Title
Main Street Reconstruction (B)
Explanation
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is planning to reconstruct Main Street in the downtown area beginning approximately January 2010 through January 2011. The project limits extend approximately one mile from Depot Avenue to North 8th Avenue. A map is attached to this agenda item highlighting the construction limits. The project scope consists of removing obsolete materials from beneath the roadway, upgrading the stormwater system, installing parking bulb-outs, installing new traffic signals, and adding pedestrian safety enhancements. For the last several months, FDOT project officials have been meeting with Public Works and CRA staff on this project.
During the anticipated construction timeframe, other roadway projects are expected to begin. FDOT is planning to resurface University Avenue between Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Waldo Road beginning in mid-November 2009. Alachua County is planning to resurface North Main Street from 9th Avenue to 23rd Avenue beginning in July 2009 through approximately November. Also, the City of Gainesville is planning to reconstruct a portion of Depot Avenue east of South Main Street beginning in June 2009. GRU has stated that it anticipates starting the manufactured gas plant cleanup in July or August, which is located on Depot Avenue. Project plans for each of these roadway initiatives have been communicated to each of the lead agencies.
Because of the anticipated affect of these projects on the traveling public and businesses, local and state government agencies are crafting a Communications Plan to assist the public. The CRA, City and County Public Works departments, City and County Marketing and Communications departments, and the FDOT have joined forces to develop the Plan. The following bullet points from the draft Communications Plan highlight some aspects of the communications strategy:
* An open house will be held in March or April for local businesses; the location is to be determined
* Five key messages will be communicated to businesses, residents, travelers in the area and government agencies
* Weekly and monthly updates will be provide via a variety of media
The methods for disseminating information will encompass a wide range of techniques and some examples include portable signs, direct mail, hand-delivered flyers, Channel 12 broadcasts, and the City of Gainesville website. Each type of message is tailored to a specific medium.
The next step is to provide a status report on the Communications Plan to the City and County commissions during a public meeting. The intent of the status report is to raise awareness of the communications plan and receive feedback. Following this meeting, the next step is to hold an open house-type public meeting encompassing all of the projects that are expected to begin in the Main Street/University area. This meeting will allow the public to obtain information about the roadway construction and ask questions. The CRA staff is planning to assist with the open house.
Fiscal Note
None.
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to the CRA: Receive update.