COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT STAFF REPORT AMENDMENT ROUND 12-2 BCC TRANSMITTAL PUBLIC HEARING, JULY 23, 2012

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1 Agenda Item: 3.C.1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT STAFF REPORT AMENDMENT ROUND 12-2 BCC TRANSMITTAL PUBLIC HEARING, JULY 23, 2012 I. General Data Project Name: Element: Congress Avenue Extension TIM & 2020 Map Transportation Map Series, Thoroughfare Right of Way Identification Map TE 14.1 and Future Roadway System by Number of Lanes MapTE-1.1 Project Managers: Allan Ennis, P.E., AICP, Traffic Division Assistant Director Khurshid Mohyuddin, Principal Planner Comm. District: Commissioner Marcus, District 1 Staff Recommendation: Extraordinary Procedure: Staff recommends approval based on the findings and conclusions presented in this report. Pursuant to the ULDC any deletion of a roadway requires a majority plus one vote of the BCC (minimum of 5 votes) at the adoption hearing (ULDC Article 12, Chapter H, Section 5.D). II. Item Summary Summary: ULDC Impacts: This proposed amendment will modify the Future 2020 Roadway at Number of Lanes Map for consistency with the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Cost Feasible Plan and to modify the Thoroughfare Right of Way Identification Map (TIM) as follows: Congress Avenue Extension from Park Lane to the Richard Road/ Alternate A1A intersection, to reduce the right of way from 80 feet to 66 feet on the TIM; and Congress Avenue Extension from Northlake Blvd to Alternate A1A, to reduce the number of lanes from 4 to 2 lanes on the 2020 Number of Lanes Map. This proposed amendment will require no subsequent changes to the ULDC. T:\Planning\AMEND\12-2\Reports-Agendas\2-BCCTran\3-C-1-Congress-TIM-2020.doc 12-2 Amendment Staff Report 1 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

2 III. Hearing History Local Planning Agency Recommendation: Approval, motion by Sandra Greenberg, seconded by Lori Vinikoor, passed in a 7-0 vote at the June 8, 2012 Public Hearing. There was minimal discussion and no public comment. At the hearing, staff stated that the conceptual alignment of the Congress Avenue Extension reflected in this report was presented to the Board of County Commissioners on April 17, 2012, at which time the BCC unanimously approved the conceptual alignment for this roadway. Staff indicated that this proposed amendment is consistent with that alignment, and the reduction in ROW and number of lanes will further reduce the need for ROW acquisition while providing for construction of 2/3 lanes roadway cross section that is needed to serve future traffic demands. Board of County Commissioners Transmittal Public Hearing: State Review Agency Comments: Board of County Commissioners Adoption Public Hearing: 12-2 Amendment Staff Report 2 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

3 IV. Background Both the MPO s year 2035 Year Cost Feasible and Needs Long-Range Transportation Plans (LRTP) now show the extension of Congress Avenue north from its current terminus at Northlake Blvd to Alternate A1A as a 2 lane roadway. Because MPO s previously-adopted 2020, 2025 and 2030 LRTPs had shown the Extension as a 4-lane roadway, the 2020 Map in the County Comprehensive Plan also identified this extension as a 4-lane roadway. The County Thoroughfare Right-of-Way Identification Map (TIM) calls for an 80-foot wide rightof-way (ROW) for the Congress Avenue Extension, which could accommodate the laneage for either a 2/3 lane or 4-lane roadway. Funding for implementing the Congress Avenue Extension is included in the County s latest 5-year Road Program over fiscal years 2013 thru The Engineering Department has requested that the laneage on the Congress Avenue Extension between Northlake Blvd and Alternate A1A be reduced to 2 lanes (reflecting 2/3 lanes) on the 2020 Map and the ROW on the TIM Map be reduced to 66 feet for the following reasons: 1) The 2035 LRTP no longer shows this segment as a 4-lane road segment but as a 2 lane road. 2) Projected traffic volumes are in the 18,000 ADT range, or about 19% above the 15,200 ADT capacity for a 2/3 lane roadway. However, a better indicator of real traffic capacity limitations is the peak season/peak hour/peak direction volume, which is projected to be near or at the adopted LOS D service volume standard. 3) Because the proposed alignment for the Congress Avenue Extension will utilize Richard Road which has only about 20 feet of existing ROW, the ultimate ROW needs to be reduced from 80 feet to 66 feet along this segment to minimize property acquisition and damages. V. Intent The intent of this amendment is to modify the Future 2020 Roadway at Number of Lanes Map for consistency with the Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) 2035 Cost Feasible Plan and to modify the Thoroughfare Right of Way Identification Map (TIM). This involves reducing the Congress Avenue Extension right of way from 80 feet to 66 feet for the segment from Park Lane east to the Richard Road/Alternate A1A intersection on the TIM Map, and reducing the number of lanes for the Congress Avenue Extension from 4 lanes to 2 lanes for the entire segment from Northlake Blvd to Alternate A1A on the 2020 Number of Lanes Map. VI. Data and Analysis This section provides background information and examines consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Changes to the Element are addressed individually below. A. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan The following objective & policies from the Transportation Element are relevant to the proposed amendment: 12-2 Amendment Staff Report 3 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

4 OBJECTIVE 1.4 Roadway System The County shall provide for identification and acquisition of existing and future roadway rightsof-way consistent with the adopted Thoroughfare Right-Of-Way Identification Map (TIM) and shall address certain specific corridors in the transportation planning process in Palm Beach County. Policy 1.4-a: The County shall continue to construct the traffic circulation network consistent with the County s adopted Thoroughfare Right-Of-Way Identification Map (TIM). Policy 1.4-g: The County shall reduce the need for widening major and minor thoroughfares by encouraging the placement of a well inter-connected system of streets. Where an interconnected system becomes possible, care should be given to a community's quality of life, the amount of through-traffic, the impacts on safety, and overall security. Staff Analysis/Comment: TE Policy 1.4-a, & TE Policy 1.4-g are consistent with the proposed amendment. The proposed reduction of number of lanes for the proposed Congress Avenue Extension from Northlake Blvd to Alternate A1A on the Future 2020 Roadway System Map in the County Comprehensive Plan will not negatively impact the traffic level-of-service or the community s quality of life. However, the new connection will alleviate the need to further widen the Northlake Blvd/Alternate A1A intersection which is almost at capacity today. OBJECTIVE 1.13 General Plan Coordination The County shall provide for the coordination of transportation plans and programs among the appropriate land use and transportation planning and implementing organizations on a continuing basis. Policy 1.13-b: The County shall continue to use the Metropolitan Planning Organization's transportation planning process as the County's main mechanism for long range transportation planning and coordination with the MPO s TIP and the FDOT District IV Adopted Work Program. [9J-5.019(4)(c)11 F.A.C.] Staff Analysis/Comment: The proposed reduction in right of way will be consistent with MPO s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). B. ULDC Review Criteria and Analysis The Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) establishes requirements regarding applications for any proposed modification or elimination of an adopted link or intersection on the Thoroughfare Right-of-Way Identification Map, & requires that a twelve criteria analysis be made for the change. The criteria are contained in ULDC Article 12. Chapter H. Section 5-C, and are considered in determining whether a segment s lanes, proposed geometrics, a major intersection's proposed geometrics or the right-of-way width adopted in the Plan should be amended or eliminated. The criteria analyzed below are included in the ULDC. The ULDC criteria are analyzed below in reference to the Congress Avenue Extension segment from Northlake Blvd to Alternate A1A for which laneage and the right-of-way is being reduced Amendment Staff Report 4 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

5 1. Whether improvements are proposed to the Link or Major Intersection under consideration. Staff Analysis/Comment: The Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization s (MPO) 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) was adopted in October It is a 25-year forecast based on regional needs identified through the process of forecasting travel demand, evaluating system alternatives, & selecting those options which best meet the mobility needs of the County considering financial, environmental & social constraints. It also serves as the preliminary tool used for transportation planning in Palm Beach County. The required laneage for the Congress Avenue Extension has been changed from 4 to 2 lanes on this latest adopted MPO Long-Range Plan. 2. Whether improvements are proposed to reliever Links or Major Intersections and the extent that such a reliever would impact traffic on the Link under consideration. Staff Analysis/Comment: No improvements to parallel links or major intersections that would serve as relievers to the subject roadway segment are proposed. The proposed Congress Avenue Extension would, however, divert traffic from some of the surrounding roadway network. This will relieve two intersections, both of which are slightly under capacity at this time. (Northlake Blvd/Alternate A1A) and (Northlake Blvd/Prosperity Farms Road). 3. The physical characteristics of the property adjacent to the Link or Major Intersection under consideration. Staff Analysis/Comment: The properties adjacent to this roadway segment are developed as residential except for a Seacoast Water Treatment Plant, some vacant commercial parcels, and some occupied commercial parcels on Richard Rd between Old Dixie Highway and Alternate A1A. 4. The character of the area businesses or neighborhoods adjacent to the Link or Major Intersection under consideration and the extent of impact on such. Staff Analysis/Comment: The mobile homes and single family homes in the residential developments along Richard Road will continue to be able to access the existing roadway. A few mobile homes will need to be relocated to allow for Congress Avenue Extension to connect into the existing Richard Road. The surrounding area for the northern/eastern part of the proposed alignment is almost entirely built-out. The amendment will assist in preserving the existing character of the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Adverse impacts from the construction of the new roadway will be minimized if the right-of-way is reduced from 80 feet to 66 feet. This ROW width will still be adequate for construction of a 2/3-lane roadway cross section (with the center lane operating as a 2-way left turn lane) that is needed to service future traffic demands. Some impact on front yard setbacks and parking areas of the homes along Richard Road will also occur with the proposed alignment Amendment Staff Report 5 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

6 5. The projected cost of adding additional capacity to the Link or Major Intersection or reliever facilities and the amount of capacity that would be added. Staff Analysis/Comment: A total of $5.19 million is budgeted in the County s 5-Year Road Program from fiscal year 2012 thru fiscal year 2015 for design, ROW acquisition, mitigation, and construction of the Congress Avenue Extension. Since this is a new facility, the total capacity added will be 15,200 ADT. 6. The existing and projected volume-to-capacity of the Link and the surrounding Major Thoroughfares before and after the proposed modification. Staff Analysis/Comment: The existing volume-to-capacity (v/c) ratios of the two major thoroughfare segments (Northlake Blvd from Congress Ave to Alternate A1A and Alternate A1A from Northlake Blvd to Richard Rd) available today to travel between the points that would be served by constructing the Congress Avenue Extension average about 0.78, which means that there is still 22% capacity available for future traffic growth. However, the proposed Extension will provide a more direct connection between these points and thereby save travel time. The table below shows the projected 2035 year v/c ratios for these same two segments will average 0.94 with the Congress Avenue Extension in place. Table 1 - Traffic Counts - Existing Year 2011 Roadway Segment Lanes Daily Traffic Volume (V) Capacity (C) V/C Ratios Northlake Blvd from I-95 to Congress Ave Northlake Blvd from Congress Ave to Alt A1A Northlake Blvd from Alt A1A to Prosperity Farms Rd Northlake Blvd from Prosperity Farms Rd to US 1 Alt A1A from Park Ave to Prosperity Farms Rd Alt A1A from Prosperity Farms Rd to Northlake Blvd Alt A1A from Northlake Blvd to Lighthouse Dr 6 51,564 50, ,103 50, ,679* 50, ,574 50, ,000** 33, ,000** 33, ,473 33, Alt A1A from Lighthouse Dr to Burns Rd * 2010 year count ** Estimated 2011 year count 4 18,599* 33, Amendment Staff Report 6 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

7 Table 2 - Traffic Counts - Future 2035 Year Roadway From To Lanes without Congress 2035 CF v/c Ratios with Congress with Congress Northlake Blvd I-95 Congress Ave 6 50,400 51, Northlake Blvd Congress Ave Alt AIA 6 51,100 43, Northlake Blvd Alt AIA Prosperity Fm Rd 6 30,800 30, Northlake Blvd Prosperity Fm Rd US ,100 19, Alt AIA Park Road Prosperity Fm Rd 4 34,400 33, Alt AIA Prosperity Fm Rd Northlake Blvd 4 28,600 27, Alt AIA Northlake Blvd Lighthouse Dr 4 37,400 33, Alt AIA Lighthouse Dr Burns Road 4 39,300 40, Congress Ave Silver Beach Road Northlake Blvd 4 34,600 36, Congress Ave Northlake Blvd Alt AIA 3 18, The projected revenue for improving the Major Thoroughfare system and the likely priority of various improvements to the Major Thoroughfare system. Staff Analysis/Comment: As mentioned in #5, it is anticipated that the revenue for improving the Major Thoroughfare system with the construction of the new Congress Avenue Extension will be available in fiscal years 2012 thru 2015 since this improvement is already programmed in the County s 5-Year Road Program. 8. Environmental Character and extent of impact on such. Staff Analysis/Comment: Because the construction of the Congress Avenue Extension will shorten travel times, it is expected that there will be a net environmental benefit in fuel savings and reduced air pollution. 9. Historical Significance and the extent of impact on such. Staff Analysis/Comment: No adverse impacts from the right of way reduction for the road segment are anticipated. 10. Aesthetics and the extent of impact on such. Staff Analysis/Comment: No adverse impacts from the right of way reduction for the road segment are anticipated Amendment Staff Report 7 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

8 11. Amount of existing ROW and cost to obtain additional ROW. Staff Analysis/Comment: The amount of existing ROW along Richard Road varies from about 20 feet just east of Park Lane to about 66 feet just west of Alternate A1A. No ROW exists from just north of Northlake Blvd intersection to Richard Road. The County s 5-Year Road Program has programmed about $2.3 million over the next 2 fiscal years for the purpose of designing, acquiring ROW, and paying for Mitigation for the Congress Avenue Extension. 12. Impact on provision of other public facilities. Staff Analysis/Comment: No adverse impacts from the right of way reduction for the road segment are anticipated. VII. Public and Municipal Review Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee (IPARC): Notification was sent to the County s Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee (IPARC), a clearinghouse for plan amendments, on May 16, At the time of the printing of this report, no calls or written requests for information or objections to the amendment had been received. Other Notice and Comments: Municipal & interested party notices were sent to the City of Palm Beach Gardens, the Town of Lake Park and the Village of North Palm Beach on May 24, No comments have been received to date. VIII. Staff Assessment and Conclusions Based on the data & analysis, the following assessments and conclusions can be made: 1) The proposed changes to the 2020 Map and TIM Map will bring them into conformity with the MPO s 2035 Year LRTP. 2) The reductions in laneage and ROW for the proposed Congress Avenue Extension will also help minimize impacts on adjacent properties and the environment along the preferred alignment for the roadway. As such, staff recommends approval of this amendment. Attachments Exhibit 1 Proposed map revisions E - 1 Exhibit 2 Aerial Map depicting the alignment E Amendment Staff Report 8 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

9 Exhibit 1 A. Map Series, Future 2020 Roadway System by Number of Lanes (Map TE 1.1) & Thoroughfare Right of Way Identification Map (Map TE 14.1), Congress Avenue TIM and 2020 Map REVISIONS: To revise segments of the Congress Avenue Extension as follows: Congress Avenue Extension from Park Lane to the Richard Road/ Alternate A1A intersection, to reduce the right of way from 80 feet to 66 feet on the TIM Congress Avenue Extension from Northlake Blvd to Alternate A1A, to reduce the number of lanes from 4 lanes to 2 lanes on the 2020 Map 12-2 Amendment Staff Report E - 1 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map

10 Exhibit Amendment Staff Report E - 2 Congress Avenue TIM & 2020 Map