Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Public Involvement and Agency Coordination Summary T Table of Contents Introduction... 1 1.1 Overview of the Project... 1 1.2 Purpose of this Report... 1 Summary of Study Outreach Efforts... 3 2.1 Introduction... 3 2.2 Agency Coordination Meetings... 3 2.3 Study Mailing Notification List... 4 2.4 Community Workshops... 4 2.5 Other Agency Meetings... 5 2.6 Public Comments... 5 2.7 Study Survey... 5 Figure No. Description Page Figure 1: Study Area... 2 Appendices Appendix A: Public Involvement Plan 2 Summary of Study Outreach
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Public Involvement and Agency Coordination Summary 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview of the Project The purpose of this study was to develop alternatives and strategies that identify solutions to address the mobility needs of the users along this corridor, and to provide for the safe integration of both the walking and bicycle riding public with other modes of transportation, utilizing a context sensitive approach. The project study limits includes the segment of Oak Ridge Road from Millennia Boulevard to Orange Blossom Trail, which is approximately 3.0 miles (see Figure 1). This project is located within Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin s District 6. A major component of the study was to update the previous Pedestrian/Bicycle Study for Oak Ridge Road, for the conversion of this corridor to a divided roadway with a raised center median. The study collected traffic data and public input, conducted an analysis of the data collected with the introduction of transportation safety countermeasures and enhancements, documented the cost and schedule of recommended improvements, and produced concept plans suitable for proceeding to the design phase in a study report. 1.2 Purpose of this Report The purpose of this report is to document and summarize the public outreach and agency coordination that took place throughout the course of the study. Introduction 1
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Public Involvement and Agency Coordination Summary Figure 1: Study Area Map 2 Introduction
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Public Involvement and Agency Coordination Summary 2 Summary of Study Outreach Efforts 2.1 Introduction A Public Involvement Plan (PIP) was developed at the onset of the study to assist Orange County in developing a project that meets the needs of the community in addition to gaining greater acceptance and support for the project. Activities implemented as part of the PIP allowed people living and working in the Oak Ridge Road study area, and other interested parties to contribute to the decision making process. The goal of the PIP was to generate interest in the project scope and schedule, and to outline the public input process. The PIP ensured that the public, local agencies and elected officials, and other interested parties understand the nature of the project and its benefits by providing an open, two way line of communication, presenting project information in an easy to understand format, and by making all project information readily accessible. Orange County conducted a number of events and special activities in order to implement the components of the Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study. The public involvement process gives a voice to all stakeholders along the project corridor and will engage residents, business owners, property owners, agency representatives, and other interested individuals in the planning and community design process. A key component in producing safe/multi modal recommendations is to have a collective community vision and coordination with the residents and community stakeholders. Orange County utilized several means to notify the community about each meeting and activity and to engage them throughout the study process. The following sections summarize the outreach methods used during the study to reach the goals set by the PIP. The PIP is provided in Appendix A. 2.2 Agency Coordination Meetings A multi agency meeting was held on June 7, 2016 to seek input on the proposed safety improvement countermeasures along the study corridor. The following agencies were included in the combined agency meetings: Florida Department of Transportation Bike/Walk Central Florida LYNX Orange County Utilities Department Orange County Park and Recreation Orange County Transportation Planning Orange County Traffic Engineering Summary of Study Outreach Efforts 3
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Public Involvement and Agency Coordination Summary 2.3 Study Mailing Notification List As part of the notification process for the community workshops that were held for this study, a contact list of all property owners located within or adjacent to the defined study area was developed. A copy of the mailing list is provided in Attachment B. 2.4 Community Workshops Two community workshops (CW) were held for the various stakeholders along the corridor to receive their input. The workshops are summarized below. The meetings were advertised in accordance to the project PIP. 2.4.1 Community Workshop # 1 The first CW was held on Thursday, April 25, 2016 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Sadler Elementary School Cafeteria. The meeting was held in an open house format with display boards and a handout for the public to review and discuss with the study team. There was a formal presentation given during the meeting as an open forum where attendees could ask questions of the presenter throughout the presentation. For this meeting, notices were sent out in English and included contact information for Spanish speaking residents. This meeting focused on the results of existing conditions analyses. The purpose of this workshop was to present the findings of the study to the public in the hopes of engaging them to obtain their feedback on strategies for viable pedestrian safety countermeasures. 2.4.2 Community Workshop # 2 The second CW was originally scheduled for September 1, 2016 but was rescheduled due to potential inclement weather. The CW was subsequently held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at the Sadler Elementary School Cafeteria. The meeting was held in an open house format with display boards and a handout for the public to review and discuss with the study team. There was a formal presentation given during the meeting as an open forum where attendees could ask questions of the presenter throughout the presentation. Commissioner Siplin was present at this CW and gave a brief overview of next steps, the board process and decision making. For this meeting notices were sent in English, Spanish and Creole. This CW focused on the development of safety improvement strategies and the recommendations for the safety improvement plan. The workshop included an overview of the Safety Improvements Plan Alternatives and Benefit Cost evaluation, as well as obtain public feedback on Plan Alternatives, ranking and recommendations. 4 Summary of Study Outreach Efforts
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Public Involvement and Agency Coordination Summary 2.5 Other Agency Meetings 2.5.1 Orange County Public Schools Following the first CW, the study team presented a project overview to the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) representatives on August 2, 2016. The intent of this meeting was to obtain feedback on project alternatives, impact on school buses that travel along the corridor, and the potential for obtaining right of way in front of the OCPS building to include a proposed shared use path. 2.5.2 Orange County Public Works On Wednesday, December 21, 2016 the study team presented the recommended alternatives, cost information and benefit cost analysis to the Orange County Public Work Department to obtain feedback before finalizing the Alternatives and Strategies Report. 2.5.3 Orange County Student Pedestrian Safety Committee On October 20, 2016 the Orange County project manager presented the proposed improvements for school related traffic control devices, for the section of Oak Ridge Road in front of Sadler Elementary School and Westridge Middle School, to the Orange County Student Pedestrian Safety Committee. Feedback was received from the committee prior to finalizing the Alternatives and Strategies Report. The Orange County Student Pedestrian Safety Committee includes representatives from FDOT, the City of Orlando, Orange County Sheriff s Office, and other agencies within Orange County with an interest in school safety. 2.6 Public Comments Comment cards were used at all public meetings so that attendees could submit their input in writing and to monitor the effectiveness of the outreach efforts, as well as respond to citizen request. A public review and comment period of not less than fifteen (15) days was established for the receipt of comments from citizens. Throughout the course of the study and via the community workshops, the study team received written 13 comments from the public. All public comments were responded to by the Orange County Project manager via electronic mail, if possible. If the citizen did not include an electronic mailing address, the comment was taken into consideration and made part of the official project records. 2.7 Study Survey As part of the outreach effort, the study team developed a survey that was designed to measure residents perception of safety while travelling along the corridor, and their modes of travel. The study team conducted this survey at the first CW and was also circulated it in the schools located along the corridor. The survey results were used to inform the project recommendations. Summary of Study Outreach Efforts 5
APPENDIX A ii Summary of Study Outreach Efforts
TABLE OF REVISIONS No. Date Description 1 04/01/2016 Add newly appointed Orange County Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator contact information to the Public Involvement Plan; Minor modification of notification schedule.
OAK RIDGE ROAD PEDESTRIAN /BICYCLE SAFETY STUDY On behalf of Mayor Teresa Jacobs and District 6 Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin, Orange County is pleased to present this Public Involvement Plan (PIP) to guide the public outreach efforts for the Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study. The study limits are from Millenia Boulevard to Orange Blossom Trail (US 441), which is approximately 3.0 miles. This corridor has been identified as a roadway with a significant number of pedestrian and bicycle crashes. In addition, there are a variety of land uses along the corridor including multiple schools, residential, retail, and office land uses, as well as heavily used transit routes, which necessitate that the corridor be truly multi modal. The Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study is a comprehensive review of the Oak Ridge Road corridor conducted to provide a safe integration of walking and riding bicycles with other modes of transportation. This study is a result of Mayor Teresa Jacobs Walk Ride Thrive! and INVEST in Our Home for Life initiatives, to make Orange County roads safer for all pedestrians and bicyclists. Honorable Teresa Jacobs Orange County Mayor Victoria P. Siplin Orange County District 6 Commissioner
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Table of Contents 1.1 Introduction... 1 1.2 Overview of Mayor s Initiatives... 1 1.3 Purpose of the Study... 2 1.4 Identifying Outreach Populations... 4 1.5 Special Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities... 4 1.6 Limited English Proficiency Strategies... 5 1.7 Agency Coordination Meetings... 5 1.8 Community Workshops... 6 1.9 Other Public Meetings... 6 1.10 Local Planning Agency Public Hearing and Orange County Management Meeting... 6 1.11 Study Website... 6 1.12 Public Opinion Survey... 7 1.13 Comment Forms... 7 1.14 Newsletters... 7 1.15 Press Releases and Ads... 8 1.16 Outreach Schedule... 8 1.17 Mailing Database... 9 APPENDIX A: Outreach Map... A 1 Table of Contents i
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Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan Public Involvement and Stakeholder Coordination Program 1.1 Introduction Public involvement includes communicating to, and receiving information from, all interested persons, groups, and government organizations regarding the development of a project. This Public Involvement Plan (PIP) will outline the process taken to ensure the appropriate level of public involvement is performed for this project. The primary goal of the public involvement process is to inform the public about the planning process, the concepts suitable for implementation which can be moved forward to design, and on public infrastructure investments. This requires a process that is characterized by technical competence, honesty and integrity, and good listening. These principles will create the framework for the public involvement that will occur for the Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study. 1.2 Overview of Mayor s Initiatives Orange County is taking a proactive approach to addressing pedestrian and bicycle safety on its roadways countywide. As a result, Mayor Teresa Jacobs has initiated several initiatives, including Walk Ride Thrive! and INVEST in Our Home for Life, to make Orange County roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. In addition to these initiatives Mayor Jacobs is one of 120 nationwide mayors who have signed an online pledge to participate in the Department of Transportation s Mayors Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets. The common goal of these initiatives is to make roads throughout the County more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, by incorporating safe and convenient walking and biking facilities in transportation projects. Orange County s current efforts include the Orange County Community Traffic Safety Team, a Student Pedestrian Safety Committee with Orange County Public Schools; new County sidewalk projects consisting of $2 million in annual funding; $3.5 million in funding annually for sidewalk repairs; regular Road Safety Audit projects, school safety audits and many other projects. 1 The Walk Ride Thrive! initiative expands on these efforts by enhancing the County s coordination, capital planning and codes, including changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Orange County Code, and a new Pedestrian Bicycle Safety Action Plan and Complete Streets policy. 1 http://www.orangecountyfl.net/traffictransportation/walkridethrive.aspx#.vs3gse32boo PIP 1
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan The INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative will provide $15 million for pedestrian safety improvements at intersections and other selected locations that will enhance various features such as sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, turn lanes, updated signage and other necessary improvements. The pedestrian safety component of the INVEST program will address selected intersections and corridor improvements. Based on the Mayor s efforts, Oak Ridge Road has been identified as a corridor for addressing pedestrian and bicycle safety. 1.3 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to develop alternatives and strategies that identify solutions to address the mobility needs of the users along this corridor, and to provide for the safe integration of both the walking and bicycle riding public with other modes of transportation, utilizing a context sensitive approach. The project study limits includes the segment of Oak Ridge Road from Millennia Boulevard to Orange Blossom Trail, which is approximately 3.0 miles (see Figure 1). This project is located within Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin s District 6. A major component of the study will be to update the previous Pedestrian/Bicycle Study for Oak Ridge Road, for the conversion of this corridor to a divided roadway with a raised center median. The study shall collect traffic data and public input, conduct an analysis of the data collected with the introduction of transportation safety countermeasures and enhancements, document the cost and schedule of recommended improvements, and produce concept plans suitable for proceeding to the design phase in a study report. 2 PIP
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan Figure 1: Study Area Map OAK RIDGE ROAD Not to scale PIP 3
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan Orange County will be conducting a number of events and special activities in order to implement the components of the Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study. The public involvement process gives a voice to all stakeholders along the project corridor and will engage residents, business owners, property owners, agency representatives, and other interested individuals in the planning and community design process. A key component in producing safe/multi modal recommendations is to have a collective community vision and coordination with the residents and community stakeholders. Orange County will utilize several means to notify the community about each meeting and activity and to engage them throughout the study process. 1.4 Identifying Outreach Populations Part of the responsibilities of the County is to help develop effective strategies for continued outreach to previously underserved or underrepresented populations. Newsletters and partnerships with groups servicing these populations will be asked to post upcoming meetings and events at specific service locations along the corridor. Orange County Public Schools, will also be notified of upcoming events. In addition, Orange County will use census data to identify underserved or underrepresented populations along the corridor. 1.5 Special Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and related federal and state laws and regulations forbid discrimination against those who have disabilities. Furthermore, these laws require federal aid recipients and other government entities to take affirmative steps to reasonably accommodate the disabled and ensure that their needs are equitably represented in County programs, services and activities. The County will make every effort to ensure that its facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to those with disabilities. The County encourages the public to report any facility, program, service or activity that appears inaccessible to the disabled. Furthermore, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals who wish to participate in public involvement events or who require special assistance to access facilities, programs, services or activities. Because providing reasonable accommodation may require outside assistance, organization or resources, the County asks that requests be made at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the need for accommodation. 4 PIP
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan Questions, concerns, comments or requests for accommodation should be made to the County s ADA Officer: Dianne Arnold, HFS Administrator Interim ADA Coordinator Mailing/Physical Address: Mable Butler Building, 2100 E. Michigan St., Orlando, FL 32806 Email: dianne.arnold@ocfl.net Phone: (407) 836 7588 Fax: (407) 245 3191 Hearing Impaired: Florida Relay 7 1 1 1.6 Limited English Proficiency Strategies The intent of the Public Involvement and Stakeholder Coordination Program is to offer meaningful opportunities for all interested segments of the public, including, but not limited to, low income, minority and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) groups, to comment about the Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study. The goals for this Public Involvement Program include: Inclusion and Diversity: The public involvement effort will include proactively reaching out and engaging low income, minority, and LEP populations within the study area so these groups will have an opportunity to participate. Accessibility: All American with Disability Act (ADA) requirements for accessibility will be met. Efforts will be made to enhance the accessibility of the public s participation physically, geographically, temporally, linguistically and culturally. Clarity and Relevance: The significance and potential effect of proposed decisions will be presented to participants. Responsive: Public comments will be documented, and when appropriate, incorporated into final recommendations for the corridor. Flexible: The public participation process will accommodate participation in a variety of ways and will be adjusted over time as needed. Persons who require language translation or interpretation services, which are provided at no cost, should contact Ricardo Daye, Orange County Title VI/Nondiscrimination Coordinator, at 407-836-5825 or via email at Ricardo.daye@ocfl.net at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. 1.7 Agency Coordination Meetings An agency coordination meeting will be held to seek input on the existing corridor conditions and on the proposed improvements along the study corridor. This includes one initial meeting and two follow up meetings. The following agencies will be included in the combined agency meetings: Florida Department of Transportation PIP 5
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan Bike/Walk Central Florida Orange County School Board Lynx Orange County Utilities Department Orange County Parks and Recreation 1.8 Community Workshops Two community workshops (CW) will be held for the various stakeholders along the corridor to receive their input. The workshops are summarized below: CW #1 is tentatively scheduled for April 21, 2016 and will focus on the results of existing conditions analyses. The purpose of this workshop is to present the findings of the study to the public in the hopes of engaging them to obtain their feedback on strategies for viable pedestrian safety countermeasures. CW #2 is tentatively scheduled for August 4, 2016 and will focus on the development of safety improvement strategies and the recommendations for the safety improvement plan. The workshop will include an overview of the Safety Improvements Plan Alternatives and Benefit Cost evaluation, as well as obtain public feedback on Plan Alternatives, ranking and recommendations. 1.9 Other Public Meetings As the project progresses, there may be the need for up to two additional small group meetings with requesting parties. These small group meetings will be scheduled directly with the requesting parties and will be summarized and included as part of the Public Involvement documentation. 1.10 Local Planning Agency Public Hearing and Orange County Management Meeting The Oak Ridge Road Safety Improvement Strategies and Implementation Plan will require a meeting with Orange County Senior Management followed by a meeting with the local planning agency (LPA). The purpose of the meetings will be to seek approval of the study s recommendations. 1.11 Study Website A dedicated webpage will be developed in conjunction with the County s Communications Office. The webpage will be frequently updated prior to each Public Meeting, Workshop and the final Public Hearing throughout the life of the study to ensure the site remains up to date. The site will contain all meeting minutes, materials and project related newsletters. 6 PIP
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan 1.12 Public Opinion Survey To help ensure a comprehensive public outreach process, a public opinion survey will be developed in conjunction with CBW #1 to obtain public feedback on viable pedestrian safety countermeasures. The survey may be in the form of a written survey distributed at CBW #1 or may be available through the project s dedicated website. 1.13 Comment Forms Comment cards will be used at all public meetings so attendees can submit their input in writing, and also to monitor effectiveness of the outreach efforts, as well as respond to citizen requests. A public review and comment period of not less than fifteen (15) days will be established for the receipt of comments from citizens. 1.14 Newsletters Newsletters will be distributed to homeowners and area businesses within a 300 foot radius of the study corridor (adjusted as needed), at least two weeks prior to the each workshop and the LPA meeting, and at small group meetings. The distribution list will include an active list of homeowners associations, neighborhood associations, area schools/colleges, faith based organizations, non profit organizations, and businesses. The newsletters will be posted at key locations in the community. In an effort to reach renters in apartment complexes, Orange County will seek approval from the apartment complexes to post newsletters on their bulletin boards and mailboxes. The newsletters will include project specific information including at a minimum the following: Project overview and description Topics of discussion Meeting venue, location date and time Project contact information For electronic outreach, the newsletters will be sent to individuals and organizations with an email address, including stakeholders residing along the corridor, and Orange County elected and appointed officials. All project information will be linked to the project s dedicated webpage on the County s website. PIP 7
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan 1.15 Press Releases and Ads Newspaper ads and press releases will be developed with the purpose of informing the general public about upcoming workshops for the study. The notices will be distributed at least 12 days prior to each workshop, and press releases will be issued within one week. The notices will be published in the Orlando Sentinel and El Sentinel (English and Spanish). Notices will include the time, date, place and procedures of each workshop as well as topics to be considered. Notices will encourage all interested parties to participate and give their comments and input on the proposed plans being developed. 1.16 Outreach Schedule Following is an overview of the major project milestones for this study. *Schedule is subject to change 8 PIP
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan 1.17 Mailing Database An initial stakeholder database will be created to include the owner of record of the properties within the study area, elected and appointed public officials associated with the project, persons or institutions expressing interest in the project, permitting and review agencies, community leaders and media representatives. The mailing lists for the agencies and the study area properties are included in Appendices B and C, and will be updated throughout the course of the study. PIP 9
Oak Ridge Road Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Study Public Involvement Plan APPENDIX A: Outreach Map PIP A 1