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The meeting was called to order at 6:45pm by Sally Thompson, Chair.
A. Introductions - Chair Thompson requested attendees to
provide self-introductions.
B. CAC Meeting Schedule. The proposed CAC meeting schedule for
2006 was discussed. CAC prefers to advertise scheduled meetings
bi-monthly, and cancel meetings when desirable.
C. Public Comments - Chair Thompson opened the floor to public
comment. There was none.
Presentations
D. Veteran’s Expressway Widening PD&E Study - Duke
introduced Ron Gregory of URS, and Jo Anne Hurley, Henry Pinzon
and Allison Stettner of the Florida Turnpike Enterprise Authority.
Duke provided handouts for the project and provided an overview of
the project limits. She explained that the Florida Turnpike
Enterprise wants to widen Veteran’s Expressway to 8 lanes. She
explained there was interest in a trail connection between Skyway
Park, the Courtney Campbell Causeway, The Town and Country
Greenway, the Upper Tampa Bay Trail and the Suncoast Trail. She
explained that an ad ho committee had formed consisting of Charner
Reese, Ed Crawford, Ned Baier and herself that recommended to the
consultants and the Florida Turnpike Enterprise that the scope of
work for the PD&E study include a trail connections analysis.
Duke presented a map that the committee had developed which
encouraged study within 1 mile on each side of Veteran’s
Expressway for off-road trail. The committee also recommended a
minimum 50’ wide corridor assessment, including an assessment of
on-road trail connections for all cross streets. She pointed out
that at Channel G, there might be insufficient height clearance
for a trail crossing.
Ron Gregory of URS discussed the newsletter that about 3,300
persons had received. He noted that additional information about
the project is available at
http://www.veteransexpresswaywidening.com/.
He referred to the map and the project schedule. There is limited
right of way available, with only 52’ left on each side. There
are stormwater mitigation issues. Mr. Gregory discussed the Tampa
Airport Interchange project (Links) improvements to the south as
well as the Van Dyke Road and Spur. There was no capacity for
improvements. The 3rd runway is already accounted for.
Duke stated per TIA and new FAA rules, there is insufficient room
on the TIA side for the trail. He discussed the Channel G issue
and the Waters to Wilsky section. He explained there are no plans
to relocation or impact the Upper Tampa Bay Trail (Linebaugh to
Gunn). He reported the design is funded for FY06/07. ROW
acquisition and construction is in the tentative FDOT work
program. The widening is contingent on funding. Henry Pinzon
stated there is limited ROW. Gregory stated they have held
community meetings with various agencies and civic associations
and the MPO, FAA and HCAA. A Public Hearing will be held in the
Summer of 2006. Mr. Gregory stated that Jane Burner of his office
is conducting a trail evaluation/assessment. His staff is working
to identify where to put the trail. He presented a draft section
that depicted a 20’, 30’ and 50’ trail easement corridor.
Duke noted the proposed cross section should be corrected to show
a minimum 6’ from edge of trail to tree trunk of live oak. Mr.
Gregory asked for other comments on the cross-section. Duke stated
she had emailed Jane Burmer her comments and knew that
Hillsborough County had also already sent comments.
Allison Stettner stated there would be no purchase of ROW. The
turnpike enterprise cannot pay for trail construction, but can
assist in finding the trail linkage. Henry Pinzon requested
concurrency on which width of cross section is desirable for the
turnpike to focus on.
Nina Mabilleau noted the cross-sections should be convex, not
concave. Duke stated she had already emailed Jane Burmer for the
same comment. Ron Gregory encouraged electronic comments be made
via the website which are seen by all staff and are a direct
communication line. Duke reinforced the need for the scope to
include a study of on-road bike lane and sidewalk connections.
Old Business
E. overview of the bridge project. The project limits are Rome
Avenue to Riverside Drive. He noted the local historic designation
for the bridge and the National Register designation for
neighborhoods as well as the bridge. The bridge is a swing bridge,
and very unique in terms of bridge design. He outlined the 1) No
Build; 2) Rehabilitation $8 million 50 years of life with thru
tress design and no widening); 3) Swing – 75 years life span;
and 4) Drawbridge (Bascule) $32.3 million. The bascule with swing
would close Riverside Drive. The bridge is functionally obsolete
as is. The structure is in good condition, but looks bad
aesthetically.
Sharon Keene reported that her neighborhood and the 5
neighborhoods in the area supports the restoration of the bridge.
She said without wider sidewalks, there was no need to spend
$32-$39 million for only 25 more years of bridge life. Mr. Romero
reported the bridge score is a 6 out of a possible 100 with 100
being in great condition. Nina Mabilleau asked why not provide 11’
wide lanes and wider sidewalks? Duke questioned the lack of
pedestrian accessibility for crossing Columbus to Riverside Drive
with the closing of Riverside Drive. Duke requested ADA accessible
ramps and pedestrian crosswalk and signalization improvements for
both ends of the project. A public hearing date has not been set.
F. Platt St. Bridge PD&E - Duke introduced Jim Phillips,
consultant with EC Driver on the study. Jim Phillips provided an
overview of the status of the study and existing bridge
conditions. There are four 10’ lanes and sidewalks on both
sides. There is severe structural deterioration. The pavement
should last only 5 to 15 years more. He outlined several
scenarios: 1) Repair/Restore as is. Provide the same layout and
improve side rails to be crash proof (25 year lifespan
$10million). Duke asked if due to timeframe, could we get
identical rails crash tested? Jim Phillips responded that 6 weeks
ago, FDOT gave more leeway so you can change a rails appearance.
Duke noted the repair scenarios do not include any funding for
improvements under the bridge for trail on the west side. Jim
Phillips outlined scenario 2) Rehabilitation. This scenario is $23
million and replaces the removable portion. The cross section is
four 11’ wide lanes with a 6’2" sidewalk on the south
side and a 5’ wide bike lane on the north side. Duke stated this
alternative was not acceptable for multi-trail use due to narrow
width of sidewalk and the lack of ADA accessibility to the
sidewalk. 3) Replacement. This scenario is $43 million with
100-year lifespan. This is the ultimate scenario. There would be
four 12’ wide lanes with 8’ wide sidewalks on each side and a
5’6" bike lane on each side.
Mr. Phillips stated there is no funding for a separate
pedestrian bridge and it should not be evaluated if such a bridge
is years away. He stated a recent cost estimate for a standard 15’
wide pedestrian bridge is $6.1 million. Much discussion followed.
Duke stated that the trail as is with 8’wide sidewalks on each
side is functional, but not perfect. The Rehabilitation scenario
decimates the existing multi-purpose trail. Duke stressed the
importance of getting this critical pedestrian connection built
right. EDAW has recommended the southbound pedestrian bridge
connection in their public workshop, but this needs further study
and support. Mabilleau reported that bike/pedestrian counts on the
Platt Street Bridge were scheduled. Duke stressed the importance
of the Platt Street bridge being maintained as a
bicycle/pedestrian trail connection until a separate bridge could
be constructed. Duke encouraged CAC members to discuss trail needs
with Hillsborough County staff, administration and City Council.
G. Tampa Greenways & Trails Master Plan Map Amendment –
Review Public Workshop Comments & set Public Hearing date -
Duke provided CAC members with a copy of public workshop comments
in the packet. She encouraged everyone to review and provide
feedback to staff. She recommended setting a public hearing date
for November 15, 2005. The CAC discussed and decided to hold off
on the public hearing date after more thoroughly reviewing the
enclosed materials.
H. Regional Trails Priority List - Duke provided a status
report on the Priority ranking. She stated that the CCC multi-use
trails committee will meet in October to set criteria. She
reported that currently, the Hillsborough County ranking is Upper
Tampa Bay Trail #1; South Tampa Greenway #2; and West Tampa
Greenway #3.
I. Downtown Transportation Vision Recommendations – Status
Report – Duke encouraged anyone interested in this study to
contact her for a copy of the report. She has worked with Alan
Steinbeck on the trail portions of the report. A copy of the
report is available on the MPO website. A summary copy was
included in your handout.
J. FY06/07 – FY10/11 MPO Board TIP Funding Recommendations -
Duke reported this spreadsheet is included in your packet for
information. There is significant trail funding in the package.
K. Riverwalk – Status Report/public workshop - Duke announced
the upcoming public workshop date and conflict with CAC meeting
schedule. The CAC meeting date was revised. A copy of the latest
Riverwalk status report is in your packet.
New Business
L. Bayshore Boulevard Sidewalks – west side. Duke reported
that about ½ mile of sidewalks has been installed on the west
side. She acknowledged the work of Sally Thompson at the Bayshore
Traffic Task Force meetings to get this done.
M. Bruce B. Downs PD&E Study – Bike Lanes. Duke reported
there was an ongoing debate about bike lanes on BB Downs as part
of the widening project.
N. Mayor’s Fitness Walk - Duke encouraged CAC members to
attend this event and talk with the Mayor about trails. Sally
Thompson stated this is an excellent opportunity have the Mayor’s
ear.
Other Business
O. Other Business – Duke reported a proposed slate of CAC
members based on the new Bylaws and Rules of Procedures is in your
packet for consideration. Discussion followed.
P. Next Meeting Date – Chair Thompson announced the next meeting
date is Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at the MLK Recreation Center.
Q. Adjourn - The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:05pm.
Respectfully Submitted:
Mary Helen Duke
Greenways & Trails Coordinator
Approved:
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