96771 Vacant -out of business stores or big box (like the Sweetbay in downtown Plant City) could also house vital recreation for communities. Sometim 2014/08/16 21:40:42 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 96797 we've got plenty of empty space in between the neighborhoods that exist, encourage appropriate fill-in 2014/08/17 00:17:17 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96805 Living quarters near public transit cuts down on auto traffic 2014/08/17 13:27:21 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96816 If you are talking about current transit, that is a joke. Without rail moving people in mass from one part of town to the other we'll just keep adding l 2014/08/17 15:20:14 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 96844 There are too many urban and neighorhood growth that are not supported with critical transit and lowering of property taxes. Your retired generat 2014/08/17 15:35:53 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96856 For years we have used light rail between Ybor and downtown but, why has it yet to expand to other areas within hillsborough, pinellas, pasco, po 2014/08/17 15:35:53 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96853 I see sidewalks downtown but,not in the suberbs linking downtown. Pedestrians are forced to put their lives in jeperdy by walking in the roads an 2014/08/17 15:35:53 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 96852 Too much growth. We are loosing our Tampa, small town feeling. Neighorhood growth are far exceeding our abilities to link neighborhoods thrro pay rising property taxes. 2014/08/17 17:35:19 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 96864 and add walkable places 2014/08/17 18:20:33 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96866 how about bring transit to where we already live. I mean usable transit, not involving multiple transfers and hours! 2014/08/17 19:48:44 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96872 I don't like the term "red tape" as it has a negative connotation which is sometimes undeserved. There are good rules/regs that need to be preser 2014/08/17 19:48:44 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 96871 without overtaxing local roads and while requiring developers to contribute to fixing those issues. Swann/Howard is going to be a nightmare. The 2014/08/17 20:22:18 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96874 Creating transportation choices will not matter if they don't go places people need to go. I think people will use buses and rail lines if these metho 2014/08/18 13:29:09 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96915 Stop allowing all these cookie cutter neighborhood where all the house look alike and are sitting on top of one another. Bring back character to so 2014/08/18 13:29:09 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96916 Stop allowing all these cookie cutter neighborhood where all the house look alike and are sitting on top of one another. Bring back character to so 2014/08/18 13:29:09 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96917 Stop allowing all these cookie cutter neighborhood where all the house look alike and are sitting on top of one another. Bring back character to so 2014/08/18 13:29:09 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96918 Stop allowing all these cookie cutter neighborhood where all the house look alike and are sitting on top of one another. Bring back character to so 2014/08/18 15:45:19 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 96946 'Hoods make the cities...each 'hood should be listened too and in neighborhoods that have an active citizenry their requests and antirequests sho 2014/08/18 15:45:19 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96943 So many areas in Tampa are sidewalkless or the walks are overgrown. Put more walks in and maintain them!!! 2014/08/18 16:16:10 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 96973 Look to Chicago on transportation. Above ground rail systems have been used there since the 50's. Cost will be high but the reduced auto trans 2014/08/18 16:16:10 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 96969 Send someone to Germany and see how they have set up med size towns for work and living. 2014/08/18 16:16:10 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 96970 Send someone to Germany and see how they have set up med size towns for work and living. 2014/08/18 16:16:10 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 96972 That sounds good. 2014/08/18 16:16:10 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96974 This is the future and if you can do it. All will profit by it. 2014/08/18 16:16:10 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 96971 Two story housing is not the answer. 2014/08/18 16:50:03 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 96977 Reuse already existing vacated strip malls for office complexes. Increase downtown parking 2014/08/18 16:50:03 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 96979 This is a great idea! There are plenty of vacated pieces of property on Hillsborough avenue, Florida Avenue, and Dale Mabry that would be perfe 2014/08/18 16:50:03 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 96980 Walkable places will eliminate deaths due to illegal jay walking. Fantastic! 2014/08/18 16:50:03 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 96978 YESSSSSSSSS! Redevelopment with historical integrity is what strengthens the community and keeps Tampa a strong, historical, and eco-friend 2014/08/19 00:30:35 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 97032 Take a hint from other cities around the world... we have must have a concerted effort to fast reliable mass transit, connected to inner city transit. 2014/08/19 00:30:35 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 97033 Take a hint from other cities around the world... we have must have a concerted effort to fast reliable mass transit, connected to inner city transit. 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 97101 Near has to be pretty close given the oppressive heat in the summer. I think high density areas like channelside and downtown could utilize this. Carrollwood was not. 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 97104 The new Medical city area of Orlando seems very impressive (at least from the recent Fortune article.) If that is possible, even on a much smalle 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 97106 There are clearly a lot of strip mall area (such as all the old Sweetbay locations that closed) with high vacancy rates. Most sit empty for long perio 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 97107 There are clearly a lot of strip mall area (such as all the old Sweetbay locations that closed) with high vacancy rates. Most sit empty for long perio 2014/08/19 21:30:27 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 97454 A light rail system is a must. There are plenty of RR tracks already in place. 2014/08/19 21:30:27 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 97457 Connect the places already already built.
stance 2014/08/19 21:30:27 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 97456 Connect the places that are already in existance 2014/08/21 00:07:23 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 97770 Have more buses arriving not too far apart, at least in rush hour, serving more areas and not far from homes and apartments. 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 97798 jobs is are most important to the way of live 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 97799 jobs is are most important to the way of live 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 97804 learn from other large cities 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 97797 let the people in the neighborhood chioces 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 97800 no we need some rules but not rules that stop groeth 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 97801 no we need some rules but not rules that stop groeth 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 97802 vacant building don`t help our neighorhood 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 97803 vacant building don`t help our neighorhood 2014/08/21 01:23:02 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 97796 walkable place and less car less gas 2014/08/21 15:06:22 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 97880 Should make it easier/safer to walk and bike. 2014/08/21 18:11:05 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 97979 Not only walking but biking as well. Tampa is known as "where the sidewalk ends". This can and should be changed to encourage more physical 2014/08/21 18:11:05 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 97980 Not only walking but biking as well. Tampa is known as "where the sidewalk ends". This can and should be changed to encourage more physical 2014/08/22 00:56:53 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 99385 I would also like to see land saved to ensure adequate green space both in urban and rural areas so the county does not become a concrete jung 2014/08/22 00:56:53 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 99386 I would also like to see land saved to ensure adequate green space both in urban and rural areas so the county does not become a concrete jung 2014/08/22 00:56:53 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 99390 I would like to see in the urban centers and introduction of grocery stores to provide residents a place to buy food. They need to be close enough dine out within walking distance. 2014/08/22 03:12:23 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 98114 It is so important to have a comprehensive public transit plan for Hillsborough including light rail, buses, etc. We need to make the downtown wo 2014/08/22 13:47:59 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 98159 Excempt job centers from development review. 2014/08/22 13:47:59 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 98156 Implement Mobility Fees at much higher levels on suburban areas for residential development 2014/08/22 13:47:59 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 98162 Real Bus Rapid Transit is ALSO transit, it works just as well as light rail and cost significantly less. Let us try BRT first before light rail 2014/08/22 19:29:26 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 98225 encourage business to come to Tampa Bay 2014/08/22 19:29:26 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 98229 Retail stores complex plaza were people can shop eat at restaurants and have nice walking surroundings.Seffner area would be nice to have a s 2014/08/22 19:32:22 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 98226 I routinely experience concern for my welfare when running on Old Memorial highway; it is a dangerous, narrow road with no sidewalks and cars
I would like to see a sidewalk added to enable residents along Old Memorial road to safely navigate to Countryway Blvd. Thank you for consider 2014/08/22 19:32:22 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 98227 I routinely experience concern for my welfare when running on Old Memorial highway; it is a dangerous, narrow road with no sidewalks and cars
I would like to see a sidewalk added to enable residents along Old Memorial road to safely navigate to Countryway Blvd. Thank you for consider 2014/08/22 19:48:46 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 98230 I routinely experience concern for my welfare when running on Old Memorial highway; it is a dangerous, narrow road with no sidewalks and cars
I would like to see a sidewalk added to enable residents along Old Memorial road to safely navigate to Countryway Blvd. Thank you for consider 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 98250 Bring Business to the Tampa Bay area for a better job market 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 98248 Building very nice and more neighborhoods within suburban and rural areas 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 98249 Work with developers to build Shoping Plaza and restaurants in suburb area Seffner with nice walking surroundings. 2014/08/23 12:54:46 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 99291 Please include bike lanes in this category. 2014/08/23 16:48:29 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 99324 A lot of neighborhoods look like a dump with empty buildings sitting around going to waste. Renovate them (encouraging jobs) and re-use them. S 2014/08/23 16:48:29 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 99325 Again, let's redevelop and re-use what we already have instead of building on every green space in the city! My goodness - buildings and homes 2014/08/23 16:48:29 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 99327 Have you noticed that all of Tampa is one of two things: strip malls or "communities" of cookie-cutter homes that all look the same and are cramm originality in this city at all! No place to walk, no place to do anything on foot. Everything is drive 20-30 minutes, get out, do what you have to do, d 2014/08/23 17:27:22 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 99333 This should be "build homes near transit - and MORE trainsit!" Where's our light rail? 2014/08/24 16:32:27 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 99408 I feel fixed guideway transit (rail) is the best way to build urban spaces with multi-purpose development. Retail/housing/recreation facilities located 2014/08/24 16:37:09 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 99409 Build a T-configuration train, or rail, or whatever you call it. The rail should go West to East from the airport to downtown tampa with local stops in should cross the north rail and go west to east to service USF, the VA Hospital with local stops in between. This city is the easiest city to install a name is Martha Ozkan. I live in Tampa. Thank you. 2014/08/24 17:07:48 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 99420 vacant strip malls are a blight and drag down how people feel about their communities. I drive by them all the time, in short - they are depressing 2014/08/24 17:07:48 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 99421 vacant strip malls are a blight and drag down how people feel about their communities. I drive by them all the time, in short - they are depressing 2014/08/25 12:22:47 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 99479 One of the most important things that this area needs to reduce carbon emissions is transportation choices and incentives to car pool from outlyin 2014/08/25 14:22:56 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 99499 Building near established transportation, with stores and restaurants nearby, and reusing currently developed land will ease traffic problems and 2014/08/25 18:47:41 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 99861 Public transportation is the most environmentally sound strategy and is sustainable. Alternatives costs are astronomical with building more infrast well before their planned expansion date. So too it will be here. 2014/08/25 18:47:41 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 99862 Public transportation is the most environmentally sound strategy and is sustainable. Alternatives costs are astronomical with building more infrast well before their planned expansion date. So too it will be here. 2014/08/25 18:47:41 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 99858 Reduce Urban Sprawl. This only places more burden on transportation and the use of energy, a limited resource. 2014/08/25 18:47:41 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 99859 Reduce Urban Sprawl. This only places more burden on transportation and the use of energy, a limited resource. 2014/08/25 18:47:41 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 99863 This is what builds communities! Mixed use, localized amenities are sustainable. 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 99868 do not overdevelop (as on Howard and Cass St) 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 99867 less development needed--better sidewalks and greenways. more parks and easy access to them 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 99869 sidewalks, greenways, and parks needed--not more development. Red tape necessary to keep the county from haphazard and ugly building 2014/08/25 21:05:58 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 100021 I think it is proven that neighborhood that you can walk arouns, parks ,libraries are healthy.. shopping areas 2014/08/26 21:42:57 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 100384 Reuse spaces before building more 2014/08/29 13:58:40 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 102824 It is unsafe to be walking where there are no sidewalks. Sometimes I do this out of necessity 2014/08/30 12:40:18 S2_P1_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment1,67646 103047 Our first goal should be to utilize the infrastructure that is already in place. Urban sprawl is cheap for developers, but increases the strain in Coun 2014/08/30 15:53:31 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 103057 Transit should be based upon the development on new homes rather than building homes near transit. 2014/08/30 15:53:31 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 103058 Transit should be based upon the development on new homes rather than building homes near transit. 2014/08/30 19:48:12 S2_P1_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment1,67646 103073 Neighborhoods build a better neighbor where people would care about where they live, if you give them something to care about. 2014/08/30 19:48:12 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 103074 Use the buildings that are there instead of ripping up land to build new developments. If you reuse the existing buildings it will look like less of a g 2014/08/30 19:48:12 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 103075 Use the buildings that are there instead of ripping up land to build new developments. If you reuse the existing buildings it will look like less of a g 2014/08/30 19:48:12 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 103071 we need better public transportation from homes to jobs and get more cars off the highway because that is a night mare, with accidents waiting to 2014/08/30 19:48:12 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 103072 we need better public transportation from homes to jobs and get more cars off the highway because that is a night mare, with accidents waiting to 2014/08/31 10:15:49 S2_P1_Build homes near tran RankingComment1,67646 103082 And build transit near existing homes. 2014/08/31 10:15:49 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 103081 Retrofit existing neighborhoods with sidewalks where none currently exist. 2014/08/31 11:48:18 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 103086 nice 2014/09/01 16:38:12 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 103125 It is currently very difficult for small businesses to develop in existing areas making it prohibitively costly because of highly restrictive government 2014/09/03 14:57:05 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 103395 Due to heavy transit around campus have clear and well lit areas to walk. 2014/09/03 14:57:05 S2_P1_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment1,67646 103396 Due to heavy transit around campus have clear and well lit areas to walk. 2014/09/03 14:57:05 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 103392 Encourage the education on various rules and regulations to increase our safety. 2014/09/03 14:57:05 S2_P1_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment1,67646 103394 Encourage the education on various rules and regulations to increase our safety. 2014/09/03 14:57:05 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 103397 Increase job opportunities for the growing population. 2014/09/03 14:57:05 S2_P1_Save land to build jo RankingComment1,67646 103398 Increase job opportunities for the growing population. 2014/07/14 19:16:30 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 89948 There are many communities in Florida that use Golf Carts in their everyday lives... You should be planning Bikeways, safe & secure for us all. 2014/07/15 16:59:15 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 90192 I live out in the country and would like it to stay that way. The city is a necessary evil to provide work and homes for those that like the city. 2014/07/15 21:50:22 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 90317 In Pinellas Park, we are not actively acquiring park land. My neighborhood is nowhere near a park we could walk kids to, for example. The county being preserved. 2014/07/17 14:59:06 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 90564 It'd be great to eliminate public "dead zones" like the seemingly endless stretch of used auto lots along N. Florida Avenue. 2014/07/20 13:38:31 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 91011 Build transit near homes and increase the times the trolley rolls, as well as the distance into downtown. 2014/07/20 13:38:31 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 91012 Build transit near homes and increase the times the trolley rolls, as well as the distance into downtown. 2014/07/22 15:57:51 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 91433 A greener, safer and more sustainable Tampa is where I want to live 2014/07/22 17:08:56 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 91446 More walking and biking schools. Many schools are surrounded by large roadways which would lead to required hazardous busing for students. 2014/07/23 02:27:18 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 91532 I live in Central Tampa along Hillsborough Avenue. I feel with pedestrian bridges and rezoning it could become an avenue with mixed-used devel 2014/07/23 14:46:56 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 91559 Around the Tampa area, it is dangerous for pedestrians to walk. People on bicycles are also in danger. Making the area safe would make people 2014/07/23 20:30:33 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 91575 The area just north of USF, along 42nd and 46th street has terrible sidewalks. They don't connect in some place. They're flooded in other places Plus, the new sidewalk along the south side of Fletcher doesn't have any connections to USF sidewalks. Except for maybe USF Palm drive. 2014/07/24 12:55:40 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 91777 Expand public transportation, especially the "last mile" 2014/07/31 15:57:22 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 92803 The other choices look nice but they cost money we do not have. 2014/08/01 16:33:31 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 93093 I ask for a strong focus on pedestrians and cyclists. With Florida becoming the elderly capitol of American we need to provide safe options for the 2014/08/03 23:53:39 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 93295 one of the major issues that residents face without transportation, is that major businesses are closer to transit areas, while residents are not. tou away from their home areas, can not because of lack of transit or mass transit. 2014/08/03 23:53:39 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 93296 one of the major issues that residents face without transportation, is that major businesses are closer to transit areas, while residents are not. tou away from their home areas, can not because of lack of transit or mass transit. 2014/08/07 20:11:17 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 94312 Apollo beach area needs more places for people to walk to for an evening out. Like possibly Mira Bay area could have a Buffalo Wild Wings or a 2014/08/07 20:11:17 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 94313 Apollo beach area needs more places for people to walk to for an evening out. Like possibly Mira Bay area could have a Buffalo Wild Wings or a 2014/08/09 19:22:13 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 94653 More housing options needed, affordable 2014/08/09 19:22:13 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 94658 More housing options needed, affordable 2014/08/09 19:33:26 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 94663 Apartments away from traffic for kids 2014/08/12 16:33:18 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 95341 Walkability is most important. I need to feel safe walking and riding in Tampa. The roads are already too congested. We need bike lanes and com bad. And Please NO MORE STRIP CLUBS 2014/08/13 11:50:06 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 95389 Make specific areas walkable, and make mass transit available so that one can get to those areas without driving. 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P2_Save land to build jo RankingComment2,67643 95502 The best way to save land for future development is to reuse and fill in currently developed space that is sitting idle. 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 95491 The development rules are already too little and too loose. Rules need to be strengthened and expanded. Especially where development will neg 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 95492 The development rules are already too little and too loose. Rules need to be strengthened and expanded. Especially where development will neg 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 95500 There are already plenty of empty spaces (businesses, ghost developments, dead malls with unused parking lots). Developers should be reworki 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 96387 Obviously this will reduce traffic on the roads. 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 96386 This will save lots of money versus starting from the ground up and make these eye sores go away. 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 96388 Updating will be aesthetically pleasing and we don't wont to build on every piece of land available. We still won't some rural areas. 2014/08/15 15:23:52 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 96448 I walk to my job at USF from my home. It's dangerous to cross the street, even in a crosswalk! In other parts of Hillsborough, I would like to park i 2014/08/15 15:23:52 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 96454 We need better, more efficient transit options in the area that go to the places people want to go, and are comparably efficient and convenient to 2014/08/15 18:36:25 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 96534 How about building transit near homes. I'd select this except there is no transit in Brandon/Valrico to build near. 2014/08/16 14:47:53 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 96749 Good idea to redevelop old non historical areas and update and reuse some of the eyesore areas That Tampa has(warehouses etc.) 2014/08/16 14:47:53 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 96748 It's important to make sure development includes trees and green space to reduce runoff flooding and cool the county with shade trees and shrub 2014/08/16 14:47:53 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 96750 Reduce red tape yes, but make developers responsible for providing green space and shady areas in the plan and proper drainage. 2014/08/16 17:37:16 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 96773 Empty big box stores can house other things besides more retail. Plant City needs more recreational outlets for growing family. The downtown sp events held outdoor - like those offered in Lklnd Lake Mirror. 2014/08/16 17:37:16 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 96774 Plant city needs to consider the aging population. There are few areas for working seniors and those to live as they mature to need assistance. properly maintained and aesthetic to roadway traffic. 2014/08/16 17:37:16 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 96775 This area needs some sort of public transportation. It is a bedroom community, many of my neighbors work in Tampa or getting to the Airport is a 2014/08/16 17:37:16 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 96776 This area needs some sort of public transportation. It is a bedroom community, many of my neighbors work in Tampa or getting to the Airport is a 2014/08/16 17:37:16 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 96778 Using empty big stores for community recreation or school activity would be improvement over More outlet retail. Retail additions should be surve 2014/08/17 17:35:19 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 96865 Fit for bicycle traffic and parking. Cars don't watch out for bicyclists. 2014/08/17 20:22:18 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 96875 For my area (Seffner), this is actually backwards. The homes are here, we just need reasonable ways to get around. We need safe sidewalks, bik 2014/08/18 00:55:27 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 96893 Investment in transit whether rail or revitalized bus system running from downtown to North, East and West. 2014/08/18 12:51:22 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 96912 Keep Florida Green and Beautiful 2014/08/19 00:30:35 S2_P2_Save land to build jo RankingComment2,67643 97034 Stop large job centers from going outside the city. Limit the sprawl and work inwards back to the city for some time. 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 97108 This is probably the best option for Carrollwood Village. It might be possible to carve out some small center job centers, but I am not sure there is 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 97110 This will be tough here, but if we could reverse it and find some feeder routes to build transit near homes. CWV centers on Fletcher and Dale Ma Fletcher. Might be possible Bike loaner or small bus feeders, then some dispersion method at the high density destinations. 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S2_P2_Reduce redevelopment RankingComment2,67643 97113 We're pretty loose in terms of zoning here, but there is some ag around here would would be nice to preserve. Much of Carrollwood is ripe for re easing it. Some community/business partnerships or incentives or even some city planning creativity programs could be a start. 2014/08/19 15:34:32 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 97196 Encourage/support companies to provide transportation friendly schedules like spreading out shift start times, salaried working from home, carpo 2014/08/19 21:28:43 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 97422 We need sidewalks and cross walks with lights that pedestrians can change as needed 2014/08/19 21:47:28 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 97439 We need sidewalks and crosswalks with pedestrians able to control changing of lights. 2014/08/22 19:29:26 S2_P2_Save land to build jo RankingComment2,67643 98236 Bring business to Tampa Bay area for beter place to Live Work and Play. 2014/08/22 19:29:26 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 98232 Building suburban and rural areas for people to live in nice communities and have shops restaurants shoping plaza near by to enjoy. 2014/08/22 19:32:22 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 98228 I routinely experience concern for my welfare when running on Old Memorial highway; it is a dangerous, narrow road with no sidewalks and cars
I would like to see a sidewalk added to enable residents along Old Memorial road to safely navigate to Countryway Blvd. Thank you for consider 2014/08/22 19:48:46 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 98231 I routinely experience concern for my welfare when running on Old Memorial highway; it is a dangerous, narrow road with no sidewalks and cars
I would like to see a sidewalk added to enable residents along Old Memorial road to safely navigate to Countryway Blvd. Thank you for consider 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 98262 Encourage and work with developers and retail stores to build plaza,complex with nice walking surroundings. 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P2_Save land to build jo RankingComment2,67643 98263 encourage business to come to Tampa Bay to Help our Job market 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 98258 Need more retail plaza shops and reataurants near neighborhood araea's 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 98259 Need more retail plaza shops and reataurants near neighborhood area's 2014/08/22 20:43:37 S2_P2_Keep neighborhood cho RankingComment2,67643 98260 Need more retail plaza shops and reataurants near neighborhood area's 2014/08/23 19:04:43 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 99344 Also require trees and landscaping be planted; don't just create concrete and steel jungles. 2014/08/24 16:32:27 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 99412 My neighborhood was to host the first rail station (30th and E. Fowler), since that didn't happen we have been unable to attract commuters to our parking for their main campus (which has insufficient parking). I speculate that they thought the rail line would be available for their employees an neighborhood. We are on the south side of E. Fowler and should have been developing over the years as a bedroom community for USF studen connections to USF. Because of the expanse of E. Fowler separating us from the campus, it has become a barrier to developing this area as an a 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P2_Fill in and reuse_Com RankingComment2,67643 99873 and no MORE strip malls! 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P2_Encourage walkable pl RankingComment2,67643 99872 how about a bus service that is more frequent than hourly? 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 99874 put in the transit 2014/09/03 15:07:45 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 103399 Building homes near transits would encourage more walking and bicking 2014/09/03 15:07:45 S2_P2_Build homes near tran RankingComment2,67643 103400 Building homes near transits would encourage more walking and bicking 2014/07/10 13:30:44 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89708 Build a north entrance into the Tampa Airport accessible via Veteran's Expwy to alleviate traffic flow at I275, SR 60. 2014/07/10 13:30:44 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89709 Build a north entrance into the Tampa Airport accessible via Veteran's Expwy to alleviate traffic flow at I275, SR 60. 2014/07/10 14:21:34 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89732 Increase downtown living 2014/07/10 14:21:34 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89733 Increase downtown living 2014/07/10 22:15:58 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89794 More bicycle trails and bicycle lanes 2014/07/10 22:15:58 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89795 More bicycle trails and bicycle lanes 2014/07/11 15:45:17 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89832 Gggggg 2014/07/11 15:45:17 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89833 Gggggg 2014/07/11 15:45:17 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89834 Gggggg 2014/07/14 12:19:21 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89917 Protect industrial properties and land uses from conflicting neighboring land uses. 2014/07/14 12:19:21 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89918 Protect industrial properties and land uses from conflicting neighboring land uses. 2014/07/14 12:19:21 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89919 Protect industrial properties and land uses from conflicting neighboring land uses. 2014/07/14 12:19:21 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89920 Protect industrial properties and land uses from conflicting neighboring land uses. 2014/07/14 16:07:39 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89929 Public transportation 2014/07/14 19:16:30 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89945 Florida is #1 in many things But #1 in Bicycle Deaths should not be allowed. Reduced dependency on oil is in our Future, so making more secure 2014/07/14 19:16:30 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 89946 Florida is #1 in many things But #1 in Bicycle Deaths should not be allowed. Reduced dependency on oil is in our Future, so making more secure 2014/07/18 15:16:52 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 90663 Save our neighborhoods - stop over- development in suburban neighborhoods where roadways cannot withstand commercial development. Kee 2014/07/18 15:16:52 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 90664 Save our neighborhoods - stop over- development in suburban neighborhoods where roadways cannot withstand commercial development. Kee 2014/07/18 15:16:52 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 90665 Save our neighborhoods - stop over- development in suburban neighborhoods where roadways cannot withstand commercial development. Kee 2014/07/18 15:49:51 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 90668 Implement complete streets concepts in development and redevelopment 2014/07/18 15:49:51 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 90669 Implement complete streets concepts in development and redevelopment 2014/07/18 22:01:58 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 90864 WE NEED MORE JOB CENTERS ESPECIALLY IN PARTS OF HILLSBOROUGH THAT LACK THEM, PLUS MAKE THEM ACCESSIBLE BY BU 2014/07/19 13:20:57 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 90956 Type... 2014/07/19 17:50:13 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91002 Build light rail 2014/07/22 17:29:14 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91465 Encourage bikeable places - better bike infrastructure. 2014/07/22 19:22:24 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91494 Conserve more land 2014/07/22 19:22:24 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91495 Conserve more land 2014/07/22 19:22:24 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91496 Conserve more land 2014/07/22 19:22:24 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91497 Conserve more land 2014/07/23 14:40:46 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91553 Bike lanes that are not on the street 2014/07/23 14:40:46 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91554 Bike lanes that are not on the street 2014/07/23 14:42:06 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91555 More bike lanes 2014/07/23 14:42:06 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91556 More bike lanes 2014/07/23 22:33:41 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91689 Light rail 2014/07/23 23:26:04 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91713 WE NEED BETTER TRANSIT !!! Freeway or light rail connection between St. Petersburg and Clearwater and north up to Pasco county 2014/07/23 23:32:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91715 Type... 2014/07/23 23:32:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91716 Type... 2014/07/24 03:52:58 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91756 Having more & new business, which brings in more people needing different kinds of housing is all great. However, before any of this can even b handle everything. The best example - when a good housing developer plans a neighborhood, the first things that go in are water, sewer, electric existing empty lots, vacant buildings, etc, to see how they can be incorporated into the new plans. Mike Perkins - Dunedin. 2014/07/24 09:52:45 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91761 Develope long distance rail transportation between communities and enhance public transportation. 2014/07/24 09:52:45 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91762 Develope long distance rail transportation between communities and enhance public transportation. 2014/07/24 17:11:43 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 91916 Our County needs to lobby Google to build one of their high speed web systems in Tampa (like they have in Austin) to make us more tech friendl 2014/07/24 20:58:44 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92037 More green spaces 2014/07/24 20:58:44 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92038 More green spaces 2014/07/25 13:43:08 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92072 Bike Paths - Everywhere 2014/07/25 13:43:08 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92073 Bike Paths - Everywhere 2014/07/25 20:06:00 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92131 Encourage bike able places and roads 2014/07/25 20:06:00 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92132 Encourage bike able places and roads 2014/07/26 14:26:47 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92204 Keep some parks and wilderness 2014/07/29 20:56:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92564 Build a ballpark in downtown Tampa! 2014/07/29 20:56:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92565 Build a ballpark in downtown Tampa! 2014/07/29 20:56:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92567 Encourage more cruise ships to make Tampa home! 2014/07/29 20:56:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92566 Redevelop Channelside to make it a premiere entertainment venue 2014/07/29 21:14:47 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92577 Have the question asked of students at universities and at the secondary education level and at senior centers. 2014/07/29 21:14:47 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 92578 Have the question asked of students at universities and at the secondary education level and at senior centers. 2014/08/01 02:17:15 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 93028 Revive formerly proposed highway projects, such as the Lutz extension of the Veteran's Expressway. Also, eliminate grade crossings in Tampa, a 2014/08/03 13:20:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 93262 Transportation Use 2014/08/10 14:58:23 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 94693 Quality town centers and homes with access to variety of services with walkways, bycycle, etc. 2014/08/10 15:05:33 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 94694 Quality entertainment and dining venues. 2014/08/10 15:05:33 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 94695 Quality entertainment and dining venues. 2014/08/11 15:27:47 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 94758 Build The Perimeter Trail and connect protected bike lanes to all Tampa neighborhoods. 2014/08/11 19:29:37 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 94833 Build transit near existing homes. 2014/08/11 19:29:37 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 94837 Build transit near existing homes. 2014/08/11 19:29:37 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 94846 Build transit near existing homes. Don't build anymore homes. There are vacant homes and apartments everywhere. 2014/08/12 15:20:24 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95169 Don't take homes to transit, take transit to homes! Build a high-speed rail network! 2014/08/12 15:20:59 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95171 Improve the infrastructure in all neighborhoods to a high level not just in wealthy neighborhoods. sidewalks, water line access, streetlights, etc. 2014/08/12 17:22:35 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95242 Mass and Active Commuting 2014/08/12 19:15:21 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95294 Develop railway transportation. 2014/08/12 23:49:56 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95338 more bike ways 2014/08/13 04:32:00 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95383 Type... 2014/08/13 11:50:06 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95387 Make mass transit a viable alternative to the choking congestion on the roads. 2014/08/13 11:50:06 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95388 Make mass transit a viable alternative to the choking congestion on the roads. 2014/08/13 16:59:28 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95482 More parks and please reinstall adult height swings, benches, walking paths, trees including fruit trees 2014/08/13 17:45:24 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95485 Perform roadway beautification/landscaping/irrigation, and power line burial (e.g. look at Palm Beach Gardens as an example). 2014/08/13 17:45:24 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95486 Perform roadway beautification/landscaping/irrigation, and power line burial (e.g. look at Palm Beach Gardens as an example). 2014/08/13 19:57:16 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95584 Put all new neighborhoods on a grid system so that public transportation can be used. 2014/08/13 22:22:01 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 95749 build bigger wider roads for more cars. use money from inefficient wasteful trains that no one will ride. 2014/08/15 13:49:40 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96421 Make Highways flow traffic better. Make longer exit lanes for conjested areas. Time traffic lights to flow traffic to and from highways. 2014/08/15 14:07:29 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96422 Encourage opening of resident friendly stores in Channelside, such as food markets, convenience stores etc. 2014/08/15 16:04:42 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96474 Elevated Railways with nearby parking. 2014/08/15 17:47:17 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96487 Install bike path on 301 between Big Bend and route 674 2014/08/15 19:57:37 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96602 stop building on every square inch and have more parks.
Protect water sources. When clean, fresh water is gone, so will investment be gone. 2014/08/15 22:03:39 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96664 Type... 2014/08/15 22:13:16 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96667 The transit should also include some form of light rail to MacDill AFB from Brandon, Bloomingdale, Valrico, and Fishhawk. 2014/08/15 22:47:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96678 install pedestrian and bike friendly crosswalks and paths 2014/08/15 22:47:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96679 install pedestrian and bike friendly crosswalks and paths 2014/08/15 23:49:41 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96693 use land already developed. save a Florida Forest 2014/08/15 23:49:41 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96694 use land already developed. save a Florida Forest 2014/08/16 14:16:49 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96741 get light rail going immediately from Macdill and from airport and to Orlando 2014/08/16 16:18:33 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96754 Allow more duplexes and row houses by changing zoning laws. These are the best higher density options in residential neighborhoods. This wil 2014/08/16 18:49:44 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96782 INTER-COUNTY mass transit MUST be planned first. You MUST set aside land/corridors BEFORE you build anything else. Trying to insert trans 2014/08/16 22:15:09 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96802 Type... 2014/08/17 13:18:02 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96810 Get out of the way of property owners 2014/08/17 14:31:28 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96821 Build more hi speed east/west roads in both north and south county. When they are built, build them so they do not have to be rebuilt again in 10 2014/08/17 14:54:23 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96828 We need light rail. 2014/08/17 15:20:14 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96849 Link all communities with mass transit using smaller, greener buses and light rail. 2014/08/17 15:20:14 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96850 Link all communities with mass transit using smaller, greener buses and light rail. 2014/08/17 15:35:53 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96857 Getting serious about expanding mass transit; light rail and greener/lighter buses. 2014/08/17 19:39:43 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96869 More Back Routes,or something to help improve Traffic. 2014/08/17 19:39:43 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96870 More Back Routes,or something to help improve Traffic. 2014/08/18 18:06:49 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 96982 Build light rail so people don't have to drive and find parking. 2014/08/18 21:17:21 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 97016 Stop subsidizing expensive, low-density sprawl style development. 2014/08/18 21:17:21 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 97017 Stop subsidizing expensive, low-density sprawl style development. 2014/08/19 17:23:45 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 97260 better public transportation 2014/08/19 17:23:45 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 97261 better public transportation 2014/08/19 18:18:23 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 97293 encourage business to locate in suburbs when practical; instead of congregating in congested areas 2014/08/22 02:12:11 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 98098 Connect all malls with monorails. Then people can simply go to their nearest location yet still connect to all the others. Then expand to other serv 2014/08/22 02:12:11 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 98099 Connect all malls with monorails. Then people can simply go to their nearest location yet still connect to all the others. Then expand to other serv 2014/08/22 07:00:56 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 98131 Build a rail transit network 2014/08/22 07:00:56 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 98132 Build a rail transit network 2014/08/22 13:47:59 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 98154 DO NOT expand the Urban Service Area 2014/08/22 13:47:59 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 98155 DO NOT expand the Urban Service Area 2014/08/22 14:01:09 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 98168 More mass transit for less vehicles on the road 2014/08/23 16:08:39 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99319 Urban. Hyrdoponic Farms. Teach our kids how to respect the environment and learn where their food comes from. 2014/08/23 16:08:39 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99320 Urban. Hyrdoponic Farms. Teach our kids how to respect the environment and learn where their food comes from. 2014/08/23 17:24:49 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99332 We need better and/or more frequent public transportation choices, especially light rail along the I-4 and I-75 corridors 2014/08/23 19:04:43 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99342 Provide a real education for our children. Stop teaching memorization (FCAT) and let teachers teach and challenge students to THINK. This is ou 2014/08/23 19:04:43 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99340 Provide real education for our children 2014/08/24 14:39:50 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99380 Make public transportation more available. The time it takes to go two miles across town can take up to 2 1/2 hours if the busses don't coincide w 2014/08/24 14:39:50 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99381 Make public transportation more available. The time it takes to go two miles across town can take up to 2 1/2 hours if the busses don't coincide w 2014/08/24 15:51:22 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99400 Have safe bicycle lanes 2014/08/24 15:51:22 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99401 Have safe bicycle lanes 2014/08/24 15:51:22 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99402 Provide mass transit for common trips 2014/08/24 15:56:52 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99403 preserve land for the future generations to see. 2014/08/24 16:38:07 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99410 add more areas to existing neighborhoods such as parks, dog walk areas 2014/08/24 22:17:34 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99438 Mandate new developments have more & larger conservation areas and definitely do not interfere with migration corridors. Mandate "safe" walki from being rezoned and built on for both private and county development. 2014/08/25 00:26:32 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99440 Build infrastructure for transit systems to connect the county and beyond (and more than just light rail to Orlando). Aboveground rail systems to c 2014/08/25 03:25:53 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99458 Build better and bigger roads 2014/08/25 12:05:09 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99478 Eliminate Zoning rules which are simply a way to have our leaders accept payoffs. Eliminate most construction permits....they are a joke. I've ha any door except the front door (they ignored 2 other doors which were replaced...but signed that they were fine). Eliminate this category...the "se 2014/08/25 17:48:14 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99772 Follow the community plan development. Do not let deep pocket donors get special rezoning permits. 2014/08/25 18:08:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99852 improve mass transportation; need speedy transit system; increase hours of operation (24/7) 2014/08/25 18:08:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99853 improve mass transportation; need speedy transit system; increase hours of operation (24/7) 2014/08/25 19:15:05 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99864 Build an efficient transit system! Not going to be a great live able area without a transit system for everyone - not only for the poor. 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 99871 really, these are awful choices--just development without regulation. Public transportation and safe pedestrian areas are vital. 2014/08/26 02:28:39 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100095 na 2014/08/26 22:12:57 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100390 Make sure infrastructure is in place before allowing more development 2014/08/26 22:12:57 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100391 Make sure infrastructure is in place before allowing more development 2014/08/26 23:04:38 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100396 Build enough roads for comutting 2014/08/27 14:37:44 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100455 only a moron would believe this area could support that big an increase in population. not enough water, gas or infrastructure. idiots. 2014/08/27 17:02:18 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100528 incoroporate bike paths 2014/08/27 17:02:18 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100529 incoroporate bike paths
county transportation system to rural and suburban areas 2014/08/27 17:02:18 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 100530 incorporate bike paths
county transportation system to rural and suburban areas 2014/08/29 00:58:10 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 102768 Type... 2014/08/30 15:38:55 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103053 Make more MALLS 2014/08/30 15:38:55 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103054 Make more MALLS 2014/08/30 15:38:55 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103055 Make more MALLS 2014/08/31 10:15:49 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103080 Coordinate and cooperate with adjacent neighborhoods and counties to improve public transportation routes,connectivity and coverage. 2014/09/01 00:14:15 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103106 First.. we need to quit giving tax breaks to encourage companies to move here. Those companies that move here tend to create just as much mig
Second... we need to encourage redevelopment of existing areas, but not by giving tax incentives or grants, but by making developers pay the co attractive to redevelop existing areas and while providing funding to make improvements long before they become mandatory.
Third... Florida is just too rainy and too hot to expect many to "walk" very far, but the zoning could be much better controlled to create transportati daycare and schools around those hubs could provide not only part-time workforce, but also a method of eliminating schools busses in favor of a 2014/09/01 00:43:46 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103108 Invest in Advanced Traffic Sensor Signal Control 2014/09/01 00:43:46 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103109 Invest in Advanced Traffic Sensor Signal Control 2014/09/01 17:37:08 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103129 Honor nature. Limit development in natural areas and use existing land for more effective housing. 2014/09/01 20:26:41 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103142 Quit wasting time and money by doing part of a job and letting it sit. Workers need to work when out there not stand around and block traffic 2014/09/02 13:43:22 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103186 Improve the schools. 2014/09/02 16:30:59 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103233 Save money to install commuter rail connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg. This will reduce auto traffic congestion on Tampa Bay bridges. 2014/09/02 16:30:59 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103234 Save money to install commuter rail connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg. This will reduce auto traffic congestion on Tampa Bay bridges. 2014/09/02 16:30:59 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103235 Save money to install commuter rail connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg. This will reduce auto traffic congestion on Tampa Bay bridges. 2014/09/03 21:30:50 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103451 Build infrastructure that encourages growth...train/better transportation 2014/09/03 21:30:50 S2_P1_CountyNeeds_Suggestio RankingSuggestion,67644 103452 Build infrastructure that encourages growth...train/better transportation 2014/07/10 12:40:11 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 89698 Reduce cost of urban development (impact fee reductions/waivers, fast track permitting, etc). 2014/07/18 12:44:44 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 90648 maintain undeveloped land 2014/07/18 12:44:44 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 90649 maintain undeveloped land 2014/07/18 12:44:44 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 90650 maintain undeveloped land 2014/07/22 01:37:44 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 91306 Expansive Greenbelt system not on roadways cuts and curves through neighborhood with links to homes and communities
add water refill stations and air pumps for bikes to trails and pathways 2014/07/22 01:37:44 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 91307 Expansive Greenbelt system not on roadways cuts and curves through neighborhood with links to homes and communities
add water refill stations and air pumps for bikes to trails and pathways 2014/07/23 14:42:06 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 91557 More street lights or sidewalks 2014/07/23 22:44:10 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 91685 No taxes for trains 2014/07/23 23:26:04 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 91714 Better paved streets and drainage 2014/07/24 02:28:05 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 91752 Increase impact fees so new development pays for the infrastructure require for the increased population. 2014/07/24 02:28:05 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 91751 Stop ruining the environment and tighten development rules. 2014/07/28 16:01:52 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 92282 Value green spaces and parks. Make sure that neighborhoods have safe parks for exercise and playing children. 2014/07/29 20:56:38 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 92568 Clean up the foreclosed homes/properties 2014/07/30 14:40:13 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 92640 Improve the present infrastructure - roads,recreation opportunities 2014/07/31 00:35:51 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 92774 Don't allow building unless a developer provides adequate water supply and the surrounding transit structure has been improved to sufficiently al 2014/08/07 12:55:01 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 94018 Build transit 2014/08/09 17:34:05 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 94723 Using true BRT in exclusive lanes along high speed arterial like Busch, Hillsborough, Fowler, and US-92 can serve the many apartments along th 2014/08/10 15:05:33 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 94696 Quality music/entertainment venues. 2014/08/10 15:05:33 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 94697 Quality music/entertainment venues. 2014/08/10 15:05:33 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 94698 Quality music/entertainment venues. 2014/08/11 17:36:56 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 94812 I live in the Hyde Park area. Something that will significantly boost the property values in this region of town would be to stay on top of resurfacing current (dangerous) sprawl of cars on the street is discouraging to look at and not to mention there's seldom any kind of parking available for folks 2014/08/11 17:36:56 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 94813 I live in the Hyde Park area. Something that will significantly boost the property values in this region of town would be to stay on top of resurfacing current (dangerous) sprawl of cars on the street is discouraging to look at and not to mention there's seldom any kind of parking available for folks 2014/08/12 13:56:24 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95149 Complete Perimeter Trail and grow the Green Artery project 2014/08/12 15:16:00 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95162 kick rick scott in the head and build rail transit 2014/08/12 15:16:00 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95163 kick rick scott in the head and build rail transit 2014/08/12 16:21:24 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95222 Build metro to connect tampa NW to south Tampa and to USF area 2014/08/12 16:21:24 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95224 create safe bike paths. Kids should be able to ride bikes to school. 2014/08/12 16:21:24 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95225 create safe bike paths. Kids should be able to ride bikes to school. 2014/08/12 18:00:09 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95269 Bikeable commuting. 2014/08/12 18:00:09 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95270 Bikeable commuting. 2014/08/13 13:42:08 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95422 Better bike paths a light rail going from Wesley Chapel to south Tampa and from Brandon to Clearwater 2014/08/13 17:45:24 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95488 Roadway beautification/landscaping/irrigation/maintenance and power line burial. Look at Palm Beach Gardens as an example 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95507 TAX the developers. They have to Pay to Play. 2014/08/14 00:09:31 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95809 Establish a community village with eateries, coffee shop, stores and activities that encourage families to get out and create a community spirit (e. 2014/08/14 00:09:31 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95810 Establish a community village with eateries, coffee shop, stores and activities that encourage families to get out and create a community spirit (e. 2014/08/14 00:09:31 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 95811 Establish a community village with eateries, coffee shop, stores and activities that encourage families to get out and create a community spirit (e. 2014/08/14 17:46:39 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96095 need to use the space we have but expand significantly either rail or small alternatives (perhaps green?) for walkability which will reduce traffic, in 2014/08/14 17:46:39 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96096 need to use the space we have but expand significantly either rail or small alternatives (perhaps green?) for walkability which will reduce traffic, in 2014/08/14 17:46:39 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96100 need to use the space we have but expand significantly either rail or small alternatives (perhaps green?) for walkability which will reduce traffic, in 2014/08/15 15:23:52 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96451 Encourage transportation by bicycle 2014/08/15 22:13:16 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96670 Build transit between large concentrations of homes for employees of large firms (i.e. MacDill, USF, etc.) 2014/08/15 22:47:38 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96680 stop allowing commercial buildings to build right up to sidewalks, put in more sidewalks, put in more crosswalks and enforce law breakers to spee 2014/08/15 22:47:38 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96681 stop allowing commercial buildings to build right up to sidewalks, put in more sidewalks, put in more crosswalks and enforce law breakers to spee 2014/08/16 00:19:15 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96699 Make neighborhood safe 2014/08/16 00:19:15 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96700 Make neighborhood safe 2014/08/16 00:19:15 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96701 Make neighborhood safe 2014/08/16 00:19:15 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96698 Type... 2014/08/16 08:07:18 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96712 build a comprehensive transit program such as in Portland, OR, not a bunch of busses or high density apartment complexes. how about light rail 2014/08/16 16:45:17 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96760 Build more villas/ retirement homes 2014/08/16 16:45:17 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96758 Type... 2014/08/16 16:45:17 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96759 Type... 2014/08/16 18:49:44 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96784 My neighborhood needs traffic law enforcement. 2014/08/17 15:38:30 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96854 Add more public transportation to better use existing facilities (rather than build more facilities) 2014/08/17 15:38:30 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96855 Add more public transportation to better use existing facilities (rather than build more facilities) 2014/08/17 17:25:49 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96862 encourage more mass transit - like light rail 2014/08/17 22:32:08 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96879 enforce existing building codes 2014/08/18 00:25:12 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96890 Encourage bikable places around USF/Tampa Palms 2014/08/18 16:50:03 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 96981 There are very few street lamps and no sidewalks on my street behind Lowry Park Zoo. This is a heavily walked area with many bus transit stops wildlife that resides behind the zoo. I drive with my brights on down the street to avoid hitting people every night. 2014/08/18 22:36:48 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 97027 New Tampa needs PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, including buses to airport and downtown more than just rush hour service, light rail (e.g., like C 2014/08/19 14:22:12 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 97135 I live in Westchase. The community is great with lots of diversified living spaces that encourage a friendly community with ease of shopping and building in areas. The developer should be more responsible than just purchasing the property and building. In our area currently there are plans 2014/08/19 15:34:32 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 97193 Improvement transportation options...safer for bikes, more smaller around town buses like a university area, pedestrian/bike bridges at massive 4 2014/08/19 15:34:32 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 97194 Improvement transportation options...safer for bikes, more smaller around town buses like a university area, pedestrian/bike bridges at massive 4 2014/08/19 17:23:45 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 97262 better public transportation 2014/08/19 17:23:45 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 97263 better public transportation 2014/08/19 17:23:45 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 97264 bike lanes and more trails 2014/08/23 16:08:39 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99316 Protect the natural beauty of our town--more green spaces, and more awareness of environment preservation. 2014/08/23 16:08:39 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99317 Protect the natural beauty of our town--more green spaces, and more awareness of environment preservation. 2014/08/23 16:08:39 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99318 Protect the natural beauty of our town--more green spaces, and more awareness of environment preservation. 2014/08/23 16:15:46 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99322 Reduce/restrict growth. Not vibrant and bustling but less is better. Came to South county to avoid the mob scene in Brandon/Tampa. 2014/08/23 19:04:43 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99343 Provide intelligent schools that dumps the FCAT, encourages teachers to teach and challenge our kids to THINK! Our kids are our future, teachin 2014/08/24 12:58:09 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99377 More shops and restaurants 2014/08/24 14:29:49 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99379 Build transit, a bicycle path system and train 2014/08/24 15:33:48 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99398 Neighborhoods should be served by feeder transportation to primary transportation routes on main thoroughfares. 2014/08/24 16:37:09 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99411 Build the train I plan I submitted to solve all the above suggestions. A train would do everything to promote a great city! 2014/08/25 16:11:05 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99586 encourage more retail 2014/08/25 19:29:13 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 99870 public transportation desperately needed; more development in Hyde Pk NOT needed 2014/08/26 01:06:06 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 100093 Leave well enough alone. Florida and Hillsborough was once a beautiful place, but now it is more like New York City or San Francisco. It is a do 2014/08/27 02:55:46 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 100436 The city needs to stop approving development without the infrastructure to handle it. In South Tampa, the city continues to approve re-zoning of handle the influx of people. 2014/08/28 12:06:48 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 101255 Development of bike lanes on existing roadways and/or roads where high bicycle usage exists to 1) provide safe riding for bicyclists, 2) encourag 2014/08/28 12:06:48 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 101272 Development of bike lanes on existing roadways and/or roads where high bicycle usage exists to 1) provide safe riding for bicyclists, 2) encourag 2014/08/29 17:58:19 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 102898 Improve safety 2014/08/31 10:15:49 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 103083 Neighborhood, county, AND REGIONAL stategies need to be the same. 2014/08/31 17:03:32 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 103095 Develop more mass transit options from suburbs to corporate areas and large employers such as hospitals, universities 2014/09/01 00:14:15 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 103107 Same as previous comment. 2014/09/03 17:12:06 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 103425 Encourage small grocery stores 2014/09/03 17:12:06 S2_P2_NeighborhoodNeeds_Sug RankingSuggestion2,67645 103424 Type... 2014/07/10 12:03:35 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89673 We need a major investment in mass transit. I support a 1 cent sales tax. 2014/07/10 12:40:11 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89705 Would have been nice to also have a menu of revenue options that could have been adjusted in order to offset the projects we selected. 2014/07/10 13:41:29 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89720 More options In Brandon, but need more accessibility for people in valrico as well as south shore 2014/07/10 13:55:41 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89726 Even though I am retired, I am willing to pay additional taxes/fees at a reasonable level to provide a REAL mass transit solution for Hillsborough C 2014/07/10 15:30:42 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89746 Hi 2014/07/10 15:35:35 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89749 We need to invest in transit, especially rail to offer alternatives for the future. 2014/07/10 15:54:53 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89760 This compromised and ill conceived 'plan' exemplifies why people with ambition, who yearn to be prosperous and successful, such as young colle elsewhere. The so-called leaders in this area like to talk about competing with real cities elsewhere, but you insist on offering a single culture (car life, and provides no complete urban neighborhoods. Not a single one. 2014/07/10 17:00:21 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89764 Need better mass transit system that is convenient to people and not the buses. Widen i-275 from howard into tampa 2014/07/10 18:03:47 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89769 I live next to & identify with the rural Thonotosassa area, even though my zip code says "urban". Keep Thonotosassa & Eureka SPrings RURAL 2014/07/10 23:35:33 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89797 Raise taxes, our roadway congestion is deplorable 2014/07/11 14:19:31 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89823 Taxes need to be raised, we need to invest and commit funding to making transit a priority. Stop talking about it and do something. We have alrea need to stand up and make changes. Stop worrying about whether they will be re-elected and actually do something positive. We will continue to 2014/07/11 15:18:25 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89831 Elected officials PLEASE listen and provide more funding for transit! 2014/07/11 22:14:04 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89885 Work and live in south tampa and ybor. Love my city but would like more 2014/07/12 02:19:29 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89897 Nice to be invited to be involved 2014/07/12 12:33:15 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89900 Some safe/easy system for people to get from the airport/Westshore area to downtown and get USF students to Channelside. I like the idea of a 2014/07/13 01:46:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89906 We need more Transit - This plan has no BRT, no clear layout of bike-ped solutions, all roads. Very disappointed. 2014/07/14 19:28:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89956 Downtown Tampa is a Mess! You should be building elevated bikeways and walkways to keep people out of harms way in traffic. Florida is #1 in 2014/07/15 03:54:32 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 89994 Please improve biking infrastructure to mane it desirable for young people to move to the Tampa area. 2014/07/15 17:08:36 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90230 More bus routes, More connections between Carrollwood/Northdale and Downtown, (there are none) and Rail. I bought my home near Gunn Hig BASED ON the BUS Route options I was Using, HART Cancelled the Express bus route. And now it takes me 2 hours and 15 min. to travel 12 m 2014/07/15 20:08:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90294 Need more transit options! 2014/07/15 21:50:22 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90318 I lived in 33614 for four years. I appreciate your asking about this. I serve on the Pinellas Park Planning and Zoning Commission. Great job! 2014/07/16 16:00:37 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90445 lets have true choices for living, and transportation 2014/07/17 13:36:19 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90546 Address is 2020 tidewater ct Tampa fl 33619 2014/07/17 14:16:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90552 2017 plantation key circle apt 107 Brandon fl 33511
Please mail home show voucher 2014/07/17 14:16:40 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90551 Why are there no proposed projects for Carrollwood? This area needs to be better supported as the infrastructure gets older. 2014/07/17 14:28:46 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90555 Yes how about better help to reducing the. Dis advances of now!! 2014/07/17 14:59:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90567 I don't like the ferry idea, but I DO like the idea of extending the Crosstown Expressway to the Gandy Bridge. 2014/07/17 17:04:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90572 Please enforce zoning and development guidelines so that we are CBD and urban core is developed with sufficient density and walkablility. 2014/07/17 17:31:19 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90576 I care about Tampa a lot. I want to be more involved. 2014/07/18 06:01:40 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90635 I am a third generation resident of Hillsborough County whose family started in Ybor thence to Palmetto Beach, thence to West Tampa, thence to area a viable inviting option, but that will require bold realistic planning, not piecemeal solutions or pie in the sky visions that the private sector see everybody "wants" but few use or benefit from. Be bold so that our next generations see our county not as a migration point, but as a destination 2014/07/18 07:24:22 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90638 A great public transportation system is what the city of Tampa needs to put it among the great American cities. 2014/07/18 15:16:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90671 Suburban areas should stay suburban with less commercial/retail and more re-development within the city limits! 2014/07/19 02:28:54 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90886 Say NO to sprawl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2014/07/19 16:02:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 90993 Excellent survey...Have Wheelchair Will Travel... 2014/07/20 13:38:31 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91013 extend the streetcar into downtown and increase hours/efficiency. 2014/07/20 17:36:17 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91027 More emphasis on transit options and less on vehicular traffic. Real bike paths, not the fake ones we paint on the raodways. More pedestrian an 2014/07/21 18:34:07 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91126 I believe in residential density, urban infill, and transit oriented development 2014/07/22 01:37:44 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91310 any additional projects exceeding budget should be funded through a system like the our World war 2 war bonds system give the people a additio 2014/07/22 15:57:51 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91436 sustainable Tampa. All streets should be complete streets. Lets start with the green artery! get cars off the streets by encouraging alternative mea 2014/07/22 18:15:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91488 This data is invalid due to improper means of research. And predetermined area's which crucially need help and saving from the imminent and ra 2014/07/22 18:17:51 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91486 This is ridiculous. How you gonna have a budget for OUR money we're already paying enough of? The county has enough money and has more None of these options aren't going to help us, AT ALL, period. This is only going to hurt us and y'all know it. 2014/07/22 20:04:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91498 Lesbian porn 2014/07/23 02:27:18 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91533 We NEED better transit, and connections. If we do not improve our infrastructure, and focus on smart growth. Our community will fail. 2014/07/23 14:01:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91546 I am 47 and I receive SSDA need more assistance please 2014/07/23 14:40:46 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91558 We need more lights for safety, transit/rail system, bike lanes that are separate from the street. On 56th street the bike lane is on one of the drivi 2014/07/23 18:30:07 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91568 Need bike and walking trails to help bring in hi-tech. 2014/07/23 19:17:28 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91569 Hillsborough County needs Careers not jobs! stop giving lip service to the big box stores that pay minim wages and start paying more attention to 2014/07/23 22:26:50 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91691 As for the bike lanes and bikers why not just put in a side walk like path with protection from cars. You could put it side by side to the side walk an required on their bikes such as lights and blinker or even mirrors. 2014/07/23 22:27:44 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91677 More sidewalks please 2014/07/23 22:33:41 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91687 We need public transportation in East Hillsborough County 2014/07/23 22:44:10 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91693 spend money on roads not rail surveys 2014/07/23 22:57:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91711 I honestly believe if we start educating and enforcing better safe driving practices to include proper lane usage and change, using turn directional 2014/07/23 22:57:13 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91708 Continuing to invest in roadways greater than mass transit solutions will prove to be a failed strategy as the financial capacity to improve road infr only reasonable solution in accordance with keeping to a well designed comprehensive plan. 2040? Maybe. One can hope.
[email protected] 2014/07/23 23:31:17 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91717 . 2014/07/23 23:52:27 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91718 disabled on small fixed income. I can not afford any more property taxes. It is wrong to confiscate my home for unpaid taxes, I have no way to pa 2014/07/24 03:52:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91757 GOOD LUCK!!! 2014/07/24 04:08:59 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91755 need a lite rail system..not so many buses 2014/07/24 06:46:46 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91758 I just really wish the Tampa Bay area, not just Hillsborough would take a page out of the Denver, CO public transportation plan. That is a model tr 2014/07/24 08:41:24 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91759 Need to reduce traffic coming from St. Petersburg over the bride to the Veterans Expressway. One lane off of the Howard Franklin to the airport 2014/07/24 10:38:49 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91764 You need to leave green land in place as much as possible. Use empty strip malls & redo them. All bus stops needs pull over areas for the buses 2014/07/24 11:28:33 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91769 the county needs to invest more in its waterways/shorelines and use for tourism opportunities. 2014/07/24 11:37:37 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91770 am a resident for 35 years 2014/07/24 12:54:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91778 none 2014/07/24 12:55:40 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91781 Lifelong resident 2014/07/24 13:01:02 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91782 Growing the community through smart growth and mass transit improvements is extremely important. 2014/07/24 14:32:38 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91823 Recently bought a home in Port Tampa, since it is safe, accessible to downtown and affordable. We need more ways to connect neighborhoods t 2014/07/24 15:40:33 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91879 Let all the old farts that are holding us back die off and ask just us young people what we really want. People who are 70-90+ now shouldn't get to 2014/07/24 18:19:48 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 91966 Mass transit is not workable on such a large area so why spend money on it. This is not Europe with millions living in apartments. 2014/07/25 11:39:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92057 We need more transit options not wider roads. 2014/07/25 13:21:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92071 We need to re-invest in the resources and spaces we already have developed while adding convenient and comprehensive mass transit options. 2014/07/25 18:22:29 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92116 Some transportation projects voting (for taxes) need to be limited to the City of Tampa and not Hillsborough County (who always vote it down bec make sure it includes Saturday service! 2014/07/25 18:30:16 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92113 I want to see light rail in Tampa! Stop Sprawling Development! Let/Make Brandon Incorporate! 2014/07/25 19:45:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92130 Focus more on roadway than walk paths and/or bike trails. 2014/07/25 19:58:13 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92148 I think extending the Selmon Expressway to the Bloomingdale, Lumsden Road and Plant City area would be amazing 2014/07/26 13:10:53 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92190 2601 north 29st Apartment b 2014/07/26 14:12:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92202 In opinion something also needs to be done to help the growing number of homeless families in Hillsborough county 2014/07/28 14:57:34 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92275 Would love to see some rail transit from PC into Tampa. 2014/07/28 15:03:24 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92277 20 somethings don't want to live in the suburbs. infill. reduce the red tape. encourage restorations of old buildings etc. 2014/07/28 17:20:04 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92297 fund and construct the citrus park drive extension 2014/07/28 23:33:11 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92375 I recently moved from Brando to Plant City. I have lived in Hillsborough County for 34 years 2014/07/29 21:24:17 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92587 I can't express loud enough the need for a rail system. It would draw more workers here and retain the highly qualified workers. Cities like New Y 2014/07/30 02:26:04 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92603 Invest in strategies that will improve quality of life without increasing sprawl. 2014/07/30 02:47:32 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92604 Originally from Temple Terrace (before it went down hill). Now own property in Ybor City and visit 2-3 times a year to enjoy it's heritage. Plan We 2014/07/30 15:10:42 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92651 We need to continue making Tampa walkable and people friendly! The more we are out spending money the better it will do for our businesses. 2014/07/30 18:14:20 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92693 Please make bus riders pay for their ride the way I must pay to operate my car. It is not fair that I pay for their ride but the do not pay for mine. NO 2014/07/31 00:35:51 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92775 Fix the roads. all the new construction and the people can't get anywhere. pathetic. florida highway engineers sucks. 2014/07/31 15:57:22 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92805 If you plan anything that will raise taxes it is a nonstrarter in my family. 2014/07/31 19:16:00 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 92996 There should be more communities that have schools, shopping and restaurants within walking distance of homes. 2014/08/02 13:03:19 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93223 Need more investing in the Brandon/Valrico area. Need to widen roads; there's too much congestion everywhere as both cities populations conti 2014/08/03 23:53:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93297 thank you for listening to the voices of the residents of Hillsborough County. there are some really promising initiatives listed in this survey, and it 2014/08/04 01:01:19 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93298 I travel to the airport regularly for work. For me ease of commute to airport is important - which really means that easing commute for those worki 2014/08/04 14:29:44 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93307 Live in 33579, work in 33602 2014/08/04 14:44:42 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93309 Infrastructure before MALLS 2014/08/04 16:36:02 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93311 I volunteer all over the county and drive my own vehicle. strong supporter of RAIL & Bus routes 2014/08/04 19:40:28 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93330 That Tampa Bay market is the 12th largest media market in the US. Several market sizes larger than Miama/Ft. Lauderdale. Both the US Census divides the market up into at least three metro areas; Tampa/St. Pete, Northport/Sarasota/Bradenton and Lakeland/Winter Haven despite the fact Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. We need to put pressure on the US Census Bureau to redefine the Tampa Bay SMSA by absorbing the sub-markets aroun more lanes and more roads (not trains) throughout the area not in 2040 but in 2015-20. Have you driven in this mess lately? 2014/08/05 11:10:45 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93362 USF student, employed down town and ybor 2014/08/05 22:22:37 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93625 I don't want to see this lovely city turn into a New York or Chicago. We need to step away from all transit, it is not a good thing for Florida. It will ex like sardines where they no longer freedom. 2014/08/06 17:07:45 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 93843 We need more public transit 2014/08/07 12:30:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94017 Public transportation is a must in any growing or established city! 2014/08/07 13:07:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94022 To move Tampa forward, being a car centric city isn't the way to do that. If you keep investing in roads to encourage more cars, Tampa will be ju 2014/08/07 17:10:31 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94208 Transit supporter - moved here from New Orleans 26 years ago - I did not use a car in New Orleans. Would like options for transportation. 2014/08/07 19:58:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94315 Need more mass transit 2014/08/08 11:23:34 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94428 We have to expand the south county corridor and resulting problems that we have there. 2014/08/08 12:54:57 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94442 extremely upset with water department changing water schedules. They set people up for fines and then hit them hard. Lack of sympathy, unde 2014/08/08 14:04:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94452 Recently moved here because of the future growth in this area. 2014/08/08 18:37:51 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94490 Light Rail 2014/08/08 20:02:19 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94505 Neeed to rebuild city from inside out as older areas with infrastructure mature with development group, must be hybrid city/private to keep moving Don't create incentives for new developments that increase transportation or infrastructure costs when we can help our aging neighborhoods. Yo 2014/08/09 15:12:10 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94632 Need to clear the sides of rural roads. Kids on side of road get hit. 2014/08/09 15:42:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94636 Create street lights on dark roads to prevent car crashes 2014/08/09 15:47:35 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94637 Maintain more green space 2014/08/09 16:52:48 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94643 More agriculture jobs 2014/08/09 16:55:28 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94645 Homes should be away from high traffic areas for kids' safety 2014/08/09 19:16:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94650 More affordable housing. More parks and recreational areas for children. 2014/08/09 19:39:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94669 Would like an apartment because safer during hurricanes, but trailer is affordable 2014/08/10 15:05:33 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94701 Your survey is too limiting. I should be able to make my "other" a top 3 priority. 2014/08/11 15:11:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94753 We need more public transportation options. Bicycle trails and a train system would be a great start. I would also like to see a push towards walka 2014/08/11 15:27:47 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94764 What Tampa really needs is safe transportation for people who are not driving a car. The Perimeter Trail needs to be completed and Connected 2014/08/11 21:22:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94952 I really appreciate you allowing the citizens to have voice in this project and future projects. 2014/08/11 21:45:23 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 94981 Build more BIKE trails and less sidewalks and bike lanes. make car lanes smaller with a curb or wall separating the bikers 2014/08/12 00:41:42 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95041 Tampa needs more recreational parks and areas for families and children. Also, it needs more community events open to the publio. 2014/08/12 15:17:46 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95173 Walkable communities are listed as an option as well as alternate transportation, such as busing, but providing safer bicycling facilities would be a 2014/08/12 15:20:24 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95177 I'd love to run for public office, but I'd never be elected. I'd propose responsible taxation, which at our present levels would mean raising taxes. If 2014/08/12 15:20:59 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95179 believe that suburban sprawl is not sustainable. Recent study indicates younger generation using autos and malls less. 2014/08/12 15:21:21 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95175 great ideas, thanks for allowing input. 2014/08/12 15:32:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95271 Being a transplant citizen of Tampa (from Manhattan) I see the largest issues residing in the huge lack of public transit and the lack of incentives California, all plastic bags are illegal. Above-ground monorails (air trams, etc) can be built to connect areas like Brandon and Westchase to down seek alternative methods of transportation. I currently don't ride my bike to work because last time I did a driver in Hillsborough County clipped m from unruly drivers, thus increasing use of alternative modes of transportation. 2014/08/12 15:33:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95180 none 2014/08/12 15:42:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95202 Do what's right for the people and the companies will follow suit. Carry a big stick not a bucket for companies to spit on whenever they don't like t 2014/08/12 16:16:31 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95223 Number 1 reason I consider moving elsewhere: no public transportation. It is ridiculous for a city of our size to be reliant solely on buses and cars 2014/08/12 16:47:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95241 thank you for asking us for our input 2014/08/12 17:47:25 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95266 To rebuild the economy, we need to cost the local taxpayers less at this time. Increase the tax on the tourists through hotel room tax, and other v 2014/08/12 17:47:46 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95268 I drive 35 miles one-way on I-75 to go to work, and the traffic is outrageous especially around the I-4 and Martin Luther King exits. People don't w 2014/08/12 17:53:55 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95272 I believe that inner city rail connecting downtown, the airport, USF and neighborhoods should be a transportation priority for the next 20 years. Do 2014/08/12 23:01:13 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95348 Thank you - enjoyed the interactive survey! 2014/08/13 11:50:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95390 Regional rail service is desperately needed! 2014/08/13 13:42:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95423 I've seen light rail in Seattle, Portland, and D.C. really transform cities and correlates positively with growth 2014/08/13 14:47:27 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95437 USF is one the largest university by enrollment in the nation, and pole of job creation and development for the whole Tampa bay area. However, the area towards 275 is a very deprived area in need of government attention. 2014/08/13 15:37:34 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95457 I was born and raised in Tampa, and am now in my senior year of undergrad at USF. I want to see my city loved, and the people of my city cared 2014/08/13 15:53:01 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95912 love this program, it really is getting people to think about this topic in a more realistic manner. please add more mass transit to the picture. 2014/08/13 16:01:01 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95448 Healthy growth and change requires a choice: build roads forever, or dedicate ourselves to reasonable public transport, walk/bike paths, and oth 2014/08/13 16:01:01 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95449 Healthy growth and change requires a choice: build roads forever, or dedicate ourselves to reasonable public transport, walk/bike paths, and oth 2014/08/13 16:14:55 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95465 I HAVE MEDICAL PROBLEM, LIVE A LONG. NEED TRANSPOTATION IF I CANT DRIVE 2014/08/13 17:50:27 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95505 Developers need to pay a far greater share of what it will take to make all of this a reality. 2014/08/13 19:50:46 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95586 Need a combination of wider/better highways and commuter transportation 2014/08/13 20:22:23 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95604 Local rail/spur lines is important to begin now. 2014/08/13 20:46:02 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95636 This was an interesting exercise. Thank you. 2014/08/13 20:46:05 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95635 The only way to reduce traffic is to get more cars off the road through public transport and biking options. I plan on moving to a city that provides 2014/08/13 21:31:59 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95688 Please place the highest priority on maintaining or lowering the tax burden on Hillsborough residents. Thank you for the opportunity to participate 2014/08/13 22:22:01 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95756 my ethnicity is none of your business 2014/08/13 23:35:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95797 Keep the rural areas rural ..we live here because we dislike all the traffic noise and congestion 2014/08/14 00:17:18 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95818 transit projects should be carefully looked at. I don't ride a bus or plan on riding any train if they come into the future plans, and I don't like the ide 2014/08/14 02:27:00 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95876 I have a strong belief that the existing developed land should be redeveloped rather than building something in a cow pasture/farm land even if it 2014/08/14 12:25:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95927 I live, work and go to college at Hillsborough. I work outside home and I am a student at Hillsborough. 2014/08/14 12:38:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95926 RAILS! 2014/08/14 13:12:10 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95941 Thank you for allowing me to have some input (for what its worth) to our community!! 2014/08/14 13:17:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95945 More Transportation options like rail and ferry! 2014/08/14 14:23:21 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 95957 A 0.5% sales tax increase rather than the full percent may garner more votes and I would avoid any additional gas tax. 2014/08/14 20:09:47 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96191 Expansion of roads should be part of the approval process when new housing or business units submitted to planning commission. Waiting for g 2014/08/14 20:40:50 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96207 Raise sales tax rate to pay for all these expenditures. 2014/08/14 20:55:34 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96214 Have a car, that's all I need. 2014/08/14 21:01:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96221 We need to invest in high-density mass transit--not widening or building new roads. Some additional taxes would be worth the investment. 2014/08/14 22:28:50 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96275 What dummy thought it was a good idea to tie the new Crosstown connector in prior to malfunction junction with an inferior merge lane? 2014/08/14 22:36:33 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96287 I have serious doubts about the accuracy of the job growth projections you are claiming for the special projects. Quite frankly, considering how wi projections weren't either improperly generated or intentionally misleading. I have no idea whether either is the case but, it seems likely that will b out better than projected; however, when things turn out worse than projected and the people feel like they were mislead into wasting hundreds o it's always better to under-promise and over-deliver. All I know is that I wouldn't want my future career to be potentially derailed by having my nam
Food for thought. 2014/08/15 00:01:45 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96312 live in hillsb. cnty, own property both city and cnty, commute to work l-75 2014/08/15 00:29:55 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96339 I really appreciate the transparency of this outreach effort! I would like to see light rail become a reality in Hillsborough county. Everywhere else I 2014/08/15 04:11:45 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96376 I walked over 10 miles each day to get to work because of lack of bus system... in the heat... and nearly had several instances of heat stroke. It's 2014/08/15 11:34:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96385 I'm new to FL so I don't know all the areas and issues. 2014/08/15 13:34:22 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96419 need to keep the agricultural lands from being developed and turned into sub divisions 2014/08/15 14:18:11 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96424 We need resident friendly stores in Channelside such as markets or grocery stores. 2014/08/15 14:54:05 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96432 Please eliminate race questions. We have enough divisiveness and do not need our City segregating us by anything other than resident/non-res 2014/08/15 15:23:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96462 I am disappointed that the rail option is only considered in downtown Tampa. We need a much more robust rail system throughout tampa bay in o you will have a winning combination that attracts businesses to the area. 2014/08/15 16:00:18 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96475 Mother of 4 who struggles with constant traffic jams and craves alternative transportation 2014/08/15 16:04:42 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96477 Good rail service has helped ease road congestion in many cities in the world. 2014/08/15 17:53:34 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96500 Why is Hillsborough County still building when we don't have the schools,roads,or water supply,just to name a few? I'm a native of Tampa. Looks 2014/08/15 18:36:25 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96565 I added my gas tax comment on the previous panel. Bottom line is additional money will be needed to fund whatever is planned unless we want portions of road maintenance & improvements. 2014/08/15 18:38:47 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96524 Add infrastructure including rail not just build more/wider roads. 2014/08/15 20:57:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96642 Survey is rigged (limited choices) 2014/08/15 22:12:00 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96675 Rather than rail between Tampa and Orlando, I suggest we build an elevated express road similar to the Selmon Crosstown Expressway with HO such as driverless cars and high speed rail running down the center of the elevated highway. 2014/08/15 22:13:16 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96674 Stationed here in 2004....never leaving! 2014/08/15 22:52:21 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96684 build light rail to Brandon 2014/08/15 23:30:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96692 I would like to see more emphasis placed on renewable energy, and sustainable growth. 2014/08/15 23:49:41 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96695 Save agricultural land 2014/08/16 08:07:18 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96714 Having traveled to numerous other cities, I find it hard to believe our lack of mass transit other than slow buses. We are decades behind cities of s our transportation fiasco. We could lower DUIs and injuries therefrom and reduce octagenerians from driving without proper reflexes. I have drive 2014/08/16 12:36:15 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96715 when companies bid and receive jobs for road work, it seems to take far too long to complete. It is rare to constantly see people working at the s and still not completed. Yet, these companies are getting paid. This seems wrong and totally messes up commuting on our Florida roadways. 2014/08/16 13:06:27 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96719 TPA is a fantastic airport. I doubt rail connections would add value, so emphasize simple changes that would delight visitors. 2014/08/16 14:47:53 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96747 Roads have major deferred maintenance problems in this city, shame on city for getting us to this point by not investing in infrastructure! 2014/08/16 15:01:15 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96744 Strongly prefer investments in light rail that covers the same area as the Crosstown. 2014/08/16 16:09:11 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96753 Thank you 2014/08/16 16:27:05 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96757 Love this idea, I've lived in this area most of my life and enjoy participating in this survey. The projected ideas are smart. 2014/08/16 16:55:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96765 soon to retire and want better public transportation. 2014/08/16 17:16:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96769 The top priority should be better/more efficient public transportation. This will attract more businesses that offer higher wages than retail busines 2014/08/16 19:14:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96785 Having seen past failures (Harbor Island Tram, TECO trolley) I urge COMMON SENSE in transit planning: take people from where they ARE to w 2014/08/16 19:23:02 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96786 Mass transit! Light rail should be in this mix of projects. 2014/08/16 21:15:51 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96796 Some difficult choices to be made over the next 5 to 10 years. Can't afford everything. Light rail is a hard sell, big $'s and high risk. 2014/08/16 21:40:42 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96798 thank you for allowing me some input 2014/08/17 03:50:57 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96806 If rail & ferrys are to be used, they will need the buses to support them; can't leave commuters stranded else they'll not use that system. 2014/08/17 12:39:10 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96814 Elected officials from the City of Tampa joined by Hillsborough County should work with the State for alternative energy and transportation (mass 2014/08/17 12:47:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96809 Need better zoning and transportation. Too many run down businesses/properties. Get rid of strip clubs and porn shops. 2014/08/17 13:14:53 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96811 More bike / pedestrian paths and support for alternative transportation is sorely needed. I support the Green ARTery Perimeter Trail 2014/08/17 13:27:21 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96819 Ever since Ed Turanchik tried to introduce rail back approx 1991 we still don't get to move around the county other than personal auto and a poor 2014/08/17 13:44:13 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96820 Pro private sector growth Anti government sector growth 2014/08/17 14:34:19 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96823 I am not in favor of high-speed rail at this time. I feel that our infrastructure is in serious need of updating. 2014/08/17 14:39:00 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96824 I would like to see better improvement with transportation and possibly a L train throughout Hillsborough County 2014/08/17 14:41:33 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96825 Public transit in Hillsborough is exremely important to our community, and we are way behind the curve getting it done! I want to live in a strong p 2014/08/17 14:41:33 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96826 Public transit in Hillsborough is exremely important to our community, and we are way behind the curve getting it done! I want to live in a strong p would make life here much more attractive. 2014/08/17 15:35:53 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96858 Developers, our mayor and county commioners were and are looking to expand Tampa Bay beyond its small town charm, without transporations 2014/08/17 16:21:25 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96859 Bloomingdale Avenue is unsafe with multiple accidents and fatalities. It needs to be fixed. 2014/08/17 17:25:49 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96863 would love to see the bullet train revisited. I think we need rail from orlando to tampa to st pete. good for residents and tourists! 2014/08/17 17:35:19 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96868 All airport and commuter rail projects are important. 2014/08/18 03:06:31 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96907 I would not be opposed to a 1 cent sales tax increase. The economy in Hillsborough is improving - to stay competitive and attract business we ha 2014/08/18 04:07:51 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96908 Expand roads and build new arteries to keep traffic flowing regardless of the cost (fine to raise taxes or have tolls if needed)- I've lived in many cit 2014/08/18 12:51:22 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96914 I am a registered nurse who works at TGH. My husband is an elementary school teacher. Keep florida green/beautiful. More outdoor trail areas fo 2014/08/18 16:17:34 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96976 We need to build light rail connecting the airport, Westshore and downtown with USF. 2014/08/18 18:03:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96983 Children who attended public school are grown. All moved away. Westshore is now quite busy and, if building continues on this road, problems on the interstate have helped, but would like to know the expected date of completion. 2014/08/18 18:06:49 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 96989 Rapid rail, light rail, more buses anything to get cars off the road. 2014/08/18 19:59:49 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97005 We need more convenient transit and safe walking and biking options. 2014/08/18 20:28:54 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97013 need to have a comparision chart on cost/grwoth with cities like Austin to guage our selves whether we are on right track from optimal resource u 2014/08/18 20:32:29 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97011 This is a great idea 2014/08/18 20:51:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97015 I'm in favor of new taxes to pay for improving transportation infrastructure if it includes innovative transit with intermodal land use zoning to suppo and harder time of competing with other cities to draw talent and business. 2014/08/18 22:36:48 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97030 Unless Hillsborough County approves some form of public transit, I will move in the next five years. I drive 70 miles round trip from home/work ea 2014/08/18 23:34:43 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97031 Spending more money is well and good but we desperately need some help with basic road maintenance/repair/replacement in the greater Brand 2014/08/19 01:37:10 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97043 South Ruskin needs street lights. 2014/08/19 01:50:01 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97046 Raise taxes on the wealthy and invest the money into public infrastructure like civilized cities do (i.e. New York, D.C., Boston). 2014/08/19 02:06:51 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97541 Traffic is HORRIBLE in within Tampa (especially during peak hours). Get a monorail to Orlando. More Park&Rides. For the love of all that is goo 2014/08/19 12:28:03 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97090 A business owner that wants smart prudent growth and good stewardship of my tax dollars. 2014/08/19 13:36:23 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97130 I am close to retirement, but plan to stay in the area. I would love Tampa to be more progressive in terms of modern city planning and implement community of Orlando it seems to give us a real vision of the future. They aren't all right for Tampa, but they should be an inspiration and a benc Best of luck. 2014/08/19 15:52:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97202 Downtown Tampa is lagging behind Downtown St Pete. Give people a reason to live in the city's core. 2014/08/19 19:51:15 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97346 Thanks for asking for the public's input. I think you need to beware of special interest groups submitting multiple times to press for what they wan 2014/08/20 02:49:24 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97556 I think this survey is great but needs wider attention. It opened my eyes to the desperate need to raise taxes somehow in our county to provide fo 2014/08/20 11:33:38 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97577 part-time work, part-time volunteer. Once I stop driving due to age or whatever, I want to be able walk or ride my bike in safety. 2014/08/20 16:42:12 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97662 traffic is terrible 2014/08/20 19:01:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97744 Replacing the buses every 10 years, and repaved roads every 20 years or less. I live in the Brandon West area, voted NO because it is to much m perhaps closer to Hwy 60, just few blocks. 2014/08/20 21:02:38 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97751 Lite rail, urban walking and biking pathways, and traffic light coordination are most important priorities. 2014/08/20 22:25:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 98150 Bike lanes! More bike lanes! 2014/08/20 23:53:40 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97772 Thank you for taking input from the public. 2014/08/21 00:07:23 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97777 Hillsborough County's biggest problem is traffic. If there is more bus service, you won't need trains. 2014/08/21 02:23:57 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97805 Suggest additional direct bus lines between MacDill AFB and St Pete / New Tampa / Lutz etc similar to routes to Brandon and Riverview. 2014/08/21 14:20:50 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97877 I am very excited to see the growth that has happened since I moved here 2 years ago. As a young adult an entertainment district between down water front property. Tampa prob has the less water front dining and entertainment options than Tuscon, AZ (-; Channelside is beautiful, can't wait for Ybor to clean up it's edges and build out just as nice but with a historic charm. 2014/08/21 14:28:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 97876 spend less on studies and more on implementation 2014/08/21 19:55:24 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 98023 Traffic issues in the city of Tampa, and the closest incorporated areas need to be addressed before any outlying areas. The suburbs have had en 2014/08/22 13:47:59 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 98167 No gimmicks Planning Commission/MPO this time. 2014/08/22 14:33:48 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 98176 A better, convenient form of public transit (ie not buses) is what hillsborough county needs in order to become a beacon for other counties to look 2014/08/22 15:52:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 98197 Support raising taxes to improve infrastructure and economy of the area. 2014/08/22 18:07:30 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 98215 You can't just keep paving the whole county. Invest in decent light rail. I can drive from home to downtown Tampa in 20 to 25 minutes. I took th 2014/08/22 19:29:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 98247 Lets make Tampa Bay a Great Place To Live Work and Play 2014/08/23 16:48:29 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99330 Stop wasting tax dollars on crap. Spend them on roads and infrastructure. You're trying to paint the car while the engine is leaking oil. You're putt for the TV cameras and start doing them for the people of county. Reallocate tax money and stop wasting it just because it's not your money - you 2014/08/23 18:47:49 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99339 Improve Hutchinson Road 2014/08/23 19:04:43 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99766 As important as the roads are, better schools should be a higher priority. Florida is the laughing stock of the country when we suggest moving co 2014/08/24 01:58:12 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99352 I am a self employed person. I work from home because my work does not require me to go out to earn my living. 2014/08/24 04:29:34 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99374 Great idea!! 2014/08/24 13:47:01 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99378 Forget the light rail. Add better, more frequent, higher capacity buses. Get the riders, then think about adding rail. Think Bogat 2014/08/24 15:33:48 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99405 The current practice of "paying" companies to settle here should be reviewed. The organization of city/county leadership should agree not to bid 2014/08/24 15:44:17 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99399 I would like to see Citrus Park Dr. be completed, so that we would have a more direct route to the mall. Also, I would like to see more mowing an 2014/08/24 15:51:22 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99404 Great idea to enable citizen involvement. 2014/08/24 15:56:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99406 I am a high school student and i am worried about the future world for the generations that will live on this earth 2014/08/24 16:32:27 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99424 I hope that people take the extra time to place comments on each section of the survey to emphasize what they feel is missing from the options.
I especially want to see the elected officials of the county and city and your agency pay attention to reaching out to the public and to really listen t 2014/08/24 16:37:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99413 Forget about fortifying roads. Build the train. We destroy so much when we promote more roads. Money is better invested in rail, so the middle an snarled in traffic! 2014/08/24 16:38:07 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99414 need more park areas , small playgrounds,and pet/dog areas in small neighborhoods 2014/08/24 17:07:48 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99422 thank you for asking for our input in this process. I realize the county has many areas that need attention, my perspective is we should focus atten residents also would support raising revenue. I'd rather pay a little more in taxes and have a sustainable economy than save a few dollars and lim 2014/08/25 03:25:53 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99459 Say NO to light rail and more bussing. We NEED bigger roads. 2014/08/25 12:05:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99476 We do not want Hillsborough County to be like New York or New Jersey. We do not want high taxes. That one thing can do more to promote gro 2014/08/25 12:30:12 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99480 If you want to reduce traffic and increase work opportunities for the unemployed or underemployed, we have to improve transportation. 2014/08/25 13:10:15 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99490 Too much emphasis is placed on widening roadways in Hillsborough. I choose to travel less and less to Hillsborough because of the reduction in 2014/08/25 14:22:56 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99500 we need better connection to current bus lines to reduce need to drive. 2014/08/25 15:58:06 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99579 I've lived and worked in Hillsborough County for over 25 years. 2014/08/25 16:43:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99706 Great job keep up the good work!!!! 2014/08/25 17:22:32 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99795 none 2014/08/25 17:48:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99812 The only thing I see in your projects is paving more roads. This is not the answer. Stop supporting developers and their deep pocket donations. 2014/08/25 18:47:41 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99857 About 1 year ago when I moved from SC, I was involved in the Upstate Ten at the Top and SC Urban Land Institute for preparation of long range 2014/08/25 18:47:41 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99865 About 1 year ago when I moved from SC, I was involved in the Upstate Ten at the Top and SC Urban Land Institute for preparation of long range 2014/08/25 19:15:05 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 99866 Time for government to step forward and take action on a transit system. Stop cowering in the corner. We elected you to do what is right for the fu 2014/08/25 21:05:58 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100037 Thanks for doing this> We so need urban planning 2014/08/25 22:03:41 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100054 My husband works at MacDill and we live in Riverview. It should be an easier way to get to that area than driving all the way up 75 across the ex 2014/08/25 22:30:32 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100060 would like a better way to access MacDill from Riverview Fl 2014/08/26 02:51:32 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100098 This survey really makes you think about what is good for hillsborough county 2014/08/26 03:48:52 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100100 This is a GREAT idea. We need more convenient input just like this. 2014/08/26 12:57:41 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100112 I 275 and &5 are a pain to travel on. Given the population and future projections, the two interstates need to be expanded very soon. Also the traf 2014/08/26 14:32:54 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100131 We need the County to be good stewards of our financial resources. Paying off debt and saving for projects should be done first so that we can a 2014/08/26 17:27:04 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100352 Change CSX rail to Light Rail
Please add BRT lines: Downtown to Brandon Pasco to Westshore (Dale Mabry) Pasco to USF (Bruce B Downs)
Please Add Metro rapid Lines: US 301 - Brandon to Sun City Center Shledon Rd (Airport North to Citrus Park)
Please add Commuter bus service on all toll lanes in freeway like San Diego or Houston
Use CSX lines for commuter rail project between both Hernando & downtown as well as explore commuter rail from clearwater to USF (though po 2014/08/26 18:14:38 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100340 rail will not solve any problems, is too expensive, and is too limited in its application. 2014/08/26 20:00:03 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100370 Not enough transit. 2014/08/26 21:42:57 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100386 There is too much development occurring with no real thought to preserving open spaces. Limit new home building to 1 acre lots. 2014/08/27 12:02:50 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100442 I deeply appreciate how much work has been done in Hillsborough County - adding in all the walking areas, and we use them constantly; as well transportation system. Thank you for the survey, this is a terrific idea. 2014/08/27 14:07:47 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100451 I did not see enough light rail or non car specific options. We need to have a proper public transportation system in place to attract and keep prof but without public transportation Tampa will never compete or attract. 2014/08/27 18:33:26 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 100783 More public transit collaboration between Pinellas and Hillsborough! 2014/08/29 02:01:57 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 102771 Extreme congestion on MacDill Ave as you drive South and approach Bay to Bay Blvd. Need longer left turn lane on MacDill for vehicles to turn le parking in the rear. Probably the least expensive option. 2014/08/29 14:09:21 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 102828 I am a community activist 66 yr. old senior living on soc sec and self employment who support expanding public transportation options and makin 2014/08/29 14:23:07 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 102836 Just relocated to the Tampa Bay area last month; will be registering to vote soon. This area is in dire need of alternate transportation options. 2014/08/29 14:28:12 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 102837 Pretty limited list of options and much of this ignores real problem areas - especially getting people from their homes to their jobs 2014/08/29 16:56:18 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 102875 Don't exapand roads, to expand them just adds to the problem. We have always adjusted to the new norm. Dump rail, and spend it on buses. R 2014/08/29 17:42:14 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 102878 The bike lanes need to be 5 ft wide. Check some the web resources on bicycle safety. I have a tricycle. It barely fits in the currently build bike pa
Make sure you know what a ferry will cost. HMS says they won't need a subside but if you check Jacksonville's ferry, they get a SUBSIDY.
ELAPP lands were bought for a purpose. Leave them to fulfill that purpose. 2014/08/29 18:20:27 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 102901 New bridge over old Tampa bay continue the shel on ti i375! 2014/08/29 23:04:17 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103035 We need green energy train and rail system throughout out the county 2014/08/30 12:40:18 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103048 We have been told the County budget for the repair of sidewalks for the last three years has been ZERO. How can this be? There is some mone house? The County websit shows that our neighborhood roads are not going to be paved due to lack of money. So how can you look toward the 2014/08/30 15:32:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103060 Would like to see Hart Plus extended down 301 to Big Bend/ Sun City due to a high number of new developments being build along 301. 2014/08/30 15:38:55 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103056 Hi 2014/08/30 15:53:31 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103059 Would like to see HartPlus extended down US 301 to Big Bend Rd, due to expanded building of new communities. Also donot list retire and unem 2014/08/30 20:44:46 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103077 More ticketing at intersections 2014/08/31 10:15:49 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103084 More "planning" needs to take place. It appears to have not happened in the past in this area. A much improved system of public transit needs to 2014/08/31 15:57:37 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103090 Thanks for asking! 2014/08/31 18:22:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103099 We need rail transit! 2014/09/01 15:40:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103122 My biggest issue is using available space instead of building new every time. There are so many unused buildings, I dont understand why we don continue to do that. 2014/09/01 17:13:09 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103126 We need an investment in pubic transit including rail and buses foe more hours and more frequently. Please. Need more sidewalks and better cro 2014/09/01 17:37:42 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103131 Invest in solar 2014/09/01 18:41:27 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103140 Reduce in and around traffic in downtown Tampa and Brandon areas. 2014/09/01 19:00:10 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103138 We need more transit choices.... Especially modern rail! 2014/09/02 18:50:13 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103317 Presenting 'AFB' as being something to benefit MacDill, with almost ALL the $ for elevated road on Gandy is completely MISLEADING. 2014/09/02 20:21:04 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103330 I would like to write to you with my support of the penny tax for green transportation. I feel that it is vital in making Tampa Bay more sustainable to roadways into "complete streets" There is already too much congestion on the roads and widening them has not shown the reduce congestion. If environmentally friendly with clouds of smoke coming from the car constantly. An emissions test every 3 years for newer cars and a yearly emiss suggest that funding goes exclusively to alternative transportation. I think that a cost of $30 to $60 where 50% goes to the local business and 50% transportation. 27 states are already doing this. (not including states that also do a safety car inspection). Thank you, Tanja Vidovic 978-761-7653 2014/09/03 00:39:40 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103371 We should be DISCOURAGING growth in Hillsborough County, not trying to promote it. I'm a native of Hillsborough County and all this congestio 2014/09/03 15:30:11 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103412 I don't want to be forced to spend a majority of income for personal transportation and just meet basic needs 2014/09/03 15:34:08 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103408 Safety first 2014/09/03 18:37:39 S5_P0_T0_Q6_General StayInvolvedScreen,67494 103435 Staff is most helpful to include all citizens. They should be commended for friendly assist to understand upcoming changes.
NewsBank Articles 2014‐2015
New transit planning boss keen on cooperation, safety - Hillsborough’s head of MPO appointed Jan. 6
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - January 22, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Business Page: 4 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1660) TAMPA — Commuters stuck in gridlock and pedestrians unable to cross streets for fear of getting mowed down want these issues addressed, says Beth Alden, newly appointed executive director of the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
But people seem to have a real disconnect when it comes to how such fixes are paid for and how much they are willing to pay to get the work done, she said.
“It’s definitely one of the big challenges,” Alden said. In her new role as MPO executive director, she will be part of the team trying to devise the best way to explain transportation needs to citizens and what it will take to create a robust road and transit system. Alden was promoted to executive director on Jan. 6. She has worked for the MPO since 1999 and has been assistant executive director since 2012.The MPO is involved in cooperative transportation planning between the county and municipalities.
“Beth understands that we’ve got to have a good working relationship if we want to have a first- class transportation system with good roads, rail, buses,” said Hillsborough County Commission member Les Miller, named chairman of the MPO at the same meeting this month. “The MPO will have an integral part in all of those decisions.”
Alden, among her many tasks, will work with the county’s Policy Leadership Group, made up of county commissioners and elected officials from Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, on how to conduct a series of public meetings during which residents can talk about transportation improvements for their communities and how to fund them. That effort is expected to kick off in February.
“We need to put things out there so people understand what decisions need to be made and can participate in that process,” Alden said. “Right now, we have this real disconnect between our expectations of what kind of transportation system we want, with no potholes or congestion. We also have expectations of what we want to pay in taxes. Right now, those two things are not lining up.”
Safety is another big concern Alden is eager to keep at the top of her agenda.“Personally, my goal is to have a transportation system that is as safe as possible,” she said. “When I look at the various pieces of data, the one most frightening is a very high rate of severe and fatal crashes. The rate is on the order of 50 percent higher than peer cities,” according to the Federal Highway Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
These are not just pedestrian- and bicycle-related crashes, she said. They are also a result of the way the county has been developed, with strip commercial corridors, she said. Slow-moving traffic goes in and out of the centers from busy roadways with high-speed traffic.
How roadways are configured and the land uses allowed around them needs to be addressed, she said. That will take cooperation between the MPO and the county’s planning commission, which addresses land-use policies.
“We have a real opportunity for the MPO to work with the planning commission on gradually changing and evolving how these corridors are built, how roadways are configured and the land use,” Alden said.
Record: 314258 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Tampa’s 1st Cyclovia draws hundreds of bicyclists - Polo, safety presentations, music just part of the fun
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - October 20, 2014 Author/Byline: BY GEOFF FOX; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 2 Readability: 11-12 grade level (Lexile: 1250) TAMPA — James Harkness dripped with sweat as he sipped an energy drink.
The Orlando resident had just finished his fourth bicycle polo game of the day Sunday at Tampa’s first Cyclovia event, during which hundreds of people cycled, skated, jogged, walked and mingled along Kennedy Boulevard, from Nebraska Avenue to Tampa Street.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon, Harkness and his friends with the Orlando Bike Club entertained passersby, many of whom had apparently never seen bicycle polo.
“I started playing when I was going to (college) in Orlando,” Harkness said between games. “A lot of people just stop and watch. A regular game is 10 minutes, or the first team to five goals.”
Bike polo teams on Sunday played on a court lined with short plywood walls on the north side of Kennedy; a nearby radio was set to a Spotify station playing The Bouncing Souls, an American punk rock band.
“A couple of Tampa (bicycle) cops came by and played with us this morning,” Harkness said. “They said they never played before, but they were really good on their bikes.”
Christ Stentstrom of Brooksville said playing with the police was “pretty cool,” except for one thing.
“It was a little nerve-racking playing against guys with guns,” he said with a laugh.
Based on the Spanish word for “cycle path,” Cyclovia began as a weekly tradition in Bogota, Colombia, where major city streets are temporarily closed so people can engage in “physical activity, healthy movement and active transportation,” the event’s website said.The free event was held by the Florida Department of Transportation, city of Tampa, Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Tampa Downtown Partnership and other partners.Besides bike polo, there were bike and pedestrian safety presentations, bicycle helmet-fitting stations, food trucks and live music. The stretch of Kennedy was closed to motor vehicles from about 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
John Livingstone, public health nutrition program director with the Hillsborough County Department of Health, pedaled along Kennedy on Sunday with a bullhorn.
“Let us stick it to you,” Livingstone called, as he announced free flu shots.
By 12:30 p.m., Livingstone said about half of the 200 flu shots available had been given.“We’re also promoting ‘Healthiest Weight Florida’ in (conjunction with) our mission to be the healthiest state and lower the obesity rate,” said Livingstone.Dale Coe of Carrollwood said he arrived at the event around 8 a.m. By 1 p.m., he said he had put 15 miles on his bike.
“It’s been a pretty steady crowd,” Coe said. “My wife is a health department employee, but I do like to ride. I used to ride quite a bit, but it gets tough in the heat.”Not everyone downtown Sunday was there to ride bikes.
With a Fender Jazzmaster guitar strapped across his shoulders, Brendon Hock of local band Empire Cinema was there to get down.
“What do y’all wanna hear?” Hock asked between numbers.
“Something pop-y,” called a woman.
“You know I don’t play pop!” Hock responded.
Mike Raimondi of Hyde Park said he was at Cyclovia to support Hock, his band mate. “I did bring my bike, too,” Raimondi said. “I probably ride about 11 miles a day three or four times a week. It’s been a nice event. It’s a little slow, but the weather’s perfect.”
Into the afternoon, Eric Trull of Coast Bike Share explained to people how the city’s bike- sharing system works. There are 300 light-blue Coast bikes at “30 different hubs” around Tampa, Ybor City, Hyde Park, Channelside and Davis Islands, Trull said.“You just swipe your card and put in your code,” he said, demonstrating on a riderless bike. “You share the bikes, like car sharing. It’s part of the new economy.
“We’re just getting people to jump on the bikes for the first time.”
A man with a British accent asked Trull if he could take a Coast bike for a test ride.
“Here you go,” Trull said, swiping his card through a computerized reader on the back fender and removing a formidable-looking lock. “The lock comes with you, and you’re off and running.”
Record: 269465 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Finding safe harbor for ferry boat
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - September 19, 2014 Section: Views Page: 14 Readability: 11-12 grade level (Lexile: 1260) Abstract: p Ferry boat The proposed high-speed ferry service across Tampa Bay holds real promise for our gridlock- plagued region, and it would be unfortunate if it is scuttled because of a location for its terminal.
Audubon of Florida objects to developing the ferry facilities on a portion of land that was bought and refurbished for conservation purposes. We share its concerns.
But if the county officials verify, as project proponents claim, there is no other appropriate terminal site available in South Hillsborough County, the transaction should be approved.
This is not, after all, some massive dredge-and-fill project. The impact would be small, unlike the havoc that would result should the proposal to build a 58-acre cruise ship terminal in Tampa Bay ever be pursued.
Still, we hope another appropriate site, such as Port Tampa Bay land, is found. The preserve obviously was not bought for such a purpose, and we prefer it be left alone. Yet this is not pristine land, and the ferry boat plan, by getting polluting cars off the road, should benefit the environment, as well as commuters.
At issue is the part of Port Redwing Peninsula, where HMS Global Maritime wants to locate a terminal for its ferry service from South Hillsborough to MacDill Air Force Base.
It would use 20 acres of the 134-acre Schultz Preserve, which in 1996 was bought jointly by the county and the Southwest Florida Water Management District for preservation.
The land was formed from dredging material, and the state later spent $2.4 million restoring it.
Audubon’s concerns are not frivolous. The precedent of sacrificing conservation land is troubling. After all, it’s always possible to claim some potential project — a children’s hospital or school, for example — is more important than natural sanctuaries.
That argument could justify getting rid of virtually all of the public’s preservation lands, which serve to protect wildlife habitat, store and filter water and prevent flooding, erosion and storm damage.
Wilderness tracts also provide recreational opportunities for residents and protect the region’s natural beauty.
Those who dismiss the value of land that’s “not doing anything” badly miss the mark.
But the details here are important. Only 20 acres of the 134-acre preserve would be used. The plan proponents propose to buy an adjacent 46 privately owned acres to add to the refuge.
An environmental assessment found that the terminal would be located on a section of the tract where it would do little harm.
Charles Lee, vice president of Audubon of Florida, disputes those findings, saying some of the restoration work is just now starting to reach maturity.
He also questions whether the project will realize the 1,500 daily commuters predicted by Ed Turanchik, the attorney and former Hillsborough County Commissioner who is the project’s leading proponent.
Lee points to a 2012 Metropolitan Planning Organization study of a South Hillsborough ferry service to MacDill that estimated about 600 commuters would use the service and it would not reach the 1,500 predicted by Turanchik until 2035.
But there are more than 5,300 households in South Hillsborough with a MacDill employee. Turanchik’s projections do not strike us as unrealistic. County transportation officials need to carefully analyze the numbers, but we do know South Hillsborough residents need more transportation options.
The ferry firm intends to pay operating costs but wants the county to fund capital costs — likely about $20 million or so for the boat, parking lot and terminal. The project already has won a $4.8 million federal grant, and more state and federal funds might become available should the county proceed.
County commissioners approved spending $100,000 to study the proposal.
Without question, the venture’s financing and environmental impacts merit vigorous scrutiny.
But this looks to us like an economical way to get thousands of cars off the road. The $20 million seems a reasonable investment when one considers it costs about $9 million a mile to build two lanes of highway, and right-of-way acquisition can double that cost.
The Executive Committee of the Tampa Bay Group of Sierra Club is solidly behind the project because of its potential to cut harmful vehicle emissions. Members think the terminal plans would cause little environmental damage.
County officials now are screening other potential locations, and we hope they find one. But if they confirm this slice of the preserve is the only feasible site for the high-speed ferry terminal, then officials should seek to minimize the impacts but pursue the project.
Record: 253106 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Transit taxes a tough sell - Hillsborough proposal for 2016 will need backing from more voters outside Tampa
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - November 9, 2014 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO Tribune staff Edition: Tribune second Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1490) TAMPA — Transit supporters know it will be tough persuading Hillsborough County voters to tax themselves in return for a better transportation system.
They saw the challenge Tuesday when voters in Pinellas and Polk counties overwhelmingly rejected sales tax increases to fund transportation projects.
Those defeats in adjoining counties will not deter Hillsborough from putting its own 1-cent tax- for-transportation proposal on the 2016 ballot, officials here say. They’re counting on lessons learned from Hillsborough’s failed 2010 sales tax referendum to guide their winning strategy this time.
For one, pro-transit officials say they must persuade voters across the 1,000-square-mile county that raising the sales tax will ease their commutes to work, school or recreation.
“The lesson learned from 2010 is a lot of residents could not see value for themselves because they couldn’t see any project that benefited them, whether it was road repair, sidewalks or road expansion,” said County Administrator Mike Merrill.
“It’s really critical if we’re asking people to tax themselves that they feel they’re getting value for it.”
Data from the Greenlight Pinellas vote Tuesday showed the proposed tax won majorities only in precincts inside the St. Petersburg city limits. That was also the case in Hillsborough’s 2010 referendum, which won majority voter approval in Tampa but failed elsewhere.
“What people forget about in these elections is we don’t need to win every single precinct,” said Kevin Thurman, director of Connect Tampa Bay, a pro-transit group. “We need a majority of people in the county to support it. We need every part of Hillsborough County to support a transportation referendum more than it did in 2010.”
That won’t be easy.
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Voters in the county’s rural and suburban areas tend to be more conservative and tax-averse. Take Angel Beltran of Thonotosassa, part of a grass-roots coalition that fought approval of a new truck route from a borrow pit at Pruett and Kingsway roads.
The county approved the route, putting thousands of dirt-hauling trucks on County Road 579 — an already-busy thoroughfare.
County engineers said the heavily traveled road needs widening and other improvements because of the extra traffic. But when asked whether he would vote to tax himself in return for a wider, safer CR 579, Beltran said no.
“We’re overtaxed as it is,” Beltran said. “We’re not creating the hazards; the people that created the hazards should pay.”
Still, some voters may be willing to listen in Thonotosassa, home to one of the county’s most populous precincts in terms of registered voters. Steve Fenske, 44, also wants CR 579 improved and said he might be willing to support a 1-cent sales tax increase if the improvements were guaranteed.
“Show me why I should vote to raise my taxes and the benefit it brings to me on a daily basis,” Fenske said.
Thonotosassa, however, is just one community where transit proponents need to harvest more votes. In the sprawling Sun City Center retirement community, people are close to much of what they need — including restaurants, medical care and Wal-Mart, said resident Bob Minthorn.
“I just don’t see any reason why people in south county, us retirees especially, would want to see an increase in the sales tax for something we’re definitely not going to use,” Minthorn said.
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The proposed sales tax would raise an estimated $6 billion over 30 years, a big chunk of which would go to mass transit. The rest would finance road repair and improvements, sidewalks and trails for pedestrians and cyclists. Federal grants are available to match local funds for transit systems, county officials say.
Hillsborough commissioners recently hired the international consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff to narrow a long list of needed road and transit projects developed by county planners and engineers. At the same time, the firm will launch a broad public education effort that will include listening as well as lecturing.
“We need to make our plan reflect the reality of Hillsborough County and have it balanced in a way that will meet the immediate needs of those who are going to be voting for it,” said County Commissioner Mark Sharpe, who supported the 2010 referendum and is backing the 2016 vote.
Sharpe and other pro-transit forces point to other cities and counties around the nation that have passed successful transportation referendums after failing on the first, or even second, try. Those cities also learned from their failures and made sure their next push would include projects that appealed to city, suburban and rural voters.
In Phoenix, voters narrowly rejected a half-cent sales tax for transit in 1997. Three years later, the city passed Transit 2000, a 4/10-cent sales tax for transit. And in 2004, voters in the surrounding Maricopa County approved Prop 400, a 20-year extension of a half-cent sales tax for freeways, buses and 27 miles of light rail.
Between the 1997 and 2000 referendums, Phoenix officials studied other successful systems, said Diane Scherer, a real estate agent and one of the leaders of the pro-transit forces.
For example, Phoenix borrowed the idea of forming a citizen advisory board from Salt Lake City. The board plays an important role in planning and construction of freeways, feeder streets and mass transit financed by the sales tax.
“I do think one of the things that helped it pass in 2000 was it had a citizen oversight component,” Scherer said. “It helps get buy-in from the community because nobody trusts government.”
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Transit 2000 included 20 miles of light rail, a favorite target of transit opponents who consider the commuter trains expensive boondoggles. In Phoenix, the rail line was also opposed by neighborhoods along the planned route.
To answer that opposition, and to ensure enough passengers used the trains, Phoenix planners designed the rail to serve popular destinations such as sports stadiums, museums and yearly festivals. The Arizona State University campuses in Phoenix and Tempe are linked by the rail.
Rail routes also ran along or near the most heavily used bus routes, Scherer said. The sales tax paid for an expanded bus service with connection to the rail lines.
“You have to have a vigorous bus system to feed into your light rail,” Scherer said. “You can’t just have one or the other.”
Another way to win voter support is to be as transparent as possible about funding and projects. When voters in Maricopa County rejected extending the half-cent sales tax in 1994, the governor forced the local metropolitan planning organization and the county mayors to accept needed reforms.
“There wasn’t a really healthy process of saying what these projects were and how much they were costing and what we were able to deliver based on the revenues coming in,” said Chuck Coughlin, president of HighGround, a public affairs firm that managed the Prop 400 campaign.
After the 1994 defeat, the state and county agreed on a Life Cycle program to provide yearly reviews of projects and funding. The program is run by the Arizona Department of Transportation and Citizens Transportation Oversight Committee.
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Also key to passing the sales tax extension was winning support of Maricopa County’s 25 city mayors.
The support didn’t come easy, Coughlin said, and involved some hard-nosed horse trading.
Phoenix and Tempe’s freeways were built out and the city leaders wanted light rail and more bus service, Coughlin said. The more suburban cities of Scottsdale, Mesa and other communities in what is known as West Valley, wanted freeways.
“We balanced everybody’s self-interest and disciplined them all into not asking for too much,” Coughlin said.
Transparency also played an important role in Denver where voters in 2004 passed FasTracks, a multimodal transit expansion. An earlier, similar plan was voted down in 1997. The successful vote raised the transportation sales tax from 6/10 cent to a full penny.
The new money is paying for 122 miles of new light and commuter rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit and 57 new bus stations. The improvements are spread across a metro area consisting of eight counties with 40 cities.
“When we came back (to voters), we had very specific information about what would be built, even to the amount of seats for bus service and the number of park-and-ride spaces … to the amount needed to operate and maintain the system,” said Scott Reed, spokesman for the Denver Transportation District.
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Hillsborough County leaders have already adopted some of the practices that were successful in Phoenix and Denver. For instance, the mayors of Temple Terrace and Plant City are part of a Transportation Policy Leadership Group that includes Tampa’s mayor, county commissioners and the chairman of the HART bus system’s board.
“That’s why we designed it the way we did with the Policy Leadership Group so that they would have ownership and we’d be united as a group going forward,” Merrill, the county administrator, said. “That’s critical and I think it paid off.”
The policy group also has pledged that project planning and financing will be open to public view, which wasn’t the case in 2010.
Whether those changes are enough to flip the results of the 2010 referendum, which failed by a 58-42 percent margin, remains to be seen. Those who opposed the proposed tax four years ago still won’t support any transportation package that includes light rail, an element pro-transit groups want. And many conservative voters oppose new taxes, period.
Sam Rashid, a conservative east-county businessman, said county leaders should concentrate on low-cost ways to solve Hillsborough’s traffic gridlock, such as high-occupancy vehicle lanes and flexible toll lanes on expressways.
“The reality is there are a lot of people fixated on rail and they can’t let go of that vision of having rail at any cost,” Rashid said. “That’s not the way the taxpayers of Hillsborough County look at it.”
(813) 259-8303
Record: 280234 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Consultant to drive transit overhaul [JUMP]Hillsborough County hires international firm to guide major transportation improvements - Hillsborough County hires international firm to guide major transportation improvements
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - October 22, 2014 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: 11-12 grade level (Lexile: 1220) Abstract: p County's Transportation Policy Leadership Group will hear plans for public outreach campaign this afternoon. The highlight will be introduction of executives from Parsons Brinkerhoff, a national and international transportation firm that specializes in intersection between transportation and public policy. County leaders have already been meeting with some business groups, but the public engagement has not begun. We will hear more specifics about this today. TAMPA — An international consulting firm with a record of success in shepherding transportation tax referendums will try to do the same thing for Hillsborough County.
The county will pay the New York-based engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff nearly $900,000 to develop a comprehensive transportation plan that will be delivered to city and county leaders in March.
More than half the money will be spent trying to pull in as many county residents as possible for conversations about what the final plan should look like.
“We want to go out there and listen, then verify what we heard,” said George Walton, executive vice president at the firm’s Tampa office.
Walton, speaking Tuesday to the county’s transportation policy leadership group, outlined a public outreach effort that will include eight community and two regional meetings, along with speaking engagements by county leaders. Walton said the firm will use other forms of communication, including telephone meetings and social media.
County Administrator Mike Merrill has already been meeting with business groups and community service organizations to discuss the policy group’s preliminary plans. These include road, bridge and trail projects; a doubling of the HART bus system; and a light-rail line from West Shore to downtown Tampa.
Voters will be asked to approve a 1-cent sales tax increase in 2016 for the work to go forward.
Merrill estimated he’s made 15 speaking appearances, “but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are 200 more that need to be done.”
Merrill said once he explains the county’s finances,
and why more money is not available for needed transportation improvements, listeners have been more willing to back a comprehensive plan that would likely include a tax increase.
“There truly is a will out there to do something that will take care of our transportation needs,” he said.
County leaders have made public engagement a priority.
A number of county leaders blame the failure of the 2010 transportation tax referendum on a lack of communication with residents.
“This is a 180-degree sea change from where we were in 2010,” said commission Chairman Mark Sharpe.
Parsons Brinckerhoff was hired at the insistence of county commissioners, who wanted a consultant with transportation experience to lead the county’s outreach effort.
The firm has worked on transportation referendums in Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver and statewide in South Carolina and Louisiana.
Most of those plans passed the first time they went on the ballot, Walton said.
Commissioners had previously approved $500,000 in the fiscal 2015 budget for transportation planning. That leaves $400,000 the county will have to come up with to pay the company.
Merrill said the bulk of the difference will come from grant money already awarded to the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hillsborough’s transportation planning agency. Hillsborough’s three cities will also be asked to contribute, Merrill said.
Nine companies were considered for the job. The group was narrowed to four finalists before Parsons Brinckerhoff was selected. The county followed guidelines in Florida’s Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act in choosing the company.
Tampa tea party founder Sharon Calvert took issue with the hiring process, saying the company was awarded what amounts to a no-bid contract through negotiations held behind closed doors. Calvert, who opposes a transportation tax referendum, said the county purposely hid the selection process to keep opposition groups in the dark.
“Obviously this was behind the scenes,” Calvert said. “I’ve been trying to get these questions answered for months.”Kevin Thurman, executive director of the pro-transit group Connect Tampa Bay, said he was pleased with the hiring of Parsons Brinckerhoff. Thurman’s group has pushed for a faster, specific transportation plan that voters could support.“What is important about today is there is a very clear, stepped process,” Thurman said. “This thing is coming and it’s coming soon, and they hired a top-notch firm that everybody seems happy with.”
Walton said his group will start analyzing preliminary planning and project development done by the policy leadership group, the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the HART transit agency.
The company will give the policy group a progress report in December.
“We want to understand what’s going on out there ... from the community’s perspective,” Walton said. “We don’t want to have a plan that just sits on a shelf.”
(813) 259-8303
Record: 270603 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Views
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - November 5, 2015 Edition: Tribune first Section: Views Page: 12 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1390) Nation first, state second
Referencing the piece the Trib carried by the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board advocating the resignation of Marco Rubio for missing some Senate votes (“Put on the hot seat, Rubio takes the lame way out,” Other Views, Oct. 31): Stating they did not criticize Barack Obama or John Kerry, who had similar or worse Senate voting records, because neither of them was our senator makes one wonder what empty suits make up the Sentinel’s editorial board. Senators of other states serve the United States of America. You bet I am interested in having the very best U. S. senators nationwide who are dedicated to placing our nation’s interest first and the state’s second. Ignoring the faults of specific party senators just because they are not from your state only tends to verify claims of media bias.
Perry J. Dahl
Col. USAF (ret)
Tampa
Shame on us?
A long time ago my mother told me that it is not a good idea to get into an argument with someone who buys their ink by the barrel. Apparently, no one shared that bit of wisdom with Marco Rubio because that’s exactly what he did when he “pushed back” on their demand that he resign.
The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board drivel that you printed shows just how right my mother was. Add to that the same-day comments from that great bastion of conservatism, The Washington Post, only strengthens her argument (“Going to the media-bashing well,” Other Views).
And certainly, with no offsetting comments about the Post and Sentinel arguments, it sure looks like the Trib is “circling” the print media wagons. Shame on you.
I expected better from you.
J.L. Bispo
Spring Hill
Laugh or cry?
In response to a couple of recent letters, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
One complained that the outcome of the Benghazi and IRS investigations failed to find anything to charge Hillary and/or Democrats with. Apparently, after eight committee investigations and millions of tax dollars spent by politically motivated Republicans, it still isn’t enough to get one to admit that there just wasn’t any substance to the accusations.
A second letter asked: “Why does a young black man in Chicago believe that he needs a gun in the first place?”
Maybe he has been listening to the pro-gun people who say that arming oneself with a gun is the answer to society’s problems.
Roger McAllister
Sebring
‘Equally armed’
Regarding “Experts seek answers to gun violence” (Metro, Oct. 31):
I feel I have to respond to former police chief Jane Castor’s statement that “there is no logical reason for a citizen to own an assault rifle.” I’m afraid this is another indication of the widespread ignorance of the reason for the Second Amendment to the Constitution. It is supposed to protect “we the people” from a tyrannical and oppressive government. If our government continues down its present road, it is conceivable that another uprising may become necessary. If so, government forces will be armed with assault rifles. It only seems logical that we citizens should be at least somewhat equally armed in the defense of our freedom.
I’m tired of having my rights endangered because of the actions of a few mentally ill or evil people.
Enough said!
Joe Monteleone
Seffner
Going with Rubio
I read with interest Chris Ingram’s Sunday column (“The GOP’s only hope can’t be trusted, either,” Other Views), and since he is a member of the Democratic Party super PAC (mainstream news media), I take what he says with a grain of salt. However, he did make a couple of good points. Jeb looks more and more like an also-ran. I don’t care how much money he has; it’s not going to get him elected. I also agreed with him on Rubio. I personally prefer Rand Paul, but Rubio is looking more and more like he has what it takes to win. Although there may be some lingering doubts about his indiscretions, I haven’t seen a candidate yet who didn’t have some baggage. If I were a betting man, I’d be going with Rubio.
Thomas A. Timcik
Seminole
Let MPO do job
You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
Go Hillsborough was fabricated by consultants in private meetings with officials and spun into high-paying consulting gigs. A handful of meetings at libraries, with only small signs and no surveys in my utility bill or TRIM notice, is not a legitimate citizen planning exercise.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization already professionally updates our transportation plan. They send surveys and meet with people throughout the community, where people are. They have well-informed websites and citizen advisory committees.
Anything about transportation planning is already done by our local MPO.
Go Hillsborough is a tax-packaging sham concocted to find ways to convince the county commission to put yet another Tampa Bay area transportation tax on the ballot.
Lobbyists, in consultants’ clothing, jump from one side of the bay to the other to tax us more. It is time to put an end to this sham and let the MPO professionals, already on our payroll, do their job.
Gene Wells
Tampa
Record: 440741 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Caution: Bike lanes are here to stay
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - April 10, 2015 Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: 11-12 grade level (Lexile: 1260) If your daily commute takes you pretty much anywhere in Hillsborough County or the surrounding area, you know dedicated bicycle lanes are here and they aren’t going away.
The city of Tampa alone has more than 40 miles of bike lanes, and I am sure that number will increase. Tampa has new bike-share locations at several downtown locations. As millennials and others move downtown, they are increasingly abandoning cars in favor of pedal power.
I get it. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.
But it can be a dangerous thing. A collision between a 2,000-pound car and a bicycle is a mismatch and I’m afraid we might see just that — at least until everyone adapts, particularly to the new Platt Street lanes built to accommodate bicyclists.
As recent experiences along that busy street show, the changes have caused growing pains that should be a cautionary tale for everyone.
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Motorists not used to the reconfigured road have been violating bicyclists’ right of way. Police have been handing an estimated dozen or so warning tickets per day, alerting drivers to the changes. By the end of this month, those warnings will turn into real tickets carrying a $153 fine.
It works both ways, though.
A friend here at the Trib reported seeing bicycles coming at her head-on three different times on that one-way street. Hello! A bicycle doesn’t excuse anyone from obeying laws of the road, and violators soon will face a $51.50 fine.
Personally, I would make that fine equal to what motorists pay.
“Motorists have to be responsible. Bicyclists have to be responsible. Pedestrians do too,” Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Monteleone said. “They all need to be careful. Motorists are already distracted more than ever before.”
There is heightened law enforcement presence along that street.
“Throughout the day, we are out educating roadway users about the new traffic pattern and encouraging them
to follow the traffic laws,” Tampa police spokeswoman Janelle McGregor said in an email.
“We increase our presence during the morning rush hour when there’s more traffic on the street to ensure we’re being effective in communicating with the majority of people who travel through that area.”
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There were 50 bicyclist deaths in Hillsborough County between 2010 and 2014, and encouraging more cycling won’t make it easy to reduce that number unless everybody plays nice and shares the asphalt.
Of course, we know sharing is a difficult concept for some folks.For instance, I understand the lure of motorcycles; I even used to own one back in the day. The slogan “Watch Out for Motorcycles” is good advice, but motorcyclists need to watch out for cars, too.Commuting on Interstate 4 can be challenging enough, but we’ve all had the experience of “watching” the motorcyclist who decides to cut through the clutter at rush hour by weaving between cars, sometimes within inches of many bumpers, including mine.
Monteleone is a self-styled “transportation geek” who sits on the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Livable Roadway Committee.
She has studied transportation patterns and trends in this and other cities around the country, reaching this inevitable conclusion: The way we get around is changing and it’s not going back.
Get used to it.
By the way, she doesn’t own a bicycle. She drives a car to all her appointments.
“The method of transportation you use is your choice,” she said. “You may choose to drive a car. Others choose to ride a bike. Others choose to walk, or skateboard, or whatever. But your choice to drive a car does not trump someone else’s right to ride a bicycle.”
The point is not to be a killjoy.
The point is that no one gets killed.
Record: 351948 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Gridlocked: How bad is bad? Congestion in metro Tampa-St. Pete not that bad, institute says - Congestion in metro Tampa-St. Pete not that bad, institute says
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - September 19, 2015 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1440) TAMPA — Scott Waltz’s commute from southeast Seminole Heights to the University of Tampa takes him about 15 to 20 minutes each morning.
But in the afternoons, Waltz gets stuck in the backup from “malfunction junction,” where northbound Interstate 275 meets eastbound Interstate 4. His commute time doubles during those peak traffic hours.
“The sheer number of vehicles on the road is creating unmanageable congestion,” Waltz said in an email. “I would think that there would be better mass transit options, especially for commuters to downtown.”
Waltz isn’t the only one who thinks traffic problems are bad here. In March, the Tampa metro area was rated the 11th worst in the nation for traffic congestion by the 2014 TomTom Traffic Index.
The ranking was splashed across newspaper headlines and picked up by the website for Go Hillsborough, the county’s transportation initiative.
TomTom’s ranking was controversial in light of the countywide debate over whether transportation problems are bad enough to warrant a sales tax increase for roads, bridges and mass tran sit. Sharon Calvert, Tampa Tea Party founder and outspoken opponent of a transportation tax, challenged the TomTom ranking on her website, Eye on Tampa Bay.
“TomTom does not provide any source data or methodology they used for making such a claim. … Go Hillsborough makes the same claim and other claims in their campaign without ever citing any source, data or methodology,” Calvert wrote in the post.
TomTom, which makes GPS devices, could not be reached for comment.
The debate raises a legitimate question: How bad is traffic congestion in Tampa and Hillsborough County? The short answer, according to experts, is that traffic is congested here, but about average when compared to peer cities.
“If we look U.S.-wide, the national statistics for 471 urban areas, the average is about 42 hours lost by motorists per year because of traffic congestion,” said Bill Eisele, a senior engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and co-author of the institute’s 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard. “Tampa is right about average.”
The institute ranked the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area seventh for traffic congestion among 31 similarly sized areas, including Portland, Oregon; St. Louis; Las Vegas and Orlando. The institute used a separate ranking for “very large” urban areas such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
When ranked against all the country’s urban areas, Tampa-St. Petersburg came in 22nd for annual delays from congestion and for excess fuel consumed during traffic jams. The institute also computes a price tag for congestion that factors in fuel costs and time lost stuck in traffic. In that category, Tampa-St. Petersburg ranked 24th, with an annual cost per auto commuter of $907.
Eisele said the institute measures traffic congestion by comparing speeds on roads at peak-use hours to other times when traffic should be flowing freely. That information came from INRIX, a big data firm. The institute then merges the speed data with traffic volume data from the Federal Highway Administration.
“You could have a freeway with traffic going 35 mph and a city street going 35 mph,” Eisele said. “Without considering the volume, those two would look identical.”
Tampa-area commuters don’t need scorecards to tell them they’re stuck in traffic too often. Surveys conducted by the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization show transportation is a top concern for residents and has been for years, according to Executive Director Beth Alden.
“When we ask the public what they would like to see their local government move forward or what we should apply for federal grants for, clearly transportation is at the top of their minds and has been for a long time,” Alden said.
The MPO, which handles transportation planning for Hillsborough County, uses computer models to forecast what growth in the county will do to traffic patterns. Alden said traffic is “not ideal” now and will worsen dramatically in the next 25 years when the county’s population is predicted to grow by 600,000 people.
“In Hillsborough County the challenges for transportation are quite significant no matter how you look at it,” Alden said. “If you put 600,000 people in a county that has traffic congestion now, you’re looking at a 200 percent to 250 percent increase in what people are experiencing today.”
Another measure of Hillsborough’s traffic congestion is its so-called “transportation deficit.” County planners and engineers estimate the county has $7 billion in unmet transportation needs. That’s one reason county leaders formed Go Hillsborough, seeking public backing for a tax increase to cut the backlog.
The transportation deficit is reflected in the high number of roads and intersections that are over capacity. The county ranks roads from A to F, with A being a road where traffic flows freely all the time and F being highly congested.
In urban areas, the county considers a reasonable standard of service to be an E-rated road; for rural roads, the reasonable standard is D. Roads that don’t meet those levels of service are categorized as “failed” and need significant upgrades.
“We do have a lot of roads that don’t meet our level of service standard,” said County Engineer Mike Williams. “But it would be very expensive to try to build all our roads so they have a level of A or B, and it isn’t really worth the expense for all of them to be at that level of service.”
Williams said clearing up half the backlog would produce a noticeable reduction in traffic congestion. He cited the widening of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, a once-clogged thoroughfare where traffic now moves smoothly between North Tampa and New Tampa.
In light of the projected growth in population, significant investments in roads, intersections and bridges will be needed just to keep congestion at present levels, Williams said.
“With more people moving to the area or coming to work in the area there will be more congestion,” he said. “If you do just a little bit, it will still get worse but it won’t be as bad as it could be.”
In addition to building and widening roads, there are other steps to lessen congestion. Expanding mass transit will take some traffic off the roads, Williams said, but not much. The advantage of improving bus service or building a rail system is it gives options to people who are tired of the congestion but have not been willing to use transit. Last year, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority was ranked 94th out of 100 metro areas for the number of buses.
Upgrading traffic signals also would help but only a bit, Williams said.
One of the best methods for dealing with congestion is better land-use planning, experts say. Guiding development closer to urban job centers reduces the length of trips. Fewer trips equals less congestion.
Hillsborough County officials say they are working on changes to the land use code that, combined with mobility fees, will give developers incentives to build closer to urban areas where roads, water and sewer already exist.
“The more we can put places where people work, live and play closer together the better so we can eliminate some of those trips,” Eisele said.
The time to start making investments in transportation infrastructure is now, Eisele said. The institute’s mobility study showed congestion in most urban areas, including Tampa-St. Petersburg, lessened during the recession. With the recovery, traffic gridlock increased.
“If anything is clear from our study, it’s that there is a clear link between the economic comeback and the congestion levels,” Eisele said. “If the economy continues to improve, the congestion level will get worse as well.”
(813) 259-8303
Twitter: @mikesaltbo
Record: 421582 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Taking the long road
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - January 27, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff; BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1370) Abstract: p The Metropolitan Planning Organization, during a meeting Tuesday night, presented a list of upcoming transportation projects scheduled for this year and the next five years. Lots of interest in a new interchange at Apollo Beach Boulevard, but no plans on the book. Will contact FDOT to see where they stand on this. A few changes coming to I--75, incluidng "managed lanes" that people would pay a toll for and added off ramp lane at Big Bend Road, where traffic is always a nightmare during afternoon rush hour. South Shore residents get a look at status of highway upgrades
RUSKIN — It’s a nightly headache for motorists heading south at rush hour on Interstate 75. Far ahead of the approach to Big Bend Road, brake lights pepper the horizon.
Monday through Friday, exiting traffic blocks the right lane of the southbound interstate. Commuters who must cope with the backups are eager for a solution, they told Hillsborough County officials at a transportation workshop last week.
And with hundreds of new houses planned on land south and west of the I-75/Big Bend Road interchange, Apollo Beach Boulevard should be extended to the interstate and an interchange built there, some people told the county officials.
The workshop, an update of an areawide transportation plan for southern Hillsborough County, produced good and bad news for those who travel roads south of the Alafia River.
The good news: Improvements are coming to the I-75 interchange at Big Bend Road, the widening of Boyette Road continues and lanes will be added to Bell Shoals Road between Bloomingdale Avenue and Boyette Road.
The Big Bend project — a partnership between the county and Florida’s Department of Transportation — will include more turn lanes at the foot of the exit ramps and additional lanes on Big Bend Road to reduce or eliminate the backups, said Rich Clarendon, who is with the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, which oversees long-range regional transportation issues. The Big Bend project is scheduled to be completed in 2015.
The bad news: Those seeking relief on Apollo Beach Boulevard, which ends at U.S. 41, might have to wait a long time — maybe a decade or more.
Much of the funding for the road projects is tied to development, which drastically slowed as the economy took a nose-dive a few years ago. While housing construction again is picking up and developers, in turn, are contributing, road construction money is coming in at a slow pace.
The reality, Clarendon said, is there are more projects people would like to see in south county than there is funding to build them.
And an interchange for Apollo Beach Boulevard, which would cost tens of millions of dollars to build, isn’t on anyone’s funding list.
Newland Communities, the developer of Waterset, a housing development on 1,300 acres between Big Bend and 19th Avenue, has an agreement with the county to pay for road projects to offset its effects. But, as is the case elsewhere, home construction at Waterset is proceeding more slowly than predicted. And because road funding is tied to building permits, most of it is not yet available.
One of the projects Newland ultimately must fund is the extension of Apollo Beach Boulevard from U.S. 41 east to County Road 672 (Balm Road), including an overpass at I-75. But Alex McLeod, vice president of operations for Newland, said company representatives plan to meet soon with county officials to discuss possible changes regarding how Newland’s money will be spent.
When Waterset was approved in 2005, McLeod said, people in the area thought the interstate overpass made sense. But with the slowdown in construction, it might be 15 years before that road and overpass are built if the original plan remains in place.
It might make more sense to pay for roadwork needs that are more pressing, McLeod said, including improvements at Big Bend Road.
McLeod said he also plans to meet with community groups to discuss tweaking the Waterset road-funding commitments.
“We may change them to no longer tie (the funding) to building permits, but to needs and dates instead.
“No matter what, we will extend Apollo Beach Boulevard and we will preserve the right-of-way for a potential future overpass.”
With a new hospital coming to the area, Amazon planning a major distribution center in Ruskin and a shopping mall in the planning stages, there are plenty of roadway needs, Clarendon said. He ticked off a list of them, but emphasized not all of them can be built in the next year or two.
(813) 259-7127
IMPROVEMENTS, Page 4
RUSKIN — It’s a nightly headache for motorists heading south at rush hour on Interstate 75. Far ahead of the approach to Big Bend Road, brake lights pepper the horizon.
Monday through Friday, exiting traffic blocks the right lane of the southbound interstate. Commuters who must cope with the backups are eager for a solution, they told Hillsborough County officials at a transportation workshop last week.
And with hundreds of new houses planned on land south and west of the I-75/Big Bend Road interchange, Apollo Beach Boulevard should be extended to the interstate and an interchange built there, some people told the county officials.
The workshop, an update of an areawide transportation plan for southern Hillsborough County, produced good and bad news for those who travel roads south of the Alafia River.
The good news: Improvements are coming to the I-75 interchange at Big Bend Road, the widening of Boyette Road continues and lanes will be added to Bell Shoals Road between Bloomingdale Avenue and Boyette Road.
The Big Bend project — a partnership between the county and Florida’s Department of Transportation — will include more turn lanes at the foot of the exit ramps and additional lanes on Big Bend Road to reduce or eliminate the backups, said Rich Clarendon, who is with the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, which oversees long-range regional transportation issues. The Big Bend project is scheduled to be completed in 2015.
The bad news: Those seeking relief on Apollo Beach Boulevard, which ends at U.S. 41, might have to wait a long time — maybe a decade or more.
Much of the funding for the road projects is tied to development, which drastically slowed as the economy took a nose-dive a few years ago. While housing construction again is picking up and developers, in turn, are contributing, road construction money is coming in at a slow pace.
The reality, Clarendon said, is there are more projects people would like to see in south county than there is funding to build them.
And an interchange for Apollo Beach Boulevard, which would cost tens of millions of dollars to build, isn’t on anyone’s funding list.
Newland Communities, the developer of Waterset, a housing development on 1,300 acres between Big Bend and 19th Avenue, has an agreement with the county to pay for road projects to offset its effects. But, as is the case elsewhere, home construction at Waterset is proceeding more slowly than predicted. And because road funding is tied to building permits, most of it is not yet available.
One of the projects Newland ultimately must fund is the extension of Apollo Beach Boulevard from U.S. 41 east to County Road 672 (Balm Road), including an overpass at I-75. But Alex McLeod, vice president of operations for Newland, said company representatives plan to meet soon with county officials to discuss possible changes regarding how Newland’s money will be spent.
When Waterset was approved in 2005, McLeod said, people in the area thought the interstate overpass made sense. But with the slowdown in construction, it might be 15 years before that road and overpass are built if the original plan remains in place.
It might make more sense to pay for roadwork needs that are more pressing, McLeod said, including improvements at Big Bend Road.
McLeod said he also plans to meet with community groups to discuss tweaking the Waterset road-funding commitments.
“We may change them to no longer tie (the funding) to building permits, but to needs and dates instead.
“No matter what, we will extend Apollo Beach Boulevard and we will preserve the right-of-way for a potential future overpass.”
With a new hospital coming to the area, Amazon planning a major distribution center in Ruskin and a shopping mall in the planning stages, there are plenty of roadway needs, Clarendon said. He ticked off a list of them, but emphasized not all of them can be built in the next year or two.
(813) 259-7127
Improvements
From Page 1
Record: 132486 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
When will train horns be silenced on South Florida coastal tracks? - Freight trains blare louder horns while 2 new passenger services are being built
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - June 20, 2015 Author/Byline: By Angel Streeter; Sun Sentinel Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 5 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1460) Residents who live near coastal railroad tracks that run near Federal Highway may be wondering when they are going to get some peace and quiet.
The freight trains running on South Florida’s eastern railroad are blaring louder horns. And All Aboard Florida, which will provide new passenger service on the railroad between Miami and Orlando, is in the middle of constructing a second track and working on railroad crossings.
Q: So when will that peace and quiet come?
Answer: To prepare for All Aboard Florida’s 32 daily trains, officials in Broward and Palm Beach counties have been working together to create so-called “quiet zones” so train engineers won’t sound their horns as they get close to railroad crossings unless there’s an emergency. But it’s going to take a while to get them established and approved by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Q: When will quiet zones be established on the coastal tracks?
Answer: Both transportation planning agencies — the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization — estimate that quiet zones will be established around the same time All Aboard Florida begins carrying passengers on its new service in 2017 between Miami and West Palm Beach.
Initial quiet zones will be implemented from West Palm Beach to Hallandale Beach.
Once All Aboard Florida begins offering service to Orlando, quiet zones will be established in northern Palm Beach County.
Q: Why can’t they do it sooner?
Answer: It’s a lengthy process. First, safety improvements have to be made at railroad crossings. The two transportation-planning agencies have reached agreements with All Aboard Florida to add those safety improvements as part of its construction work. The agencies will pay the company for the extra safety enhancements with federal transportation money.
After the safety features have been added to crossings, then applications are sent to the Federal Railroad Administration to create quiet zones. In addition to reviewing the applications, the railroad agency will visit the area to inspect the crossings.
“This is a significant project for us,” said Greg Stuart, executive director of the Broward transportation agency.
Q: Who’s applying for the quiet zones?
Answer: In Broward, Hollywood will be the leader with other cities — Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach — signing on along with Broward County and the Florida Department of Transportation.
In Palm Beach, seven cities — Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Hypoluxo, Lantana, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach — will submit separate applications to the railroad administration to create quiet zones in each of their cities.
Q: Why isn’t Palm Beach County banding together to create one, big quiet zone like Broward County?
Answer: Broward’s approach may be easier with only one application to be reviewed by the railroad administration rather than several, said Nick Uhren, executive director of the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization. But he’s not sure if the method will be OK with the railroad administration.
Plus, no city in Palm Beach County has stepped up to take a lead role in applying for quiet zones. The county also isn’t interested in being a leader, Uhren said.
That leaves the transportation planning agency “holding the hand of each city to get to the end goal of quiet-zone designation.”
And he’s hoping those quiet zones will be implemented in each city at the same time.
Record: 385118 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Where life may be a 2-way street [JUMP]Planners consider change in direction for 1-way section of Columbus Drive - Planners consider change in direction for 1-way section of Columbus Drive
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - January 20, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1550) YBOR CITY — Redesigning a pair of bumpy one-way avenues into narrower two-way drives could make a swath of this community safer for residents and more inviting to business, some say.
The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization staff has already completed a corridor redesign to transform eastward-heading Columbus Drive between 14th and 40th Streets and its western-heading counterpart, known as 17th, 18th and 19th Avenues into two-way roads with on-street parking.
But a lack of funding could kill the entire plan or at the very least, delay it considerably.
The community is expected to rally for the issue at a Feb. 3 MPO meeting during which the board will be asked to approve the corridor redesign. But even with that vote, nothing will get done unless Hillsborough County and Tampa come up with the funds for the repaving and to put new signals up on both roadways. Therein lies the rub.
County Commissioner Les Miller, who grew up in that neighborhood, said he is working with the county staff to try to scrape together the money, about $1 million, to repave the roadways and restripe them for parking. But coming up with $2 million for the new traffic signals is another story, altogether.
Driving the 17th Avenue corridor is like “riding on the back of an alligator,” with patches over patches, Miller said. It seriously needs repaving, as does Columbus, he said.
The transformation and repaving would shift two-thirds of the traffic from the two one-way roads on to a two-way Columbus Drive and slow traffic enough on the 17th Avenue corridor to allow bicycles to share the road, said Gena Torres, program manager for the MPO.
Torres said a majority of property owners, many of whom have worked with the MPO staff on the redesign, say the plan would also give them some sorely needed parking spaces and turn the
17th Avenue corridor into a more neighborhood friendly throughway.
“There is so much good that could come from this,” said Jason Dickens, who, with his business partner Andy Dohmen, moved their Design Styles Architecture offices to Columbus Drive a few years ago.
“We’ve just got to try to find a way to make it work,” Dickens said. “It’s a county road in the city, so you’d think they could put their heads together.
“We bought our building back in 2011 and as we started renovating it, the houses around us started to fix up, as well,” he said. “That really started to promote change. People started moving in and rejuvenating that part of Columbus Drive.”
And there are still some empty lots in the neighborhood. If people saw the renderings of what the roads would look like with the redesign, those empty lots would be snatched up quickly, Dickens said.
“There are a lot of infrastructure dollars going around the city and East Tampa gets missed on a lot of those things,” he said. “Putting money into those neighborhoods promotes growth for that side of town.”
“It’s absolutely a pretty amazing neighborhood,” said Andrew Clarke, who has lived on Columbus Drive since 2010. The diverse community, where neighbors help each other out, really needs this project to give it a push forward, he said.
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They also need it for safety.
Both Dickens and Clarke say they see people traveling the wrong way on Columbus Drive often, even weekly, and would love to see these changes, not only the two-way changes, but the additional parking.
“Some of my neighbors have no parking at all,” Clarke said. “We have two spaces in the back, but they take up our whole backyard. And right now, you can’t even get on a bike in the neighborhood. The roads are too dangerous” with speeding one-way traffic.
“When we heard about the redesign, there was a lot of excitement in the neighborhood,” said Kim Headland, who lives in nearby VM Ybor, just to the west of the redesign area. “Obviously, there is a bit of disappointment to hear funding isn’t in place. Hopefully, the county and the city and the Florida Department of Transportation can get together to make the complete project come to fruition.”
(813) 259-7127
Record: 313062 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Bragging may cause crowding
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - March 18, 2014 Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: 8-9 grade level (Lexile: 1080) Abstract: p Henderson column I admit it is fun torturing my Northern friends with random Facebook pictures and ramblings about how mild our winter has been.
While those poor folks have endured sliding cars, icy roads and sidewalks, snowbanks, freezing rain, sub-zero weather and all the other things that make winter such a festive season north of the Mason-Dixon line, we had a couple of days when we needed a sweater.
Maybe I shouldn’t have piled it on so thick, though.
At least that’s the conclusion I reached after I asked Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization director Ray Chiaramonte if this awful winter could lead to a stampede of new residents here, fleeing the cold, frozen north.
You might not like his answer.
“I honestly do think this could have an effect here in the short term,” he said.
We know growth was coming anyway. By next year, it was already said Florida could pass New York as the third most-populous state — and that was before the icy fangs of this gosh-awful winter tore into the East and Midwest.
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“If people were already planning to move here, a horrible winter could be the event that makes them say ‘enough,’” Chiaramonte said. “I don’t think it necessarily changes the long-range growth forecast because the people moving are probably some of the same people who were coming anyway. But you also could have people decide they can’t take it any more.”
He knows how that works. During a visit here from Chicago in 1970, Chiaramonte noted people wear shorts in the winter and don’t shovel snow.
He decided he needed some sand in his shoes, and moved here a year later.
Weather jokes aside, though, a short-term spike in population here could put added strain on roads and other services. Houses are sprouting like mushrooms in east and south Hillsborough County now, and an influx of northern refugees could lead to more building.
Weather isn’t the only factor driving growth, of course.
The improving economy here will likely attract more folks looking for work, and Tampa’s new emphasis on building its tech industry could also have an effect.
Let’s put it this way, though.
The longer snow, ice and single-digit temperatures linger in the northern forecasts, the more fed up some people will probably get. I can speak from personal experience on this.
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I was living in Ohio in 1974 and it seemed like the winter would never end. We had icy roads. We had a dark, soot-colored sky that never seemed to go away. It was always cold. When the snow finally melted, we had a flood. We endured what natives called “The Day of the Tornadoes,” a devastating outburst of storms all over southwest Ohio, including an F5 that leveled the town of Xenia.
It seemed like a good time to leave. That memory prompted the phone call to Chiaramonte to test a theory about a growth spurt that could be coming our way. I told him up front it was probably cockamamie.
But then he said, “I don’t think it’s cockamamie at all. It could happen.”
Index terms: Hillsborough County; Florida population growth Record: 158129 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Express lane naysayers warned DOT says project needs to go ahead or others could be in jeopardy - DOT says project needs to go ahead or others could be in jeopardy
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - June 16, 2015 Author/Byline: BY CHRISTOPHER O’DONNELL Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1650) TAMPA — State transportation officials have fired back at city council members who came out against a plan for express toll lanes on Interstate 275, warning that future Hillsborough projects could be in jeopardy if the project does not go ahead.
The response came at a Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority meeting Friday where Tampa Heights residents called on the authority’s board to remove the express lane project from the group’s master plan. The master plan is a list of projects, most of them roads, considered crucial for the growth of the seven-county region the group oversees.
Paul Steinman, who heads up the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 7, said the project includes expansion of the I-275-I-4 interchange commonly called “Malfunction Junction” and will add corridors for future transit projects such as light rail.
“These projects also provide the transit corridor that everybody wants,” Steinman said. “If you take it out, you can stop it, but you will stop a whole bunch of other things here.”
Steinman added that design of the express lanes has not even begun and said DOT will hold public meetings to hear residents’ concerns.
“The department is not trying to jam this project down anyone’s throat,” he said.
Tampa Heights residents fear the project will destroy homes and businesses and reverse years of successful efforts to revitalize the historic neighborhood just north of Tampa’s downtown.
They were backed at the meeting by Tampa City Council members Mike Suarez and Lisa Montelione, who both sit on the TBARTA board. Suarez said the Department of Transportation’s focus is on how to move traffic and does not always consider the impact on neighboring communities, an especially crucial point in Tampa, where I-275 runs through the middle of the city.
“There were some elbows thrown there by FDOT and I think they missed the point,” said Suarez on Monday. “I don’t think FDOT recognizes these neighborhoods want to have control over what happens in their communities.” Despite their concerns, TBARTA members approved the group’s master plan, with Montelione the lone “nay” vote. Suarez voted in favor of the plan after hearing that the express lane project is still in the planning stage.
The project known as the Tampa Bay Express would add one or two express lanes in either direction along I-275 in both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and on sections of I-4. The cost to use the roads would vary depending on time of day, with fees higher during peak periods. Only drivers with Sunpass will be able to use the roads because there would be no toll booths or toll-by-plate cameras.
Critics have dubbed the express lanes as “Lexus Lanes” because of the cost to use them and say it would create a two-tier interstate system with wealthy drivers cruising through bottlenecks while less well-off drivers stew in traffic. DOT officials say drivers using express lanes would free up capacity on the interstate.
The TBARTA meeting was the first exchange between council members and the Florida Department of Transportation since the council on Thursday unanimously pledged to lobby state lawmakers and members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization to put the brakes on the project. The council also asked city attorneys to explore filing a Title VI complaint with the Federal Highway Administration arguing that the project would harm a mainly minority population living in the district. Title VI prohibits discrimination in programs that receive federal funding.
One casualty of the project would be the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association community center and a community garden, both on land leased from DOT on a temporary basis. The center and garden will be demolished during construction.
Kevin Thurman, director of the pro-transit Connect Tampa Bay group, said the transit corridors that are part of the express lane project may not be immediately needed. The Florida Department of Transportation has already created corridors for mass-transit on I-275 between the Hillsborough River and the Howard Franklin Bridge. The project to replace the northbound span of the bridge also includes room for a future transit system.
He said Tampa Heights residents want an alternative to wider interstates and that DOT should do more to promote mass-transit as it has done in Orlando with funding for SunRail and in Miami with Tri-Rail.
“These people are not just objecting to demolition of a single building,” Thurman said. “They’re objecting to the concept of widening the interstate to 12 lanes in a major urban neighborhood.”
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Twitter: @codonnellTBO
Record: 382918 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Residents to fight new I-275 toll lanes - Organizers urge residents to complain to MPO
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - July 29, 2015 Author/Byline: BY ANASTASIA DAWSON; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 4 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1490) TAMPA — License plate frames in the parking lot of American Legion Post 111 assured that Old Seminole Heights is “historic and friendly.” When it comes to expanding the nearby highway to a width the size of a football field, though, residents are preparing to put up quite a fight.
“We need to keep our voices on the same song and keep going,” said Tampa Heights stalwart Lena Young Green as she rallied a crowd of hundreds of concerned Tampa and Seminole Heights residents Tuesday night. “Don’t fall asleep now. They see the same faces all the time; we have to show them.”
Speakers from several local community groups organized the town hall meeting to put pressure on the Florida Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organization to stop plans for the Tampa Bay Express project that would widen portions of Interstate 275 with toll lanes.
The MPO will meet Tuesday, and community organizers expect residents to show up in throngs. More than 2,000 people already have signed a petition on stoptbx.com to remove the project from road plans. At Tuesday’s town hall meeting, activists and business owners helped answer residents’ questions about the 175-page expansion plan. Boxes of postcards were covered with messages, and a video camera set up in the back of the hall recorded complaints to send to officials. County Commissioner Les Miller’s phone number was read out to the crowd.
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Green, president of Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association, has lived in the Tampa Heights community for years. She said she watched urban flight 20 years ago when the department of transportation’s plan to add four to eight lanes to interstates 275, 75 and 4 were originally drafted.
But the community has evolved since then, she said. Millennials are moving into the neighborhood in droves. Children and grandchildren want to return to the area where they were raised. “We loved our urban core,” Green said. “We loved what was happening in our neighborhood, our brick roads, our old houses; we loved having our neighbors as our friends and friends as our neighbors.”The expansion plan isn’t only going to affect those living in its shadow, said Mit Patel, CEO of five locations of MIT Computers stores and an adviser at the USF Center for Entrepreneurship.
“Every time they do construction like this it hurts my business,” said Patel, who lives in Hyde Park. “Any change in traffic patterns is a change in shopping habits, and this is going to wipe out so many exits and make it so hard for people to take a quick hop off Fowler or Hillsborough that they’re just going to wait until they get home to go shopping.”
Matthew Suarez said he can’t help but think of his great-grandmother, who was kicked out of her home in Ybor City in the 1960s to make room for Interstate 4. The expansion will have untold ripple effects on the area, he said, and will mar civic enhancements like the band shell at Water Works Park downtown that have been paid for with taxpayer dollars. “I’m here for her and all of the other members in my family to make sure this community remains what it’s been remembered for,” Suarez said.
Patel said the project is not inevitable.
“If people get educated and contact FDOT and elected politicians, I’m confident it will be stopped,” Patel said.
Record: 400747 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Express toll lanes are needed
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - October 28, 2015 Edition: Tribune first Section: Views Page: 12 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1490) The ongoing debate over the proposed express toll lanes leading into and out of Tampa is a healthy exercise for ensuring the Florida Department of Transportation does everything it can to minimize the impact on the affected neighborhoods.
But the argument by hard-core opponents that the express lanes are unnecessary is misguided.
The lanes will add capacity to the major interstate system feeding the Tampa Bay area’s busiest commercial center. Interstate 275 delivers passengers to Tampa International Airport, freight to Port Tampa Bay, tourists to the beaches and workers to and from their jobs each day.
Even if this area had a high-functioning mass transit system in place, the added road capacity would be needed. Traffic around Malfunction Junction and the Howard Frankland Bridge is already stressed and can be expected to get worse as the area’s population grows and tourism continues its record-setting pace. Additionally, the project will be designed to accommodate future mass transit corridors.
Express lanes charge a toll for the convenience of ducking off the free lanes to drive in less congested lanes. The toll amount varies depending on the traffic piling up in the free lanes.
The DOT plans to add express lanes along Interstate 275 from Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas County east through Tampa and north to Bearss Avenue. Express toll lanes would be added along Interstate 4 heading east from Tampa to the Polk County line. Malfunction Junction would be rebuilt.
Parts of the $3 billion project have yet to be funded or fully designed, and the DOT is spending a great deal of time gathering public feedback.
Residents of two affected neighborhoods — Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights — are understandably concerned about the possibility their neighborhoods will be adversely affected. Both neighborhoods are on the rebound, and as many as 100 homes and 30 businesses, as well as a community center and public gardens, are in the project’s path.
But the DOT says it is committed to addressing the concerns and making the roads as unobtrusive as possible. The areas under and around the overpasses can be designed as recreational spaces while lighting, landscaping and artwork can make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Concerns this would be the first of many expansion projects are unfounded. The DOT says this will be designed as the final widening for that stretch of interstate. And complaints about the express lanes being unfair to motorists who can’t afford the tolls fail to acknowledge that cars taken off the free lanes eases congestion on those lanes.
The project has won the support of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the agency that oversees long-range road planning in Hillsborough County, provided the DOT is true to its pledge to minimize the effects on the neighborhoods. We hope the MPO stands firm in its support.
Express lanes are working in the Miami-Dade area and planned for Orlando and Jacksonville.
The region does need a viable mass transit system to help accommodate our burgeoning population and give residents more transportation options, but it is unrealistic to think most residents are going to give up their cars. DOT has responded logically with a plan to move those cars through congested areas.
For the sake of this area’s transportation needs, the plan needs to move forward.
Record: 437359 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Toll-lane proposal hits a roadblock Tampa City Council sides with residents against $2.5B project - Tampa City Council sides with residents against $2.5B project
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - June 12, 2015 Author/Byline: BY CHRISTOPHER O’DONNELL Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: NationWorld Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1470) TAMPA — State road planners want to accelerate a long-planned $2.5 billion project to add express toll lanes to Interstates 275 and 4 and bring an end to decades of gridlock through downtown Tampa.
But people living in Tampa Heights say the Tampa Bay Express project will destroy homes and businesses and reverse years of gains in revitalizing the historic neighborhood just north of Tampa’s downtown.
And now the Heights has a new ally in an increasingly bitter fight against the Florida Department of Transportation: the Tampa City Council.
After hearing from dozens of
people from the neighborhood Thursday, council members unanimously agreed to try putting the brakes on the project, pledging to lobby state lawmakers, members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and state transportation officials.
They also directed city attorneys to explore filing a Title VI complaint with the Federal Highway Administration, arguing that the project would harm a mainly minority population living in the area. Title VI prohibits discrimination in programs that receive federal funding.
“This project is not good for the neighborhood; it’s not good for the city,” said Councilman Mike Suarez.
But any halt or delay may prove an uphill task on a project that is part of a statewide plan to rejuvenate Florida’s overburdened interstate system — a plan backed by Gov. Rick Scott.
Toll express lanes on Interstate 95 in Miami have already eased congestion, said Debbie Hunt, District 7 director of transportation development with the state. The transportation department plans to push hard for state lawmakers to fund the project over the next two years.
As to the city council’s objection, Hunt said, “I understand they want to go down this path, it’s one of those things where we’ll see what happens.”
She added, “I’m pretty confident we’ve done everything we’re supposed to do and followed the federal process as we go through this project.”
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If the project is funded by lawmakers, the transportation department would add one or two express lanes in either direction along I-275 in both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and on sections of I-4. The cost to drive the roads would vary depending on time of day, with fees higher during peak periods. Only drivers with Sunpass will be able to use the roads since there will be no toll booths or toll-by-plate cameras.
Plans for the project in the Tampa Bay area have been in the works for more than two decades. They included an environmental impact study required by federal law and completed in 1996.
But that was just a few years after the Tampa Heights area was designated a historic district in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Since then, many homeowners have renovated historic homes either as residences or for small businesses. That includes Rochelle Gross, who renovated a Queen Anne home and leases it to a nonprofit group that helps children who age out of the foster care system.
Gross said the plan for the expressway was drawn up when Tampa was a working hub for commuters from the suburbs and is badly out of date. Tampa leaders are now working to create urban, walkable connected communities around the downtown core.
“The interstate goes against everything the city of Tampa is working toward,” said Gross, also first vice president of the Tampa Heights Civic Association. “We’ve already suffered a great deal due to interstate coming through our neighborhood.”
Residents also fear that some of the neighborhood’s historic district will be lost and that picturesque areas attracting more restaurants and cafes will be marred by additional underpasses and high concrete walls. An online petition at change.org opposing the project has garnered more than 1,200 signatures.
State transportation officials said they want to work with neighbors to allay their concerns. The agency has been buying right of way and properties in the project’s footprint as they became available. It has relocated about 65 historic buildings in the Ybor City area to spare them from demolition, Hunt said.
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But one place under threat is the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association community center and community garden.
The association in 2010 agreed to lease the former Faith Temple Baptist Church on North Lamar Place, owned by the transportation department. A year later, it also partnered with the state to turn a plot of land in the project’s right-of-way into a community garden.
Since then, the association has made more than $1 million in improvements to the former church, including wooden floors, a new flat roof and $125,000 on a new air-conditioning system. About 90 teenagers take youth development classes that include workforce readiness, preparation for college and culinary arts.
Both the center and the garden will be demolished when highway construction starts.
Executive Director Patrick Sneed said the lease was signed with the understanding that the express lanes project would not start for about 20 years.
“This is a place for the community to congregate,” Sneed said. “It’s a whole entire neighborhood being affected by this.”But there is no time line spelled out in the lease. Transportation officials said it was made clear the lease was temporary and the state would take the properties back when it needs them. The lease also states that no improvements should be made without transportation department approval. Hunt said the agency was not consulted about the renovations the association made.
“I was shocked at all the improvements that have been done,” Hunt said. “They have done an amazing job but we didn’t know anything about them.”
Councilwoman Lisa Montelione said that at minimum, the transportation department should update the environmental impact study to take account of the rejuvenation of Tampa Heights and she would like council members to have input on that.
“We’ve been spending money and working hard to uplift these communities,” Montelione said.
Council members will also ask the Metropolitan Planning Organization, a group of local elected leaders that prioritizes transportation projects, to remove the express lanes from the group’s list of approved projects.
Councilman Harry Cohen, who serves on the MPO, said he will try to schedule a meeting with Hunt of the transportation department.
“We have to break open a dialogue,” Cohen said. “The amount of money and time and effort that has been put into this area — let’s see what we can do to reason with them.”
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Twitter: @codonnellTBO
Record: 381436 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
HART board rejects MPO’s transit growth plan - Proposal focused on early upgrades downtown
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - July 22, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff; BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1320) Abstract: p The HART Board heard a presentation Monday on downtown transit assets, but declined to give it a nod, saying if money from a future one-cent sales tax all goes to light rail downtown, the rest of the county will be left standing on a street corner waiting for a bus that won't be coming. The board will ask the county for planning dollars it can use to come up with its own updated transit plan. TAMPA — The regional transit board gave a unanimous thumbs down Monday to a plan that would focus most early transit expansion in downtown Tampa. That plan, board members said, could leave people in the rest of the county standing on a corner waiting for a bus that won’t be coming.
Rich Clarendon, senior transportation planner for the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, presented a plan to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Board outlining a study that calls for possible light rail and expanded modern streetcar service that might use existing freight tracks to operate. It also looked at connections to the planned transit station on Interstate 275 in the Westshore area. The study was a joint project of the MPO and the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Instead of giving that plan the nod, the HART board voted to ask Hillsborough County for funding to hire a specialized planner that can look at all transit needs throughout the county.
Clarendon was asking for a HART recommendation to include the downtown study in the MPO’s long-range transportation plan.
It is imperative that county, state and federal officials all work together to plan transit’s future here, said County Commissioner Sandra Murman, who sits on the HART board. “How is this integrated into what the city and county are doing? We need to work on one plan. We can’t have every agency having its own little plan.”
County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who also sits on the transit board, said he didn’t readily see how this downtown plan would “connect with everything else.”
HART’S existing Transit
Development Plan would double transit throughout Hillsborough County, said HART Board Member Karen Jaroch. This plan, she said, “would eat the entire apple of a 1-cent sales tax,” something that is being considered to fund expanded transit and roadway expansions in the county. The sales tax would require a referendum.
And, added Board Member Fran Davin, “everything is not centered around getting in and out of downtown. We need a lot more information. We can’t put all the money in tracks and leave the rest of the county stranded, with no service.”
The board will request at least $500,000 from the county for the transit study. [email protected]
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HART, Page 6
TAMPA — The regional transit board gave a unanimous thumbs down Monday to a plan that would focus most early transit expansion in downtown Tampa. That plan, board members said, could leave people in the rest of the county standing on a corner waiting for a bus that won’t be coming.
Rich Clarendon, senior transportation planner for the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, presented a plan to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Board outlining a study that calls for possible light rail and expanded modern streetcar service that might use existing freight tracks to operate. It also looked at connections to the planned transit station on Interstate 275 in the Westshore area. The study was a joint project of the MPO and the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
Instead of giving that plan the nod, the HART board voted to ask Hillsborough County for funding to hire a specialized planner that can look at all transit needs throughout the county.
Clarendon was asking for a HART recommendation to include the downtown study in the MPO’s long-range transportation plan.
It is imperative that county, state and federal officials all work together to plan transit’s future here, said County Commissioner Sandra Murman, who sits on the HART board. “How is this integrated into what the city and county are doing? We need to work on one plan. We can’t have every agency having its own little plan.”
County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, who also sits on the transit board, said he didn’t readily see how this downtown plan would “connect with everything else.”
HART’S existing Transit
Development Plan would double transit throughout Hillsborough County, said HART Board Member Karen Jaroch. This plan, she said, “would eat the entire apple of a 1-cent sales tax,” something that is being considered to fund expanded transit and roadway expansions in the county. The sales tax would require a referendum.
And, added Board Member Fran Davin, “everything is not centered around getting in and out of downtown. We need a lot more information. We can’t put all the money in tracks and leave the rest of the county stranded, with no service.”
The board will request at least $500,000 from the county for the transit study.
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HART
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Record: 222326 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Planning chief says transit fixes overdue - Hillsborough can’t compete without better options, he says
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - October 1, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 2 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1400) Abstract: p The public has 30 days to comment on the draft Long-Range Transportation plan for Hillsborough County, which right now, includes two scenarios: work with existing funding or work with the added funding brought in by a one-cent sales tax. TAMPA — The county’s transportation planning guru found himself in a rather awkward position during a recent flight — explaining to a young Boston couple that their plans to visit here with no rental car might crash head-on into a harsh reality.
Hillsborough County doesn’t have a public transportation system to accommodate that type of visitor.
He explained to them the inadequacies of the county’s bus system and the notion that one might have to call a cab, then wait for it, rather than hailing one at the curb, he said.
“If we are going to compete, we have to do better,” Planning Commission Executive Director Ray Chiaramonte told the Metropolitan Planning Organization Tuesday.
Five years ago, while visiting various cities for transportation conferences, he discovered that Tampa was one of a handful of major cities without a robust transit system, he said. Now, it stands alone — the last holdout.
“We’ve really got to catch up,” he told the board in preparing for a 30-day public comment period on Imagine 2040, the county’s 25-year long-range transportation plan. And it can’t be done with current funding, he said.
“We have to figure out what is right for us,” Chiaramonte said. “We’ve tried to build a plan based on logic.”
The comment period for the plan ends Nov. 12 with a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Imagine 2040 offers two scenarios. One relies on existing levels of funding to repair and add roadways and to expand public transit. “What we are doing now is not adequate by any stretch of the imagination,” Chiaramonte said.
The other scenario relies on a 1-cent sales tax that may come before voters in 2016. The Transportation Policy Leadership Group, made up of all of the Hillsborough County commissioners and the mayors of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, is devising a plan to fund transportation for economic development.
Its members are considering putting a referendum on the ballot in 2016 for a 1-cent sales tax increase to raise $6 billion over 30 years. The tax would fund road improvements, a more robust bus system and light rail.
If Hillsborough County wants to lure businesses to the area for economic growth, it cannot rely on an inadequate budget, Chiaramonte told the board. And when it comes time to vote on the final long-range transportation plan on Nov. 12, they will have to choose which path to take.
In preparing for the transportation plan update, the Planning Commission offered a survey, which more than 6,000 people took online or at public meetings, said MPO Assistant Executive Director Beth Alden. What residents say they want is walkable places, fill-in and reuse development and homes built near transit stops.
More than 80 percent of those who took the survey, using a budget calculator, devised their own individual plans that called for increased funding to build a better transportation system. “More folks chose to raise taxes and fees than to spend less on projects and programs,” Alden said.
“We also saw more thumbs up than thumbs down for express toll lanes (for buses on interstate highways) and a Westshore rail investment got a thumbs up,” Alden said.
Several members of the MPO board on Tuesday discussed the need for a maintenance program that would repave existing roads once every 17 years or so, instead of once every 50 years — the model the county now uses.
County Commissioner Sandy Murman, whose district encompasses the growing South Shore area of the county, said that while she agrees the long-range plan is “a great start,” she wants to see more included for a transit system that would get South Shore residents from southern Hillsborough County to their jobs downtown.
To view the entire plan, go to http://www.planhillsborough.org/2040-lrtp/.
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Record: 259227 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
This time we need to connect the dots
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - March 15, 2014 Section: Views Page: 19 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1460) Abstract: p Sharpe on transportation Tampa Bay is poised to become one of a the best performing metros in America, fueled by a re- energized effort to link high-wage, tech-driven, economic development to a vibrant and diverse transportation network.
We have been down this road before. In his 1988 best-selling book “Megatrends,” John Naisbitt declared Tampa “the next great city.” But we lost our way, mollified by a frenzy of suburban home building and the promise that sprawl would pay for itself.
We chased a chimera and caught the down draft of a housing bubble that exposed the weak underbelly of metros comprised of subdivisions and strip malls linked by roads insufficient to meet demand.
A key finding from a 2011 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) report on transportation stated the “county has constantly been in catch-up mode, adding transportation infrastructure long after the traffic pressure from residential and commercial development have reached problematic levels.”
This assessment was recently validated by INRIX, a leading tech provider in traffic services, when it reported that the Tampa Bay area ranks in the top 25 for most congested cities in America.
Yet our future has never been brighter. I attended a conference hosted by Moffitt Cancer Center in late February on the Business of Biotech that affirmed the wisdom of Hillsborough County’s investment in the life sciences.
One speaker attributed Tampa Bay’s maturing life science sector and talented workforce as partial reason for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s decision to locate its new North American Capability Center just eight minutes from Tampa International Airport. This assessment validates a recent report by WalletHub.com that ranks Tampa the third-best city in the country to find a job.
We are also taking methodical steps to change the dynamic of transportation in Hillsborough County. Hillsborough County’s prescient administrator, Mike Merrill, has led a one-year transportation initiative approved by the Board of County Commission in March of 2013. The commission established a Transportation Policy Leadership Group made up of the board, the mayors of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City and HART’s chairman.
The group’s mission has been to consider options for linking our economic development areas to better and smarter roads, premium bus service, toll lanes, and rail.
Tampa Bay is looking ahead, catching a millennial-inspired wave that reflects record transit ridership for 2013 across America and a young, energized, entrepreneurial-minded workforce abandoning gridlock and long commutes for alternatives that afford a bustling metropolitan lifestyle. The Hillsborough MPO’s just-concluded Imagine 2040 study clearly captures this attitude with thousands of respondents voting for a metro environment and transit.
No, we are not abandoning our suburbs, just the opposite. We are going to connect them to our economic development areas, while taking advantage of Gov. Rick Scott’s recent decision to help fund the Tampa International Airport’s new consolidated rental car facility and a 1.2-mile “People Mover” that will connect the main terminal to the rental car facility. The Tampa Bay Partnership has also asked me to chair their Westshore Multimodal Facility committee, emphasizing it as one of their four high priorities.
The Westshore Multimodal Facility promises to be a premier transportation hub that will link to the airport and region’s economic development areas, helping us attract more visitors and business, which will fuel even more job creation.
This and much more point to a Tampa Bay region that is now prepared to walk the walk in our collaborative effort to couple high-wage jobs with a modern transportation system that will help us attract and retain a quality workforce. Tampa Bay is rising.
Mark Sharpe is chairman of the Hillsborough County Commission.
Record: 157310 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Long-term Hillsborough transit plan OK’d - County hasn’t figured out how to fund proposals
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - November 13, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune second Section: Metro Page: 4 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1680) TAMPA — Going to great lengths to avoid the appearance that a future sales tax increase is a done deal, members of the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization board on Wednesday approved a grand plan for road improvements and mass transit, but with clarification.
When the long-range transportation plan is forwarded to the state and federal government for review, it will include wording explaining that Hillsborough County is still trying to figure out how to pay for intersection improvements, more buses, light rail and road repairs. The 20-year plan is required if the county is to seek any federal funding for road work or transit. The plan provides a snapshot of where the community is and what it will need to alleviate congestion, move people more easily through the city and outlying areas and for highway expansion.
Board members said the added wording should make it clear that funding is still the subject of debate.
The Transportation Policy Leadership Group, made up of all of the Hillsborough County commissioners and the mayors of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, is in the process of devising a plan to fund transportation for economic development. Its members have discussed placing a referendum on the 2016 ballot for a 1-cent sales tax to pay for transportation upgrades. The tax would raise about $6 billion over 30 years.
But nothing is certain, County Administrator Mike Merrill told the board. The referendum could be for a penny, a half-cent or something completely different.The conversation during Wednesday night’s meeting got animated when Hillsborough Commissioner Sandy Murman threatened to vote against the plan, saying voters would be confused by it and think the MPO board had OK’d a sales tax to pay for it. She backed away from that threat when the board agreed to add wording that clarified the funding issue.
What is clear, said outgoing MPO Chairman Mark Sharpe, is that doing nothing is not an option because Hillsborough County simply does not have the money to pay for the improvements.
Commissioner Kevin Beckner went a step further, saying anyone who believes the county can improve its transportation system without more funding “is living on another planet.”
Yes, the entire business of how to fund transportation is complicated and confusing, Sharpe said, but it has to be addressed. “I would urge us to do what is right. If we say we are not going to do anything more than fill a few potholes, that is a worse message than saying we have progressive, forward-leaning vision.”
Tampa Councilman Harry Cohen suggested that a no vote for the plan “is like putting our hands behind our backs” with no option to move forward.
In the end, Josh Burgen, representing the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, cast the only dissenting vote. “It’s a bit presumptuous to think the public will be more willing to approve a 1-cent sales tax in 2016” to pay for all these upgrades when they aren’t willing to approve it right now, he said.
The plan includes billions of dollars in road work and improved transit over the next 25 years. It lists $2 billion for pavement, more than $1 billion for bridges, more than $1.5 billion for congestion management, more than $1.5 billion for fixed transit, including light rail and streetcar, and more than $1.2 billion for walking trails and bike paths.
In preparing the transportation plan, the planning commission staff conducted two online surveys to get public input on what people see as the priorities for transportation in the coming years.
More than 6,000 people — mostly from Tampa and the northwest part of the county — took the online surveys, with the majority saying they want walkable places, in-fill and reuse-oriented development and homes built near transit stops.
More than 80 percent of respondents used a budget calculator and devised their own plans for a better transportation system. More chose to raise taxes and fees to include what they want than to spend less on projects and programs.
Record: 282129 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Move forward with express lanes
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - August 13, 2015 Edition: Clearwater Section: CGA Page: 5 T he agency that oversees the long-range planning of road projects in Hillsborough County made the right call Tuesday to continue supporting the addition of express lanes to the heavily traveled interstate system leading into and through downtown Tampa.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization, a body of more than a dozen elected officials, listened to the concerns of Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights residents before voting 13-1 to keep the Interstate 275 expansion project on its five-year planning list.
MPO Chairman Les Miller, who also is a Hillsborough County commissioner, struck the right balance by tying the MPO’s support for the Florida Department of Transportation’s express lanes plan to several contingencies that are meant to protect the neighborhoods.
Miller said the DOT must work to minimize the project’s impact on the neighborhoods and consider ways to enhance pedestrian and bicycle usage in the areas around Florida and Nebraska avenues and Tampa Street.
The MPO’s support is critical to the project moving forward. If the DOT can’t adequately address the impacts on the neighborhoods, the MPO could pull the project from its five-year plan.
As proposed, the DOT’s $3 billion project, which has yet to be funded, calls for widening Interstate 275 from Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas County east through downtown Tampa and north to Bearss Avenue. Parts of Interstate 4 heading east from the I-275 interchange would also be expanded. That interchange, rightfully known as Malfunction Junction, would be rebuilt.
The widening would allow for the addition of express toll lanes to give motorists the choice of paying a toll to escape congestion on the free lanes and for the construction of mass transit corridors to accommodate future transportation options such as rail lines.
The expansion project has been in the state transportation plan since 1996, and the DOT has been purchasing right-of-way in preparation for the widening for years. But the recent fast-tracking of the project has sparked opposition in the affected neighborhoods, and understandably so. All totaled, the construction will claim 100 homes and 30 businesses along the way, as well as a community center and public gardens.
To its credit, the DOT has already been meeting with residents in the neighborhoods and is prepared to offer a number of ways to minimize the impact. Paul Steinman, the DOT’s district secretary for this area, told the Tribune Editorial Board this week that space for community gardens could be included in the plans and that the areas under and around the overpasses can be designed as spaces for recreation or other community activities.
The efforts signal the DOT’s willingness to work with the neighborhoods. With more than 800 people moving to Florida every day, and nearly 100 million tourists visiting annually, the congestion will only get worse and negatively affect our commerce and quality of life.
There is no question that a major setback to the recovery of the Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights neighborhoods would be devastating. But the widening project is critical for Tampa’s transportation future. The MPO’s decision Tuesday addresses both of those realities and establishes a framework for moving forward responsibly.
Record: 406609 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Cyclovia gets cyclists moving
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - May 18, 2015 Author/Byline: BY GEOFF FOX; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 2 TEMPLE TERRACE — A Frisbee flew through the air over 56th Street on Sunday afternoon, as music pumped from the parking lot at First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace.Rather than being full of motorized traffic, 56th was closed from Whiteway Drive to Busch Boulevard for five hours Sunday for the municipality’s first Cyclovia event, meant to inspire people and families to engage in physical activity.Pulling on a bicycle helmet, Arnold Metziere, a member of the Sierra Club and an avid cyclist, said the environmental organization was distributing information at the event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.While he is known as “Yak Man” for his love of kayaking, Metziere did plenty of pedaling Sunday.
“The crowd was pretty slow this morning, but it’s been developing throughout the day,” Metziere said around 12:30 p.m. “Down toward (Whiteway) is where all the food vendors are, so that’s where most of the crowd is.”
Metziere’s only criticism of the event was that vendors seemed to be clustered, rather than spread evenly along the route.While Metziere said he has been riding a bicycle around the area for years, he said bike riding can be treacherous around Busch, 56th and Fowler Avenue.“You take your life into your hands,” he said.
That unofficial data comes from a longtime cyclist who has literally pedaled across the state.
“I’ve rode from Miami to Temple Terrace,” Metziere said. “It took me seven days, about 20 years ago. I’ve been riding my whole life.”
Several vendors distributed information about bicycle safety.Based on the Spanish word for “cycle path,” Cyclovia began as a weekly tradition in Bogota, Colombia, where major city streets are temporarily closed so people can engage in “physical activity, healthy movement and active transportation,” a Cyclovia website said.
Tampa’s first Cyclovia was held in October, when hundreds of people cycled, jogged, played bicycle polo and visited myriad vendors along Kennedy Boulevard, from Nebraska Avenue to Tampa Street.
Donna Tew, a nurse, said she typically rides 75 to 100 miles per week and was participating, in part, to promote a less “auto-centric” lifestyle.“Look at all of the traffic jams and all of the health issues people have because they’re sitting around too much,” she said.Tew said she pedaled 20 miles before arriving at the event and had hoped to see a larger crowd. She said she hoped the event will raise awareness about road safety for bicyclists and motorists.
“We all have to follow the same rules and have to watch out for each other. You need to treat others how you want to be treated,” she said, adding that about half of crashes between bicyclists and motor vehicles are the fault of the cyclist.“You should be visible, predictable and follow the rules of the road,” Tew said.While the event featured a slew of bicyclists, there were families pushing strollers, teenagers on skateboards and people walking dogs. Some kids on the west side of 56th threw a football in the shade.
Lee Bell, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce, said at least 1,000 people attended the event between 9 a.m. and early afternoon, when more people began to arrive.“It’s family fun in a business district, where people are normally driving by at 45 mph,” Bell said, adding that the city sponsored the event in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, the University of South Florida Center for Urban Transportation and the Metropolitan Planning Organization, among others.
“It’s funny,” Bell said. “People are so used to walking on the sidewalks, and I’m like, ‘Go ahead and walk on the street; it’s open.’
“There have been a lot of walkers, skateboarders and kids on scooters.”
Record: 369892 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Let’s partner to make our roadways safer
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - May 22, 2014 Section: Views Page: 12 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1610) Abstract: p Mark Shape oped Traffic safety extends beyond motor vehicles to include everyone who travels on or near local roadways. That concept is the guiding principle behind transportation projects, operations and maintenance activities provided by Hillsborough County Public Works.
Creating marked bicycle lanes on all road-widening projects, adding paved shoulders where possible during resurfacing projects, and implementing an $8.5 million bike and pedestrian safety program are just some of the actions taken this year to enhance the safety and functionality of Hillsborough County roadways.
Bruce B. Downs Boulevard from Regents Park Drive to Bearss Avenue will have bicycle lanes, a multi-use trail and sidewalks installed as part of the ongoing widening.
Paved roadway shoulders for pedestrians and bicyclists will be completed this year along County Road 39 from State Road 60 to the Manatee County line and 19th Avenue N.E. from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301.
Improvements that include a mix of bicycle lanes, share-the-road designations, additional sidewalks or paved shoulders are also in the works on sections of Waters Avenue, Hanley Road, Bearss Avenue, 42nd Street, 56th Street, and the Fletcher Avenue complete-streets project between Nebraska Avenue and 50th Street that will be completed in August.
However, engineering and roadway design are only one part of the roadway safety solution. And although valuable partnerships with organizations such as the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Planning Organization and Hillsborough County Public Schools are instrumental for success, the most important partners in improving safety are the motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians using the roadways.
Bicycle Safety Month during May is a time to encourage everyone to model safe behaviors to enhance the safety of all road users, including those who bicycle. Locally, residents are encouraged to participate in ongoing bicycle-centric community activities, such as those organized by Tampa BayCycle, or attend a free BikeSmart class covering safety basics.
Bicyclists can also show their support for safer streets by supporting events such as the Tampa/Hillsborough County Ride of Silence, which reminds us of the bicyclists who have been killed or injured in traffic crashes, and the need to share our roads safely.
More Hillsborough County residents and visitors are riding bicycles, for work and recreation, as a way to reduce pollution and stay healthy. But even one injury or fatality is too many, and we all share in the responsibility to make travel on our roadways safer for everyone.
Mark Sharpe is chairman of the Hillsborough County Commission.
Record: 193175 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Protecting pedestrians Traffic signal, crosswalks to make perilous road safer
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - May 28, 2015 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1540) TAMPA — When you’re standing on a 2-foot-wide concrete median in the middle of six-lane Hillsborough Avenue, no light or crosswalk for protection, your heart seems to beat as loudly as the vehicles a few feet away.
But John Brown, a Middleton High School student, stood calmly on the median Wednesday afternoon, waiting to cross to his home in the Meridian Pointe Apartments just east of 22nd Street. It’s in the same area where two sisters, also Middleton students, were hit by a car in March 2014. One of the sisters died.
Brown said he crosses the busy highway every day. His mother worries about him, he said, but he doesn’t want to spend the time it takes to walk to the nearest traffic light a couple of blocks away.
If there were a crossing light here by the apartments, would Brown use it?
“Yes sir,” Brown said. “It would make it easier to cross.”
By the end of the year, Brown’s mother won’t have to worry so much. Florida’s Department of Transportation and
Tampa’s city government are teaming up to put a traffic signal at the entrance to East Gate Plaza on the south side and Meridian Pointe Apartments to the north.
The signal will be activated by push buttons, and two crosswalks will feature markings warning motorists to watch for pedestrians. Ramps will be built into the sidewalk on both sides of the highway for people in wheelchairs.
The new crossing is one of a number of pedestrian safety improvements the transportation department will be working on this year along Hillsborough Avenue between Nebraska Avenue and 50th Street. A new traffic signal has already been installed at 19th Street, and new mid-block crosswalks are planned for 11th, 37th and 46th streets.
The crosswalks will feature push-button activated crossing signals, high-emphasis markings with broad horizontal stripes, a pedestrian safety refuge in the middle of the road and overhead warning lights that remind drivers they are legally required to stop for pedestrians.
At Nebraska Avenue and 22nd Street, where there are already traffic signals, the transportation department will upgrade the signals with flashing arrows to reduce the chances pedestrians will be hit by cars turning right.
At least four pedestrians have been hit by vehicles in this stretch of Hillsborough Avenue over the past four years, and three have died. None of the victims was crossing at a designated crosswalk. In the most recent fatality, 58-year-old Randolph Dunston slipped off the median near Nebraska Avenue and was hit by a delivery truck.
The fatalities played a role in focusing the transportation department’s attention to the East Hillsborough Avenue corridor, said Stephen Benson, director of transportation and stormwater services for DOT District 7. But the agency also heard from people in the community who saw pedestrians crossing the dangerous highway without the aid of a traffic light.
“We’re not looking at one or two spots where there has been a fatality; we were looking at the whole neighborhood where there are situations where people are crossing outside the crosswalks,” Benson said. “From our perspective, the fatalities for the most part are rare and random, so it’s hard to get a good gauge where there really is a safety problem or just a fluke.”
A study by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hillsborough County’s transportation planning agency, also identified a need for more crossings on Hillsborough Avenue. The DOT combined the planning organization’s research with its own study, which included a three-day count of people crossing the highway.
“We pick a time when we think the highest number of people are crossing so we can get the most data we can,” Benson said.
They may have counted Shannon Mays. Like others, she waited Wednesday for a gap in the traffic, walked to the median, then waited for another break to finish crossing. Mays said she has to walk across the highway because she and her husband have just one car.
“When you’re not in a vehicle, you do what you have to do,” Mays said. “It used to be real scary, but once you get used to it and you have someplace to go, you get over it.”
Mays said the trip would be “100 percent better” with a light and crosswalk.
A woman who identified herself as C. Savoury was waiting at a bus stop in front of East Gate Plaza on Wednesday, watching the occasional pedestrian dodge traffic on Hillsborough Avenue. Savoury, who comes to the commercial area often to shop, noted that cars are constantly turning right and left onto Hillsborough Avenue from the shopping plaza and the apartments across the street, making crossing doubly hazardous.
“It’s so dangerous to be running across the street with the cars coming so fast,” Savoury said. “They don’t slow down for anybody.”
(813) 259-8303
Record: 374514 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
State fleshing out plan for pay express lanes in urban core - Buses could share lanes with commuters, tie into rapid transit system
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - March 4, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Business Page: 2 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1590) TAMPA — While the state moves along with plans to build express toll lanes on area interstates, it is also looking at how to incorporate “premium express bus service” into those lanes.
The Florida Department of Transportation and Jacobs Engineering are looking at potential station locations and what such a service might look like. Funding hasn’t been addressed yet, at least not publicly.
The express buses would potentially serve Wesley Chapel, the University of South Florida, downtown Tampa, West Shore, the Greater Gateway/Carillon area and downtown St. Petersburg.
Jacobs Engineering Planning Director Scott Pringle made a presentation to the Metropolitan Planning Organization board Tuesday, saying the object of the commuter transit plan would be to get bus customers to their destinations more quickly using the express lanes.
DOT unveiled its plan for Tampa Bay Express toll lanes on Interstates 275, 4 and 75 in late January as part of a grand statewide decongestion plan to put pay lanes in major metro areas. There isn’t yet any funding earmarked for the lanes in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and even when the projects get funded each section of the lanes is expected to take six or seven years to complete. The idea is for people to pay to drive in a lane that will move them past congestion.
Those same lanes would be used for the commuter buses.
The study is looking at where the greatest ridership is — the urban core — and the best locations for stations that could connect easily to local buses, Pringle said. Some possible station locations mentioned were Wesley Chapel, near State Road 56, on Fletcher Avenue, at the Marion Street Transit Station in downtown Tampa and the Gateway area of St. Petersburg.
“We’ll be coming forward in a couple of weeks to talk about cost and ridership,” Pringle said.
MPO member Lisa Montelione, who sits on the Tampa City Council, said she is most concerned with who would pay for the buses. “Why aren’t we talking about the buses first and not the lanes?”
Pringle said it will take more than one agency to make the express bus plan work and there will be plenty of conversation about funding.
Joe Waggoner, an MPO member and head of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, applauded DOT for involving transit in the plan for express toll lanes. “It’s about mobility, not just moving vehicles,” he said. “When it comes to financing, that is where the real tough question resides. It’s not just about planning for transit, but having transit as a funding partner.”“We have to think smart about this if it’s going to be effective,” said Hillsborough County Commission Chair Sandy Murman, also a member of the MPO board. “Connectivity is really important , but what I hope will happen is we will have BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)” connecting in with the commuter buses.
BRT are buses that run on managed road lanes where they are able to use technology to extend green lights or shorten red lights for a faster trip. Here in Hillsborough County, the 17.5-mile stretch for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s MetroRapid North-South runs between downtown Tampa and Fletcher Avenue and Interstate 75.
Record: 333989 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
South Hillsborough bus service revisited
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - February 25, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 4 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1390) Abstract: p HART has no money right now to add any buses to its system, but it is in the process of planning for a new loop system in South Shore to handle the growth, including Amazon, a new hospital and mall. Folks interested in giving input can do an on-line survey and we can direct them to a meeting March 18 for input on proposed routes. Needs changing along with shifting area landscape
RUSKIN — Not too many years ago, bus riders living south of Gibsonton Drive were looking for a way to get to work in Tampa or get to Brandon to purchase everything from groceries to lumber.
As retail outlets, big-box stores and new job centers have popped up in the area of southern Hillsborough County known as South Shore, with more on the way, that’s all changing.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization, responsible for developing a long-range transportation plan for the county, is seizing on that new reality as it updates its public transportation strategy.
For the past few months, the MPO, with the assistance of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, has been conducting surveys and polling on the type of bus service people in South Shore now seek.
The most popular alternative to date is one that incorporates two loop bus routes between Gibsonton Drive and College Avenue in Ruskin with stops at places such as the new St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Amazon warehouse center under construction, Hillsborough Community College and a proposed mall, also on Gibsonton Drive.
“The study looks at the 2025 horizon,” said Sarah McKinley, senior transportation planner for the MPO. “We started the study in November with a key group of stakeholders, on priorities and destinations.”
They came up with four alternatives for the South Shore Transit Circulator Study.
A meeting is set for 4:30 p.m. March 18 at South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin, to finalize the update. Meanwhile, interested parties can take a survey online and look at Alternative One, Alternative Two, Alternative Three and Alternative Four to let the MPO know what they think.
So, far, McKinley said, three and four are the most popular. The public can still give input at the meeting March 18.
“The biggest attractors (for bus stops) are big employment centers, grocery stores like Wal-Mart and stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s,” said Steve Feigenbaum, manager of service planning for HART. “The routes are 90 percent work-oriented.”
Right now, HART has no money to add buses, Feigenbaum said. But in four or five years, that should change.
“Funding is going down while demand is going up,” he said. “It looks like this will be our fifth consecutive year of record ridership.”
Jim Harkins IV, a Sun City Center resident and the founder of the South County Roundtable, said his community won’t support any bus system that has people riding for two hours to get a short distance.
“I’d like to see a user-friendly bus system,” which he says HART lacks. “They’re not going to get our political support without a passenger-driven business model.”
Record: 147416 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Planners approve $1.3B for road projects - Plant City industry, Busch Gardens area will benefit
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - June 3, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 2 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1650) TAMPA — Some $1.3 billion in road, bike and pedestrian improvements for Hillsborough County got the green light Tuesday for construction during the next five years.
The transportation improvement plan includes $37.6 million for a signal synchronization system in the city of Tampa, right of way acquisition for major interstate improvement projects and funding for numerous local projects.
Other projects approved by the Metropolitan Planning Organization board are the widening of Sam Allen Road in Plant City from two lanes to four to accommodate economic development along the Interstate 4 corridor.
That work should be complete by 2018 at a cost of $29 million.
Plant City is making a push to bring in businesses like distribution and logistics centers and manufacturing plants. These types of businesses mean more truck traffic, which city officials don’t want running through downtown.
A wider Sam Allen will give truckers a new path to use that lies north of the downtown area.
The transportation improvement plan projects are paid for with federal, state and local money. Each year, the Metropolitan Planning Organization approves additions to the five-year list, a part of its long-range transportation plan.
The list identifies and prioritizes transportation projects for the Florida Department of Transportation, which matches them up with state and federal money, said Rich Clarendon, senior planning manager for the Hillsborough County Planning Commission.
Also included in the plan are projects through Tampa’s Complete Streets program, adding more walkable and bicycle-friendly corridors in the city. Among those funded are bike lanes and sidewalks on Bougainvillea Avenue from 30th Street to 46th Street. Bougainvillea, the roadway just north of Busch Gardens, is now little more than a strip of asphalt with canals on either side, said MPO Executive Director Beth Alden.
Putting a bike and walking corridor on Bougainvillea will divert pedestrians and bicyclists — many heading for the University of South Florida — off the busier and more dangerous Fowler Avenue and Busch Boulevard, Alden said. The cost of the project is $416,486 and it is scheduled for completion in 2017.
Another bike path and sidewalk project will go in on the south side of Bayshore Boulevard from Bay to Bay Boulevard to Platt Street at a cost of $2.4 million, to be completed in 2016. Bayshore already has a bike and pedestrian path on the north side of the street, Alden said.
For several years now, the transportation improvement plan has included projects to widen and improve sections of U.S. 301. The new project list includes $44 million to widen U.S. 301 from two lanes to six from State Road 674 (Sun City Center Boulevard) to County Road 672. That work is scheduled for completion in 2016.
Money is also included in the plan for the state to begin right of way acquisition for major reconstruction on Interstate 275 at State Road 60 (Memorial Highway) in the West Shore area and at the downtown convergence of I-275 and I-4.
The state has budgeted $22 million to acquire right of way at I-275 and S.R. 60 in 2016 and $33 more million in 2017, said Debbie Hunt, director of transportation development for transportation department District 7. The state agency has set aside $24 million for right of way acquisition at I-275 and I-4 in 2016 and $1 million more in 2017, she said.
To see a complete listing of all projects included in the TIP, visit www.planhillsborough.org, then click on “Draft TIP FY 15-16 through FY 19-20.”
Record: 377127 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Traffic problems can be taxing
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - August 3, 2014 Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: 9-12 grade level (Lexile: 1110) Abstract: p Henderson column on the proposed sales tax hike Hillsborough County plans to seek in an effort to address long-term transportation needs. Oh, dear heaven.
TAX!!! TAX!!!
Sound the alarm! Prepare the drones!
Yep, you read it right. As soon as March 2016, voters could be asked to approve a 1-cent increase in Hillsborough County’s sales tax to address the stifling, bumper-to-bumper, ever- more-frustrating thing we laughingly call traffic.
“Traffic” implies something actually is moving, and anyone who commutes here knows what a joke that is.
But, my gosh, paying a higher tax for something to fix the problem? Especially when that fix might include some snooty commuter rail like a lot of those other fancy-pants cities with their hip, young workers and high-tech jobs?
I can hear the sound of tea party drums beating now, rousing the faithful to march on the county center with pitchforks, flaming torches and ballots marked “NO!”
I imagine they are sounding louder today after Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist’s motion to give Tampa Tea Party co-founder Sharon Calvert a seat on the HART board died for lack of a second.
Whatever HART winds up looking like after the politicians are done arguing over what it should look like and do, it still will be the place where the county’s critical transportation needs are addressed.
❖ ❖ ❖
The county’s long-range plan includes the magic word: rail. It would link West Shore and downtown Tampa. There would be a bunch of other projects, too, but you know where opponents will fixate.
I think Calvert believes commuter rail is really an airborne disease, spread by liberal mosquitoes who suck the money out of your wallet and whisk it away on a choo-choo. I’m not sure that’s the kind of forward-thinking voice this problem demands.
“I did it in the spirit of trying to reach a resolution with someone you don’t agree with,” Crist told me. “I was just trying to get all viewpoints represented at the table.”
Having Calvert in an official position of influence overseeing the future of our county’s traffic solutions would have been a great way to block any solution for as long as she would have served.
Because his bold gambit failed, Crist can accomplish the same thing with a taped loop of someone saying “No ... No ... No” for the duration of a meeting.
Close?
“I have done my own recent studies on this, and I have to tell you it isn’t pretty,” Crist said. “I don’t think this comes close to passing.”
Assuming, though, it does pass, the county estimates it would generate $6.1 billion over 30 years — which, Commissioner Mark Sharpe said, “... would be swallowed up tomorrow by projects that need to be done right now.”
So what do we do, besides invest in horse-and-buggy dealerships?
Solutions to problems like this cost money. People keep moving here and clogging roads past the point of saturation. Opponents lapse into a hissy every time the word “rail” is mentioned, as if they believe roads are free.
Roads aren’t free.
The Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization estimated long-range major roadway projects in the county will cost $15 billion. That’s just roadwork; it doesn’t include rail, extra buses, or anything that could get cars off the road.
My only apprehension about the proposed sales tax is that it doesn’t go far enough — even if it passes.
Crist said the county should scale back its wish list and focus on what we can pay for. That sounds reasonable, as long it includes a giant fence to keep anyone else from moving here. Estimates are for 200,000 more people in east and south Hillsborough by the end of this decade alone.
The need doesn’t stop, whether we believe we can afford it or not.
And although the $6 billion estimate obviously falls short of paying for everything we need, it doesn’t include such things as user fees plus state and federal grants. Why, there was even a time when we could have gotten money from the feds for high-speed rail and .... nevermind.
“(Crist) may call it too lofty, too big,” Sharpe said. “But there is a moment in history where you decide if you want to compete as a city, or fall back. We can’t flinch on this issue, waver, or pander to ideology. The stakes are too high.”
HENDERSON, Page 6
Oh, dear heaven.
TAX!!! TAX!!!
Sound the alarm! Prepare the drones!
Yep, you read it right. As soon as March 2016, voters could be asked to approve a 1-cent increase in Hillsborough County’s sales tax to address the stifling, bumper-to-bumper, ever- more-frustrating thing we laughingly call traffic.
“Traffic” implies something actually is moving, and anyone who commutes here knows what a joke that is.
But, my gosh, paying a higher tax for something to fix the problem? Especially when that fix might include some snooty commuter rail like a lot of those other fancy-pants cities with their hip, young workers and high-tech jobs?
I can hear the sound of tea party drums beating now, rousing the faithful to march on the county center with pitchforks, flaming torches and ballots marked “NO!”
I imagine they are sounding louder today after Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist’s motion to give Tampa Tea Party co-founder Sharon Calvert a seat on the HART board died for lack of a second.
Whatever HART winds up looking like after the politicians are done arguing over what it should look like and do, it still will be the place where the county’s critical transportation needs are addressed.
❖ ❖ ❖
The county’s long-range plan includes the magic word: rail. It would link West Shore and downtown Tampa. There would be a bunch of other projects, too, but you know where opponents will fixate.
I think Calvert believes commuter rail is really an airborne disease, spread by liberal mosquitoes who suck the money out of your wallet and whisk it away on a choo-choo. I’m not sure that’s the kind of forward-thinking voice this problem demands.
“I did it in the spirit of trying to reach a resolution with someone you don’t agree with,” Crist told me. “I was just trying to get all viewpoints represented at the table.”
Having Calvert in an official position of influence overseeing the future of our county’s traffic solutions would have been a great way to block any solution for as long as she would have served.
Because his bold gambit failed, Crist can accomplish the same thing with a taped loop of someone saying “No ... No ... No” for the duration of a meeting.
Close?
“I have done my own recent studies on this, and I have to tell you it isn’t pretty,” Crist said. “I don’t think this comes close to passing.”
Assuming, though, it does pass, the county estimates it would generate $6.1 billion over 30 years — which, Commissioner Mark Sharpe said, “... would be swallowed up tomorrow by projects that need to be done right now.”
So what do we do, besides invest in horse-and-buggy dealerships?
Solutions to problems like this cost money. People keep moving here and clogging roads past the point of saturation. Opponents lapse into a hissy every time the word “rail” is mentioned, as if they believe roads are free.
Roads aren’t free.
The Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization estimated long-range major roadway projects in the county will cost $15 billion. That’s just roadwork; it doesn’t include rail, extra buses, or anything that could get cars off the road.
My only apprehension about the proposed sales tax is that it doesn’t go far enough — even if it passes.
Crist said the county should scale back its wish list and focus on what we can pay for. That sounds reasonable, as long it includes a giant fence to keep anyone else from moving here. Estimates are for 200,000 more people in east and south Hillsborough by the end of this decade alone.
The need doesn’t stop, whether we believe we can afford it or not.
And although the $6 billion estimate obviously falls short of paying for everything we need, it doesn’t include such things as user fees plus state and federal grants. Why, there was even a time when we could have gotten money from the feds for high-speed rail and .... nevermind.
“(Crist) may call it too lofty, too big,” Sharpe said. “But there is a moment in history where you decide if you want to compete as a city, or fall back. We can’t flinch on this issue, waver, or pander to ideology. The stakes are too high.”
Henderson
From Page 1
Index terms: Hillsborough County; Sales tax hike; Mark Sharpe Record: 228621 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Engineers study widening U.S. 41 - There’s no money for it, but report could help land funding as South Shore continues to grow
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - May 9, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff; BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1510) Abstract: p Due to the growth and future expected growth in South County, FDOT is studying an eight-mile stretch of US 41 south of SR 60 to determine if it should be widened from four lanes to six. The Alafia River bridge, which has been on the deficient bridge list for years, may get replaced before the road gets widened. The study should be complete by spring 2015. BRANDON — As more businesses and homes spring up in South Shore, county and state officials are planning for a future road system that can handle the added traffic.
As part of that effort, the Florida Department of Transportation District Seven is studying the possibility of widening an 8-mile stretch of U.S. 41 from four to six lanes between State Road 676 (Causeway Boulevard) and Kracker Avenue to the south.
The study also considers the bridges crossing the Alafia River and Bullfrog Creek, which may both need to be replaced, and examines the possibility of adding bike lanes, sidewalks and bus stops along the route.
U.S. 41 is one of three heavily traveled north-south roadways in southern Hillsborough County, running parallel to Interstate 75 and U.S. 301. The goal of this study is to improve traffic flow and safety, FDOT officials say.
“There seems to be a lot of growth underway and both bridges, built separately, are probably 50 years old or older,” said FDOT environmental consultant Rick Adair. He said it is possible one or both bridges could be replaced before the road is actually widened to six lanes.
The Alafia bridge is considered “functionally obsolete,” because it doesn’t meet current design standards, like lane and shoulder widths, said FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson.
For now, there is no fund ing for the widening and bridge replacement, said Project Manager Stephanie Pierce, but the study could help line it up for the future. The analysis should be complete by spring 2015, she said.
“We are looking at what the effects of the widening would be on the environment and what the community impact would be, like purchasing rights of way, would there need to be (business) relocations and is it better to acquire right of way from the east side or the west side,” Adair said.
The county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, which addresses future transportation needs for the county, doesn’t list this project as “affordable” in its 2035 Plan for transportation improvements, but the plan does mention the need to widen U.S. 41 to six lanes.
Already, numerous new subdivisions are under construction in Riverview, Apollo Beach and just north of Wimauma. St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, under construction near I-75 at Big Bend Road, is expected to open next year, and plans are on the books for a mall on Big Bend Road. A 1 million square-foot Amazon distribution center is under construction just north of State Road 674 (College Avenue) in Ruskin and could be complete by the end of this year. Amazon is expected to hire about 1,100 people initially.
FDOT also is working with Hillsborough County to add turn lanes on I-75 at Big Bend Road, where traffic already backs up every evening, and to add more lanes on Big Bend Road to reduce or eliminate backups.
Once the U.S. 41 study is complete, Pierce said, FDOT will hold a public hearing and property owners in the study area can give input on the recommendations.
For more information on the U.S. 41 study, contact Pierce at (813) 975-6445 or email stephanie [email protected]. [email protected]
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BRANDON — As more businesses and homes spring up in South Shore, county and state officials are planning for a future road system that can handle the added traffic.
As part of that effort, the Florida Department of Transportation District Seven is studying the possibility of widening an 8-mile stretch of U.S. 41 from four to six lanes between State Road 676 (Causeway Boulevard) and Kracker Avenue to the south.
The study also considers the bridges crossing the Alafia River and Bullfrog Creek, which may both need to be replaced, and examines the possibility of adding bike lanes, sidewalks and bus stops along the route.
U.S. 41 is one of three heavily traveled north-south roadways in southern Hillsborough County, running parallel to Interstate 75 and U.S. 301. The goal of this study is to improve traffic flow and safety, FDOT officials say.
“There seems to be a lot of growth underway and both bridges, built separately, are probably 50 years old or older,” said FDOT environmental consultant Rick Adair. He said it is possible one or both bridges could be replaced before the road is actually widened to six lanes.
The Alafia bridge is considered “functionally obsolete,” because it doesn’t meet current design standards, like lane and shoulder widths, said FDOT spokeswoman Kris Carson.
For now, there is no fund ing for the widening and bridge replacement, said Project Manager Stephanie Pierce, but the study could help line it up for the future. The analysis should be complete by spring 2015, she said.
“We are looking at what the effects of the widening would be on the environment and what the community impact would be, like purchasing rights of way, would there need to be (business) relocations and is it better to acquire right of way from the east side or the west side,” Adair said.
The county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, which addresses future transportation needs for the county, doesn’t list this project as “affordable” in its 2035 Plan for transportation improvements, but the plan does mention the need to widen U.S. 41 to six lanes.
Already, numerous new subdivisions are under construction in Riverview, Apollo Beach and just north of Wimauma. St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, under construction near I-75 at Big Bend Road, is expected to open next year, and plans are on the books for a mall on Big Bend Road. A 1 million square-foot Amazon distribution center is under construction just north of State Road 674 (College Avenue) in Ruskin and could be complete by the end of this year. Amazon is expected to hire about 1,100 people initially.
FDOT also is working with Hillsborough County to add turn lanes on I-75 at Big Bend Road, where traffic already backs up every evening, and to add more lanes on Big Bend Road to reduce or eliminate backups.
Once the U.S. 41 study is complete, Pierce said, FDOT will hold a public hearing and property owners in the study area can give input on the recommendations.
For more information on the U.S. 41 study, contact Pierce at (813) 975-6445 or email stephanie [email protected].
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Record: 186687 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Teen helps bring district aboard - Student thought schools should have a seat on MPO
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - March 6, 2015 Author/Byline: BY ERIN KOURKOUNIS; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1570) TAMPA — Hillsborough County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization is expanding its 15- member board to include a representative from the county school board thanks to the work of a local teen who believes the school district should have a voice in transportation planning.
Last year, Durant High School
The district, which transports nearly 100,000 students to and from school every day on about 1,400 school buses, should be involved, O’Hare said. “The number of buses makes them a larger transportation provider than HART,” he said. “Being a high school student, I wanted to see if maybe we could do some kind of bridging the gap between the school district and the MPO.”
As an intern with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office last summer, O’Hare organized a meeting that included members of the school board, Tampa city council and county commission, to discuss education and transportation.
Three other students helped with the project: Alonso High’s Alissa-Rae Eonda, Hillsborough High’s Amber Pirson and King High’s Danielle Holder.
The adults listened — the MPO board on Tuesday unanimously voted to bring a school board member on board.
“I’m at a loss for words,” said O’Hare, now a senior at Durant and member of the MPO’s Citizens Advisory Committee. “I’m very happy to see how this has come to fruition. To be changing policy at 18 really is an experience.”
The MPO board sets transportation-related policy. Current board members include elected officials and employees from various local agencies, including Tampa International Airport and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority.
Hillsborough school board member Cindy Stuart was pleased that the district will now be able to give input into local transportation decisions.
“We have your riders of the future,” she said. Lisa Montelione, city councilwoman and MPO board member, thanked O’Hare for his work.“The first intersection people have with alternative transportation is through the school system, whether walking, biking, skateboarding, taking a bus or having a ride from their parents,” she said at the meeting. “I think it’s vitally important for school board to be at the table.”
Record: 335200 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Toll lane foes pack transit meeting - Majority oppose express lanes on interstates
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - November 11, 2015 Author/Byline: by yvette c. hammett; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 2 TAMPA — More than 100 people showed up Tuesday night to oppose the state’s plan for express toll lanes on local interstates, saying the project is bad urban planning and that the tolls would be so high that they would amount to “a second mortgage payment” for families.A vast majority of those who spoke before the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization board adamantly opposed the Tampa Bay Express project for the toll lanes, with many accusing board members of failing to represent the people and their communities.The board allowed more than 30 people to speak but did not comment on their remarks. The MPO approved funding in August for the express toll lanes. The MPO board will get another chance to discuss the toll lanes in June when a final public hearing on the Transportation Improvement Plan takes place.
The MPO board met Tuesday evening to allow more people to speak on the issue.
Tampa native Mario Nunez said the board is condoning the destruction of the historical character of Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights and Ybor City.“Who’s getting greased, and who’s getting hosed?” Nunez asked the board. “I think we know who is getting hosed.”
The average commuter will pay $2 a mile between Bearrs Avenue and downtown Tampa, or $18 a trip to use the express toll lanes during peak periods, said resident Donna Stark. That comes out to $720 a month for a 20-day work month, or about $8,000 a year, she said, calling it a second mortgage payment.
The toll lanes would go on interstates 275, 4 and 75. Tolls would go up during peak traffic times, then go down as congestion thins out. The project is expected to cost at least $3 billion.
Debbie Hunt, the Florida Department of Transportation’s director of transportation development, said the agency is holding public meetings in an attempt to find ways to lessen effects on various communities, including Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights. She said she will come back to the MPO board in the spring, probably March or April, with a report on those public meetings.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner said he looks forward to seeing the FDOT report in the spring and will determine after that whether he’ll continue to support the express toll lanes.During the same meeting Tuesday, Hunt told the board that FDOT has reconsidered its decision not to fund a string of local projects meant to break up congestion on local roadways. Every five years, the MPO updates its work program, adding requests for new funding for projects.
The agency announced last week that it would withhold funding on the local projects, but the state agency reversed itself this week.
The agency now has agreed to fund a traffic signal synchronization project on busy North Dale Mabry Highway ($2.8 million), a planning and engineering study for a new MetroRapid bus corridor on Kennedy Boulevard ($2.5 million), turn lanes at Gibsonton Drive and Interstate 75 ($1 million) and streetside enhancements on Collins Street in Plant City (just under $1 million). FDOT also added funding for a premium transit feasibility study.
Record: 443027 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Opponents of express toll lanes to be heard MPO sets night meeting in November for those who can’t come in the daytime - MPO sets night meeting in November for those who can’t come in the daytime
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - October 7, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 TAMPA — The Metropolitan Planning Organization board agreed Tuesday to host a night meeting in November to give those opposing express toll lanes on interstates 275 and 4 another chance to speak. Some living and working in the project’s path say it will devastate their historic neighborhoods.
The MPO board has no plans to rescind its August decision to include the lanes in its Transportation Improvement Program, board Chairman Les Miller said, but will hold a regular MPO meeting at night for those who have complained that they’ve been unable to attend daytime meetings on the issue.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Hillsborough County Commission chambers at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Miller said it will not be a public hearing, but people can speak during the public comment period.
The Florida Department of Transportation plans to add express toll lanes to the interstates in an effort to unclog congestion during the busiest times of day. The project — part of a statewide program to add toll lanes — would require widening the highways, which is expected to claim about 100 houses and 30 businesses along the route. The long-term plan adds express lanes from the Pinellas County side of Tampa Bay to Bearss Avenue on I-275.
Toll lanes would also be added on I-4 from downtown Tampa east to the Polk County line.
Residents of Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights and Ybor City will be affected by the road widening. At least 2,000 have signed a petition opposing the project.
The MPO board was not forced to sign off on the toll lane plan, MPO Director Beth Alden said. But unless the MPO includes the express toll lanes in its Transportation Improvement Program, FDOT would be unable to access any federal funds for the project, should they be needed. A final public hearing on the improvement program will take place in June.
Several opponents showed up to the MPO meeting Tuesday morning complaining that the board has failed to listen to the thousands who have signed petitions opposing the toll lanes, nicknamed Lexus Lanes because tolls will vary in price from a couple of dollars to over $10 on stretches of the interstates. They also said FDOT has not lived up to its promise to meet with members of the community to discuss their concerns about how the project will affect their historic neighborhoods.
On the contrary, said FDOT project manager Debbie Hunt, the agency has been meeting with individuals in the community for weeks and is currently working to set up a series of charrettes with community members to pinpoint their concerns and try to find solutions.Hunt said attendance at the charrettes will be by invitation to keep the groups small. She said FDOT will come to the table with Hillsborough County, the city of Tampa and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority to listen to concerns from business owners, residents, renters and others, set goals and decide which entity would be responsible for any of a variety of projects. Some of the issues already raised include the need for sound-proof walls, reconnecting neighborhood roads disconnected when the interstate was built in the 1960s, trails and public art.
“We’ve already been meeting with a number of folks that were at the August public hearing and we have signed a contract with USF (University of South Florida) to conduct the urban charrettes starting next week,” Hunt said. They will take place over the next six months.
Once the charrettes are complete, FDOT will come back to the larger community and present its findings and get more input, Hunt said.
She also said FDOT plans to set up an office in the Ybor City area that will have daytime hours and will be open Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings for anyone who wants to come in and inquire about the toll lane project or give input.
To learn more about the project, visit www.tampabayexpress.com.
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Twitter: @Yvette_Hammett
Record: 428810 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Hillsborough braces for battle over road improvement money Florida DOT rejects requests to fund a string of local projects - Florida DOT rejects requests to fund a string of local projects
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - October 30, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1500) TAMPA — The state’s transportation agency has denied funding for a string of projects local officials had prioritized to ease traffic congestion.
The Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization plans to fight back. MPO Executive Director Beth Alden said she will recommend to her board Nov. 10 that it object to the Florida Department of Transportation’s plan, which she says would divert $4 million to $5 million of about $15 million in federal funding planned for Hillsborough County road projects.
Just where that money will go is unclear. Debbie Hunt, the DOT’s director of transportation development, said there appears to have been a miscommunication and she plans to meet with Alden next week to resolve it.
Another third of the federal money — $4.6 million — is allocated for work on the Tampa Bay
Express, a DOT plan to add express toll lanes to area interstates.
Nothing is final until the Florida Legislature approves the Tentative Work Plan. A public hearing will be held in June. Meanwhile, local officials are questioning the state agency’s decisions.
The timing for the lack of funding could not be worse, said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione, who heads the MPO’s policy committee.
She said the committee learned this week that the funding isn’t coming for the projects: traffic light synchronization on crowded North Dale Mabry Highway, turn lanes at congested locations like Gibsonton Drive and Big Bend Road at Interstate 75, and the “Green Spine” cycle track. The spine is a car-bike-pedestrian route in Tampa that runs from the Glazer Family Jewish Community Center to Cuscaden Park.“At a time when Hillsborough is trying to address the transportation needs that we have with a constrained budget, in the midst of the Go Hillsborough initiative, having the Florida Department of Transportation deny funding for our projects is a definite blow,” Montelione said. Go Hillsborough is an initiative the county and its three cities are undertaking with public input to determine what transportation issues get priority and how to fund those projects.
Hunt said no project is dead just because it isn’t earmarked for funding in this cycle of the work plan.
The MPO’s priority projects were all listed as candidates for new funding in the five-year Tentative Work Program that must be presented each year to the state.
The projects were scheduled to be included in the MPO’s 2016-2017 Transportation Improvement Program.
That the DOT allocated about $4.6 million of the federal funds for its Tampa Bay Express project was not a big surprise, Alden said. “They’ve said all along that is their top priority.
“But right off the bat, we’re missing another $4 (million) to $5 million. And they slashed our planning budget in half,” Alden said. “We could cover a lot of ground with $9 million.”
The express project is, indeed, a priority, Hunt said.
As for the smaller local projects that didn’t get funding, Hunt blamed that on the MPO, saying it didn’t provide enough information to determine the appropriate amount of funding. “We are waiting for more detail and estimates,” she said, adding that it is a common problem for priority lists submitted to the DOT.
Alden called that “silly,” saying most of the projects are not new and details were submitted in previous years or months. As an example, she pointed to a letter she sent to DOT officials on the $1.4 million requested for the Dale Mabry synchronization project, listed by the MPO as its No. 1 priority.
“The scope of the project is described” in an application sent to the DOT Aug. 14, she said.Hunt said the Dale Mabry project “is under review. We don’t fully have an estimate yet. It won’t be added to the work plan until we do.”“Maybe they should be completing that review, then, instead of saying we didn’t give them enough information,” Montelione said.
She added that two projects that Plant City requested were denied funding — one to add sidewalks leading to five schools and one for Collins Street. That money would have paid for landscaped medians, streetscape improvements, sidewalk improvements and bicycle lanes from Alexander Street to West Reynolds Street. [email protected]
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Record: 438324 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Express toll lanes approved for I-275, I-4 Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights oppose $3B plan - Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights oppose $3B plan
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - August 5, 2015 Author/Byline: BY KEITH MORELLI Tribune staff Edition: Tribune second Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1540) TAMPA — The Metropolitan Planning Organization on Tuesday approved a $3 billion plan to add express toll lanes to interstates 275 and 4 and rebuild the northbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge.
The board included some concessions to ease the concerns of the crowd at the meeting, most of whom opposed the project.
The Florida Department of Transportation plan drew heavy fire from residents of Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights and Ybor City. Residents said the widening of the interstate north of downtown would further splinter and devastate the historical character of their neighborhoods.
Fifty-four people rose to speak against the plan. Eight voiced support.
Among those opposed was Kitty Wallace, of Tampa Heights. “This is the time to think about our quality of life,” Wallace said. “This is the heart of the city and a historic district.”
The plan adds express toll lanes from the Pinellas County side of Tampa Bay to Bearss Avenue on Interstate 275. There
will be no interchanges between Bearss Avenue and downtown so people who live in between won’t be able to get onto the express lanes, another issue that was widely criticized Tuesday night.
Toll lanes also would be added along Interstate 4 from downtown Tampa to east of Interstate 75.
Some residents said they still recall the Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights communities being split by the Department of Transportation 50 years ago when the interstate was first built and said this project will repeat the damage. DOT officials estimate construction will claim up to 100 houses and 30 businesses along the way.
“In the 1960s, our communities were seamless,” said Lena Young Green. “After the interstate was in place, it was a clear division and separation of areas.’’
The project will endanger the resurgence Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights have seen in recent years, critics said.
“That resurgence of Old Seminole Heights after that devastation was inspiring,” said Liz Johnson, who implored the board to ditch the plan.
Thousands have signed a petition opposing the expansion project, which has been in the state transportation plan since 1996. The transportation department has been purchasing rights of way along the edges of the interstates for years but started drawing community opposition recently when it decided to fast-track the expansion plans.
The state transportation department already has committed to a $1 million match of city of Tampa funds to study expanding the TECO Streetcar Line. And the department is willing to work with community leaders to add aesthetics to the underside of the interstates, including lighting and community park areas.
Residents made their cases to the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which considers regional transportation needs and is made up of elected officials from local jurisdictions, along with some agency appointees.
MPO Chairman and Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller made the motion to keep the express lanes plan in the Transportation Improvement Program but added some concessions, including one that ordered the Department of Transportation to meet with community leaders to address concerns such as impact on the neighborhoods, land use and economic growth.
He also wanted state transportation officials to work with the city of Tampa to explore opportunities to increase space for pedestrians and bicyclists in the area and evaluate Florida and Nebraska avenues and Tampa Street.
Miller said he grew up near where the interstate cut through the region 50 years ago. “I understand the anxiety Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights residents are going through.”
The MPO voted 13-1 in support of the motion. MPO member Guido Maniscalco, who also is a Tampa city councilman, was the lone no vote.
State officials say design work on the new span of the Howard Frankland could begin in 2019, with construction beginning probably in early 2020. It’s a four- to five-year project.
As part of that segment of the work, a platform would be put in place to handle the future addition of “premium transit,” which could be either light rail, bus rapid transit or a driverless people-mover train.
After that, six more segments of the interstate expansion would be built, one after another, said Debbie Hunt, director of transportation development with DOT. In all, the project would expand 42 miles of interstate highway.
“This is not the old DOT,” she said. “We will work with communities impacted to make sure their concerns are addressed.”
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Record: 403510 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Road planners study express toll lanes - Charging to use some interstate lanes might ease traffic tie-ups
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - June 4, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Section: Business Page: 2 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1380) Abstract: p MPO heard a discussion on the progress of plans for Bus Rapid Transit and express lanes on the local interstates to alleviate congestion. They expect to have prices and more of a plan by the end of the summer or early fall. TAMPA — A study exploring whether express interstate toll lanes are the key to a faster commute could be complete — at least in draft form — by summer’s end.
The Florida Department of Transportation is driving the study, assisted by other regional transportation agencies looking for ways to maximize the existing road system and loosen gridlock. It is considering express toll lanes on Interstates 275, 75 and 4.
Bus Rapid Transit — or running buses on managed highway lanes — is a big part of the study, said Scott Pringle, a DOT consultant, who updated the Metropolitan Planning Organization on the study Tuesday.
“We’re focusing on long-distance commuter trips” like bus rides between Wesley Chapel and downtown Tampa, Pringle said. The study looks at key destinations, ridership-heavy areas, station placement and cost.
Express toll lanes are already in use and successful in various cities around the country, and local transportation planners are tapping their knowledge to determine how to tackle issues like bus station placement along or on interstates and how to handle parking for those using the bus service.
“We are identifying projects that are like Tampa, reaching out to other cities and asking what they would do differently,” Pringle said. So far, he said, a common theme is parking issues. Not having enough space for commuters to park and catch a bus is “an indication of success, because demand is greater than expected,” he said. And this area needs to consider that.
When the study group looked at what Miami-Dade is doing on Interstate 95, Pringle said, they saw that just adding the express toll lanes increased bus ridership by 30 percent, because of guaranteed speed and allowing buses to bypass congestion.
“I’m so excited about this,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman, who represents the fast-growing South Shore area of the county. But, she said, she was disappointed that the proposed express toll lanes didn’t extend farther south, where most of the county’s new affordable housing is going in.
Murman said she would at least like to see the express lanes go as far south as the Selmon Expressway, if not to Big Bend Road, where rush-hour traffic is a daily nightmare for commuters.
Lee Royal, government liaison for DOT, said future plans for the toll lanes will include south Hillsborough County. She said the study will first look at areas with the highest bus ridership.
“If we had more (bus) service, we know we would have more ridership,” Murman said. She urged the study group to consider traffic traveling north from South Shore on I-75 in planning the toll lanes.
“I’m a big fan of this concept,” said Steve Polzin, an MPO board member and director of the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research. Public input will be critical, he said, because commuters need to know which areas will be served.
Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Monteleone, another MPO board member, urged the study group to get more public input on the front end of the study. County Commissioner Mark Sharpe agreed, saying public input on the front end is important.
Joe Lopano, chief executive officer of Tampa International Airport, called the presentation “a good first step. We all recognize that we have a problem today, but we need to look out 20 years when the airport will have double the number of passengers.”
And young people will want to use this express bus system, he said. They much prefer sitting and having access to Wi-Fi for texting, tweeting and emailing over driving, he said.
“Other communities are roaring forward” with similar express lane plans, Sharpe said. “The public wants this, and it takes a long time,” so roaring forward is the way to proceed.
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Index terms: toll lanes; Tampa; traffic; hillsborough; commuter; hillsborough; Transportation; Bus Rapid Transit Record: 199389 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Possible ferry operator had big revenue growth - Company wants Hillsborough to pay $20M for boats, docks
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - February 18, 2014 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO; Tribune staff; BY MIKE SALINERO; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1380) Abstract: p Leading maritime company with $100 million in revnues, wants to start ferry service in Tampa Bay. Here's why: TAMPA — If a high-speed passenger ferry some day zips across Tampa Bay, it would mark the latest expansion of HMS Global Maritime — a $100 million corporation that operates a fleet of vessels from military transports to luxury riverboat cruises.
Last year, Inc. magazine ranked HMS in the top 25 percent of the publication’s 5,000 fastest- growing companies based on revenue growth of 354 percent between 2009 and 2012.
Emerging from the former Hornblower Cruises and Events, a San Francisco-based company that had operated
dining yachts on the West Coast for decades, the corporation moved to New Albany, Ind., in 2000 and now operates government boats and installations, maritime consulting services and luxury riverboat cruises.
The company says it has its eye on Tampa Bay for two reasons: no other regular ferry service operates here, and it can count on a steady revenue stream from MacDill Air Force Base employees traveling to and from south Hillsborough County each day.
The real payoff would come later if HMS Ferries, a subsidiary of HMS Global Maritime, adds another high-speed catamaran for after-hours and weekend cruises between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
“The MacDill transit service is not enough to pay for everything, but it’s enough of a foundation to build on for a business plan that makes sense,” said Mark Fernandez, Florida project manager for HMS Ferries.
“There is so much interest in utilizing the ferry for nontransit operations, we feel when you add that to the known base, it makes sense.”
HMS research has shown strong support from business organizations on both sides of the bay for multiple ferry routes.
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Businesses in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties support multiple ferry routes, Fernandez said, because it could spur traffic-weary residents to frequent businesses on the other side of the bay.
Imagine boarding a ferry in downtown Tampa and heading to St. Petersburg for a Tampa Bay Rays game or a concert at the Mahaffey Theater. Likewise, Pinellas residents might take the ferry to see the Tampa Bay Lightning play or catch a Broadway musical at the Straz Center in Tampa.
Before any of that can happen, HMS Ferries has to sell Hillsborough County commissioners on its plan, which calls for the county to pay about $20 million to buy two boats and to build a boat basin and docks near Apollo Beach. HMS says it will not require a subsidy to operate the ferries.
The county has listed eight conditions that must be met before a deal is struck. They include approvals from government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. County leaders also want to know if the ferry will help get cars off the road in south county.
“One of the pre-conditions is that we do our own feasibility study on ridership and operations so we can compare that with other alternative transportation projects and how it stacks up,” County Administrator Mike Merrill said. “Does (the ferry) really make the most sense economically for us compared to running more rapid transit buses from south county to MacDill?”
One such study has already been done by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which handles transportation planning for the county. Several years ago, the county asked the MPO to look at whether water ferry routes were a feasible transportation alternative, and where the routes should be.
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The 2010 study concluded water transit is competitive from a cost standpoint and makes for an easier commute than driving. However, it wouldn’t succeed if riding the ferry takes longer than driving a vehicle or riding a bus. The MPO suggested a ferry from southern Hillsborough to MacDill stood the best chance of success.
“There was a fair amount of travel demand from folks who work on the base,” said Beth Alden, the MPO’s assistant director. “It’s a long drive around the bay and there are tolls part of the way. That’s what makes this particular link competitive. It means there is demand every single day of the week.”
Some people already have asked the county why it should pay for the boats and docks with tax dollars. The short answer, transportation officials say, is that most mass transit operations are subsidized by taxpayers.
The federal government has recognized the benefits mass transit brings to the environment and local economies by relieving traffic congestion. That’s why Hillsborough leaders think they might be able to get a federal grant to defray some of the up-front costs should they approve the ferry service.
Fernandez said in Jacksonville, where HMS Ferries operates a ferry across the St. Johns River, the city government pays for everything — fuel, employees and ferry maintenance. In Hillsborough County, HMS is offering to pay operations costs.
“When you hear somebody say, ‘Why should the county be subsidizing a private company?’ I would turn that around and say, ‘Isn’t it nice a private company is willing to help subsidize and support our county,’” Fernandez said.
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What HMS Global Maritime brings to the proposed public-private partnership is decades of experience, not just in running ferries but in many aspects of maritime planning and operations. Hornblower Cruises and Events, a division of the larger company, operates day cruises to national park sites on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. In April, Hornblower will take over ferry cruises at Niagara Falls.
The corporation also operates luxury river cruises. The American Queen, formerly the Delta Queen, was launched in spring 2012 after undergoing an $8 million renovation. Based in Memphis, the boat cruises the Mississippi River to New Orleans in warmer weather, then north in the fall to the Ohio River.
This spring, the company will launch the American Empress, a 223-passenger riverboat that will cruise the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
The company has had a few hiccups. In 2011, two tourists were injured on Alcatraz when a tram operated by Hornblower swerved into a pipe sticking out of a wall, causing the shuttle’s roof to collapse. The injured people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Last August, one of the ferries the company runs to the Statue of Liberty made a “hard landing” into a dock on Liberty Island, causing minor injuries to nine of the boat’s 497 passengers. The Coast Guard said in January the boat’s engines shut down, causing the crash, but they made no determination as to why. The Coast Guard had no further information about the incident last week.
Fernandez said his is a different HMS division than the Statue Cruises and he couldn’t comment.
“All I can say is that ferry transportation is by far the safest, with fewest injuries, mode of transportation,” he said in an email. “In fact, before we start handing out helmets to ferry passengers, we should consider that last year more people — 1,200 — were sent to the hospital from injuries incurred while texting-while-walking than riding a ferry.” [email protected]
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FERRY, Page 5
TAMPA — If a high-speed passenger ferry some day zips across Tampa Bay, it would mark the latest expansion of HMS Global Maritime — a $100 million corporation that operates a fleet of vessels from military transports to luxury riverboat cruises.
Last year, Inc. magazine ranked HMS in the top 25 percent of the publication’s 5,000 fastest- growing companies based on revenue growth of 354 percent between 2009 and 2012.
Emerging from the former Hornblower Cruises and Events, a San Francisco-based company that had operated dining yachts on the West Coast for decades, the corporation moved to New Albany, Ind., in 2000 and now operates government boats and installations, maritime consulting services and luxury riverboat cruises.
The company says it has its eye on Tampa Bay for two reasons: no other regular ferry service operates here, and it can count on a steady revenue stream from MacDill Air Force Base employees traveling to and from south Hillsborough County each day.
The real payoff would come later if HMS Ferries, a subsidiary of HMS Global Maritime, adds another high-speed catamaran for after-hours and weekend cruises between Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
“The MacDill transit service is not enough to pay for everything, but it’s enough of a foundation to build on for a business plan that makes sense,” said Mark Fernandez, Florida project manager for HMS Ferries.
“There is so much interest in utilizing the ferry for nontransit operations, we feel when you add that to the known base, it makes sense.”
HMS research has shown strong support from business organizations on both sides of the bay for multiple ferry routes.
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Businesses in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties support multiple ferry routes, Fernandez said, because it could spur traffic-weary residents to frequent businesses on the other side of the bay.
Imagine boarding a ferry in downtown Tampa and heading to St. Petersburg for a Tampa Bay Rays game or a concert at the Mahaffey Theater. Likewise, Pinellas residents might take the ferry to see the Tampa Bay Lightning play or catch a Broadway musical at the Straz Center in Tampa.
Before any of that can happen, HMS Ferries has to sell Hillsborough County commissioners on its plan, which calls for the county to pay about $20 million to buy two boats and to build a boat basin and docks near Apollo Beach. HMS says it will not require a subsidy to operate the ferries.
The county has listed eight conditions that must be met before a deal is struck. They include approvals from government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. County leaders also want to know if the ferry will help get cars off the road in south county.
“One of the pre-conditions is that we do our own feasibility study on ridership and operations so we can compare that with other alternative transportation projects and how it stacks up,” County Administrator Mike Merrill said. “Does (the ferry) really make the most sense economically for us compared to running more rapid transit buses from south county to MacDill?”
One such study has already been done by the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which handles transportation planning for the county. Several years ago, the county asked the MPO to look at whether water ferry routes were a feasible transportation alternative, and where the routes should be.
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The 2010 study concluded water transit is competitive from a cost standpoint and makes for an easier commute than driving. However, it wouldn’t succeed if riding the ferry takes longer than driving a vehicle or riding a bus. The MPO suggested a ferry from southern Hillsborough to MacDill stood the best chance of success.
“There was a fair amount of travel demand from folks who work on the base,” said Beth Alden, the MPO’s assistant director. “It’s a long drive around the bay and there are tolls part of the way. That’s what makes this particular link competitive. It means there is demand every single day of the week.”
Some people already have asked the county why it should pay for the boats and docks with tax dollars. The short answer, transportation officials say, is that most mass transit operations are subsidized by taxpayers.
The federal government has recognized the benefits mass transit brings to the environment and local economies by relieving traffic congestion. That’s why Hillsborough leaders think they might be able to get a federal grant to defray some of the up-front costs should they approve the ferry service.
Fernandez said in Jacksonville, where HMS Ferries operates a ferry across the St. Johns River, the city government pays for everything — fuel, employees and ferry maintenance. In Hillsborough County, HMS is offering to pay operations costs.
“When you hear somebody say, ‘Why should the county be subsidizing a private company?’ I would turn that around and say, ‘Isn’t it nice a private company is willing to help subsidize and support our county,’” Fernandez said.
❖ ❖ ❖
What HMS Global Maritime brings to the proposed public-private partnership is decades of experience, not just in running ferries but in many aspects of maritime planning and operations. Hornblower Cruises and Events, a division of the larger company, operates day cruises to national park sites on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. In April, Hornblower will take over ferry cruises at Niagara Falls.
The corporation also operates luxury river cruises. The American Queen, formerly the Delta Queen, was launched in spring 2012 after undergoing an $8 million renovation. Based in Memphis, the boat cruises the Mississippi River to New Orleans in warmer weather, then north in the fall to the Ohio River.
This spring, the company will launch the American Empress, a 223-passenger riverboat that will cruise the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
The company has had a few hiccups. In 2011, two tourists were injured on Alcatraz when a tram operated by Hornblower swerved into a pipe sticking out of a wall, causing the shuttle’s roof to collapse. The injured people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Last August, one of the ferries the company runs to the Statue of Liberty made a “hard landing” into a dock on Liberty Island, causing minor injuries to nine of the boat’s 497 passengers. The Coast Guard said in January the boat’s engines shut down, causing the crash, but they made no determination as to why. The Coast Guard had no further information about the incident last week.
Fernandez said his is a different HMS division than the Statue Cruises and he couldn’t comment.
“All I can say is that ferry transportation is by far the safest, with fewest injuries, mode of transportation,” he said in an email. “In fact, before we start handing out helmets to ferry passengers, we should consider that last year more people — 1,200 — were sent to the hospital from injuries incurred while texting-while-walking than riding a ferry.”
(813) 259-8303
Ferry
From Page 1
Record: 143669 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
County’s new transit planning boss keen on cooperation, safety - Beth Alden made head of Metropolitan Planning Organization on Jan. 6 View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - January 22, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT Tribune staff Edition: Tribune second Section: Business Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1520) TAMPA — Commuters stuck in gridlock and pedestrians unable to cross streets for fear of getting mowed down want these issues addressed, says Beth Alden, newly appointed executive director of the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
But people seem to have a real disconnect when it comes to how such fixes are paid for and how much they are willing to pay to get the work done, she said.
“It’s definitely one of the big challenges,” Alden said. In her new role as MPO executive director, she will be part of the team trying to devise the best way to explain transportation needs to citizens and what it will take to create a robust road and transit system. Alden was promoted to executive director on Jan. 6. She has worked for the MPO since 1999 and has been assistant executive director since 2012.
The MPO is involved in cooperative transportation planning between the county and municipalities.
“Beth understands that we’ve got to have a good working relationship if we want to have a first- class transportation system with good roads, rail, buses,” said Hillsborough County Commission member Les Miller, named chairman of the MPO at the same meeting this month. “The MPO will have an integral part in all of those decisions.”
Alden, among her many tasks, will work with the county’s Policy Leadership Group, made up of county commissioners and elected officials from Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, on how to conduct a series of public meetings during which residents can talk about transportation improvements for their communities and how to fund them. That effort is expected to kick off in February.
“We need to put things out there so people understand what decisions need to be made and can participate in that process,” Alden said. “Right now, we have this real disconnect between our expectations of what kind of transportation system we want, with no potholes or congestion. We also have expectations of what we want to pay in taxes. Right now, those two things are not lining up.”
Safety is another big concern Alden is eager to keep at the top of her agenda.
“Personally, my goal is to have a transportation system that is as safe as possible,” she said. “When I look at the various pieces of data, the one most frightening is a very high rate of severe and fatal crashes. The rate is on the order of 50 percent higher than peer cities,” according to the Federal Highway Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
These are not just pedestrian- and bicycle-related crashes, she said. They are also a result of the way the county has been developed, with strip commercial corridors, she said. Slow-moving traffic goes in and out of the centers from busy roadways with high-speed traffic.
How roadways are configured and the land uses allowed around them needs to be addressed, she said. That will take cooperation between the MPO and the county’s planning commission, which addresses land-use policies.
“We have a real opportunity for the MPO to work with the planning commission on gradually changing and evolving how these corridors are built, how roadways are configured and the land use,” Alden said.
An example of one of those problem corridors is at Hillsborough Avenue and East Tampa Street, she said. “A number of pedestrians have been killed along that corridor. This is a corridor owned by the (Florida Department of Transportation), and it goes through one of our densest neighborhoods in the city.” A combination of high speed and local traffic is the issue, she said.
People need to feel comfortable walking to the businesses near their homes, Alden said. “But where are they going to cross the street? How do you get people safely across that street?”
This is not a new issue, said outgoing Executive Director Ray Chiaramonte. “Land use and transportation need to work together” to solve those kinds of issues, he said.
Chiaramonte, who is executive director of both the MPO and the planning commission, is scheduled to retire Jan. 30 after 35 years with the county. In recent years, he has told the MPO on numerous occasions the importance of moving forward with funding for a better transit plan and road maintenance program.
If the county waits years longer to make the necessary repairs to its roads and to make upgrades to its transit system, Chiaramonte said, it will only get more expensive. He said he thinks County Administrator Mike Merrill is taking the issue in the right direction by trying to help people understand how such projects need to be funded.
“We can’t change what has happened in the past,” as development has gone in without appropriate or adequate infrastructure to handle growth, Alden said. “We can spend a lot of time pointing fingers. The question is, what do we do now?”
In addition to addressing the overall transportation system and safety, Alden said she wants to focus on strengthening the relationship between the county, the cities and the county’s four transportation agencies — the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, the Tampa Port Authority, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority.
“We are a planning organization,” Alden said. “We don’t build things. We need to be working hand in glove with the local governments and with the transportation agencies that do build things to make sure transportation policy is feeding into their plans.”
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Record: 314235 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
State, Hillsborough clash on S.R. 60 project - The widening work is years away, but many question the need
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - April 14, 2014 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT; Tribune staff Section: NationWorld Page: 4 Readability: 11-12 grade level (Lexile: 1280) Abstract: p FDOT is proposing to six-lane State Road 60 from Valrico Road to the Polk Co. line some time in five to 15 years. They are seeking federal funding. Enviro engineer says traffic in that segment will increase 54 percent before 2040, based on land-use designations and traffic patterns. County MPO is also recommending improvements from Valrico Road to I-75, mostly to accommodate pedestrians, buses and bicycles. VALRICO — The time will come when State Road 60’s rural swath won’t be so rural, state road officials say.
Traffic on the ribbon of pavement between Valrico Road and the Polk County line will increase 54 percent — some 71,000 vehicle trips per day — by 2040, Florida’s Department of Transportation estimates. Unless that 12.3-mile segment is widened to six lanes, it will not measure up to its designation as a major east-west corridor and evacuation route, transportation officials say.
“It’s not going to be built anytime soon, but at least we can look at the impacts,” said Kirk Bogen, environmental management engineer for the Department of Transportation. Bogen estimates it will be five to 15 years before any construction gets under way.
The decision to pursue the project was based on growth projections, he said, which could include conversion of farmland to subdivisions and businesses along the highway. For now the area is dotted with strawberry fields, mobile home parks, farm stands, and a sprinkling of older houses and new construction.
The state transportation agency notified people who own property within 300 feet of the roadway of the state’s intention, and invited them to a recent public meeting.
About 20 people showed up and some filled out comment forms, but none specifically addressed the widening. A few wanted more lighting where State Road 60 slices through rural areas, and protection for pedestrians crossing the highway. A couple of them complained of excessive speed on the road between State Road 39, south of Plant City, and the Polk County line.
Hillsborough County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, which orchestrates future transportation plans, objects to the state’s plan.
The area east of Dover Road is rural and would remain so in the county’s blueprint for future growth, according to a letter the MPO sent to the state road agency earlier this month. Also, there is not enough demand for the project and there are higher priorities in the Brandon area where traffic is chaotic, said Lisa Silva, an MPO planner.
“I am liaison to the local roadways committee” and there are concerns, Silva said. “Why a six- lane ... highway in the rural area, especially when there are so many other needs?”
Rose Panella, who lives in the Strawberry Ridge retirement community just west of Dover Road, said the state and county would be wise to spend the money on mass transit, including reliable and more convenient buses and light rail.
“Six lanes isn’t going to be very helpful,” Panella said. “Put in light rail to get things moving. They need to worry about what is already going on in the more populated area. Let’s handle things where it’s hot, where the population is.”
Lynn Mahoney, who manages the Brandon Farms produce stand just east of Dover Road, called the project “a joke.”
“The sidewalks and bike lanes they are talking about including are a waste of money.” Few if any people would use them, she said. “And the traffic on State Road 60... I see it every day, but it’s when you drive into Brandon that it’s like driving in Tampa anymore. It’s bumper to bumper.”
The state and county should focus on existing growth areas, Mahoney said, where roadwork has not kept pace with residential and business development.
“I do think traffic is going to increase, but with the new I-4 connector (going to the Port of Tampa), why would trucks take State Road 60?” said Terry Flott, director of United Citizens Action Network of Hillsborough County. “From what I hear, the truckers have all said they would not go on State Road 60 unless they have to. They’d rather use I-4.”
But all the trucks traveling east and west can’t use just one road, even if it is an interstate, Bogen said. “There is just too much truck traffic to put on one roadway. They will use the route that is more convenient,” and in some cases that will be State Road 60.
Bogen said state transportation officials will seek federal funding for the project. He said consideration of widening the road began as a study of freight traffic in the area between Valrico Road and Dover Road, but in order to seek federal funding the scope of the project needed to be expanded, so it now includes the segment between Dover Road and County Line Road.
(813) 259-7127
Record: 173052 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Teen interns help drive transit planning - Government officials impressed with idea to bring schools into process
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - September 8, 2014 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO; Tribune staff; BY MIKE SALINERO; Tribune staff Section: Metro Page: 1 Readability: 10-12 grade level (Lexile: 1160) Abstract: p An energetic high school student arranged a conference on transportation and education and actually managed to get some city and Hillsborough County officials to attend. Kevin O'Hare, a student at Durant HS, won the officials over with his personality and persistance. His three fellow interns in a local government internship helped him put on the conference while working on their projects. The internship was the idea of Neria Cormier, director of strategic Planning and Development at the Property Appraiser's Office. Cormier was a teacher at Plant HS and saw that students are only required to take one semester of government, with only a few hours devoted to local governmentI will be e-mailing mug shots of students to Chappell. TAMPA — Kevin O’Hare rushes out of the summer heat and into an air-conditioned café on the ground floor of the County Center, mumbling apologies for being late.
As soon as he opens his mouth, you know this is no ordinary 17-year-old kid. O’Hare spits out dozens of words before your mind can catch up and register what he’s saying. He’s talking about the “event,” a conference he organized with the help of three other high school students.
The event was successful, O’Hare says, because a handful of busy government officials came to talk about transportation as it relates to education.
“I had an idea,” he says as if describing a karmic event. “There’s never really been a conversation about education and transportation.”
The first wonderment is that a teenager thinks deeply and often about transportation. The second is that he was able to convince a county commissioner, two school board members and a Tampa city councilwoman to attend. Several transportation experts also came and gave presentations.
The event was timely in light of the ongoing transportation debate in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. In Hillsborough, pro-transit forces are pushing for a vote by citizens in 2016 to raise the sales tax by a penny. The revenue windfall would be spent on road and trail improvements, expanded bus service and a light rail system. And Greenlight Pinellas, a transportation plan that includes a 1-cent sales tax increase, is on the Nov. 4 ballot across the bay.
“A lot of people think about things, but few people follow up on that concept,” said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione, who attended the event. “And the fact that a kid from Durant High School did it ... I use the term kid loosely. I think he’s a 45-year-old trapped in a teenager’s body.”
The event was O’Hare’s project as a member of an intern program on local government sponsored by Nereia Cormier, director of planning and strategic development at the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Before joining Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez’ staff, Cormier taught American government at Plant High School. Students only take one semester of government, Cormier said, and only a few hours of that class cover local government.
“I always had them do an extra project on local government,” Cormier said. “When I came to work here I really missed students. But I didn’t want an internship where they just did grunt work.”
Using a model from Ohio, Cormier designed an internship that started off with an overview of local government, followed by tours of government offices including the state attorney, the sheriff, county commission and city council. Then the students chose projects to pursue over their six-week internships.
Amber Pirson, a student at Hillsborough High School, worked on a sustainability project for county government. With a questionnaire from the Sustany Foundation, a local sustainability organization, Amber polled people in government and out about recycling. Using the information, she developed a strategic plan with suggested changes that would save money and help the environment through recycling and reducing the use of paper.
Danielle Holder, who attends King High, did a drive to collect school supplies for needy children. And Alissa-Rae Eonda, a student at Alonso High School, did a project on health and wellness.
Pirson, Holder and Eonda helped O’Hare with planning for the transportation-education event. They had to contact numerous offices to see if any elected officials could come. O’Hare worked with county lawyers on requirements that had to be met for the conference under Florida’s Sunshine laws.
O’Hare used his abundant charisma and persistence to lure a handful of officials to the event. For instance, after he got little response from invitations he emailed to county commissioners’ offices, O’Hare brought a cake to their break room on the second floor of the County Center.
“Here’s this young intern who was trying to get everybody to come to his fabulous event and he left some cake for us,” said Mary Kelley Hoppe, legislative aide to Commissioner Mark Sharpe. “I thought, ‘This kid’s got a lot of pluck.’”
O’Hare kept the pressure on and Sharpe finally agreed to show up at the event.
“I was really impressed with what he pulled off,” Sharpe said. “I’ve tried to host a lot of meetings and I haven’t been nearly as successful as Kevin has, and he’s in high school.”
For the past year, Hillsborough leaders, including commissioners and the mayors of the county’s three cities, have been meeting to discuss a way forward on transportation problems. The school district, however, was not invited to participate.
O’Hare said that doesn’t make sense because the school system, with 26,000 employees, is the county’s largest employer. More than 203,000 students attend Hillsborough public schools, and many ride the district’s 1,100 or so school buses that take the road each weekday.
“That many people are on the roads, every day, going to schools,” O’Hare said.
Then there are the college students. University of South Florida students are eligible for free fares on the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s public bus system and many use the buses, O’Hare said.
Montelione agreed with O’Hare that the school district needs to be more involved in transportation planning. A member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which handles transportation planning for the county, Montelione asked an MPO lawyer to research the legality of putting a school board member on the board. That report is due at next month’s MPO policy committee meeting.
In making his argument that education and transportation are intertwined, O’Hare said many of us get our first introduction to multimodal transportation as children, either riding the school bus, biking or having our parents drop us off at school.
“He makes a good point,” Montelione said. “(School) is the initial entry into public transportation for a lot of kids. They base their decisions later in life on their actions when they were kids, whether it was a good experience or bad.”
Doretha Edgecomb, who attended O’Hare’s conference along with fellow school board member Cindy Stuart, said she found the event useful and the dialogue there “meaningful.”
“Transportation is an important, crucial issue that needs attention, more planning and more thinking ahead about it,” Edgecomb said. “What (O’Hare) was doing was critical, because it’s an issue that’s really critical to our school district and for our community.”
Asked what he thought was important about his project, O’Hare said it was significant that four high school students worked for six weeks in the Property Appraiser’s office and created a conversation in local government about transportation and education.
“There is a conversation now; it’s started,” he said. “And I hope people take that and expand on it.”
(813) 259-8303
INTERNS, Page 5
TAMPA — Kevin O’Hare rushes out of the summer heat and into an air-conditioned café on the ground floor of the County Center, mumbling apologies for being late.
As soon as he opens his mouth, you know this is no ordinary 17-year-old kid. O’Hare spits out dozens of words before your mind can catch up and register what he’s saying. He’s talking about the “event,” a conference he organized with the help of three other high school students.
The event was successful, O’Hare says, because a handful of busy government officials came to talk about transportation as it relates to education.
“I had an idea,” he says as if describing a karmic event. “There’s never really been a conversation about education and transportation.”
The first wonderment is that a teenager thinks deeply and often about transportation. The second is that he was able to convince a county commissioner, two school board members and a Tampa city councilwoman to attend. Several transportation experts also came and gave presentations.
The event was timely in light of the ongoing transportation debate in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. In Hillsborough, pro-transit forces are pushing for a vote by citizens in 2016 to raise the sales tax by a penny. The revenue windfall would be spent on road and trail improvements, expanded bus service and a light rail system. And Greenlight Pinellas, a transportation plan that includes a 1-cent sales tax increase, is on the Nov. 4 ballot across the bay.
“A lot of people think about things, but few people follow up on that concept,” said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione, who attended the event. “And the fact that a kid from Durant High School did it ... I use the term kid loosely. I think he’s a 45-year-old trapped in a teenager’s body.”
The event was O’Hare’s project as a member of an intern program on local government sponsored by Nereia Cormier, director of planning and strategic development at the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Before joining Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez’ staff, Cormier taught American government at Plant High School. Students only take one semester of government, Cormier said, and only a few hours of that class cover local government.
“I always had them do an extra project on local government,” Cormier said. “When I came to work here I really missed students. But I didn’t want an internship where they just did grunt work.”
Using a model from Ohio, Cormier designed an internship that started off with an overview of local government, followed by tours of government offices including the state attorney, the sheriff, county commission and city council. Then the students chose projects to pursue over their six-week internships.
Amber Pirson, a student at Hillsborough High School, worked on a sustainability project for county government. With a questionnaire from the Sustany Foundation, a local sustainability organization, Amber polled people in government and out about recycling. Using the information, she developed a strategic plan with suggested changes that would save money and help the environment through recycling and reducing the use of paper.
Danielle Holder, who attends King High, did a drive to collect school supplies for needy children. And Alissa-Rae Eonda, a student at Alonso High School, did a project on health and wellness.
Pirson, Holder and Eonda helped O’Hare with planning for the transportation-education event. They had to contact numerous offices to see if any elected officials could come. O’Hare worked with county lawyers on requirements that had to be met for the conference under Florida’s Sunshine laws.
O’Hare used his abundant charisma and persistence to lure a handful of officials to the event. For instance, after he got little response from invitations he emailed to county commissioners’ offices, O’Hare brought a cake to their break room on the second floor of the County Center.
“Here’s this young intern who was trying to get everybody to come to his fabulous event and he left some cake for us,” said Mary Kelley Hoppe, legislative aide to Commissioner Mark Sharpe. “I thought, ‘This kid’s got a lot of pluck.’”
O’Hare kept the pressure on and Sharpe finally agreed to show up at the event.
“I was really impressed with what he pulled off,” Sharpe said. “I’ve tried to host a lot of meetings and I haven’t been nearly as successful as Kevin has, and he’s in high school.”
For the past year, Hillsborough leaders, including commissioners and the mayors of the county’s three cities, have been meeting to discuss a way forward on transportation problems. The school district, however, was not invited to participate.
O’Hare said that doesn’t make sense because the school system, with 26,000 employees, is the county’s largest employer. More than 203,000 students attend Hillsborough public schools, and many ride the district’s 1,100 or so school buses that take the road each weekday.
“That many people are on the roads, every day, going to schools,” O’Hare said.
Then there are the college students. University of South Florida students are eligible for free fares on the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority’s public bus system and many use the buses, O’Hare said.
Montelione agreed with O’Hare that the school district needs to be more involved in transportation planning. A member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which handles transportation planning for the county, Montelione asked an MPO lawyer to research the legality of putting a school board member on the board. That report is due at next month’s MPO policy committee meeting.
In making his argument that education and transportation are intertwined, O’Hare said many of us get our first introduction to multimodal transportation as children, either riding the school bus, biking or having our parents drop us off at school.
“He makes a good point,” Montelione said. “(School) is the initial entry into public transportation for a lot of kids. They base their decisions later in life on their actions when they were kids, whether it was a good experience or bad.”
Doretha Edgecomb, who attended O’Hare’s conference along with fellow school board member Cindy Stuart, said she found the event useful and the dialogue there “meaningful.”
“Transportation is an important, crucial issue that needs attention, more planning and more thinking ahead about it,” Edgecomb said. “What (O’Hare) was doing was critical, because it’s an issue that’s really critical to our school district and for our community.”
Asked what he thought was important about his project, O’Hare said it was significant that four high school students worked for six weeks in the Property Appraiser’s office and created a conversation in local government about transportation and education.
“There is a conversation now; it’s started,” he said. “And I hope people take that and expand on it.”
(813) 259-8303
Interns
From Page 1
Record: 246931 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Transportation plan mobilizes community
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - August 12, 2015 Edition: Tribune first Section: Views Page: 10 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1590) Last Tuesday, the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization cast its first vote on the Transportation Improvement Plan which places projects in line for government funding and serves as a statement of the county’s priorities for improving transportation in Hillsborough County.
With this vote, the Florida Department of Transportation’s variable toll lane (TBX) project got its first bump up the chain, but there are many votes yet to take place before one spoonful of dirt is turned. Funding from the state Legislature to the tune of $3.4 billion must be allocated. With the past performance of our Legislature and governor’s office, I wouldn’t be donning a hard hat just yet.
What we heard, overwhelmingly from neighborhoods most affected by expansion of I-275 and I- 4, is that they want mass transit. I agree with them. The best way to reduce congestion is not building another lane for cars to travel in but to take cars off the road entirely.
Although those in attendance were surely dealt a blow by Tuesday’s vote, I believe there were positive takeaways from the meeting.
What this project gives us is an engaged citizenry. People who are passionate about protecting our urban core, in the infancy of its renaissance, mobilized. Hundreds of people who typically do not attend government meetings are now involved — educated on the topic and process.
What this project will give us is also of enormous benefit. According to the proposed project scope, it will not only accommodate TBX, but build a transit envelope and redesign malfunction junction. We moved the needle with FDOT’s District 7 staff, if not through a robust discussion at the full board but at the MPO Policy Committee meeting, for assistance in funding bus service that will utilize the TBX lanes, with expanding their outreach to the community through cooperation with the planning commission and Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Area Agency (CRA).
We learned that FDOT would commit to include building (but typically not maintaining) a host of amenities underneath the roadway. And that studying how one-way pairs of Nebraska and Florida avenues could become two-way “complete streets” is a possibility, enabling safer pedestrian and bicycle usage.
While we continue to plan for expanded mass transit, express bus service, more frequent headways for local bus service and yes, a modern streetcar line, every option to alleviate gridlock should be explored. However, doing so should enhance our city and not be done at the expense of one neighborhood while serving others.
Our future depends on an active and engaged citizenry and even more so on an engaged leadership who will be charged with shaping the county and city for future generations. We all understand that saving our historic fabric makes Tampa special and is worth fighting for. Record: 406171 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
State says it might fund express buses, light rail But Hillsborough, cities would have to pony up, too
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - July 29, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 TAMPA — For the first time, the Florida Department of Transportation on Tuesday indicated it may be willing to help pay for expanding express bus service that would run on proposed toll lanes along interstates 4 and 275.
And with a strong enough commitment from Hillsborough County and its cities, the state also may be willing to help fund more elaborate transit options on the interstates, possibly including light rail, said Debbie Hunt, director of transportation development for the department’s District 7.
But don’t sell the family car just yet. A lot of moving parts have to line up before the state could commit to either, Hunt said.
If they do line up, a process that started out as a routine update to a transportation plan could end up helping ease the region’s gridlock.
Hunt brought up the state funding possibilities during a meeting Tuesday on updating the county’s Transportation Improvement Plan, a document that must be revised every five years and that includes the state’s plan to add local interstate toll lanes as a way to keep traffic moving.
The transportation department is pushing to get money for the new lanes over the next two years.
Also attending the meeting were about two dozen property owners from Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights, two neighborhoods that will feel the effects of the planned expansion of Interstate 275. Activists from both neighborhoods are fighting the plan, now in the works for some 20 years, as a destroyer of progress their communities have made since interstate construction first tore through nearly 50 years ago.
They came with what one man called “inalterable opposition” to the expansion, which will require razing about 100 houses and 30 businesses — properties the state has been working to acquire through the years.
They won support last month from a unanimous Tampa City Council, but there was no discussion Tuesday about killing the toll lane during the meeting of the policy committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the planning agency for local governments in Hillsborough.
To the contrary, some spoke of the interstate expansion as vital in a time when the county is struggling to remedy gridlock, in part through a proposed voter referendum on a half-cent increase in the sales tax.
Instead of butting heads with Hunt, committee members asked her to work with the neighborhoods to lessen the damage from interstate expansion, including more public transit.
“There are a lot of opportunities to work with the communities, to bring some aesthetics” to the project, Hunt said.
In Jacksonville, for example, the department worked with local government to build dog parks, basketball courts and other recreational features beneath un derpasses.
If neighborhood residents here will come to the table, Hunt said, the transportation department is willing to work on similar projects in Tampa.
Installing noise-reduction panels early in the construction process, she added, might also limit the impact on neighborhoods.
Also to be decided is how to use a 44-foot-wide swath to be set aside in the center of the interstates for what Hunt called “premium transit.” She can discuss the options, she said, including light rail, when the Metropolitan Planning Organization meets Aug. 4.
Express buses have grown so popular on toll lanes installed in Miami-Dade that buses are being added regularly, Hunt said.
“With Miami and Orlando, it was not an either-or,” said Joseph Waggoner, executive director of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, who sits on the planning organization board.
Both communities benefited from better roads and improved transit once toll lanes were built, he said.
The reason, Hunt said, is that both made commitments.
About $630 million in joint federal, state and local funding paid to create the SunRail commuter train, she said, then Orlando committed to assum- ing all operation and maintenance costs after the first seven years.
“I think we should at least get the same deal SunRail has gotten,” said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione, another member of the planning organization board.
That could happen, Hunt said, but only with a major commitment by the county and its cities.
The state “would come to the table with funds here as well,” she said after the meeting, but first, local authorities would need to go ask for help from the federal government, which often will cover half the cost of such a project. The state would kick in money after that on a dollar-for- dollar match with local government.
“They have to have an adopted plan that is deemed financially feasible and a long-term operating and maintenance plan for us to come to the table,” Hunt said. “We’ll help them with the study. We’ll put money into the study to get us there.”
Help from the state to fund public transit could be a game changer for Hillsborough County, said Kevin Thurman, executive director of Connect Tampa Bay, a grass-roots organization that works to expand transportation options.
“I think it’s an acknowledgment that (the state needs) to go further,” Thurman said.
But the transportation department also needs to work with the neighbors, Thurman said.
“They need more coordination on a neighborhood level, so neighbors know they will get bike lanes and walking trails and more transit to mitigate,” he said.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on the five-year updates to the Transportation Improvement Plan, in the second-floor commission boardroom at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
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Twitter: @yvette_hammett
Record: 400732 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Don’t steamroll neighborhoods
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - July 8, 2015 Edition: Tribune first Section: Views Page: 12 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1410) The state Department of Transportation’s plans to add express toll lanes to Interstate 275 through Tampa are generating impassioned opposition from residents in the rebounding Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights neighborhoods.
We hope the DOT listens seriously to those concerns. Much has changed for the better in Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights since the initial planning for the road’s widening decades ago. A setback would be appalling.
To be sure, there is a need to move traffic efficiently through Tampa. And built into the road project are transit corridors that would accommodate future mass transit options. Those are needed improvements but should be executed without harming the recovery of those neighborhoods.
It’s a dilemma that must be confronted in dealing with robust population increases and record tourism trends, and in making up for the area’s woeful record of adding mass transit options to the transportation mix.
In its express lanes plan, which has not yet been funded or fully designed, the DOT would widen I-275 and parts of Interstate 4 in each direction by adding express toll lanes, which give motorists the choice of paying a toll to escape congestion on the free lanes.
The so-called “Lexus Lanes” are used in Miami and in other states to relieve traffic.
Under the plan, the toll lanes would be added from I-75 south of Bearss Avenue to Gandy Boulevard; from the I-4 interchange known as Malfunction Junction to the Polk Parkway; and from I-75 north of Bruce B. Downs to south of State Road 674.
Additionally, Malfunction Junction at I-275 and I-4 would be reconfigured and improved.
In Tampa, the work would encroach on established neighborhoods that were devastated by the initial interstate construction. Leaders in the neighborhoods fear the project would be a major threat for their rebounding communities.
But the project has yet to be fully designed, and DOT officials are confident they can mitigate the encroachment.
Debbie Hunt, the director of transportation development for the DOT’s district in Tampa, says the agency will work with the neighborhoods in designing the project. She says the DOT spent decades planning the project and has bought right-of-way to prepare for the work.
Beth Alden, executive director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, says the work has been accelerated by the DOT and that may have caught people off guard. But she believes the neighborhood concerns can be accommodated.
Like Hunt, she sees the project as a necessary component to moving traffic through the downtown corridor.
But a city is only as strong as its neighborhoods, and the rebirth in Tampa Heights and Seminole Heights is deserving of support rather than a setback.
Minimizing the effects on those neighborhoods should be a priority as the DOT moves forward.
Record: 392502 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Transportation authority picks new boss - Metropolitan Planning Organization director Chiaramonte gets job
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - January 31, 2015 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune second Section: Metro Page: 2 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1610) TAMPA — Longtime Hillsborough County transportation and urban planner Ray Chiaramonte will be the next executive director of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority.
Chiaramonte, 65, learned that he got the job Friday, his last day as executive director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Chiaramonte said he had planned to take a six-month hiatus before finding another job. But in November, he learned the transportation authority had yet to hire a director.
He said it was a chance he couldn’t pass up.
“I just don’t feel like I’m done yet,” Chiaramonte said. “There are so many exciting things going on.”
Chiaramonte beat out former Sarasota County Administrator Jim Ley for the TBARTA position. Chiaramonte said he doesn’t know what his salary will be because his contract is still to be negotiated.
As the head of the transportation authority, Chiaramonte again will be involved in transportation planning, but this time on a regional basis. The agency was created by the Florida Legislature in 2007 to draw up a master transportation plan for a seven-county, West Central Florida region.Chiaramonte said there are significant differences between the two agencies. The transportation authority is not encumbered by the many technical rules and federal regulations he said he had to deal with at the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The regional agency is more involved in politics, he said, as it tries to meld the divergent needs of dozens of local governments into a single regional vision for transportation.
“I see (TBARTA) as a facilitator, trying to bring the different MPOs together and really getting the Tampa Bay area speaking with one voice to the Legislature,” Chiaramonte said.
TBARTA board Chairman Ronnie Duncan, who told Chiaramonte he had the job Friday morning, agreed that finding common ground among the agency’s member governments would be the biggest challenge for the new director.
“One of the challenges is bringing these people together and keeping the focus on the (master) plan,” Duncan said, “and beginning to implement it incrementally so that we’re providing some solutions today, but we’re building those solutions so they interconnect tomorrow.”
The agency, working with local governments, has seen some success in getting funding for big projects, Duncan said. Two examples: the connector under construction between Gandy Boulevard and Interstate 275 in Pinellas County and improvements to the Interstate 75 interchange with University Parkway that separates Sarasota and Manatee counties.Construction on the latter project is set to begin late next year and to be completed in 2017.
Duncan said he thinks the transportation authority board chose Chiaramonte because of his “nuts and bolts” understanding of transportation planning and implementation. Chiaramonte also has experience working with the Florida Department of Transportation on state road and bridge projects in Hillsborough County as well as with the four local governments in the county.Chiaramonte started working at the planning commission 35 years ago, broken up by a 7½-year stint in the private sector. In 2009 he became head of the MPO, which was a separate agency at the time.
Record: 318760 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Greenway will elevate area below expressway - Pedestrian, bike path will connect Riverwalk, Ybor
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - November 1, 2014 Author/Byline: BY MIKE SALINERO; Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 5 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1500) TAMPA — A new walk and bike path under construction in downtown Tampa will deliver the added benefit of beautifying some desolate spaces in the city’s core.
Begun in late September, the Selmon Greenway is scheduled for completion in February. When finished, it will start at the western foot of the Brorein Street Bridge over the Hillsborough River and run 1.7 miles northeast under the Selmon Expressway’s elevated segment. The trail will end on 19th Street near Ybor City and will link Ybor with the Tampa Riverwalk and Channelside.
The trail, which eventually will connect with other planned greenways, cost $1.9 million to engineer and build. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, owner and operator of the Selmon Expressway, provided $477,000 of that and the rest is from a $10.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The bulk of the federal grant is paying for the final leg of the Riverwalk beneath the Kennedy Boulevard Bridge.
“What we’re trying to do is make more connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians in downtown Tampa,” said Sue Chrzan, spokeswoman for the expressway authority.
When the 15-foot-wide path is finished, pedestrians and cyclists can take the Riverwalk to the Tampa Bay History Center, then head north to the expressway, dip under the elevated thoroughfare to the Selmon Greenway and work their way back to the Riverwalk.
But completion of the path in February is just the first step. Chrzan said the expressway authority will release a master plan at about the same time illustrating enhancements, including landscaping, pocket parks and perhaps public art.
“The path is going to be there, it’s going to be usable, it’s going to be marked, but we’re doing a master plan that will put the icing on the cake,” Chrzan said.
The landscaped trail will inject a vein of greenery into what is now largely a gray, vacant landscape, said City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione, who chairs the livable roadways committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The MPO is the transportation planning agency for Hillsborough County.
“Generally, anytime you have an elevated roadway, the space underneath is dark, dreary and uninviting,” Montelione said. “But with the greenway, it completely changes the landscape in a literal sense. You take this dark space and turn it into a linear park.”
Montelione said the greenway has the potential to get people out of their cars and walk when they make short trips in the downtown area.
She also thinks the greenway, like other urban beautification projects, will generate pride in Tampa residents who will want to take better care of their neighborhoods and homes.
“It’s sort of the opposite of the broken window theory,” Montelione said, referring to the theory that the failure to address and repair small acts of vandalism increases and intensifies lawlessness. Just the opposite occurs when neighborhoods are kept tidy and beautified, she said.
“People are respectful that good things are happening in their neighborhoods,” she said. “I think the greenway is meant for one thing, but it can be a catalyst for many other positive actions to come.”
Record: 275978 Copyright: © 2014 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Group forms to give bikers and pedestrians a leg up Walk Bike Tampa to lobby for more focus on needs of bicyclists, foot traffic - Walk Bike Tampa to lobby for more focus on needs of bicyclists, foot traffic
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - September 15, 2015 Author/Byline: BY CHRISTOPHER O’DONNELL Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Metro Page: 1 TAMPA — Hannah Strom swapped the cold climate of Denver for Tampa in 2012, picturing warm mornings walking her two children to school and the bay.
But she found that many of the streets in her South Tampa neighborhood have no sidewalks. Those that do often end abruptly or are blocked with telephone poles that leave no room for her doublewide stroller.
“I didn‘t know you could move to an economic booming city that is young and energetic and not be able to walk to the ocean when I live just eight blocks away,” she said.
Frustrated at that experience, Strom is one of the co-founders of Walk Bike Tampa, a new citizen advocacy group that is pushing to make Tampa and Hillsborough streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The group plans to lobby city council members, county commissioners and state transportation officials to ensure that more priority is given to the needs of people on two feet and two wheels during community planning and when projects are approved. They want better access to schools, libraries and spots such as the downtown area and Riverwalk.
“We’re seeing more and more community voices coming together and saying being able to walk in our community matters,” Strom said. “This isn’t a hippy issue or leftie issue; this is a family issue.”The group already has had discussions with members of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the group that prioritizes transportation projects for Hillsborough County, and on Friday made a presentation to the Downtown Tampa Partnership. It is planning a formal launch at the Cyclovia event on Oct. 25 in Tampa when cyclists take over downtown streets.
The Tampa Bay area was named the second most dangerous metropolitan area in the nation for pedestrians in a 2014 report issued by the National Complete Streets Coalition. It’s a similar story statewide, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that an average of more than 100 bicyclists are killed in Florida every year — the highest death rate for cyclists in the country.The city has taken steps to counter that with the development of Riverwalk, the introduction of a bike share program, and the addition of bike lanes to many major roads, including Cleveland and Platt streets.
Hillsborough County in 2009 adopted a Walk Bike Plan to prioritize bicycle and pedestrian projects in downtown Tampa, the West Shore Business District and around the University of South Florida.
Co-founder Jackie Toledo, who ran unsuccessfully for the city council District 6 seat this year, is a professional traffic engineer. She said that although the county’s plan is good, there is no timetable for the individ
ual projects, meaning progress sometimes is slow.“During the campaign, I heard from the community we want safer sidewalks,” Toledo said.
Walk Bike Tampa aims to start small with a push for better signage around schools on the Selmon Greenway, a bike trail that runs beneath the Selmon Expressway.
Longer term, the group plans to lobby for more and safer sidewalks and bike paths connecting neighborhoods and slower speed limits.
The lack of crosswalks for residents to reach the Bayshore Linear Park Trail is particularly a concern, Strom said.
One 4-mile stretch of the park has just two crosswalks. Many older residents are hesitant to take on crossing four lanes of Bayshore Boulevard to enjoy the park, she said.Karen Kress, director of transportation and planning for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, said many cities comparable to Tampa already have a similar advocacy group and that the new Tampa group may help build momentum in the city’s effort to make streets safer.
“The fact this group is forming shows we’ve made some significant progress and people are paying attention to issues affecting bicyclists and pedestrians,” Kress said. “They’ve seen some of the good things that can come; now, they want more.”
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Twitter: codonnellTBO
Record: 419764 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Bay area on road to future Grant sought to help develop an automated roadway system - Grant sought to help develop an automated roadway system
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - March 15, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT Tribune staff Edition: Tribune second Section: NationWorld Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1460) TAMPA — Imagine a futuristic roadway system that alerts drivers to red-light runners or wrong- way vehicles heading toward them, one that warns bus drivers when a car is about to crash into them.
Some vehicles already on the road can keep a driver in the center of a lane or automatically brake if traffic slows up ahead. But that’s just the beginning for vehicle automation. And smart roadways have yet to be perfected.
Instead of test-driving new technology for automated vehicles just on freeways, it could be tested in a real-world laboratory — where commuters spill off the Selmon Expressway and onto Meridian Avenue, then Kennedy Boulevard. Public buses and local commuters could also be in on the cutting-edge research that would develop systems for those vehicles to communicate with the roads on which they travel.
The Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority has applied for a Federal Highway Administration grant to design such a state-of-the-art roadway system. While testing communication technology for traffic signals using local drivers and buses, automated vehicle manufacturers could be using the infrastructure system to test electronics for their newfangled cars.
The future is that communication between
vehicles and roads, said Joseph Waggoner, executive director of THEA. It will make driving safer and more efficient, he said.
The expressway authority should know by September if it will receive one of the five grants for $6 million to $12 million. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program Office will select the winners.
The first phase would be to design the infrastructure. The second phase would be to build it and test it to prove it works. That would be an 80-20 grant, with the DOT paying 80 percent and THEA paying 20 percent. The third phase, also an 80-20 match, would be to maintain and operate the system for 18 months, after which time THEA would own the system.
“If we are successful, Tampa will be one of a handful of cities on the cutting edge of this type of technology,” Waggoner said.
Authority officials are banking on the idea that the DOT will like the mix of roadways and obstacles this area brings to the program, Waggoner said. “We have the expressway, but at one end we have Meridian Avenue and at the other end the Brandon Parkway — a mile on each end with pedestrian crossings, bikes, paths, traffic signals and transit.” The many other streets in the downtown business district also would be pulled into the project. “We can offer them real roads with real conditions,” he said.
The competition will be stiff between agencies all over the country, said Bob Frey, planning director for THEA. “But USDOT wants the connectivity between those vehicles and the roads. Autonomous vehicles will have to be able to communicate with the infrastructure,” something the THEA grant proposal offers.
“It is all focused on when you come off of a limited-access highway and transition into the central business district, how well will this technology work,” Frey said. “Meridian Avenue would be our focal point.”
Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, got the idea rolling with successful legislation he sponsored in 2011 that allows automated-vehicle testing in Florida, Waggoner said. THEA staff courted Audi and persuaded the company to use the Selmon as a “test bed” for its automated vehicles, which it did in July.
This grant would allow for a huge next step for this area, Frey said.
“We could see what works, what doesn’t work and what didn’t work like we thought it would,” he said.
Naysayers complain there won’t be enough automated vehicles to support such a high-tech infrastructure for many years, Waggoner said, so why even bother testing such technology. But this is transportation planning, and that must be considered decades in advance, he said. Already, Waggoner said, the Hillsborough County Planning Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Organization are scoping out land-use and transportation issues through 2040.
“Now is the time to be looking at this, too” he said. “It might take 15 years to get enough cars in the mix to take full advantage of a system like this, but in the meantime, we will be able to take advantage of the safety issues.”
A more high-tech automated roadway system could save drivers and pedestrian lives, he said. “Safety and service to customers and cost savings is the payoff,” he said. “And if we can figure out how to use the lanes we have more efficiently, we might not need to build so many more in the future.”
Tampa, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority and the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research would be partners in the project, Frey said. Other local agencies may also get involved, he said, but those partnerships have not been finalized.
HART CEO Katharine Eagan is excited about the grant project because it would include “transit signal priority” at 10 intersections in downtown Tampa. Bus drivers could control signals, giving them an extra 10 to 15 seconds to get through a green light, which would make the Metro Rapid bus system more successful, she said.
“Anything that improves travel for one entity improves it for everybody,” Eagan said.
If THEA gets the grant, USF’s transportation research center would evaluate the project as it progresses, Frey said.
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Record: 339411 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Tampa all ready to tame its traffic lights New system will synchronize 255 traffic signals - New system will synchronize 255 traffic signals
View Article Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - May 31, 2015 Author/Byline: BY YVETTE C. HAMMETT Tribune staff Edition: Tribune first Section: Business Page: 1 Readability: >12 grade level (Lexile: 1480) TAMPA — It may not be glamorous, but when it’s complete, this is one road project that will affect nearly everyone who drives through Tampa.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization has procured funding for an advanced traffic management system that will synchronize some 255 traffic signals on many of the major roadways running through the city, including Kennedy Boulevard and Fowler and Hillsborough avenues.
Design and engineering work on the $37.6 million project is expected to get underway in 2018, with the system operational by 2020.
“This is going to be a game changer as far as improving traffic in the city,” said Jean Duncan, Tampa’s Transportation and Stormwater Services director. “This is excellent news for the city of Tampa that this is getting funded.”
The final approval to
move the plan forward is expected to come Tuesday when the MPO board will review, then vote on an update to the Transportation Improvement Program, or TIP. The TIP is the short-range component to the MPO’s long-range transportation plan. It is a five-year plan that identifies, prioritizes and allocates funding for transportation projects.
This project has been on the books for a while but without funding.
“It affects all of us,” said MPO Executive Director Beth Alden. “It affects us on a daily basis and will bring the system up to the 21st century with its technology. We’re talking about traffic signal systems that haven’t been updated in 30 years. It should make a big difference” in how traffic flows through the city, she said.
The MPO went to the Florida Department of Transportation seeking funding for the project. The state DOT will provide 80 percent, using federal funding for the software system, fiber optics and other equipment, with Tampa contributing 20 percent.
“I know 2020 seems like a long way away,” Alden said, “but this has been a long time coming. We’ve been trying to move this project forward for three or four years now.”
In the past, the same pot of federal funding has been used to widen Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and 40th Street, Alden said. This time, though, the money will benefit a much larger geographic area.
The system will be run from the county’s Traffic Management Center in the Channel District, where specialists monitor local streets using computer screens and software and if necessary, speed up signals for emergency situations and for congestion relief.
“The new system is going to be reacting to situations it reads through the equipment we have out there and will tell us when there is a problem” at a traffic signal, Duncan said. “For instance, if a signal is out, this system will email us with a problem or failure.” Right now, a commuter would have to call and alert the city when a traffic signal is out.
“Also, we’ll have more options for synchronizing the lights, but also individually, where if there is a situation where only two cars are waiting, we can adjust. It allows us to manually change the traffic pattern. It will be much more optimal.”
The city has already been working with the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority to manipulate traffic signals to move MetroRapid buses more swiftly, and this new system will only enhance that, Duncan said.
Pinellas County began installing its advanced traffic management system years ago and already has it in place on roads like Belcher and McMullen Booth, Ulmerton and Gulf to Bay Boulevard. Pinellas is now working on the second and third phases of the project.
“We’re certainly happy with it so far,” said Glenn Weaver, signal operations supervisor in Pinellas. A comparative study of the before and after on the Pinellas program includes terms like “smooth and quick, better traffic flow and higher speeds” with commuters catching fewer red lights during peak driving periods.
In all, 93 traffic signals in the Tampa downtown area will be hooked up to the new system; 44 signals in the Kennedy/Hyde Park corridor, including Bayshore and Kennedy boulevards and Hyde Park Avenue; 78 in the South Tampa/Dale Mabry corridor, including South Dale Mabry Highway and Gandy and West Shore boulevards; 40 signals in the University Area/Busch Boulevard corridor, including Busch Boulevard and Fowler Avenue; and more on Dale Mabry from Sligh to Van Dyke Road.
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Record: 376008 Copyright: © 2015 Tampa Media Group, Inc.
Facebook Posts June 28‐ Dec 20, 2014
Post Message Type Posted Lifetime Post Total ReaLifetime Post Total Lifetime: The total numLifetime: The numb Online public hearing for the Florida Department of Transportation District 7's Five-Year Tentative Work Program for July 1, 2015 - JLink 12/16/14 7:09 AM 60 196 Nineteen cities in America have streetcars either operating or under construction as a part of their transit systems. You can see all oLink 12/11/14 10:59 AM 1139 2283 Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) connect a region’s roads, bridges, transit systems, bike lanes, and sidewalks to educati Link 12/10/14 8:06 AM 34 103 /HillsboroughMPO/posts/10152918339697292 Link 12/4/14 10:11 AM 105 251 Some creative, preliminary ideas from University of Central Florida art students for a pedestrian overpass or tunnel at a very busy i Link 12/4/14 8:58 AM 66 190 We ♥ Port Tampa Bay! The rebranding in early 2014 of the Port of Tampa as Port Tampa Bay came with developments including ordLink 12/1/14 8:28 AM 56 153 This is an event you won't want to miss! https://www.facebook.com/events/679549288831975/ Photo 11/26/14 8:54 AM 43 126 ICYMI Link 11/25/14 10:26 AM 99 285 #Imagine2040 Thank you to everyone who participated in the planning process! Link 11/13/14 7:38 AM 149 373 County Administrator Mike Merrill talking important transportation investments that need to be made, and about working together tPhoto 11/12/14 2:52 PM 94 315 MPO Chair honored for his outstanding service to the MPO Board and to the citizens of Hillsborough County. Our Vice Chair Lisa MonPhoto 11/12/14 2:46 PM 64 217 Got to ♥ a cool city! Look at all choices and places for people! Even protected bike lanes... Link 11/12/14 8:46 AM 73 173 The latest Walk Bike News is jammed with the latest just for you! Link 11/8/14 11:34 AM 485 1071 Hillsborough MPO shared Tampa International Airport's album. Photo 11/7/14 8:15 AM 30 115 The Hillsborough MPO staff congratulates the Planning Commission - Hillsborough County for selecting Melissa Elliff Zornitta to be it Link 11/5/14 9:06 AM 155 358 We want to hear from you! You are warmly invited to attend our Public Hearing to Adopt the 2040 Transportation Plan on Novembe Photo 11/4/14 11:26 AM 308 674 FDOT Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST) and the Hillsborough MPO Livable Roadways Committee for Hillsborough County will hLink 11/3/14 1:40 PM 151 379 Hillsborough County, FL Link 11/3/14 11:30 AM 29 139 Ten FREE BikeSmart classes.... don't miss this! Link 11/3/14 9:42 AM 48 135 Hillsborough MPO shared Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's photo. Photo 10/31/14 9:59 PM 50 116 Cyclovia Tampa Bay FDOT FDOT West Central - Tampa Area Tampa's Downtown Florida DOT Safety Office WalkWise Tampa Bay DoPhoto 10/19/14 9:00 AM 131 350 We'll be out there! How about you? Link 10/17/14 1:49 PM 144 310 What's Atlanta doing to create more complete streets? Link 10/17/14 8:15 AM 92 207 Tickets, economic indicators, recognition, transportation plans and more in this issue of Planning Commission - Hillsborough CountyLink 10/9/14 5:15 PM 77 213 This issue of Rubber Meets the Road is jammed with transportation news and kicks of the public comment period for the 2040 TransLink 10/6/14 1:13 PM 238 608 7 Simple Ways to Make Every City Friendlier to Pedestrians | WIRED Link 10/2/14 6:07 AM 138 304 Great MPO Board meeting this morning, where the MPO unanimously moved the twin draft scenarios developed for Plan 2040 TransLink 9/30/14 1:23 PM 435 1017 What are you doing on October 19th? Link 9/30/14 10:20 AM 336 652 Congratulations Jim! We are thankful that you are in our home base :D Link 9/30/14 10:19 AM 67 184 Report: Worldwide Investment in Transit Could Produce Massive Reduction in Carbon Pollution,... Link 9/30/14 10:13 AM 62 173 Roads definitely do not pay for themselves. Photo 9/25/14 1:51 PM 25 115 FDOT tests signs to alert 'wrong-way drivers' Link 9/24/14 5:29 PM 61 172 Will Florida DOT Pull Off a “Culture Change” and Make Streets Safer? | Streetsblog.net Link 9/24/14 2:58 PM 46 125 Just across our northern border... Photo 9/24/14 2:17 PM 32 105 Tickets are on sale for the Planning Commission's 32nd Annual Planning & Design Awards presented by Tampa Electric and Peoples Link 9/17/14 2:41 PM 68 165 Kennedy Blvd will be closed... For Cyclovia on 10/19! http://cycloviatampabay.com/ Join us for some bike/ped fun! #peoplepowe Photo 9/10/14 2:15 PM 57 152 All aboard the latest issue of Hillsborough Rides! Link 9/5/14 5:10 PM 194 453 Wednesday, September 3rd is the last day to weigh in on the #Imagine2040 : part 2 survey! Please take a few minutes to leave to Photo 9/2/14 4:09 PM 102 274 More sights and sounds from our #imagine2040 display at the one and only Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State FairgrStatus 8/31/14 11:26 AM 90 233 The honorable Mayor Bob Buckhorn stopped by the #Imagine2040 display today Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State FStatus 8/31/14 10:47 AM 371 943 Snapshots of the #Imagine2040 display at Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds with our partners, the Gre Status 8/29/14 9:25 AM 111 261 Join us FRI - MON at the one and only Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds! We'll have our #Imagine2040 Photo 8/28/14 11:29 AM 359 804 Have you read the latest news Beyond Today? http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs124/1102733644576/archive/1118087213971 Link 8/26/14 4:28 PM 58 167 Today is the last day to earn a FREE Florida's Largest Home Show ticket by taking the #imagine2040 part 2 survey! You gotta go toLink 8/25/14 7:28 AM 304 729 Twelve steps to cut pedestrian deaths Link 8/24/14 1:51 PM 29 83 tick tick tick Photo 8/23/14 3:08 PM 146 319 Great video on city riding from Grist.org, including a cameo from previous Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn! Review some of the other baLink 8/21/14 4:19 PM 120 305 There are only 5 more days left to score a FREE ticket to Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds over Labor DLink 8/20/14 12:08 PM 333 735 We can all learn from this HCC Ybor pedestrian safety video. Link 8/20/14 5:41 AM 50 160 Facebook Posts June 28‐ Dec 20, 2014
7 lessons from Seattle’s spectacular protected bike lanes on Broadway Link 8/19/14 9:37 AM 56 177 Attention property and business owners! Now appearing in your TRIM notice... Complete the #Imagine2040 part 2 survey by AugusStatus 8/14/14 2:57 PM 105 292 Demos of protected bike lanes throughout the country are giving the public, officials, and even traffic engineers the opportunity to gLink 8/14/14 10:36 AM 146 311 Check out this Bay News 9 special about the Panama Canal on Friday night at 8:00 p.m. Link 8/13/14 9:52 AM 44 142 Treat yourself to the latest Walk Bike News! Link 8/11/14 10:16 AM 284 749 By Rail and Trail: SunRail Service Opens a Whole New World on Florida's East Coast - RTC... Link 8/7/14 6:35 AM 42 182 Tune into Bay News 9 for Chuck Henson's Getting There segment running tonight regarding much-needed improved bicycle lanes o Link 8/6/14 1:58 PM 124 304 Missed Chuck Henson's #imagine2040 story on Bay News 9? Here you go... Link 8/1/14 5:03 PM 76 222 #imagine2040 Link 8/1/14 1:44 PM 45 148 Hillsborough MPO shared Temple Terrace Preservation Society's photo. Photo 7/31/14 11:17 AM 19 100 Let your opinion be heard in the #imagine2040 : part 2 survey: http://imagine2040.org Link 7/30/14 9:06 AM 789 1624 Detroit Streetcar construction finally started today after a 7 year process - the 3.3 mile line starts operations in 2016. Link 7/29/14 3:26 PM 48 159 Exciting news is emerging from the Transportation for Economic Development Policy Leadership Group as we work together to buildLink 7/29/14 12:22 PM 135 324 So, what exactly is #imagine2040 part 2? If you missed our launch event at Tampa Bay Grand Prix, check it out: http://www.youtuLink 7/28/14 8:27 AM 484 1085 Hillsborough MPO shared Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's photo. Photo 7/27/14 12:08 PM 45 170 Our Executive Director will be on Newsradio 970 WFLA AM Tampa Bay on Monday morning at 7:25 a.m. talking about the #imagineStatus 7/25/14 3:33 PM 111 286 #imagine2040 Link 7/23/14 9:01 PM 227 438 Watch Bay News 9 for this excellent Getting There feature by the amazing Chuck Henson! http://www.baynews9.com/content/newLink 7/23/14 3:17 PM 73 215 Hillsborough MPO shared Chuck Henson's photo. Photo 7/22/14 5:54 AM 39 143 Ride on! Link 7/21/14 8:54 AM 51 175 SunRail to discuss night, weekend service Link 7/21/14 8:50 AM 49 174 #imagine2040 Link 7/20/14 7:02 AM 40 114 Listen to our Executive Director Ramond Chiaramonte talk #imagine2040 and more on Talk Back Florida with Lynn Marvin DingfeldeLink 7/19/14 6:11 AM 59 148 I weighed in on Hillsborough's future at http://imagine2040.org You should too! #imagine2040 Take survey by 8/25, get a ticket toLink 7/18/14 8:48 AM 401 851 Hillsborough MPO shared Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's photo. Photo 7/17/14 11:14 AM 17 57 Need something to do on a rainy day? Forecast a brighter future for Tampa, Temple Terrace, Plant City and Hillsborough County. TaPhoto 7/16/14 8:59 AM 609 1483 Proud planning partners with Green ARTery: Connecting Tampa's Greenspaces http://www.wfla.com/story/25993817/one-trail-to-c Link 7/15/14 9:09 AM 220 469 This ABC Action News - WFTS/TV story highlights some of the most dangerous roads in our region. These statistics make it unsafe tPhoto 7/14/14 3:42 PM 137 293 It's true, we want your input at #imagine2040 part 2, but you need to take our survey at http://imagine2040.org by August 25 to gLink 7/10/14 3:46 PM 74 168 Hillsborough MPO shared Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's post. Status 7/10/14 9:34 AM 15 60 Racing to the future! Take our #imagine2040 survey at http://imagine2040.org Photo 7/10/14 6:32 AM 31 76 Imagine 2040 : Part 2 starts tomorrow morning! #imagine2040 Link 7/9/14 12:25 PM 142 316 It's all about #imagine2040 part 2, starting 7/10 - 9/1 in this special edition of Beyond Today! Plus, CALL for ENTRIES for our 32nd Link 7/8/14 10:25 PM 96 220 News about our upcoming Imagine 2040 : Part 2 interactive survey and much more in this issue of Rubber Meets the Road! Link 7/7/14 12:12 PM 475 934 We know we're really first, but always top of the class. Congratulations, Tampa International Airport! Photo 7/7/14 10:49 AM 74 161 Facebook Posts Jan ‐ Dec 2015 Post Message Type Posted Lifetime Post Total Rea Lifetime Post Total Imp Lifetime: The total numLifetime: The number o Hillsborough MPO shared Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's photo. Photo 12/31/15 9:21 AM 62 161 #VisionZero Photo 12/29/15 2:52 PM 133 285 MPO Board Meeting - COMMENT NOW through JAN 4 at 3:00 PM Status 12/29/15 1:42 PM 59 115 Hillsborough MPO shared Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's post. Link 12/23/15 11:50 AM 128 343 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 12/23/15 10:03 AM 0 0 Hillsborough MPO Photo 12/23/15 10:03 AM 47 70 Tampa Comprehensive Plan Update, Farewell Anne Madden, What lies within in our archives & more in this issue of the Planning Commi Link 6/19/15 10:16 AM 128 313 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 6/16/15 10:38 AM 15 23 See the recent news on the status of the water ferry and official letters attached: http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/nPhoto 6/8/15 2:43 PM 135 281 As if spurring more than $1 Billion worth of development is not good news enough, SunRail has another healthy bonus! Link 6/8/15 12:46 PM 159 309 Lots of transit and transportation disadvantaged news to keep us moving in this issue of Hillsborough Rides!.http://archive.constantcontLink 6/5/15 9:53 AM 408 912 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 5/20/15 12:09 PM 11 28 #Imagine2040 Photo 5/19/15 11:17 AM 67 141 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 5/18/15 1:38 PM 45 75 Weekend plans? Cyclovia Temple Terrace on Sunday! Photo 5/15/15 11:54 AM 189 590 Beyond Today | issue 23 Link 5/15/15 11:47 AM 86 232 CALL FOR ENTRIES for the Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's 33rd Annual Planning & Design Awards presented by Tampa EleLink 5/12/15 9:33 AM 278 614 Hillsborough MPO shared Planning Commission - Hillsborough County's photo. Photo 5/11/15 3:25 PM 9 10 Sunday, fun day! Looking forward to some carless fun at the Cyclovia Temple Terrace! Photo 5/11/15 3:10 PM 102 216 May is National Bike Month and filled with activities. There are 3 opportunities to improve walking and biking in your neighborhood and oLink 5/1/15 11:40 AM 212 452 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 5/1/15 10:53 AM 1 1 What's your air quality IQ? http://www.epa.gov/airnow/airaware/index.html Link 4/27/15 3:05 PM 82 195 Time flies when you have rail! It's hard to believe it has been a year since SunRail started. If you haven't ridden yet, it looks like the Ma Photo 4/27/15 10:23 AM 89 240 cycle cycle cycle cycle cycle cycle cycle cycle Link 4/24/15 4:45 PM 136 282 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 4/23/15 4:09 PM 0 0 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 4/23/15 4:07 PM 0 0 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 4/21/15 12:23 PM 0 0 We're hiring! Link 4/16/15 1:47 PM 100 238 Jane's Walk - TAMPA Coming, May 2nd! A new urban path has appeared under the Selmon Expressway through downtown Tampa! FindLink 4/16/15 1:09 PM 149 358 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 4/8/15 1:06 PM 8 15 Catch up on our latest eNews in this issue of Rubber Meets the Road! Link 4/6/15 5:04 PM 269 716 This coat of paint could be a lifesaver for bicycles (and perhaps motorcycles as well) riding at night! Link 4/1/15 1:42 PM 72 201 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 3/27/15 5:39 PM 0 0 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 3/27/15 5:33 PM 8 76 A great day! #imagine2040 Photo 3/27/15 5:07 PM 87 249 Planning Commission - Hillsborough County and Hillsborough MPO were honored to receive TWO awards today at the Tampa Bay RegionPhoto 3/27/15 2:45 PM 476 1079 More money for smarter projects in your community! A bipartisan group of senators and representatives released a bill giving local comLink 3/26/15 9:41 AM 37 99 Check out San Francisco's new Leap in start up quality transit! They've stripped their buses down to an empty box, then rebuilt the interLink 3/24/15 6:52 AM 126 332 Ahead of schedule and under budget... Congratulations on the Telecom Parkway extension and trail! Photo 3/13/15 10:05 AM 63 168 "I’m at a loss for words,” said O’Hare, now a senior at Durant and a member of the MPO’s Citizens Advisory Committee. “I’m very happyLink 3/6/15 8:39 AM 127 316 Check out our latest issue of Hillsborough Rides with a nice round up of transit and transportation disadvantaged news! Link 3/5/15 4:58 PM 246 726 Did you know? Photo 3/5/15 8:43 AM 32 88 ICYMI - Get the latest eNews tuned into planning in this recent issue of Beyond Today! Link 3/2/15 8:54 AM 117 284 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 3/2/15 7:51 AM 1 1 What's most important to you and our community? Make sure your voice is heard on the future of transportation in our region. Participa Link 2/18/15 7:32 AM 52 143 Facebook Posts Jan ‐ Dec 2015 GO Hillsborough Workshops start tomorrow! http://tbo.com/list/news-opinion-commentary/sandra-murman-help-shape-hillsboroughs-trLink 2/16/15 9:08 AM 70 182 FDOT plan in works to connect Tampa to Jacksonville Link 2/9/15 12:07 PM 331 739 ICYMI - This issue of Walk Bike News is packed with news you can use! Link 2/5/15 2:47 PM 191 553 Make YOUR voice heard! Local Leaders Launch “GO Hillsborough” web site plus 36 public workshops and robust social media to engage cPhoto 2/5/15 12:02 PM 262 583 Road improvements along Columbus Drive Corridor could include two-way traffic Link 2/4/15 9:43 AM 49 128 MetroQuest, the Planning Commission - Hillsborough County, and the Hillsborough MPO are proud to have received the Exemplary ImpleLink 2/2/15 2:27 PM 444 1058 A special edition of Beyond Today featuring parting words from our retiring Executive Director, Ray Chiaramonte. All the best to you on Link 1/30/15 2:08 PM 98 256 Tampa Bay Express (TBX) managed toll lanes are an exciting concept in transportation, giving you a new choice for a better commute wPhoto 1/29/15 8:32 AM 146 332 Yes! Link 1/29/15 5:34 AM 142 308 Hillsborough MPO's cover photo Photo 1/28/15 1:11 PM 6 15 Crossing a much safer street at the Fletcher Ave Complete Street ribbon cutting with FDOT, County Commissioners, CUTR and USF cheePhoto 1/28/15 1:10 PM 14 46 FDOT West Central - Tampa Area is conducting a public workshop tomorrow night, Thursday, January 29, for the proposed new express Link 1/28/15 11:01 AM 52 122 Join us for our annual Gapsarilla Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Rodeo tomorrow! 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo presenteLink 1/23/15 10:58 AM 44 116 Our new MPO Executive Director, Beth Alden, is focused on collaboration, coordination, safety, and choices. http://tbo.com/news/busineLink 1/22/15 5:28 AM 157 353 The transformation and repaving would shift two-thirds of the traffic from the two one-way roads on to a two-way Columbus Drive and sLink 1/20/15 5:24 PM 110 229 Highway safety law reminder! Link 1/19/15 8:25 AM 30 82 As Our Executive Director Ray Chiaramonte nears his retirement, he sits down on Spotlight on Government... Link 1/14/15 5:58 AM 59 156 Our Executive Director, Ray Chiaramonte, was a recent speaker at Cafe con Tampa, where they stir up neighborhood conversations eve Link 1/13/15 6:11 AM 59 158 New officers, new executive director, and tons of transportation news in this issue of Rubber Meets the Road! Link 1/6/15 6:39 PM 1340 2943