25220405 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services


Notice: 25220405
Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing

Division:	The Valerin Group, Inc.


Overview



	The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One announces a hearing to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME:	Thursday, November 18, 2021. The in-person open-house will begin at 5:00 p.m. The virtual and in-person hearing and testimony portion will begin at 6:00 p.m.

PLACE:	Virtually through a computer, tablet, or mobile device (visit www.fdot.cc/CombeeRdPDE to register), in-person at Somos Church, 3125 US Hwy. 98 S, Lakeland, FL 33803, or at http://www.swflroads.com/sr659/us98toncrystallakedr/

Subject:	The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to a public hearing for the Combee Road (SR 659) Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study from US 98 to North Crystal Lake Drive in Polk County on Thursday, November 18, 2021. The in-person open-house will begin at 5:00 p.m. The virtual and in-person hearing and testimony portion will begin at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of this PD&E study is to identify and evaluate potential impacts that may result from improving Combee Road from US 98 to North Crystal Lake Drive. FDOT recommends reconstructing Combee Road with a 13-foot-wide two-way left turn lane, one 12-foot-wide travel lane in each direction, and an 8-foot-wide sidewalk on both sides. Roundabouts are proposed at the intersections of Maine Avenue and Skyview Drive. The proposed improvements would require FDOT to acquire right-of-way to accommodate intersection improvements at US 98, Maine Avenue, Commerce Point Drive, and Skyview Drive. No residential or business relocations are proposed. Near the intersections of US 98, Maine Avenue, Commerce Point Drive, Industrial Park Drive, South Crystal Lake Drive, and Skyview Drive, existing access to properties along Combee Road would change due to the addition of a traffic separator. These traffic separators are necessary for improving safety. FDOT is proposing to use the existing pond within Crystal Lake Park for stormwater needs. This pond may need to be expanded but no permanent impacts to the existing boardwalk or boat ramp are proposed. As part of the project development process and in accordance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, FDOT is seeking comments concerning the effects of the project on park activities, features, and attributes. The public hearing is being held to present information about the preferred alternative and engineering and environmental analysis completed to date. The hearing provides the opportunity for the public to offer feedback on the preferred alternative for the official hearing record. The Department has three ways to participate in the public hearing: online through the live virtual event by registering at fdot.cc/CombeeRdPDE; by attending the live in-person event at Somos Church, 3125 US Highway 98 S., Lakeland, FL; or by viewing the materials online through the project website at swflroads.com/sr659/us98toncrystallakedr/. All hearing materials, including the project video, will be available online by November 11, 2021. A copy of these materials will also be displayed at the in-person event. You may choose any combination of the options provided to review the materials and to submit your comments. For more information on all options to attend the upcoming public hearing, visit the project website or contact the project representative (listed below). Project documents will also be available for public viewing from October 28 to December 2, 2021 at City of Lakeland City Hall, 228 S Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 and FDOT District One Headquarters, 801 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830. They will also be available on the project website. FDOT is sending notices to all property owners and tenants within at least 300 feet on either side of the project and to public officials, regulatory agencies, organizations, and individuals interested in the project. While comments about the project are accepted at any time, please send your comments by December 2, 2021, to be included in the formal public hearing record. A summary of the hearing comments and responses will be available on the website approximately 30 days following the close of the comment period. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the public hearing. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.


	A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Patrick Bateman, P.E. at (813) 519-2792 or Patrick.Bateman@dot.state.fl.us

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:	11/8/2021 Vol. 47/217


REFERENCE MATERIALS:	No reference(s).

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Overview