A motion was made by Jay Jarvis and seconded by James Philips. Motion was
approved unanimously.
Presentations and Status Reports
9.
SunRail Extension Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study
Minutes: Charlene Ross, FDOT Intermodal Manager provided a presentation and an
update of the PD&E Study for SunRail Extension. The presentation included options
for station locations and there was a recommendation for the station locations at
Davenport, Haines City, and Loughman. Jeffrey Ball asked if the current PD&E include
Haines City or does it stop at Loughman and asked to be included in future
conversations with this study. Charlene Ross stated that it would include Haines City
and made note to include Jeffrey Ball. James Philips asked about the operation plan
for weekend service, not just weekday service. Charlene Ross stated that it probably
would not. Jay Jarvis spoke about the current infrastructure outside of the station was
being considered such as local road access to the station. Charlene Ross stated road
access was being considered. Jay Jarvis asked about contacting Loughman
representatives of this community and if they were being included in this consideration.
Charlene Ross stated she was not certain if they were. Jay Jarvis stated a person by
the name of Hercules would be the contact and he would provide a number. Carlie
Flagler asked if they would keep Citrus Connection involved with the project. Chuck
Barmby asked if they were a way to establish a baseline during the PD&E to help take
pressure off the interstate to see or confirm will verify the need for increased service
from Amtrak. Charlene stated the increased service was not being considered.
Richard Ranck asked about ridership numbers. Charlene Ross stated that ridership
has been going up since COVID-19 and expects ridership to continue to increase. Bob
Wiegers asked when the next update would occur. Charlene Ross stated they would
continue to provide updates periodically.
10.
Central Polk Parkway East Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) from State
Road 60 to US 17/92
Minutes: Jazelyn Haywood of FDOT provided a presentation of the Central Polk
Parkway East Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) for the section from State Road 60
to US 17/92. There are four different corridors being evaluation (A, B, C, and D). The
final corridor selection might include portions of each corridor and will be dependent on
final evaluation, funding, and current development in the area. There will be
opportunities for public feedback at public meetings. There was an explanation of the
timeline and a summary of feedback that was received at the public meeting earlier this
month. Richard Ranck asked if US 27 was considered as an alternative. Jazlyn
Heywood stated that it had been, but it was not a feasible route. Chuck Barmby asked
if in the northern section of the PD&E area was cross-referenced with the CSX railroad.
Jazlyn Heywood stated that they did not intend to impact the rail line. Sean Byers
noted the 400 foot width of the proposed lanes and asked it could be reduced. Jazlyn
Heywood that this will be part of the PD&E. A member of the public, Sharon Garrett,
was allowed to speak at this meeting by the Chair. She stated that she was previously
involved with the previous public meetings in 2009. She stated her and her family’s
properties will be directly impacted by corridors being considered but felt that Corridor
D would be the least impactful. She offered various options and pointed out that many
