Spring 2015 – In this issue:
U.S. 1 COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT – VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
TBRPC LEADS THE WAY FOR MEDICAL TOURISM IN TAMPA BAY
79TH ST CORRIDOR INITIATIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
ENERGY SUMMIT TAMPA BAY
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REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCILS
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Regional Conveners
U.S. 1 COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT – VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, FL
Working collaboratively with the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and affected local governments, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) developed the Tequesta/Jupiter U.S. 1 Corridor Plan in the winter of 2015. The plan details a transformation of the corridor from a six-lane highway devoid of bicycle facilities to a four-lane Complete Streets retrofit, utilizing FDOT’s Lane Elimination Program. Amenities will include buffered bicycle lanes, pedestrian-scale lighting, landscaping, intersection improvements, and a multi-use path to connect the “village center” to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, which is a nationally recognized historic landmark. The U.S. 1 Corridor Plan also completes a large segment of the East Coast Greenway by filling a 1.3-mile gap in 26 miles of otherwise continuous bicycle facilities along U.S. 1 that connects central Martin County to northern Palm Beach County.
The TCRPC-led planning process enabled the Village of Tequesta to develop a Complete Streets plan, with the identification of a bicycle/pedestrian network throughout the community to better interconnect the Village, improve safety, and support Tequesta’s continued redevelopment. The project enables the most efficient use of public dollars as the Complete Streets improvements will be constructed in conjunction with a pre-programmed resurfacing of the corridor, leveraging this investment with other FDOT, local, and private dollars. For example, TCRPC staff prepared the funding application for the Village to secure necessary local MPO dollars through FDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The plan was approved unanimously by the Village of Tequesta and Town of Jupiter, and construction is anticipated in 2017. For more information, please contact Kim DeLaney at kdelaney@tcrpc.org.
TBRPC LEADS THE WAY FOR MEDICAL TOURISM IN TAMPA BAY
The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) is stepping out front and taking ownership for creating a roadmap to make the Tampa Bay region a premier medical tourist destination. The TBRPC will be contracting with an international consultant to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability and strengths of the region as a medical tourism destination as well as determine the components that best position the Tampa Bay region to compete both nationally and internationally within the industry. Medical Tourism is the term commonly used to describe people traveling outside their home country for medical treatment. Traditionally, international medical travel involved patients from less-developed countries traveling to a medical center in a developed country for treatment that was not available in their home country. As regions within the United States have developed specialties in medical procedures and wellness, medical tourism has become a domestic phenomenon as well. “Medical tourism is a worldwide, multibillion-dollar phenomenon that is expected to grow substantially,” stated Commissioner Victor Crist, Chair of the TBRPC. “The time is now to aggressively address medical tourism on a regional scale. The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council has the support of its member governments and is positioned to move forward on creating medical tourism as an economic engine for the entire Tampa Bay area.” For more information on this initiative, please contact Avera Wynn at avera@tbrpc.org.
79TH ST CORRIDOR INITIATIVE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
The South Florida Regional Planning Council staff was selected to assist the Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida (NHSSF), the 79th Street Corridors Initiative, residents and their partners with the development of a Community Action Plan (CAP). The Action Plan builds upon the many assets which can be found in the community, including residents and leaders, businesses, housing, and transportation infrastructure. The CAP is being used to guide community enhancement and strategic investment opportunities to advance the economic, environmental and social well-being of the community.
This Community Action Plan provides an initial framework around six action items with steps, measures, and desired outcomes. The priority Action Areas are:
• Create a Range of Housing Options
• Improve the Appearance and Vitality of the Built Environment
• Foster Economic Development and Create Diverse Employment Opportunities
• Create an Environment that Supports Healthy Behaviors
• Create Ladders of Opportunity through Lifelong Learning
• Build and Maintain Community and Steering Committee Capacity and Engagement
The establishment of the 79th Street Corridor Steering Committee is an important difference between this and past efforts, in combination with ongoing engagement of residents and fostering community leadership. This committed, multi-disciplinary team of public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic organizations and champions, led by Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida, has the power to act and speak with one voice, and use their talent, knowledge, and influence to support, attract, and direct needed investment to the community. Please visit http://sfrpc12.wpenginepowered.com/revitalizing-miamis-79th-street-corridor/ for more information.
ENERGY SUMMIT TAMPA BAY
The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council is hosting an Energy Summit May 28-29, 2015 at the Hilton Carillon Park in St. Petersburg. The Energy Summit will include stakeholders from the energy industry, elected officials and policy makers, business and economic development partners, citizen leaders, and students. It will focus on energy resilience and assurance, include an educational component focused on the alternative and renewable solutions/options that are currently available from our energy industry stakeholders, and provide for an opportunity to look into the future regarding energy resources. To register for the Energy Summit or for information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.esummit-tb.org .
FLORIDA REGIONAL COUNCILS ASSOCIATION
Partnerships for the Future
Sheri Coven
850.294.0526
director@flregionalcouncils.org