FLORIDA PLANNING A Publication of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
Winter 2012
www.floridaplanning.org
Capping nearly a decade of study, planning and lots of negotiation, construction began this January on Central Florida’s long-awaited SunRail project. By 2014, the first phase of SunRail construction, which
The Orlando metropolitan region is among the largest
includes 12 stations linking DeBary in Volusia County to
urbanized areas in the nation that currently lacks a rail transit
Sand Lake Road just south of the City of Orlando, will
system. Bad weather, a single accident – even a stalled car
be complete. The entire 61.5-mile project is expected to
– often paralyzes Interstate 4, the region’s major interstate
be operational by 2016, with the addition of a northern
arterial, during peak travel periods. That traffic then spills onto
extension to DeLand in Volusia County and four additional
secondary roads, further clogging access routes to commerce,
stations in Orange and Osceola counties.
residential and recreational areas.
For the Florida Department of Transportation, and for the
SunRail is designed to introduce a more balanced
Central Florida community, these are very exciting times!
transportation system to the area, which is essential for continued economic prosperity and smart growth management throughout Central Florida. SunRail will also continued on page 4
. owns, P.E
nne D By Nora
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
6
Transit In Central Florida: Regional Look
OTHER Features
8
A Look at FL’s Pedestrian Safety Problem
10 12 13 Call for Presentations & Election Ops
New Directions for Transporation
What’s in Store for 2012?
President’s Message - p.3 In My Opinion - p. 14 Law Case Update - p. 16 Consultants Directory - p. 18-19 Events - back page
The Florida Chapter of APA provides statewide leadership in the development of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.