TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, Interim City Manager
TITLE: Update on the status of trail-related projects throughout Sarasota County
Recommended Action
None
Background Information
The Sarasota County Trails Master Plan provides a framework for implementing a comprehensive trail system for use by all residents and visitors of Sarasota County. Staff is updating the master plan which will inventory and assess the existing trail system, identify opportunities for greenway and blue way corridors and update trail design standards to reflect the growing need of our residents and visitors. The Trails Master Plan update is expected to be completed by the end of December 2017.
RELEVANT PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1. December 12, 2006 - The Board approved the Sarasota County Trails Master Plan.
2. April 1, 2015 - The Board accepted the final Legacy Trail Extension Feasibility Study and directed the County Administrator to obtain real estate appraisals for the Legacy Trail Extension area.
3. February 15, 2017 - The Board authorized the County Administrator to continue to negotiate with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) for the acquisition of the necessary rail corridor for the Legacy Trail North Extensions and to pursue funding options, including a public referendum, for the acquisition and improvements related to the project.
4. March 29, 2017 - The Board allocated $8.6M to the Legacy Trail North Extension project.
OUTREACH:
Public meetings were held May 11-13, 2017. Future public meetings are scheduled for August/September 2017. An online survey form is currently available.
ANALYSIS/NEXT STEPS:
The Legacy Trail North Extension (Attachment #1)
On April 1, 2015, the Commission adopted the Feasibility Study for the Legacy Trail North Extension, which extends the Trail from its current terminus at Culverhouse Nature Park 7.5-miles north to Payne Park within the downtown City of Sarasota. Staff have been working in concert with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to negotiate the purchase of the rail corridor over two phases with an estimated land purchase price of $38M.
• On March 29, 2017 the Board allocated $8.6 million towards the North Legacy Trail extension project.
• On April 3, 2017 the Board approved a Technical Assistance Letter with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to conduct feasibility research; provide recommendations regarding program design, and assist with the development of strategies for supporting dedicated, ongoing sources of public and private funds for the Legacy Trail extension.
• The county and TPL are working on a potential 2018 ballot referendum to fund the complete expansion less the county’s $8.6 million and private fund raising.
Edmonson Road Trail Improvements (Attachment #2)
Through the Sarasota/Manatee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the City of Venice is planning to construct a 10 to 12 foot wide multi-use trail along the southern border of Edmondson Road from Pinebrook Road to Auburn Road. This multi-use trail will provide a dedicated and separated area for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel along Edmondson Road. The multi-use trail is scheduled to receive state funding through a Local Area Program (LAP) Agreement between FDOT and the City of Venice.
In November 2016, initial bidding of the project exceeded the available project budget at nearly twice the project amount. Value engineering and design revision were identified and the bids were re-issued in the spring of 2017. Pending a successful rebidding process, it is anticipated that the project will be awarded in June 2017 with a tentative construction start date in July or August.
The Legacy Trail South Connector to North Port (Attachment #2)
The Legacy Trail connects to the City of North Port through a combination of on-road bicycle facilities and the Carlton-Myakkahatchee Trail, which is a primitive, multi-use trail along Power Line Road. Legal access along the connector is currently in place to the Myakkahatchee Environmental Creek Park (MECP) which serves as a gateway to the North Port city limits.
An additional half mile section east of the MECP is currently under negotiations for easement access across the Carlton Parcel East Lands that would ultimately help create a continuous connection to Desoto County.
Strategic Plan
N/A
Financial Impact
None
Procurement
Attachments:
1. The Legacy Trail North Extension Context map
2. The Legacy Trail North Port Connector & Carlton Myakkahatchee Trail
3. Presentation
Prepared by: Pete Lear for Sarasota County
Department Director: Pete Lear