Monday, February 4, 2013

Comp Plan update review process continues; land use policies next


County staff and its committees continue to work through the elements of the Comp Plan Horizon 2035 update, with focus on the land use element in February.  This post reports on the Jan. 16th BoCC workshop on the Comp Plan; the schedule for land use element, and remaining review process; and highlights the "Town Hall" online tool for participating in the review of draft elements.
Report from BoCC Jan. 16th Workshop on Comp Plan
On Jan. 16th the County Commissioners held a workshop about the Horizon 2035 Comp Plan update, where we've been, where we are, and where we're going. Frances Marino, the County's Comp Plan consultant, did an excellent job of outlining the key policy shifts in the Plan amendments under development, and Commissioners engaged in a good discussion about the issues. 
Here are the key comments made by commissioners, as summarized at the end of the workshop by Marino:  Need to estimate return on investment from amendments and their cost; think through how to refine the land use uses (example of medical and commercial office issue); need to streamline economic development process; look at how staff interprets policies and how attorney's office supports; look for methods to make transitions between urban/rural better; look at TDRs and how to preserve value of land; how to have less regulations overall; complete streets are great...make sure they're context-sensitive; and connections to 20/20 lands important.

  Updated Comp Plan review schedule
The land use element is the next major part of the Comp Plan to be reviewed.  The draft element will be reviewed first by the CSAC at its Feb. 20th meeting (Wed. 6 p.m.); and the LPA at its Feb. 25th meeting (Monday 8:30 a.m.).  Check the County's website in mid-Feb. to access the land use element when it is posted.  In March, the Glossary and Administration Elements will be reviewed, and then in April, the complete revised Lee Plan will be reviewed. The current plan is for a BoCC transmittal hearing in April, with final adoption schedule for the Fall of 2013.

Online "Town Hall" Opportunity
The comment period for the transportation element has closed, but you can read what others posted.  The land use element will be posted for comment after the Feb. 25th LPA meeting, so stay tuned.    It's up to YOU to become part of this exciting interactive community conversation! Click here to read the earlier blog post about how to join the conversation.
   

Sunday, February 3, 2013

January was deadliest month on County roadways in years...and two-thirds fatalities were vulnerable road users!

January 2013 was a deadly month on Lee County roads, with 12 people losing their lives--two-thirds of them vulnerable road users!--four pedestrians, two bicyclists*, two motorcyclists, with the remaining  four being motor vehicle fatalities.  These twelve people who will never return home all because of poor choices on someone’s part.  Why the spike in fatalities--last January there were 4 fatalities, 8 less than this year?  Why are vulnerable road users disproportionately represented?  

As BWL's Dan Moser said in today's News-Press story, "We have become a society of drivers who drive however we want.  It's a lot of bad decisions made by a lot of people....it's up to drivers to change the culture of aggressive driving and speeding..drivers need to be more aware of pedestrians and bicyclists...they're the ones driving the killing machine."


Below are links to news stories over the past 2 weeks about fatalities on our roadways and related safety issues, with overview of all 12 fatalities in 2/3 News-Press story:

2/3 News-Press:  Lee County traffic: One month, 12 deaths.
Article includes interviews with BWL's Dan Moser, Jay Anderson SAJD, and Debbie Tower FDOT, with strong message for road users, esp. drivers.  Includes list and info on all 12 fatalities (*Note: it is our understanding that the 12th fatality in the Cape still under investigation is a cyclist so it's been included in our totals that way, although not official yet.)
 
Always wear your helmet...from Secretary LaHood

·        


2/5:   In-depth article about efforts underway in FMB to calm traffic and make it safer for pedestrians.
1/29: The first of many changes is being made on Fort Myers Beach in order to make it safer for pedestrians.

·    1/30:  NDN editorial in support of keeping red light cameras in Collier County--data shows they improve safety.



       1/18: Cape high school student hit by truck while crossing street to school this morning.

1/17:  fatal motorcycle crash in Lehigh this morning.
1/26:  Lawsuit filed in hit and run death of Naples cyclist in Sept., and likelihood of distracted driving by truck driver.

1/25:  Naples officer hit pedestrian in crosswalk!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Action Alert: BoCC votes Feb. 12th on proposal to suspend impact fees

On Feb. 12th, the Lee County Commissioners will vote on a draft ordinance to suspend all impact fees for two years.  Much is at stake for advocates of complete streets and county taxpayers in this decision, so plan to share your views with commissioners at the Feb. 12th meeting or before.  There will be an opportunity for public comment beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the County Commission Chambers.  

Updated 3/6/13:
Over the past six weeks there have been multiple BoCC and committee meetings discussing this proposal.  Below are links to some of the documents and news reports.

3/5:  blue sheet package for the March 12th public hearing on the ordinance to reduce impact fees (includes draft ordinance)

3/5 NP editorial:  Don't stop Lee County impact fees, lower them

3/5 NDN article:  Lee commissioners toy with impact fee cut, seem to nix all-out moratorium

3/1 NP Guest opinion:Lee County's League of Women Voters want some answers on impact fees



1/23:  NDN reported on 1/22 BoCC meeting and strong public opposition to proposal to suspend impact fees:  More than two dozen people spoke during a 3-hour hearing on the proposal during Tuesday’s commission meeting, with a majority opposing the moratorium.

 1/22: NBC-2 News report about potential impact on Lehigh Acres complete streets projects if impact fees suspended:
Video Landing Page - NBC-2.com WBBH News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida

 1/17:  Bonita Springs City Council action opposing suspension of impact fees.

1/15:  report from 1/14 BoCC discussion at Management and Planning meeting: