Posts filed under '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
Posted: March 30, 2009: 1:55 pm
Planning for the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead is underway. The complex will be located on City-owned property immediately north of Fire Station 1. The primary focus of this facility is to provide access to the recently completed Chain of Lakes Trail, while also expanding the City’s general recreation offerings. The facility’s proximity to the Winter Haven Area Transit Terminal (WHAT) will allow for enhanced connectivity between multiple transportation modes (vehicular, pedestrian, mass transit, etc.). As an indirect benefit, the facility will help meet parking needs associated with other destination facilities in the immediate area (i.e. City Hall, MLK, Jr. Park, Senior Adult Center, Garden Center and Nora Mayo Hall).
Improvements associated with the project include 140 new parking spaces, restroom/concession facilities, a transportation themed interactive playground, a municipal lawn/plaza, maintenance storage building, picnic facilities, shade pavilion, bike lockers, and general site furnishings. The landscape/layout design is consistent with recent redevelopment patterns of downtown and incorporates Mediterranean Revival Theme architecture consistent with the Winter Haven Public Library and WHAT Terminal.
Construction on the project is expected to start in Fall 2009. Prior to construction of the facility, the Farmers Market will temporarily be moved to either Patterson Park or Joyce Davis Park. Additional Downtown Park Renovation Plans call for the redevelopment of South Central Park.
Current cost estimates for the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead are approximately $1.4 million. Over the next two years, the City has approximately $780,000 budgeted for the project, of which $475,000 will be in the form of Florida Department of Transportation Grants. In addition, the City has requested that the project be considered for Federal Economic Stimulus Funding through the Florida Department of Transportation.
The Chain of Lakes Downtown Project Plans are currently at the 60% Phase and are being reviewed by the Florida Department of Transportation, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and City Staff.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Downtown, Parks and Green Space, Transportation
Posted: February 25, 2009: 3:27 pm
We have received a number of inquiries regarding subcontracting and vendor opportunities related to the Evansville Western/CSX project.
The Chamber has learned that the design-build team for the Winter Haven inter modal rail terminal, TransDevelopment Group of Atlanta and Kearney Construction of Tampa, will host a “job fair” for potential subcontractors and vendors on May 20, 2009. The exact location of the job fair will be announced at a later date (and will be posted here as well).
A more formal announcement will be forthcoming, but in the meantime any Chamber members that may be interested in bidding for work related to the Winter Haven ILC should save the May 20th date.
Photograph upper left: BNSF Rail Terminal, Alliance Gateway, Dallas/Ft.Worth, Texas
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Transportation, Uncategorized
Posted: January 7, 2009: 4:15 pm
Ledger reporter Tom Palmer in a blog post today (January 7) reports that the Polk County Commission heard residents from the Sundance Ranch Estates demand the CSX Transportation buy their property located adjacent to the planned inter modal rail terminal. Speaking for the residents, Sharon Kiser is quoted as having noted, “Our concerns are being ignored.” But looking back nearly two years ago the residents of Sundance did their own ignoring of offers from CSX that would have involved them in the planning process. You can read that post here.
More troubling from this writer’s standpoint is the process that saw both Kiser and Commissioner Jean Reed wonder out loud if a fact-finding visit organized by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce was a “staged presentation.” Speculation included whether trains and trucks were kept out of the area to provide a calmer, quieter impression.
Both observed that indeed Alliance was quieter than other sites they had visited. Expecting more hustle and bustle (traffic and noise) must have led to the conclusion that BSNF Railway and Hillwood Corporation would purposely alter their operations for an entire day (on at least three different occassions)!
The point of this post is this: Alliance IS a quieter, well run, well organized integrated logistics center because it was carefully planned to be that way (and there was existing residential comparable to Sundance when that ILC began 16 years ago). Winter Haven has that same opportunity.
Furthermore, the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has taken great care to do the necessary homework to evaluate the value, impacts and economic potential to this community. To allege that any portion of our due diligence would involve “staged” presentations is patently false and a slap in the face to those who hosted our visits.
Commissioners voted 5-0 to send a letter to CSX asking that they buy the Sundance residents’ properties while all lauded the project’s economic potential. In light of the current economic challenges facing the entire nation, the value of a well-planned, well-organized inter modal center and business park will be found in jobs, better wages, an expanded tax base and improved quality of life.
May CSX Transportation and Sundance Ranch Estates come to an equitable resolution of the matters at hand.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, Economic Development, Perspective, Transportation
Posted: December 31, 2008: 11:40 am
As 2008 comes to an end we offer our list of ten significant Winter Haven developments from the past twelve months. While the economy has slowed, there is still much positive local activity. A great many developments hold promise for the future. Here’s our selection – each is linked to the original blog post. What would you add?
10. DCA approval of the CSX intermodal rail facility
9. Winter Haven Hospital completes $40 million addition.
8. PCC one of nine community colleges to offer four-year degrees
7. Ledger New York Times buys News Chief
6. Winter Haven opens new airport terminal
5. City plans for Chain of Lakes property
4. Winter Haven Hospital attains Magnet status
3. Six Ten Corporation/T3 Communications “Inland Fiber and Data Technology Park” downtown
2. Winter Haven Parks Grow by 250 acres since 2000
1. Cypress Gardens closes … to reopen in March 2009
What would you add to this list?
The Chamber extends our best wishes for a bright and prosperous 2009. And remember … buy from local merchants, the job you save may be your own!
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Downtown, Economic Development, Health Care, News Media, Parks and Green Space, Perspective, Real Estate, Technology, Tourism, Transportation
Posted: December 9, 2008: 3:45 pm
With picture-perfect weather and several plane take-offs for atmosphere, Winter Haven dedicated its new state-of-the-art municipal airport terminal today — December 9, 2008. The 13,500 square foot facility includes a beautiful Richard’s Fine Coffees Deli and Cafe, two conference rooms, pilot lounge and other amenities. The terminal is designed to meet the city’s airport needs for the next 20 years.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony that involved an actual propeller (without the plane) guests were toured through the facility. Among the goals the city has for the new improved facilities is taking advantage of airport-related economic development opportunities.
Mayor Yvonne Brooks expressed the city’s pride in the upgraded terminal and flightline. You’re invited to visit the cafe and see first hand the handsome new building. The restaurant also features an outdoor seating area so bring the family and take a close look at the future.
Pictured below: Guests assemble for the dedication ceremonies. Further below a scene from the entrance foyer. The facility is a beautiful addition to our City assets. The dedication attracted representatives from nearby communities as well as County Commissioners and state officials.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Dining, Economic Development, Transportation
Posted: December 4, 2008: 10:40 am
In a conversation held this morning (December 4, 2008) Senator J. D. Alexander has learned from Secretary Thomas G. Pelham that he will recommend Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approval of the Winter Haven inter-modal rail terminal planned by Evansville Western Railroad (EWR). EWR is a subsidiary of CSX Transportation. The 318 acre project is a state-of-the art facility designed to facilitate transfer of containerized consumer goods via rail and truck.
The Development of Regional Impact (DRI) was approved by the Central Florida Regional Planning Council in August and the City of Winter Haven gave final approval for the project development order on October 29. The plans were then forwarded to the DCA for review.
Similar facilities are in place or proposed across the country to revolutionize the efficient transportation and distribution of consumer goods. The CSX Winter Haven project has the potential to become a significant economic development engine for the Central Florida area.
The potential projections for the rail terminal and related business park potential could eventually bring 8,000 new jobs to the area.
DCA approval clears the way for CSX to finalize plans to construct the inter-modal terminal. Construction on the site could begin in early 2009.
The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorsed the project in December of 2007.
Update as of 12:21 p.m.: The News Chief has reported that Secretary Pelham has signed off on the development order and agreement for the truck/rail transfer center.
Photo: CSX Transportation-all rights reserved
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Transportation
Posted: October 30, 2008: 3:03 pm
Winter Haven is about to open a new 13,000 square foot airport terminal on the northern end of Gilbert Field adjacent to US 92. (See photo at left) The building features include a conference room area and the second location for Richard’s Fine Coffees (2008 Industry Award Winner) with amenities including sandwiches and an outdoor seating area. (Note: While the terminal is not yet operational for flight purposes, the restaurant is working through a “soft opening.” Access the building from US 92.) Grand opening plans will be announced soon. We will post hours of operation and other details at that time.
The beautiful new terminal is the first step in what is envisioned to become an airport business park. The building is the first major upgrade in terminal facilities since World War II.
Pictured below: Winter Haven’s new airport terminal.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Transportation
Posted: October 29, 2008: 1:47 pm
Meeting in special session, Mayor Nathaniel Birdsong, convened a special meeting of the Winter Haven City Commission for the purpose of holding the final public hearing on the development order for the Evansville Western inter-modal rail terminal to be built on 318 acres of land south of Winter Haven and north of Highway 60. Commissioners held a public hearing taking input from the municipalities of Lakeland and Lake Wales, Polk County Commission, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and interested citizens.
The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. and just prior to 11 a.m. Commissioners voted unanimous approval for the development order for the project.
The Commission then entertained a motion to approve a development agreement with Evansville Western to begin the project. A public hearing was held with no public comment presented regarding the development agreement. The public hearing was then closed and the Commission unanimously approve the motion.
The approval will now be forwarded to the State Department of Community Affairs for their review.
City of Lakeland Asks for Aggregation
Legal counsel for the City of Lakeland began the original public hearing by presenting their arguments that “due to the potential impact on Lakeland of the second phase of the project” the 318 acre inter-modal rail terminal should undergo a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) that includes both the 318 acres and the 930 adjacent acres that the railroad has an option to purchase by 2010. Lakeland reasoned that rather than approve the 318 acre development order, the City Commission should send the complete 1200+ acre parcel back to the Regional Planning Council for the DRI process … a move certain to delay the rail terminal indefinitely. The city’s argument was framed around their contention that several aspects of the project triggered a requirement that the entire 1200 acres be reviewed simultaneously (aggregation) and certain environmental stipulations did not meet requirements of the city’s comprehensive plan.
Legal counsel for Evansville Western refuted the aggregation claim stating that the while the railroad has an option on the adjoining land, no comprehensive development plan or marketing plan existed. Evansville Western stated that at such time as a master site plan was developed they would pursue a DRI review on the remaining acreage.
City of Winter Haven Community Development Director David Dickey also presented specific ordinances and comprehensive plan subsections that found the development order under consideration to be in compliance.
Perspective: Aggregation or Aggravation?
The City of Lakeland expressed concern for the impact the Winter Haven-based project would have on that community. We would all to do well to keep that concern in perspective. Lakeland currently boasts 28 million square feet of exisiting industrial/warehouse space (source: Lakeland Economic Development Council) and another 5 million square feet under development as a result of a recent DRI approval. The Winter Haven Integrated Logistics Center (Phase II) is projected to be 3 million square feet of warehousing, 1.5 million square feet of industrial and 500,000 square feet of office space. Total – 5 million square feet.
Thirty-three million sq. ft. of industrial/warehouse vs. 5 million. Where do YOU think the most potential for impact exists?
The question at hand is: When is the last time Winter Haven had a seat at the Lakeland DRI table. If this project’s size and scope is of adequate gravity to involve Lakeland … then perhaps it’s time we weigh in on their development projects.
Further more it is a confusing position for the City of Lakeland to take when their Mayor has publicly stated his support for the Winter Haven location. It also runs counter productive to the following very positive steps that have evolved from consideration of the integrated logistics center (reprinted from earlier post):
- While there has certainly been measurable tension with our neighbors to the west, a spirit of cooperation has emerged. Representatives of both Lakeland and Winter Haven Chambers as well as the Central Florida Development Council, East Polk Committee of 100, Lakeland Economic Development Council and Polk Vision (to name a few) have met with officials from both the Tampa Bay Partnership and Central Florida Partnership in an effort to develop a Super-Regional Strategy Team encompassing the I-4 corridor. This effort, while in its infancy, has found many areas of common interest.
- In organizing the previously mentioned Super-Regional Strategy Team, it quickly became obvious that no one entity can speak for all of Polk. A county of vast size and diverse interests has many agendas. Even so, there is far more on which we agree than disagree. To this end, Polk Vision has facilitated a new independent initiative tentatively dubbed “One Polk.” It’s purpose is to develop enough consensus on priorities to represent Polk in discussions with our neighbors to the east and west (Tampa Bay Partnership and Central Florida Partnership). Co-chairs Tim Campbell and Wayne Watters are in the earliest organizational stages. More definitive plans will be announced soon.
- Polk County’s unemployment rate shot up to 7.8% in August. There are those who predict it will go higher. While we do not propose any job at any cost, the Chamber’s evaluation of the potential jobs associated with the CSX project has convinced us these are not the jobs to turn away OR DELAY.
- Lakeland’s agenda includes rerouting freight traffic away from downtown. The Florida Department of Transportation is currently studying the feasibility for just such rerouting. We support Lakeland’s quest for the best solution possible.
The point here is that much good has come from confrontation. Calmer heads have prevailed and reasoned thought has emerged to find solutions and build consensus.
The solutions to the current economic turbulence, a variety of Polk infrastructure and construction agendas as well as striving to protect the quality of life we all have come to love and enjoy will take cooperation, rational thought as well as city, county and state resources.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Perspective, Transportation
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