I want to thank Commissioner Melissa McKinlay for hosting the Townhall meeting last night at the Acreage library. Thank you also to all the County staff as well as State Attorney Dave Aaronberg for the information and questions you answered for our Community.
While there was an array of interesting information presented last night ranging from an update on the current status in Palm Beach County on the opiod crisis and the sober homes task force to the ground breaking of the new fire station, the hottest topic of the evening was saved for last, traffic and road improvements in the Acreage. David Ricks, the County Engineer presented a list of improvements/road widening on the County roads that are planned and the timelines we can expect right now. You can get the full document here District 6 Acreage Area Talking Points Cmmr McKinlay . It is clear the community is not happy that we are behind on improvements but I am happy to see that the County at least has construction plans in the works. We need to continue to advocate for some of these roads to be expedited including the extension of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to the Beeline as well as the Avenir extension of Coconut to the Beeline. I look forward to on-going discussions with the County and our surrounding neighbors regarding the road needs in our area.
Short summary:
SR 7 Extension – FDOT – The construction contract was bid and awarded by the FDOT, however the construction is currently on hold pending a new court hearing regarding the City of West Palm Beach’s challenges to the permits issued for the project.
CURRENT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd. from Orange Blvd. to S. of Northlake Blvd., Northlake Blvd./Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd. Intersection, Northlake Blvd. from E. of Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd. to East of Hall Blvd.
- Construction funded for current FY 2019, construction to begin in early 2020
Northlake Blvd. from E. of Hall Blvd. to Coconut Blvd.
- Construction funding is programmed in FY 2020 and 2021
Northlake Blvd. from Coconut Blvd to SR 7 Extension – AVENIR Development
- Phase 1 is Avenir’s East Entrance located approximately 2,850 ft. east of Coconut Blvd. and expect to complete work within the next year
Royal Palm Beach Blvd., from the M-Canal to south of Orange Blvd
- This project will widen 1 mile of RPB Blvd to a 5-lane undivided roadway section.
- Construction is scheduled to begin in FY 2020
Royal Palm Beach Blvd and Okeechobee Blvd Intersection Improvement
- This project will add a 3rd southbound left. Construction is planned for FY 2020
FUTURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
60th Street N, from Avocado Blvd to east of 120th Avenue North
- Construction slated for FY 2022
60th Street N, from west of 140th Avenue North to Avocado Blvd Study
- This project will study the right-of-way impacts of the future widening of this section of 60th St N. The study is not slated to begin until FY 2020
Coconut Boulevard, from south of 78th Place to south of Northlake Blvd.
- This project will widen 1.3 miles of Coconut Blvd from its existing 2-lane roadway to a 5-lane roadway. The project will include the addition of drainage and sidewalks.
- Construction is slated for FY 2023
Royal Palm Beach Blvd., from Persimmon Blvd to the M-Canal
- Construction is not yet funded in the Five Year Road Program
Royal Palm Beach Blvd/Orange Blvd/Coconut Blvd from south of 68th St N to s of 77th Place N
- Construction is not yet funded in the Five Year Road Program
We need help, major help with traffic!
Before, not after more PBG residents use coconut Blvd/ RPB Blvd to commute.
Funny how Ibis, Bayhill & buildout communities are now PBG residents. Even They Can’t remove city of WPB from office, to help complete SR7 extension.
Trickery.
Unfortunately State growth management laws were gutted under Rick Scott 8 years ago. That created proportionate share meaning the roads didn’t need to be built before. It also means that developers only have to pay the proportionate share of improvements to a road if they are needed. This leaves the County with a shortfall. Avenir and ancient tree are in PBG so the county didn’t approve those developments. They are left only with proportionate share payments which are phased as development occurs, meaning the impact happens long before the county has the dollars to do the improvements. The county is behind in improvements throughout the county but especially out here.
Ibis is in the City of West Palm Beach. Bayhill and Rustic Lakes were annexed by Palm Beach Gardens last year.
I thank the County for finally prioritizing the Acreage roads and for their committed investment plan of $75 million over the next 5 years. This is a great start, even if it is a late start. We still have needs to advocate.
I realy don’t want to get too political but how much does a visit by the president cost?
Haha I don’t think this warrants the President’s attention. Commissioner McKinlay brought all the right people to the meeting. We are finally a priority to the County as evidenced by the $24 million they will be investing just this year, with a total of $75 million over the next 5 years. It is late but it is happening. We just need to continue to advocate for some alternate routes and ensure they are also priorities to the County.