City to pay for more connectivity studies

The city will pay a Tampa consultant up to $91,576 to further its study of bayfront connectivity and citywide “multi-modal” transportation. That brings the total contract with Trans Associates to $392,576.

City commissioners approved an amendment to that contract, which calls for Trans Associates to help create a transportation plan that includes uses for pedestrian, bicycle and public transportation.

The plan would “envision a way for residents and visitors to enter the city without a private automobile.”

That portion of the contract amendment is not to exceed $25,576.

The consultant will also continue its study of bayfront connectivity by coordinating its plan with the Florida Department of Transportation, analyzing how pedestrians cross U.S. 41 at different points along the bayfront and holding another public hearing on its plans. The cost for those services is not to exceed $66,000.

Trans Associates created a connectivity plan in November 2008 that calls for five roundabouts on U.S. 41, a reduction in the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph, the shrinking of traffic lanes and widening and landscaping of the medians.

Residents from the keys, in particular, have been critical of bayfront connectivity, especially the concept of slowing traffic to allow pedestrians greater access to the waterfront.

The Longboat Key Town Commission has hired its own consultant to fight against connectivity.