Subject:
Title
Complete Streets Concept Planning Project grant application for Whitney Road: U.S. 19 Frontage Road to Bolesta Road to receive funding from Forward Pinellas.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of the Complete Streets Concept Planning Project grant application for Whitney Road: U.S. 19 Frontage Road to Bolesta Road.
• Funding is for planning study for multimodal improvements in the project corridor
• One time reimbursement grant to be received during Fiscal Year 2022
• Deadline for grant submittal is October 29, 2021.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health Safety and Welfare
2.5 Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
Summary:
The action certifies the County’s application to Forward Pinellas to be used to conduct alternatives analysis and public outreach to develop a final report and plan for implementation of multimodal improvements for Whitney Road: US 19 Frontage Road to Bolesta Road. Whitney Road (CR 118) is a Pinellas County-maintained, east-west roadway in eastern mid-County within the City of Largo and the unincorporated communities of Whitney Lakes, Longbrook, and Greenbrook Estates. It is a two-way, two-lane undivided facility through its extent, with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour (mph), discontinuous sidewalk coverage on both sides, and no dedicated bicycle facilities. The County intends to develop plans to improve safety and efficiency for all users.
Background/Explanation:
A connected multimodal network in the project area is needed to support redevelopment that accomplishes community and economic development goals. Multimodal improvements to Whitney Road would establish an important east-west link between two large potential redevelopment nodes, currently vacant and underutilized parcels at Whitney Road and US 19 and the Bay Vista Office park. The project was identified in the Gateway Master Plan and the Largo Tri-City Plan.
Concepts for this project envision continuous pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure for the full extent of Whitney Road (approximately 1.5 miles). By providing continuous infrastructure, the project will create a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users relying on these modes to reach destinations or transit services. Separating pedestrian and bicycle traffic from the travel lanes will create a better environment for drivers and transit providers.
Fiscal Impact:
Forward Pinellas grant funding requested is for $50,000, a one-time reimbursement grant to be expended during FY 2022. No County match funding is required.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Housing and Community Development Director to sign this grant application is granted under (Code Section 2-62 (a)(3) and the memorandum of Delegated Grant Authority dated March 28, 2016.
Staff Member Responsible:
Carol Stricklin, Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
Forward Pinellas
City of Largo
Attachments:
Grant Application
Housing and Community Development Director Approval Memo
OMB Approval
City of Largo Letter of Support
Delegated Authority Memo