Eaton Park Neighborhood Mobility Audit by PolkTPO

Livable Polk Initiative Eaton Park Neighborhood Mobility Audit INTRODUCTION The Eaton Park Neighborhood Mobility Audit showcases the application of the overall Neighborhood Mobility Audit Methodology developed to examine the access that Polk County neighborhood residents have to essential services through walking, biking, and transit. The Neighborhood Mobility Audit specifically focuses on the provision of pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure and transit services in Eaton Park relative to the following parameters:  Internal network connections and access between residences and workplaces/services within Eaton Park, and  External connections and access between residences/workplaces/services of adjoining or proximate communities. 1.0 DEFINE NEIGHBORHOOD The Eaton Park neighborhood originated from the Eaton Park‐Combee area, one of the ten “traditionally underserved” areas previously identified as part the Polk Transportation Planning Organization’s (TPO) technical memorandum entitled Connecting Neighborhoods to Community Services and Places Through Transit (October 2013). The neighborhood was defined further upon examination of 2010 United States Census Block Group data (referred to as Census Block Group data from this point forward) in order to identify the location of homogenous or similar populations. In the context of the Eaton Park neighborhood, the Census Block Group data identified a large low income population concentrated at the convergence of US 98 and SR 570 (Polk Parkway). Physical features encompassing this area were then reviewed to identify neighborhood edges. Through consultation with Polk TPO staff, the boundary of the neighborhood was confirmed geographically by SR 570 (between US 98 and Reynolds Road) on the south, Maine Avenue/CSX Transportation rail line (between Combee Road and Reynolds Road) on the north, Combee Road (between US 98 and Maine Avenue) and US 98 (between Combee Road and SR 570) on the west, and Reynolds Road (between SR 570 and Maine Avenue) on the east. 2.0 NEIGHBORHOOD OVERVIEW Land Uses and Community Services and Places The urban Eaton Park neighborhood is situated on the eastern outskirts of the City of Lakeland. The neighborhood primarily consists of low‐density residential uses; mobile home parks and medium density residential uses also exist in the western and northeastern portions of the neighborhood (as shown in the presented photos). Commercial and industrial activities are additionally concentrated along the principal corridors that surround the neighborhood including Combee Road, US 98, SR 570, Reynolds Road, and Maine Avenue (which parallels a CSX Transportation rail spur).

05.20.14

General features of the Eaton Park neighborhood (as derived from the Department of Revenue Codes of Polk County parcel data and geocoded community assets from the Florida Geographic Data Library) are displayed in Table 1.1. The list of community services and places identified in Table 1.1 represent typical destinations for daily trips or those places that the average household must access to meet daily needs. Similar services outside of the neighborhood, but within a quarter‐mile buffer distance and one mile buffer distance, are also presented in Table 1.1 as these features may be accessed from the neighborhood through walking, biking, or taking transit. Figure 1.1 shows the community services and places coupled with existing land uses providing a base for matching the availability of community services to the transportation network within the defined Eaton Park neighborhood. Table 1.1: Community Services and Places Based on Property Appraiser and Geographic Data Service/Place Shopping Sites Medical Facilities/Offices Financial Institutions Government Facilities Schools Day Care Centers Religious Centers

Within Eaton Park Neighborhood 3 [2 mini plazas along Combee Road, 1 convenience store at Maine Avenue and Reynolds Road]

1 [doctor’s office on US 98]

0 1 [US post office near Combee Road]

1 [Oscar J. Pope Elementary School of Maine Avenue]

2 [2 day care centers on Atlantic Avenue]

5 [4 on US 98, 1 vacant on Maine Avenue]

1 Parks and Recreation Areas [small neighborhood park (no motor vehicle access)

Outside of Outside of Neighborhood Neighborhood Quarter‐Mile* One Mile* 8

on Park Street] Source(s): Polk County Property Appraiser, 2012 – 2013; Florida Geographic Data Library, 2013; and Field Survey, 2013. *Cumulative count.

In summary, the majority of community services and places necessary to support a household’s needs occur along US 98 and Maine Avenue. However, large grocery stores and financial institutions do not exist within the neighborhood boundary.

05.20.14

Employment and Commute Patterns

To understand the general travel patterns of Eaton Park neighborhood residents, daily commute patterns were assessed. Longitudinal Employer‐Household Dynamics data (2011) served as the basis for the analysis and revealed that 651 workers reside in the Census Blocks composing the defined Eaton Park neighborhood. Table 1.2 and Figure 1.2 show the flow of persons living in areas outside of the Eaton Park neighborhood that commute into the neighborhood for work (i.e., inflow) and the flow of Eaton Park neighborhood residents that commute outside of the Eaton Park neighborhood for employment (i.e., outflow). While the data indicates that 99.7% of the Eaton Park neighborhood residents commute to neighboring communities for work (such as Lakeland, Tampa, Bartow, Orlando, etc.), the Eaton Park neighborhood offers approximately 313 jobs to employees commuting in from Lakeland, Winter Haven, Tampa, etc.

Table 1.2: Eaton Park Neighborhood Inflow/Outflow Primary Job Counts Subject

Count

Workers Employed in Eaton Park Workers Employed in Eaton Park but Living Outside Workers Employed and Living in Eaton Park Workers Living in Eaton Park Workers Living in Eaton Park but Employed Outside Workers Living and Employed in Eaton Park

Percent 315 313 2 651 649 2

100.0 99.4 0.6 100.0 99.7 0.3

Source(s): United States Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application and Longitudinal Employer‐Household Dynamics Origin‐Destination nd Employment Statistics (Beginning of Quarter Employment, 2 Quarter of 2002‐2011).

Figure 1.2: Eaton Park Neighborhood Inflow/Outflow Primary Job Counts

05.20.14

Having established the general flow of commuters in the neighborhood, the mode of travel was then assessed. The American Community Survey 5‐Year Estimates for Census Block Groups comprising the Eaton Park neighborhood and Polk County reveal that most employees of the neighborhood and county drive alone to work (as presented in Figure 1.3). However, the percentages of Eaton Park neighborhood employees who carpool, take transit, or use other means of transportation to travel to work are higher than the percentages for the overall county. Figure 1.3: Means of Commuting to Work

81.1%

67.1%

Polk County Eaton Park 25.5%

11.4% 0.5% Drove Alone

Carpooled

3.5%

Public Transportation

1.1% 0.0% Walked

2.7% 3.9% Other means

3.2%

0.0%

Worked at home

Source(s): United States Census Bureau, 2007‐2011 American Community Survey 5‐Year Estimates.

Given the notable percentages of Eaton Park neighborhood residents and employees who use alternative transportation modes (modes other than driving) to meet daily travel needs, there is a need to increase the availability of both internal (i.e., within the Eaton Park neighborhood) and external (i.e., outside of the Eaton Park neighborhood) walking, biking, and transit access and connections to and from residences, workplaces, and community services and places. Demographic Characteristics Based on Census Block data and American Community Survey 5‐Year Estimates for Census Block Groups comprising Polk County and the defined Eaton Park neighborhood, the demographic characteristics of the Eaton Park neighborhood are shown to be generally comparable to the characteristics for Polk County (as presented in Table 1.2). However, Eaton Park contains a slightly higher minority population and population of individuals age 15 years or younger relative to Polk County; these groups historically have a higher propensity for using alternative transportation modes (i.e., walking, biking, and transit). 05.20.14

Table 1.2: Demographic Characteristics of Polk County and the Eaton Park Neighborhood Polk County

Demographic Characteristic Population White Black or African American American Indian and Alaskan Native Asian Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Some Other Race Two or More Races Hispanic or Latino Age 15 and Under* Age 18 and Under Age 65 and Over Limited English Proficiency*(1) Housing Units with No Vehicle Available Median Household Income*

Count 602,095 452,854 88,833 2,706 9,760 360 32,847 14,735 106,532 117,125 141,736 108,296 46,717 12,990 44,398

Percent N/A 75.2 14.8 0.4 1.6 0.1 5.5 2.4 17.7 19.5 23.5 18.0 8.4 5.9 N/A

Eaton Park Neighborhood Count Percent 1,474 N/A 1,078 73.1 227 15.4 8 0.5 11 0.7 1 0.1 110 7.5 39 2.6 265 18.0 323 21.9 396 26.9 174 11.8 7 0.8 9 2.7 45,417 N/A (1)

Source(s): United States Census Bureau, 2010 Census and *2007‐2011 American Community Survey 5‐Year Estimates; Percent derived using Population 5 years and over.

3.0 EXISTING TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY Recent inventories of infrastructure reveal that less than half of the existing roadway network within the neighborhood supports sidewalks; as illustrated in the photo below, most of the existing sidewalk network within the neighborhood consists of short fragmented segments. Sidewalks are primarily concentrated in the northwestern portion of the neighborhood. Likewise, bicycle facilities are limited; bicycle lanes are only present on US 98 and Combee Road. The sidewalks and bicycle lanes that are present occur within the western portion of the neighborhood, connecting to a number of community services and places. Though the lower traffic speeds on the local streets likely limit pedestrian/bicycle/vehicle conflicts in the residential core, gaps in the pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure on the higher speed arterials likely affect safety and limit pedestrian/bicycle access. A comparison of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure with 2006 – 2011 pedestrian and bicycle crash frequencies (obtained from the Polk TPO) reveals areas where hazardous pedestrian and/or bicycle conditions may occur. Six of the seven bicycle crashes reported within the Eaton Park neighborhood occurred on Maine Avenue at the intersections of Reynolds Road and Crystal Lake Acres Drive (immediately west of Reynolds Road). Though potentially hazardous, this section of Maine Avenue serves as the only viable link for Eaton Park residents to access transit or the community services and places/commercial uses present on Reynolds Road via walking or biking.

05.20.14

It is important to note that while the Fort Fraser Trail currently terminates just south of the Eaton Park neighborhood, it is planned to be extended along US 98 through Eaton Park from SR 540 to Combee Road, eventually connecting Lakeland with Bartow. The inclusion of this major multi‐use facility in the Eaton Park neighborhood will likely result in an increase of local non‐vehicular travel creating a greater need for improved pedestrian and bicycle networks. It should additionally be noted that the Eaton Park neighborhood is relatively well‐served by Citrus Connection Routes 14, 58, and 22XL as they are primarily operated along the major corridors of the area including US 98, Combee Road, and Reynolds Road. A total of fourteen transit stops are located within the quarter‐mile squares that encompass the neighborhood (as further described in Section 4.0). Of the fourteen stops, nine are connected to sidewalks; these stops occur along US 98 and E Edgewood Drive. In addition, nine stops (varying slightly from the nine stops identified above) are connected to bicycle lanes. The stops along US 98 are currently being improved to include both bus pads and shelters; the three stops along E Edgewood Drive are benches. The five stops along Combee Road, Maine Avenue, and Reynolds Road consist of signs; while none are currently connected to the sidewalk network, three are connected to bicycle lanes on Combee Road. The majority of transit stops occur along US 98 and Combee Road within the western portion of the neighborhood, connecting to a number of community services and places. Overall, existing infrastructure/facilities do not meet identified need based on the conducted infrastructure inventory. See Figure 3.1 for a depiction of the existing sidewalk coverage, bicycle lanes, transit service, and crash locations. Figure 3.1 also indicates a primary area of concern on Maine Avenue between the intersections of Crystal Lake Acres Drive and Reynolds Road due to the number of recorded crashes and absence of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

05.20.14

Figure 3.1: Eaton Park Safety and Infrastructure

! (

Legend Safety

! (

Primary Area of Concern

! ( ! ( ! ( ! (

£ ¤ 98

! ( ! (

Pedestrian Fatalities (2006-2011) Pedestrian Injuries (2006-2011)

Bicycle Fatalities (2006-2011)

! (

Bicycle Injuries (2006-2011)

Infrastructure

Existing Bicycle Lanes Existing Sidewalks

Existing Transit Routes

! (

Other Map Elements Major Road Local Road

570

¬ «

540

¬ «

500

Feet 1,000

Source: FDOT Roadways, FDOT Crash (2006-11) Polk TPO Bike Lanes, URS Sidewalks

4.0 ACCESS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PLACES

To better understand overall pedestrian, bicycle, and transit mobility of the Eaton Park neighborhood, four elements were analyzed to identify opportunities for travelers to move between destinations, as well as the infrastructure available to support those trips, and the gaps and barriers present that may limit mobility. These elements are important in that they may influence an individual’s selection of an alternative travel mode to complete a trip. To support the discussion of the four noted elements, indices developed as part of the overall Neighborhood Mobility Audit Methodology were applied to the Eaton Park neighborhood to help determine need and key areas within the community to focus pedestrian, bicycle, and transit improvements. Each index was based on a grid of quarter‐mile squares composing the Eaton Park neighborhood. The various mobility elements and indices are described below in detail. Opportunities

Walking Access Index The walking access index was developed as a measure of walking potential. It gauges the connectivity of streets, dwelling unit density, and the diversity or mix of land uses within a quarter‐mile distance to identify this potential. Figure 4.1 displays the walking access index for the Eaton Park neighborhood. The walking access index reveals that there is a higher potential for walking trips in the western portion of the community than in the eastern half. The walking index score in the western portion of the neighborhood (6 on a scale of 0‐9) indicates that this portion of the neighborhood is in the top third (in terms of developed areas within Polk County) in regard to its ability to support walking trips. Community services and places that may be accessed within the Eaton Park neighborhood are concentrated to the west in the most walkable portion of the community. Other features that may be accessed within a quarter‐mile distance from the neighborhood through walking are presented in Table 4.1. These features (located primarily along US 98) become harder to access as the environment becomes less conducive for walking trips. Table 4.1: Community Services & Places within Quarter‐Mile Distance from Eaton Park Neighborhood Service/Place Shopping Sites Medical Facilities/Offices Financial Institutions Government Facilities

Within a Quarter‐Mile 8 1 1 3

Service/Place Schools Day Care Centers Religious Centers Parks and Recreation Areas

Within a Quarter‐Mile 5 2 5 2

Source(s): Polk County Property Appraiser, 2012 – 2013 and Florida Geographic Data Library, 2013.

Due to the range of walking access index scores for each of the ten quarter‐mile squares that compose the Eaton Park neighborhood, an average was calculated to provide an overall walking access index score of 1.7 (with 0.0 being the least favorable condition and 3.0 being the most favorable condition).

05.20.14

CRYSTAL HILLS DR

CRYSTAL LAKE ACRES DR

FAIRFAX PARK PL THREE PAR DR

BLAIR CIR S

High Walk Potential

Moderate Walk Potential Minimal Walk Potential

JEAN ST

No Walk Potential

Other Map Elements Major Road

AUGUSTA AVE

LEE ST

INDIA NA

RD WOODSTOCK AVE

Quarter-Mile Square Score

MAINE AVE

Local Road

Neighborhood Boundary Lakes CRAFTSMAN BLVD

IOWA RD

E AV

BLAIR CIR N

C TI AN

MARION DR

STEWART ST

AV E LI N D EN

L AT

EATON AVE

EATON CT

FLETCHER AVE

ELLIS AVE

MAXWELL PL

LYONAL DR

HUTCHIN S ST

PARK ST

VERMONT AVE

RIBET CT

ILLINOIS AVE

YE KW

WATERFIELD LN

ED FRANKLIN ST

STATES ST

M NA UN

570

¬ «

YW KW

ROEBUCK RD

540

¬ «

REYNOLDS RD

P TY UN CO

L PO

YP NT OU C K

WATERFIELD PKWY

IDA LN Y HW

L PO

JEAN AVE

BROOKS ST

WATERFIELD RD

£ ¤

Legend

FLAT RD

DONNA DR

RHINO RD

COMBEE RD S

MCJUNKIN RD

STARFISH LN

CRYSTAL HILLS LOOP S

MINE AND MILL RD

Figure 4.1: Eaton Park Walking Access Index

WINTER LAKE RD

500

Feet 1,000

Sources: FDOT Major Roadways, URS Walk Access Index Calculation.

Biking Access Index The biking access index was developed as a measure of biking potential. It gauges the connectivity of streets, dwelling unit density, and the diversity or mix of land uses within a one mile distance to identify this potential. Figure 4.2 displays the biking access index for the Eaton Park neighborhood. While the biking access index reveals that the majority of the neighborhood has a high potential for biking, there is a higher potential for biking trips in the western and northern portions of the community. The bike index score in the western portion of the neighborhood (7 on a scale of 0‐9) indicates that this portion of the neighborhood is in the top third (in terms of developed areas within Polk County) in regard to its ability to support bike trips. Community services and places that may be accessed within the Eaton Park neighborhood are concentrated to the west in an area of the community with high bike trip potential. Other features that may be accessed within a one mile distance from the neighborhood through biking are presented in Table 4.2. These features (stretching into the City of Lakeland) are accessible as the environment remains conducive for biking. It should be noted, however, that features within a one mile distance located south/southeast of the neighborhood become more difficult to access as the environment grows less opportune for biking trips. Table 4.2: Community Services & Places within One Mile Distance from Eaton Park Neighborhood Service/Place Shopping Sites Medical Facilities/Offices Financial Institutions Government Facilities

Within One Mile 28 10 3 6

Service/Place

Within One Mile 11 3 26 6

Schools Day Care Centers Religious Centers Parks and Recreation Areas Source(s): Polk County Property Appraiser, 2012 – 2013 and Florida Geographic Data Library, 2013. Due to the range of biking access index scores for each of the ten quarter‐mile squares that compose the Eaton Park neighborhood, an average was calculated to provide an overall biking access index score of 2.2 (with 0.0 being the least favorable condition and 3.0 being the most favorable condition).

05.20.14

CRYSTAL HILLS DR

CRYSTAL LAKE ACRES DR

FAIRFAX PARK PL THREE PAR DR

BLAIR CIR S

High Bike Potential

Moderate Bike Potential Minimal Bike Potential

JEAN ST

No Bike Potential

Other Map Elements Major Road

AUGUSTA AVE

LEE ST

INDIA NA

RD WOODSTOCK AVE

Quarter-Mile Square Score

MAINE AVE

Local Road

Neighborhood Boundary Lakes CRAFTSMAN BLVD

IOWA RD

E AV

BLAIR CIR N

C TI AN

MARION DR

STEWART ST

AV E LI N D EN

L AT

EATON AVE

EATON CT

FLETCHER AVE

ELLIS AVE

MAXWELL PL

LYONAL DR

HUTCHIN S ST

PARK ST

VERMONT AVE

RIBET CT

ILLINOIS AVE

YE KW

WATERFIELD LN

ED FRANKLIN ST

STATES ST

M NA UN

570

¬ «

YW KW

ROEBUCK RD

540

¬ «

REYNOLDS RD

P TY UN CO

L PO

YP NT OU C K

WATERFIELD PKWY

IDA LN Y HW

L PO

JEAN AVE

BROOKS ST

WATERFIELD RD

£ ¤

Legend

FLAT RD

DONNA DR

RHINO RD

COMBEE RD S

MCJUNKIN RD

STARFISH LN

CRYSTAL HILLS LOOP S

MINE AND MILL RD

Figure 4.2: Eaton Park Biking Access Index

WINTER LAKE RD

500

Feet 1,000

Sources: FDOT Major Roadways, URS Bike Access Index Calculation.

Transit Connectivity Index The transit connectivity index was developed to assess the location, intensity, and frequency of transit service. Figure 4.3 displays the transit connectivity index for the Eaton Park neighborhood. The transit connectivity index reveals that there is higher transit coverage in the northwestern and far eastern portions of the neighborhood; the western and northern portions of the community have moderate transit coverage. Community services and places that may be accessed within the Eaton Park neighborhood are concentrated to the west in an area of the community with moderate to high transit coverage. The three Citrus Connection Routes 14, 58, and 22XL serving the Eaton Park neighborhood not only provide access to the majority of community services and places needed to support daily activity within the neighborhood, but they connect residences and businesses to neighboring Downtown Lakeland and Downtown Bartow (via Route 22XL ‐ express transit service). The routes also provide access to several additional community features not located within the Eaton Park community itself. Table 4.3 summarizes the features that are accessible through the three transit routes. Table 4.3: Community Services and Places Accessible Through Transit Routes Serving Eaton Park Neighborhood Service/Place Shopping Centers Medical Facilities Financial Institutions Government Facilities Schools Day Care Centers Religious Centers Recreation Areas Bus Stops

Route 14 58 39 4 10 25 12 98 15 132

Route 58 27 36 5 11 64 4 74 11 116

Route 22XL 36 30 11 24 26 5 58 8 101

Source(s): Polk County Property Appraiser, 2012 – 2013, Florida Geographic Data Library, 2013, and My Ride: Polk Consolidated Transit Development Plan FY 2013 – FY 2022.

While the Eaton Park neighborhood is generally well‐served by existing transit, a small gap remains in the system (generally within the central portion of the community) with more limited access and connections (longer walking distances) between residences and community services and places. However, all residences are within a half‐mile walk to transit, which (although not preferred) is an acceptable walking distance to access the transit system. Again, due to the range of transit connectivity index scores for each of the ten quarter‐mile squares that compose the Eaton Park neighborhood, an average was calculated to provide an overall transit connectivity index score of 2.1 (with 0.0 being the least favorable condition and 3.0 being the most favorable condition).

05.20.14

CRYSTAL HILLS DR

CRYSTAL LAKE ACRES DR

FAIRFAX PARK PL THREE PAR DR

BLAIR CIR S

High Transit Access

Moderate Transit Access Minimal Transit Access

JEAN ST

No Transit Access

Other Map Elements Major Road

AUGUSTA AVE

LEE ST

INDIA NA

RD WOODSTOCK AVE

Quarter-Mile Square Score

MAINE AVE

Local Road

Neighborhood Boundary Lakes CRAFTSMAN BLVD

IOWA RD

E AV

BLAIR CIR N

C TI AN

MARION DR

STEWART ST

AV E LI N D EN

L AT

EATON AVE

EATON CT

FLETCHER AVE

ELLIS AVE

MAXWELL PL

LYONAL DR

HUTCHIN S ST

PARK ST

VERMONT AVE

RIBET CT

ILLINOIS AVE

YE KW

WATERFIELD LN

ED FRANKLIN ST

STATES ST

M NA UN

570

¬ «

YW KW

ROEBUCK RD

540

¬ «

REYNOLDS RD

P TY UN CO

L PO

YP NT OU C K

WATERFIELD PKWY

IDA LN Y HW

L PO

JEAN AVE

BROOKS ST

WATERFIELD RD

£ ¤

Legend

FLAT RD

DONNA DR

RHINO RD

COMBEE RD S

MCJUNKIN RD

STARFISH LN

CRYSTAL HILLS LOOP S

MINE AND MILL RD

Figure 4.3: Eaton Park Transit Connectivity Index

WINTER LAKE RD

500

Feet 1,000

Sources: FDOT Major Roadways, URS Transit Connectivity Index Calculation.

Gaps and Barriers Gaps and barriers in the pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks are discussed collectively in this section as each (together and separately) influences access to community services and places. The quality of the connection between trip origin and destination guides an individual’s selection of travel mode. As noted earlier and shown in Figure 1.3, the use of alternative modes of travel by residents of Eaton Park is higher than typically seen in Polk County. In addition, the calculated walking access and biking access indices show a moderate to high potential for pedestrian and bicycle activity within the Eaton Park neighborhood. Transit coverage within the neighborhood is additionally sufficient as most residents are able to access a fixed transit route within a reasonable walking distance, and the routes connect residents with a diverse set of employment opportunities and services outside of the neighborhood. These findings showcase the opportunities that exist within the Eaton Park neighborhood to encourage walking, biking, and transit use; however, elements limiting walking, biking, and transit mobility must also be considered. Gaps Index The gaps index was developed to measure the presence of transportation network gaps. As indicated through Figure 4.4, moderate to high sidewalk gaps occur within the Eaton Park neighborhood with the exception of the northwestern portion. Consequently, these gaps are present in portions of the neighborhood that are more conducive for walking and biking, that host a number of community services and places, that have a number of transit stops, and moderate to high transit coverage. Based on the range of gap index scores for each of the ten quarter‐mile squares that compose the Eaton Park neighborhood, an average was calculated to provide an overall gap index score of 0.9 (with 0.0 being the least favorable condition and 3.0 being the most favorable condition). Barriers Index The barriers index assesses the presence of high speed, multiple‐lane roadways; rail lines; and waterways (rivers, streams, or canals) which may hinder the potential for a walking or biking trip. With the exception of a small northern portion of the Eaton Park neighborhood designated as having moderate barriers present, as presented through Figure 4.5, the remainder of the neighborhood hosts a high level of barriers. Similar to the gaps index, the barriers are present in portions of the neighborhood that are more conducive for walking and biking, that host a number of community services and places, that have a number of transit stops, and moderate to high transit coverage. The overall barriers index score (based on an average of the barrier index scores for the ten quarter‐mile squares that compose the Eaton Park neighborhood) is 0.4 (with 0.0 being the least favorable condition and 3.0 being the most favorable condition).

05.20.14

CRYSTAL HILLS DR

CRYSTAL LAKE ACRES DR

FAIRFAX PARK PL THREE PAR DR

BLAIR CIR S

No Gaps Present

Minimal Gaps Present

Moderate Gaps Present

JEAN ST

High Level of Gaps Present

Other Map Elements Major Road

AUGUSTA AVE

LEE ST

INDIA NA

RD WOODSTOCK AVE

Quarter-Mile Square Score

MAINE AVE

Local Road

Neighborhood Boundary Lakes CRAFTSMAN BLVD

IOWA RD

E AV

BLAIR CIR N

C TI AN

MARION DR

STEWART ST

AV E LI N D EN

L AT

EATON AVE

EATON CT

FLETCHER AVE

ELLIS AVE

MAXWELL PL

LYONAL DR

HUTCHIN S ST

PARK ST

VERMONT AVE

RIBET CT

ILLINOIS AVE

YE KW

WATERFIELD LN

ED FRANKLIN ST

STATES ST

M NA UN

570

¬ «

YW KW

ROEBUCK RD

540

¬ «

REYNOLDS RD

P TY UN CO

L PO

YP NT OU C K

WATERFIELD PKWY

IDA LN Y HW

L PO

JEAN AVE

BROOKS ST

WATERFIELD RD

£ ¤

Legend

FLAT RD

DONNA DR

RHINO RD

COMBEE RD S

MCJUNKIN RD

STARFISH LN

CRYSTAL HILLS LOOP S

MINE AND MILL RD

Figure 4.4: Eaton Park Sidewalk Gaps

WINTER LAKE RD

500

Feet 1,000

Sources: FDOT Major Roadways, URS Gaps Index Calculation.

CRYSTAL HILLS DR

CRYSTAL LAKE ACRES DR

FAIRFAX PARK PL THREE PAR DR

BLAIR CIR S

No Barriers Present

Minimal Barriers Present

Moderate Barriers Present

JEAN ST

High Level of Barriers Present

Other Map Elements Major Road

AUGUSTA AVE

LEE ST

INDIA NA

RD WOODSTOCK AVE

Quarter-Mile Square Score

MAINE AVE

Local Road

Neighborhood Boundary Lakes CRAFTSMAN BLVD

IOWA RD

E AV

BLAIR CIR N

C TI AN

MARION DR

STEWART ST

AV E LI N D EN

L AT

EATON AVE

EATON CT

FLETCHER AVE

ELLIS AVE

MAXWELL PL

LYONAL DR

HUTCHIN S ST

PARK ST

VERMONT AVE

RIBET CT

ILLINOIS AVE

YE KW

WATERFIELD LN

ED FRANKLIN ST

STATES ST

M NA UN

570

¬ «

YW KW

ROEBUCK RD

540

¬ «

REYNOLDS RD

P TY UN CO

L PO

YP NT OU C K

WATERFIELD PKWY

IDA LN Y HW

L PO

JEAN AVE

BROOKS ST

WATERFIELD RD

£ ¤

Legend

FLAT RD

DONNA DR

RHINO RD

COMBEE RD S

MCJUNKIN RD

STARFISH LN

CRYSTAL HILLS LOOP S

MINE AND MILL RD

Figure 4.5: Eaton Park Barriers

WINTER LAKE RD

500

Feet 1,000

Sources: FDOT Major Roadways, URS Barriers Index Calculation.

Mobility Index

To summarize the overall mobility within the Eaton Park neighborhood, a cumulative score was calculated accounting for the Walking Access, Biking Access, and Transit Access Indices (mobility opportunities), as well as the Gaps and Barriers Indices (mobility constraints). Figure 4.6 provides a “dashboard” or graphical representation of the individual indices and overall Mobility Index for the Eaton Park neighborhood.

Figure 4.6: Eaton Park Neighborhood Mobility Index Dashboard

The indices reveal that areas that are more conducive for walking, biking, and transit also have a higher number gaps and barriers present. Accordingly, these areas additionally host a majority of the recorded pedestrian and bicycle crashes (as discussed in Section 3.0). Transit stops are also present with no or limited connections to sidewalks and/or bicycle lanes or trails. As such, these areas should be targeted for the provision of safe, comfortable, and complete walking, biking, and transit connections to services and places, as well as areas of employment.

05.20.14

5.0 MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Based on the findings described in Sections 2.0 – 4.0, enhanced walk/bike access to existing transit service should be a top priority when planning for improvements in the Eaton Park neighborhood. Walk/bike improvements should particularly be focused on Maine Avenue due to the number of crashes and absence of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure identified along this segment. This area of concern is depicted on Figure 5.1. There are a number of recommended improvements included in the Polk County Comprehensive Plan and Polk TPO 2035 Mobility Vision Plan. These identified enhancements are presented in Table 5.1 and additionally shown on Figure 5.1. The projects that address the major area of concern as depicted in Figure 5.1 are highlighted in yellow. Table 5.1: Eaton Park Neighborhood Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure Improvements Location

Improvement

Combee Road: US 98 to Maine Avenue

‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add enhanced transit stop with bicycle rack ‐Add enhanced crosswalk ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add enhanced crosswalk/ railroad crossing ‐Add enhanced crosswalk/ railroad crossing ‐ Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add enhanced underpass ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐ Extend Fort Fraser multi‐use trail ‐Add enhanced transit stop with bicycle rack ‐Add enhanced crosswalk and pedestrian island(s) ‐Add enhanced transit stop with bicycle rack ‐Add enhanced crosswalk ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s) ‐Add sidewalk(s) ‐Add marked bicycle lane(s)

Combee Road at Lyonal Drive Maine Avenue: Combee Road to Reynolds Road Maine Avenue at Crystal Lake Acres Drive Maine Avenue at Reynolds Road Reynolds Road: SR 570 to Maine Avenue Reynolds Road at SR 570 US 98: SR 540 to Combee Road US 98 at Illinois Avenue US 98 at Woodstock Avenue Brooks Street: US 98 to Eastern Terminus Iowa Road: Brooks Street to Maine Avenue Illinois Avenue: US 98 to Iowa Road Vermont Avenue: US 98 to Iowa Road Woodstock Avenue: US 98 to Iowa Road to Eastern Terminus Fletcher Avenue: Combee Road to Eastern Terminus Ellis Avenue: Combee Road to Eastern Terminus Hutchins Avenue: Illinois Avenue to Maine Avenue Stewart Street: Illinois Avenue to Maine Avenue Augusta Avenue: Woodstock Avenue to Maine Avenue

Map # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Source: Polk County Comprehensive Plan and Polk TPO 2035 Mobility Vision Plan.

05.20.14

COMMERCE POINT DR

CRYSTAL HILLS DR

RHINO RD

LEE ST

JEAN ST

DONNA DR

RD ANA

AUGUSTA AVE

MAINE AVE

Y X

WOODSTOCK AVE

X Y Y X Y X

Bicycle & Pedestrian

Bicycle

Pedestrian

Other Map Elements

Major Roads

CRAFTSMAN BLVD

Railroad

RIBET CT

Y X 12

BROOKS ST

Y X 8

C LK PO

P TY UN

C LK PO

YP NT

YW KW

YE KW

WATERFIELD LN

UN NA D ME ST

FRANKLIN ST

ROEBUCK RD

WATERFIELD PKWY

Y9 HW

Y X

REYNOLDS RD

ILLINOIS AVE

WATERFIELD RD

FLAT RD

VERMONT AVE

STATES ST

Y X 5

JEAN AVE

Type

Neighborhood Boundary

IDA LN

IOWA RD

STEWA RT ST

X Y Y X Y X Y YX X

Legend Enhancement Location

INDI

COMBEE RD S

EATON AVE

Y X

FLETCHER AVE

HUTCHINS ST

BLAIR CIR S

PARK ST

EN D LI N BLAIR CIR N

THREE PAR DR

Y X

ELLIS AVE

EATON CT

AV E

FAIRFAX PARK PL

YX X Y X Y YY X X Y YX X 3

MARION DR

CRYSTA L LAKE ACRES DR

MINE AND MILL RD

MCJUNKIN RD

STARFISH LN

CRYSTAL HILLS LOOP S

Figure 5.1: Eaton Park Neighborhood Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure Enhancements

WINTER LAKE RD

500

Feet 1,000

Sources: Polk Transportation Planning Organization, Polk County Comprehensive Plan.

An illustration and plan view reflecting the types of improvements proposed are depicted in Figures 5.2 and 5.3. Figure 5.2: Illustration of Eaton Park Neighborhood Recommended Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure Enhancement

Enhanced Infrastructure Illustration

Figure 5.3: Site Plan of Eaton Park Neighborhood Recommended Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure Enhancement

Enhanced Infrastructure Illustration

The Polk County My Ride: Polk Consolidated Transit Development Plan FY 2013 – FY 2022 (referred to as My Ride from this point forward) lists a number of future transit service improvements that would benefit the Eaton Park neighborhood, including enhanced transit frequency and service span (extended hours of operation), as well as enhanced express service along existing area fixed bus routes. Through a survey conducted as part of the development of My Ride, expanded service hours and improved service

05.20.14

frequency are two of the top improvements desired by respondents.1 These improvements are intended to reduce wait times at stops, as well as expand opportunities for travel and access to community services. Table 5.2 presents the specific My Ride transit improvements proposed in the Eaton Park neighborhood for the three Citrus Connection Routes (14, 58, and 22XL). Table 5.2: Eaton Park Neighborhood My Ride Transit Improvements Service Type/Mode

Frequency (Weekday)

Description

Service Span (Weekday)

Days of Service

FY 2013 Implementation Route 14 Maintain existing service 60 mins 6:15 AM ‐ 7:05 PM Mon ‐ Sat Route 58 Maintain existing service 60 mins 7:15 AM ‐ 6:50 PM Mon ‐ Sat Route 22XL Maintain existing service 30‐90 mins 6:05 AM ‐ 6:30 PM Mon ‐ Sat FY 2016 Implementation Route 22XL Frequency/span improvement 30 mins 6:15 AM ‐ 10:00 PM Mon ‐ Sat FY 2017 Implementation Lakeland/Bartow Enhanced express service 15 mins AM and PM “Peak” Mon ‐ Fri Express FY 2018 Implementation Route 14 Frequency/span improvement 30 mins 6:15 AM ‐ 10:00 PM Mon ‐ Sat Source(s): My Ride: Polk Consolidated Transit Development Plan FY 2013 – FY 2022, August 2012. Based on the analysis in this technical memorandum, it is recommended that the walk/bike improvements should be implemented to support the use of the existing bus service available to residents of the Eaton Park neighborhood. Based on the identification of crashes, as well as existing gaps and barriers within the transportation network in areas conducive for walking and biking, improvements should be focused on Maine Avenue at Reynolds Road and Maine Avenue at Crystal Lake Acres Drive. In addition, priority should be placed on implementation of walk/bike features on the arterial roadways surrounding the Eaton Park neighborhood. Traffic on these roadways travels at a higher rate of speed than on the smaller residential streets, and these arterials provide the critical connection to transit service for Eaton Park neighborhood residents. It is important to focus on these areas first when determining priorities and funding opportunities for this neighborhood.

Polk Transit, My Ride: Polk Consolidated Transit Development Plan FY 2013 – FY 2022, August 2012.

05.20.14