Paths, Placemaking, and Population Changes: Charting the Future for Florida's Diverse Communities

AICP

Moderator

Burgess & Niple

Dan Gallagher,

Jenn Rhodes, AICP

Topic: Orlando’s Downtown Loop

City of Orlando

Bicycle and Micro-mobility Program Manager

Nousheen Rahman

Topic: Visualizing Change for Growing Populations

Burgess & Niple

Transportation & Land Use

Planner

Jared Austin, AICP

Topic: Multimodal Accessibility Index (MAX)

Forward Pinellas

Principal Planner/Project Manager

What to Expect

• 3 speakers present their case studies

• Orlando, Oldsmar and Pinellas County

• 10-12 minutes each

• Q/A Session (20 minutes)

• Slido.com

• Code – 3240634

• Submit questions at any time

ORLANDO’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE

THE IDEA

SEPARATED BIKE FACILITIES

WHICH FACILITIES WILL MAKE RIDERS FEEL SAFER?

53%

of survey respondents chose creating & maintaining a connected, lowstress bikeway network linking key destinations as the most important goal out of the five goals for the Orlando Bike Plan.

Based on 225 responses to the 2019 Orlando Bicycle Plan Update Survey question “Which of the following goals of the Bike Plan Update do you feel is most important?”

NOTE: Percentages represent the level of comfort that people feel bicycling, according to peer-reviewed surveys as recently as 2016.

SOURCE: Adapted from the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/docs/fhwasa18077.pdf

SHARED USE PATHS SEPARATED BIKE LANES (ONE-WAY SHOWN) BUFFERED BIKE LANES ON-STREET BIKE LANES SHOULDER SHARED LANE

THE IDEA

SEPARATED BIKE FACILITIES

PERCEIVED

SAFETY PEOPLE

RIDING BIKES

TOURISM & TAX REVENUE

CRASH RATES

EMISSIONS & CONGESTION

COMMERCIAL VACANCIES

QUALITY OF LIFE

VALUE OF REAL ESTATE

RETAIL SALES

THE IDEA

8.5 mile loop bike route to serve the ever increasing population of Downtown Orlando

• Alternative transportation network to accommodate people of all ages on bikes, scooters, and other forms of micromobility

• Directly links 12 neighborhoods

• Access to shopping, dining, entertainment, parks, offices and services

• Connects the regional trail system with the Central Business District, LYNX Central Station, and SunRail

• Funded through a Neighborhood Improvement Bond

THE COLONIAL OVERPASS

ORANGE AVENUE NORTH QUARTER

CRYSTAL LAKE DRIVE AIRPORT TRAIL

ANDERSON STREET

DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR

DOWNTOWN LOOP

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

CHURCH STREET

MAIN STREET DISTRICT

OPPORTUNITY ZONE PROGRAM AREA

SOUTH ORANGE

NEIGHBORHOOD

SODO MAIN STREET DISTRICT

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD AREA

LAWSONA / FERN CREEK

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

500+ cycle tracks constructed in the U.S. since 2000

9 cycle tracks constructed in Florida

250+ cycle tracks currently planned in the U.S.

8 cycle tracks currently planned in Florida

*includes one and two-way

THE FINAL GAP

INDIANAPOLIS CULTURAL TRAIL

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

INDIANAPOLIS ARTS GARDEN

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

DOWNTOWN LOOP

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

INDIANAPOLIS CULTURAL TRAIL

AMERICAN LEGION MALL

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON SECOND AVENUE CYCLE TRACK

SECOND AVENUE CYCLE TRACK

DOWNTOWN LOOP

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA JACKSON STREET CYCLE TRACK

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

JACKSON STREET CYCLE TRACK

DOWNTOWN LOOP

THE FINAL GAP

KEY PRINCIPLES

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

THE FINAL GAP

KEY PRINCIPLES

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

EXERCISE ENTHUSIASTS 29%

CASUAL CRUISERS

COMMUTERS

15% 56%

Results based on 205 responses to the 2019 Orlando Bicycle Plan Update Survey question “What is Your Primary Purpose For Bicycling?”

Casual commuters defined as those who chose “recreation / leisure” or “travel for shopping / entertainment”; Commuters defined as those who chose “commuting to / from work or school”; Exercise enthusiasts defined as those who chose “health”; Respondents who chose “Other” were excluded from results.

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH

5 TO 9 SIGNALS

6 TO 9 SIGNALS

SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS

At this stage of the study, no alternative routes were determined. However, an estimate of the range of potential signalized intersection crossings were estimated to compare relative anticipated bicyclist delay.

LEGEND

SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION

5 TO 8 SIGNALS

THE FINAL GAP

VEHICULAR CONFLICTS

For the purposes of this study, the density of all crashes over the past five years was used to represent the relative exposure of bicyclists to vehicular traffic and conflicts. Although all cyclists tend to avoid routes that have higher potential for conflicts, this study assumes “Exercise Enthusiasts” would be less willing to tolerate areas with more traffic and potential delays.

MI2

Source: Signal Four Analytics 5-Year Crash Reports, 2014 – 2018 (all crash types)

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH EOLA 6K RESIDENTS

LUCERNE 3K RESIDENTS

EXPRESSWAY 2K RESIDENTS

POPULATION

For the purposes of this study, population data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Commuter” bicyclist.

LEGEND

Lower Density

Higher Density

Source: City of Orlando 2013 Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) (extrapolated to 2019)

THE FINAL GAP DOWNTOWN:

AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH EOLA 24K JOBS

EMPLOYMENT

EXPRESSWAY 26K JOBS

For the purposes of this study, employment data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Commuter” bicyclist.

LEGEND

LUCERNE 15K JOBS

Lower Density Higher Density

Source: City of Orlando 2013 Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) (extrapolated to 2019)

THE FINAL GAP

INSTITUTIONAL

Institutional destinations include locations such as government buildings, schools, and religious institutions.

For the purposes of this study, institutional destinations density data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Commuter” bicyclist destined for work or school.

LEGEND

Lower Density Higher Density

Source: City of Orlando Business Tax Receipts

THE FINAL GAP

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Arts and entertainment destinations include locations such as theaters, concert halls, and art galleries.

For the purposes of this study, arts and entertainment destinations density data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Casual Cruiser” bicyclist.

Source: City of Orlando Business Tax Receipts

THE FINAL GAP DOWNTOWN:

AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH

EXPRESSWAY 41 LOCATIONS

DINING

Dining locations include all restaurants.

For the purposes of this study, dining density data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Casual Cruiser” bicyclist.

LEGEND

Lower Density

Higher Density

Source: City of Orlando Business Tax Receipts

DOWNTOWN:

AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

EXPRESSWAY 35 LOCATIONS

Bars and nightlife destinations include bars and clubs. Locations which also serve food are included in the dining category.

For the purposes of this study, bars and nightlife density data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Casual Cruiser” bicyclist.

LEGEND

LUCERNE 3

Lower Density Higher Density

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH

LOCATIONS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

EXPRESSWAY 4 LOCATIONS

Health and wellness locations include places such as barbers, beauty salons, spas, and gyms.

For the purposes of this study, health and wellness density data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Casual Cruiser” bicyclist.

LEGEND

LUCERNE

2 LOCATIONS

Lower Density Higher Density

Source: City of Orlando Business Tax Receipts

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH EOLA 19 LOCATIONS

SHOPPING & RETAIL

EXPRESSWAY 7 LOCATIONS

Shopping and retail include locations such as grocery, convenience, and retail stores.

For the purposes of this study, shopping and retail density data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Casual Cruiser” bicyclist.

LEGEND

2 LOCATIONS

Lower Density Higher Density

Source: City of Orlando Business Tax Receipts

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

SOUTH EOLA 154 LOCATIONS

LEISURE (COMBINATION)

EXPRESSWAY 92 LOCATIONS

Leisure destinations is a combination of all arts and entertainment, dining, bars and nightlife, health and wellness, and shopping and retail locations.

For the purposes of this study, leisure destination density data was deemed as most applicable in the evaluation of how desirable subareas are for the “Casual Cruiser” bicyclist.

LEGEND

LUCERNE 28 LOCATIONS

Lower Density

Higher Density

Source: City of Orlando Business Tax Receipts

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

DOWNTOWN LOOP

OVERALL RATING

THE FINAL GAP DOWNTOWN:

AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

• Number & Direction Of Travel Lanes

• Minimum Right-of-way Width

• Brick Streets

• Intersection Control

• Posted Speed Limits

• On-street Metered Parking

• Freight Zones

• Transit Routes

• Existing Bike Facilities

• Downtown Streetscape Sidewalk Width Guidelines

• Route Preference

Less Preferred More Preferred

THE FINAL GAP

DOWNTOWN: AROUND, TO, OR THROUGH?

DOWNTOWN LOOP

Pine St. (Existing)

Pine St. (Proposed)

WHAT’S NEXT

BRANDING & WAYFINDING

Urban Design Services: Visualizing change for growing populations

NOUSHEEN RAHMAN, PLANNER, BURGESS & NIPLE

CONDUCTED WITH: FORWARD PINELLAS AND S&ME

Pilot Program Partnership

•Partnership between Forward Pinellas and Pinellas County’s Department of Housing and Community Development

•Intended to improve the quality of new development using:

Urban design tools

City staff/developer/stakeholder engagement

Community member involvement in decisions about built environment

City of Oldsmar

City of Oldsmar – Tampa Road Corridor

• The City sought assistance with public engagement regarding the adoption of a Planned Redevelopment District Category (PRD)

• PRD: Mixed use category with density/intensity standards that promote walking, biking and transit use

• Suitable for areas in communities which are more dense than typical for the surrounding community, but less dense than a typical “downtown core”

Planned Redevelopment District

• Locational Characteristics: in close, walkable or bikeable proximity to Activity Centers and Multimodal Corridors; in proximity to and may have direct access from the arterial and highway network; served by transit

• Residential use not to exceed 45 units per acre

• Non-residential use not to exceed a floor area ratio of 2.0

Density Dysmorphia

We say 20 units per acre and people might think: In reality:

Water Street, Tampa (by: Nousheen Rahman)

PRD Visualization (by: S&ME)

Tampa Road Corridor

City of Oldsmar – Tampa Road Corridor

Planning for Population Growth

• The City is expected to see a population increase from 14,842 (2021) to 24,817 (2045)

It seems in Florida, increasing population is increasingly inevitable. For communities wishing to preserve their existing character and placemaking efforts, planning proactively for growth is key.

Public Involvement and Buy-In

Visualizing Paths and Placemaking

Streetscape Visualization (by: S&ME)

Paths, Placemaking and Population Growth

• As communities seek to maintain their character, the “knee-jerk” reaction is often an aversion to development

• By visualizing change to communities, common ground can be achieved

• City of Oldsmar’s residents wanted:

Paths - Connectivity, safer sidewalks and intersections, expanded bicycle network

Placemaking – Community gathering spaces, small shops, restaurants, entertainment, open spaces

Population Growth – Affordable housing options, retaining young professionals in the area

Current Transportation Standards

Adopted Roadway Level of Service (LOS) Standard: The amendment area is located near a roadway segment where the existing Level of Service is operating at a LOS “D” or better, therefore those policies are not applicable.

Current Transportation Standards

• In many areas, Level of Service cannot be improved due to the redeveloping nature of Pinellas County

• Only measured on major roadways during peak times

Problems with Level of Service

Solution: MAX Index

Accounts for other modes of transportation, encouraging multimodal transportation investments that allow for greater redevelopment

MAX scores are assigned to quarter-mile grid cells and calculated as a total of the following features present within that grid cell:

• 3 points – Separated bike lanes

• 3 points – Trail access

• 3 points – Bus Rapid Transit stations

• 3 points – Bus headways of 30 minutes or less

• 2 points – Walkability Score at the countywide average or better (based upon the EPA Walkability Index)

• 1.5 points – Level of Service of D or better

• 1.5 points – Average volume to capacity ratio of countywide average or better

• Export-oriented industry Pinellas County (and

• 1 point – Sharrows

• 1 point – Micro-mobility access (such as scooter/bikesharing locations)

• Sectors that have the additional high-wage businesses

• 1 point – Transit access (such as bus stops)

• 1 point – Transportation Improvement Program projects (including roads, trails, sidewalks, pedestrian overpasses, etc.)

• Employers that use constraints

East Lake

Average MAX score: 2.0

Downtown Dunedin

Average MAX score: 16.2

• The MAX Index was implemented on August 15th, 2023.

What impacts will implementing the MAX Index have?

• Amendments to the Countywide Plan Map will need to maintain a MAX score equal to or better than the Countywide Average MAX score at the time

• Export-oriented industry with 51% of product sold outside Pinellas County (and preferably Florida)

• Current Countywide Average MAX score: 7.5

• Sectors that have the potential to attract or create additional high-wage businesses

• If that score is not reached, balancing criteria will be required

• Employers that use real estate efficiently given land constraints

1. Community Redevelopment Area

MAX Index Balancing Criteria

2. Planned infrastructure

3. Activity Center, Multimodal Corridor, and/or Planned Redevelopment District

• Export-oriented industry with 51% of product sold outside Pinellas County (and preferably Florida)

4. Intersects more than one grid cell

• Sectors that have the potential to attract or create additional high-wage businesses

5. Consistent with established multimodal plans

• Employers that use real estate efficiently given land constraints

• Limited land for new development also means limited land for new roads.

Paths, Placemaking, and Population Changes

• Pinellas County is expecting nearly 125,000 new residents by 2050.

• Export-oriented industry with 51% of product sold outside Pinellas County (and preferably Florida)

• Residents have expressed the need for a greater multimodal focus countywide.

• Sectors that have the potential to attract or create additional high-wage businesses

• Many communities of all different sizes and development typologies have implemented robust multimodal planning efforts.

• Employers that use real estate efficiently given land constraints