Posts filed under 'Transportation'
Posted: February 16, 2010: 12:16 pm
SITE IS ADJACENT TO USF POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS
As Polk County’s chambers of commerce, governmental units and planning organizations focused increasing attention on the regional implications of the recently announced Tampa-Polk-Orlando High Speed Rail plan, a major landowner on Florida’s High Tech Corridor announced major plans for one of the leading sites proposed for Polk County’s HSR station.
The site, at the eastern intersection of I-4 and the Polk Parkway, is adjacent to the new USF Polytechnic campus and minutes from the Polk Commerce Centre and the county’s new Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, is located within the Williams Development of Regional Impact (DRI). More importantly, according to USF Polytechnic CEO Marshall Goodman, “This site is central to all of Polk County. It’s the most accessible location being considered.”
Through it’s local spokesman, Charles Gray, of Gray Robinson PA, Attorneys, the Williams Acquisition Holding Company, Inc., owner of the DRI, plans to develop the site as the USF Poly campus opens its doors for 5,000 students in 2012 on a Calatrava-designed campus expected to ultimately host 16,000 students. The DRI project is planned to include 4,300 residential units, 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, a research/development park with 2.9 million square feet of space, 350 hotel rooms and a village center, similar to the successful Lakeside Village development on Lakeland’s southwest side, 240,000 square feet of retail space, 200,000 square feet of office space, 400 residential units and a 100-room hotel.
The Williams group is currently in negotiations with P3 DevCo for development of the property surrounding the proposed future High Speed Rail station site. Williams also previously negotiated with several national community developers for the development of the entire Williams DRI. Negotiations, however, were postponed pending completion of the construction of the Polk Parkway interchange, the East/West road and Phase I of the USF Polytechnic campus.
Williams sees 2012 as a pivotal year for the site and the region, Gray said. That year will see the completion of the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s massive Pace Road interchange project on the Polk Parkway and completion of the 5.8 mile 4-lane highway (the East/West road) connecting the Pace Road interchange on the east and State Road 33 on the west. The County has completed construction of the 4-lane Pace Road from Berkley Road to the interchange.
This regional roadway will serve the University, Polk County and the county’s 17 municipalities. With the location of the High Speed Rail station at a site in the center of Polk County’s segment of I-4, the new transportation mode will be positioned to serve the USF Poly campus, the Williams DRI, the Polk Commerce Centre DRI, the Lake Myrtle Complex, Fantasy of Flight, and Merlin Entertainment’s recently announced LegoLand theme park in Winter Haven, as well as the major population hubs in Lakeland.
The terms of any joint venture or potential sale of any portion of the Williams property for development will not be completed until the High Speed Rail station location is determined. According to Gray, if the station is located on the Williams property, Williams is prepared to make available a 20-acre site for the station.
You can view a Williams Co./USF Polytechnic Site Map Here
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, High Speed Rail, Transportation
Posted: February 9, 2010: 2:05 pm
Stan Cann, FDOT district one secretary and Nazih Haddad – COO for Florida Rail Enterprise will meet with East Polk economic development and chamber officials at 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 10 at the Winter Haven Chamber second floor Coleman Auditorium.
The informational meeting will bring current rail information to the table. East Polk Chamber Board members and East Polk Committee of 100 and other economic development officials are expected to attend.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Transportation
Posted: February 2, 2010: 12:53 pm
The Board of Directors of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has approved the following statement with regard to the proposed location for the high-speed rail station. You can learn more about Florida’s high speed rail plans here.
“The Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce supports the placement of a Polk County station for high-speed rail at the eastern terminus of the Polk Parkway. This site will ensure convenient access for students at USF Polytechnic as well as serve all of Polk County from a more central location. More than 50% of Polk’s population resides east of the Polk Parkway. This location would also better serve as a future connector for intermodal transfer to Legoland Florida opening in 2011.”
In addition, this centralized location would better serve intermodal transfer to the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex and Fantasy of Flight. Once USF Polytechnic is open to full enrollment, Legoland Florida opens to an estimated 1.5 to 2 million visitors and the Lake Myrtle Complex is fully operational, the eastern terminus of the Polk Parkway will be among the county’s busiest intersections.
We invite all Polk communities to join in a dialogue that produces the most convenient access for the greatest number of residents, students and tourists.
Editor’s Note: The East Polk Committee of 100 has also adopted a formal resolution advocating “Location in the central area of Polk County to ensure the stop leverages our economic development initiatives and assures an accessible location that will service the entire County, with emphasis on Polk County’s population and its future growth patterns. Adopted September 2009
| See other posts filed in: Perspective, Transportation
Posted: December 10, 2009: 11:42 am
This Chamber and this blog have made no secret of our support for the planned CSX Integrated Logistics Center (ILC). This intermodal facility and the anticipated business park that will surround it have the potential to be a positive economic engine that is sorely needed in not only Winter Haven but Central Florida. Having visited Alliance, Texas in May of 2008, area business leaders and elected officials have witnessed firsthand the type of facility that can be created and the type of business and economic development that can follow.
We were fortunate to talk briefly with CSX Director of Media Relations Gary Sease this morning about the potential of this week’s legislative approval of a comprehensive railway plan for Florida. We asked what initial steps would take place. Sease noted, “This week’s vote puts two processes into motion. First, the Florida Department of Transportation and stakeholders will begin discussions regarding SunRail and the 61 miles of infrastructure upgrades that will be necessary to accommodate that commuter rail system. Timelines will be developed and implemented and, overtime CSX will relocate its Orlando intermodal and automotive operations to the Winter Haven ILC.” He indicated this planning will begin within weeks. Once a SunRail timeline is developed a plan for the Haven intermodal facility will be created that meshes with the commuter rail timeline.
Then CSX subsidiary Evansville Western Railway will begin construction of the ILC which is estimated to require approximately a year. The first order of business will be the construction of an entrance roadway from Highway 60 into the 318 acre intermodal site. In an economy beaten down by the closing of Cypress Gardens and tourism in general as well as lingering lethargy in the real estate market and local job losses, the Evansville Western project is a welcome opportunity to further diversify the area economy. It should be noted too, that recently City and Chamber officials toured the Port of Tampa with a large contingent from Lakeland. During the tour the guide noted a large area of the port that is planned for the expansion of handling containerized goods that will travel through the Panama Canal when its widening is completed in 2014. Much of that containerized consumer goods will potentially find its way to the Winter Haven ILC.
Sease was complimentary of Winter Haven City officials, Chamber representatives and others for their support and advocacy. He also pledged that CSX is committed to continuing their good corporate citizenship which has meant so much to so many area organizations. One example – last year CSX organized more than 150 volunteers to install new playground equipment, a running track, benches and other needs at Eloise Elementary. They also support safety oriented outreach such as the Red Cross. United Way of Central Florida is also among their beneficiaries. Tori Kaplan, CSX Director of Corporate Citizenship, also mentioned a new company initiative called “Trees for Tracks.” The company plans to work with communities to plant a tree for every mile of track they operate – more than 21,000 trees will be planted.
Sease closed our conversation noting that Florida took a major step forward in creating a comprehensive rail plan that addressed Orlando’s SunRail, South Florida’s Tri-Rail as well as high speed rail (particularly the Tampa-Orlando link). He added, “It’s time to put past difficulties aside and work together to address challenges and opportunities we will inevitably face in the future including job creation and economic stimulus while developing commuter, passenger and freight rail service that can make Florida a national leader.”
Positive effects are already at hand as U.S. Senator Bill Nelson’s office has announced a $40 million jumpstart for Orlando commuter rail funding. The Orlando Business Journal reports the details here.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, Real Estate, Transportation
Posted: August 13, 2009: 4:59 pm
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) meeting today in Bartow approved a series of priorities that include three walking and biking trail enhancements. Among the priorities to be recommended to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are three Winter Haven projects. (The value of these enhancements totals nearly $3.5 million.)
1. Chain of Lakes Trail- Lake Howard Connector - The Chain of Lakes Trail-Lake Howard Connector is a 2,800± foot pedestrian trail extending along Avenue B, NW from First Street to the Lake Howard Trail. The Connector will intersect the Chain of Lakes Trail near Fourth Street, NW (adjacent 
to the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce) and connect with the Lake Howard Trail on the west side of the intersection of East Lake Howard Drive and Avenue B, NW. Estimated cost for this project is $840,000.
2. Chain of Lakes Trail Southern Extension. The Chain of Lakes Trail Southern Extension is a 2,500± foot pedestrian trail extending from South Central Park along Avenue A, SW, Magnolia Avenue and Third Street, SW to Avenue G, SW. This trail will downsize Avenue A, Magnolia Avenue, and Third Street from three and four-lane roadways to two-lane roadways with a pedestrian trail, landscaping, and on-street parking. Estimated cost for this project is $845,000.
3. Chain of Lakes Trail Bridge over Avenue T, NW. The Chain of Lakes Trail Bridge involves the construction of a bridge over Avenue T, NW to provide for a safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing over this four-lane roadway. The bridge will be constructed on the west side of Martin Luther King Drive on two parcels owned by the State Office of Greenways and Trails. Estimated cost for this project is $1,800,000.
These distinctive enhancements to Winter Haven’s walking and biking trail system will help maximize the usefulness and connectivity of the Chain of Lakes Trail.
(Pictured above: a portion of the 3.4 mile Chain of Lakes Trail)
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Parks and Green Space, Transportation
Posted: August 5, 2009: 1:43 pm
The Chamber hosted a City Commission Candidate Breakfast Forum this morning (August 5, 2009). The breakfast was organized by the Chamber’s Government and Legislative Affairs Committee. The candidates were asked a series of questions relevant to the business community including transportation priorities, economic development opportunities, public transit funding, city responsibility to the Chain of Lakes and their opinion of the Hometown Democracy amendment (requiring all future comprehensive plan amendments to be put forth in voter referendums) expected to be on the 2010 state ballot.
Candidates for Seat 4 (Mayor Yvonne Brooks and Jamie Beckett) both pointed to the economic development potential of the Winter Haven Municipal Airport along the US 92 corridor. Beckett noted his view that runway length would not support increased use by corporate jets. Beckett felt the city’s responsibility with regard to the Chain of Lakes required cooperation with the various agencies from the canal commission to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Brooks pointed to the number of lakes preservation goals outlined in the “Our Future By Design” visioning document that the city has accomplished including the urban lakefront design guidelines. Their most divergent views were expressed regarding the Hometown Democracy amendment with Brooks favoring continuing the current regulatory process and Beckett supporting the amendment. (Ed. Note: While candidate Beckett originally stated that he felt comprehensive plan changes should be left to voters, he has since clarified his position and opposes the Hometown Democracy amendment. His clarification is noted in the first comment below. – BG 8/13/09)
Candidates for Seat 5 (Commissioner Mike Easterling, Steven Hunnicutt and Bob Jardine) were in general agreement on most issues. Easterling expressed his continued commitment to the community visioning plan and Hunnicutt and Jardine both agreed it was an important guide for decisions. Jardine noted his interest in representing the needs of sight and physically impaired including his work to secure audible crossing signals for key city intersections. All Seat 4 candidates favor retaining the current regulatory system for changes in comprehensive plans and opposed the Hometown Democracy amendment.
Candidates for Commission Seat 4:
Mayor Yvonne Brooks
Jamie Beckett
Candidates for Seat 5:
Commissioner Mike Easterling
Steven Hunnicutt
Bob Jardine
The Chamber collected candidate information including background, city strengths and challenges, revitalization, top priorities and more. A comparison of that information is available at this link.
The city election will take place Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Perspective, Political Scene, Transportation
Posted: July 28, 2009: 7:49 am
For those who have driven Cypress Gardens Boulevard and noticed the peeling, unsightly signal poles and cross arms — well look again. Over the past 80 days the Department of Transportation has contracted for the poles to be prepped and repainted.
(At left top photo) bare metal is visible across the suppoort arm and down the stand post. (Below) The “after” effects of cleaning and painting.
As Cypress Gardens Boulevard serves as a key entrance to the city, these aesthetic improvements will improve the visual appeal for both residents and visitors alike. The signal supports were installed within the last decade when a major upgrade in the boulevard was completed. Faulty initial preparation is suspected to have led to the premature peeling of the coatings.
Hats off to the DOT and County Commissioner Jean Reed who monitored the planning and completion of the process.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Transportation
Posted: May 14, 2009: 12:36 pm
The recent Sun n’ Fun Air Show generated additional traffic for many neighboring airports. Winter Haven was no exception with a variety of air craft circling the recently competed municipal air terminal. The City worked with the Central Florida Visitor and Conventions Bureau to provide the air visitors information on area attractions, restaurants and hospitality options.
Winter Haven joins Lakeland and Bartow in offering modern new facilities. More recently the impressive Citation X aircraft below paid a visit. The air terminal features Richard’s Fine Coffees and sandwches.
The new facility is conveniently located adjacent to US 92 for maximum exposure. The new footprint for the airport positions the City for development of an air-related business park along the US 92 frontage.
Among the groups recently visiting the air terminal were the Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and the second class of Leadership Polk, a county-wide leadership and learning program.
The City of Winter Haven is among the many municipalities in Polk County who are moving ahead with improvement projects such as the new air terminal, Fire Station #1 and Lake Maude Park providing jobs and improvements in a tough economy. Haines City is moving to complete the massive Lake Eva Park project, Polk City has new city administrative offices, Polk Community has opened the J.D. Alexander satellite campus in Lake Wales and Auburndale has partnered with the County and Central Florida Development Council in development of the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex just to name a few.
As the economy begins to improve, these infrastructure improvements will serve as further catalysts for growth.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Perspective, Transportation
Posted: May 12, 2009: 3:54 pm
TransDevelopment Group and Kearney Construction, the design-build general contract team for the planned intermodal and automotive rail terminal facility in Winter Haven, will postpone their May 20 2009 job fair. The event was scheduled to provide information to the local labor pool and to identify qualified Polk County suppliers and subcontractors interested in work related to the construction of the rail terminal facility.
Immediate construction of the rail terminal facility was needed to accommodate the development of SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter rail system. The Florida Legislature, however, failed to approve SunRail. As a result, the intermodal and automotive rail terminal facility will now be developed on a more deliberate timeline consistent with business demand.
TransDevelopment and Kearney Construction will reschedule the job fair and announce the date and location of the event in the future.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, General Announcements, Transportation
Posted: May 7, 2009: 1:04 pm
Work will begin May 11 on a repaving and upgrade of State Road 655 (Recker Highway) resurfacing of a 3.3 mile stretch of Recker Highway from Avenue G, NW near Winter Haven to U.S. 92 in Auburndale.
In addition to the resurfacing, this Florida Department of Transportation project provides for the installation of a four foot wide paved shoulder on both sides of Recker Highway, a new traffic signal at the intersection of Recker Highway and County Road 542 and major drainage enhancements all along the corridor.
A complete upgrade of the railroad crossing at Recker Highway and Thornhill Road will be performed by CSX Railroad while the FDOT project is underway. The work on the railroad crossing will require a detour and that will be posted well in advance.
The project officially begins with the installation of silt fences and erosion control on Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12, followed by milling and paving scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13 at Avenue G, NW. The entire project is expected to take about 115 days to complete.
This project will affect drive times for those using this route for daily travel. Please plan accordingly … and drive safely.
| See other posts filed in: General Announcements, Transportation
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