TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: July 3, 2019
Title
SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED BROWARD METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) SOUTHGATE BOULEVARD PROJECT TO ENHANCE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY ALONG PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
BACKGROUND: Before the City Commission tonight is a resolution supporting the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) proposed project to enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity along Southgate Boulevard within public right-of-way from 81st Avenue to State Road 7. The MPO has requested a resolution from the City expressing support of the project as they are beginning the scoping phase of potential projects for funding as part of the Complete Streets Master Plan (CSMP).
The Southgate Boulevard project was identified as part of the Complete Streets Master Plan. The MPO did an analysis and created a composite demand map that summarizes the geographic distribution of bicycle and pedestrian demand throughout Broward County. The results of the analysis were used to help inform and prioritize potential bicycle and pedestrian project recommendations. Project Bundles were created based on the higher demand for walking and biking and high concentration of vulnerable populations. Within the Bundle Area, Complete Streets projects were identified to align the analysis with how users walk and bike within a certain distance (access shed). CSMP Proposed Projects are based on Complete Streets principles that range from sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle lanes to complete reconstruction of certain streets creating safer streets at a human scale. Programmed projects are projects included in the Five Year Work Program that corresponds with the Complete Streets Master Plan scope of work. The projects identified are based on Complete Streets principles such as low speed design, safety improvements for all users of the street facilities.
The proposed project that spans both North Lauderdale and Margate is currently #45 on the list of over 150 projects within the Complete Streets Master Plan. This project will include separated bike lanes west of 65th Avenue, bicycle lanes east of 65th Avenue, a bike box at State Road 7, continuous pedestrian zone (fill in gaps in the sidewalk both sides of Southgate Boulevard) and street furnishing. City staff met with the MPO staff and a representative from the North Lauderdale Planning Department on February 28th to plan a walking audit of the area that will assist in identifying the exact scope and design of the project. The walking audit took place on May 23, 2019 as a tool to gain public input and support. The outcome of this Walking Audit is summarized in the attached MPO presentation. The timeline for funding and implementation is estimated to be five years. Since this is an off State Highway System Project, the Florida Department of Transportation will not provide maintenance for the project after construction is completed. A Maintenance Agreement will be required to establish the City as the maintenance agency for any improvements constructed within their jurisdiction. At this time, MPO is requesting a Resolution from the Commission supporting the project so they may continue with the scoping and public input process.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
CONTACT PERSON: Robert Massarelli, AICP, Director of Development Services