Public Information Workshops Announced
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is hosting two public information workshops to seek input on the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study of the proposed Central Polk Parkway. FDOT is notifying all property owners within 300 feet of either side of the centerline of the proposed viable corridors being studied.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Northridge Church Gymnasium
2250 State Road (S.R.) 17 South
Haines City, FL
Monday, September 13, 2010
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
W.H. Stuart Conference Center
1710 Highway 17 South
Bartow, FL
FDOT will display the proposed viable corridors on aerial photographs of the study area. The west leg of the study area extends from S.R. 60 east of Bartow northwesterly to the Polk Parkway (S.R. 570). The east leg connects S.R. 60 east of Bartow to I-4 in northeast Polk County.
The proposed multi-lane roadways would be built on new alignments. A no-build alternative will remain viable throughout the study process. The objective of the study is to provide documented information necessary for FDOT to reach a decision on the type, design, and location of the proposed Central Polk Parkway.
Both workshops will be held in an open house format. The public will be able to ask questions and provide comments to FDOT representatives in a one-on-one setting. Written comments will also be accepted. An audiovisual presentation will be shown throughout the evening that describes the process used to refine the preliminary project corridors displayed at public workshops in December 2009.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Project Manager Nicole Broome at (863) 519-2373 at least seven (7) days prior to the workshops.
Corridors Public Workshops Summary
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) conducted a second series of meetings for the Central Polk Parkway Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study in December 2009. The meetings provided an overview of the project and presented the project corridors, revised “purpose and need” statement and the updated study schedule. FDOT is accepting public input on this information as the corridors are refined.
FDOT conducted the following meetings:
- Stakeholders meeting on December 2, 2009 at FDOT District One headquarters in Bartow
- Corridors Public Workshop on December 8, 2009, at FDOT District One headquarters in Bartow
- Corridors Public Workshop on December 10, 2009, at Northridge Church in Haines City
A Power Point (slide) presentation was shown that describes the process used to refine the preliminary project corridors that were shown at the Purpose and Need Public Coordination Meetings held in March 2009. The corridors were displayed on aerial photographs of the study area. The public asked questions and provided comments to FDOT representatives. The Power Point presentation and materials are available below.
The study area extends from State Road (S.R.) 60 east of Bartow northwesterly to the Polk Parkway (S.R. 570) and from S.R. 60 east of Bartow northeasterly to I-4. The proposed roadway would be four lanes on new alignment. A no-build alternative is also a viable alternative throughout the study process.
The general objective of the PD&E study is to provide documented information necessary for FDOT to reach a decision on the type, design and location of the proposed improvements for the project study area. The next series of public meetings are tentatively scheduled to be held in spring 2010 to present corridor alignments.
For more information about the Central Polk Parkway PD&E Study, please contact Nicole Broome, project manager, FDOT, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, FL 33831; (863) 519-2373; or nicole.broome@dot.state.fl.us.
Purpose and Need Statement (December 2009)
Purpose and Need Public Coordination Meetings Summary
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hosted an initial series of meetings for the Central Polk Parkway Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The meetings allowed interested persons the opportunity to express their views and identify issues of concern during the early stages of the study and to review and comment on the draft “purpose and need” statement and the preliminary corridors that were displayed.
FDOT conducted the following meetings:
- Stakeholders meeting on March 10, 2009 at FDOT District One headquarters in Bartow
- Regulatory Agencies meeting on March 17, 2009, at FDOT District One headquarters in Bartow
- Public coordination meeting on March 17, 2009, at FDOT District One headquarters in Bartow
- Public coordination meeting on March 19, 2009, at Northridge Church in Haines City
A slide presentation described the draft “purpose and need” statement developed for the project. Preliminary project corridors were displayed on aerial photographs of the study area. Department representatives answered questions and addressed comments from officials and the public who reviewed the study displays.
The study area extends from State Road (S.R.) 60 east of Bartow northwesterly to the Polk Parkway (S.R. 570) and from S.R. 60 east of Bartow northerly to Interstate 4. The proposed roadway would be a four-lane facility on new alignment. The no-build option is a viable alternative throughout the study process. The general objective of the PD&E study is to provide documented information necessary for FDOT to reach a decision on the type, design and location of the proposed improvements for the project study area. A second series of public meetings are tentatively scheduled to be held this summer to present the viable corridor alternatives.
For more information about the Central Polk Parkway PD&E Study, please contact
Nicole Broome, project manager, FDOT, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, FL 33831; (863) 519-2373; or nicole.broome@dot.state.fl.us.
Public Coordination Meetings Materials
Draft Purpose and Need Statement (March 2009)
Public Involvement
Public involvement will be an extremely important component of the PD&E study. Several methods of receiving information from interested citizens will be used including scoping meetings, public information workshops and a formal public hearing.
Separate scoping meetings with governmental agencies and the public will be held early in the study process. The meetings will assist FDOT with early identification of issues of concern and potential solutions.
Public meetings, including informal public information workshops and a formal public hearing, will be scheduled. Workshops will be held following identification of study corridors and development of alignment alternatives. The hearing will be conducted to present a preferred alternative(s) and the no build alternative.
Throughout the study process, presentations will be given to various governmental groups. Also, interested citizens may request a presentation to their group or organization.
