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I-75 Interchanges
Public Meeting
August 21, 2000
FPID: 404627-1-32-01, 404627-2-32-01
Approximately 33 people (including FDOT, Lochrane and Corridor
Council representatives) signed into the I-75 Interchanges /
PD&E for Landscape Design Public Meeting, held on August
21, 2000 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn West
San Marcos Room in Gainesville. A copy of the sign in forms
is attached.
The meeting began with an overview of the project history by
the I-75 Corridor Council Chairperson, Penny Wheat. Ms. Wheat
turned the meeting over to the project Design Team (consisting
of Joe Montalto, Buford Davis and E.J. Bolduc) to begin the
PowerPoint Presentation. Mr. Montalto discussed the conceptual
ideas for the project that the Design Team has identified. Buford
Davis discussed the landscape/hardscape elements, and E.J. Bolduc
continued with the landscape discussion. Mr. Montalto closed
the presentation by discussing improvements to signage, lighting
and guardrail. He also went over the project schedule. Ms. Wheat
returned to discuss funding additional interchanges through
the private sector. She then opened the floor to the public
for their input.
The following concerns were brought up at the meeting:
| Q: |
Dr. Bob Casey (State Representative):
He is working on the US 441 Scenic Highway project and
would like to tie into the I-75 project using signage.
He is concerned about fertilizer from the proposed landscaping
seeping into the groundwater. |
| A: |
Buford Davis stated that
there will be initial fertilization but the plants that
are being selected are drought tolerant and are being
selected for their ability to survive in our climate.
Penny Wheat stated that various groups are being consulted
to suggest drought tolerant and native plant species.
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| Q: |
Marilyn Tuble (Chamber of
Commerce): She inquired about the cost per interchange
of hardscape and landscape. She also was curious as to
whether other states have done this and can we look at
their examples and possibly bring some of their ideas
down here. |
| A: |
Joe Montalto stated that
the cost will be determined during the PD&E phase
and the information will be on the web site for the project.
Penny Wheat stated that the Corridor Council does have
pictures from other states (most notably North Carolina)
and that they will be contacted if necessary. |
| Q: |
Glen Smerage: He wants to
know why do this when there is so much ugliness with existing
billboards and signs. He thinks that this is money being
thrown away, and wants to know what happens when new roadways
are constructed. |
| A: |
Penny Wheat stated that
it makes sense to start now to beautify the roadways.
She agreed with him about the “ugliness”, and also stated
that any new construction should be held to this standard
and should have landscaping. She reminded him that as
part of the ISTEA-21 Act passed by the US Congress, 10%
of all transportation funds that are allocated to a state
must be spent on enhancement projects. |
| Q: |
Virgil Berry (Bradford/Union/S.
Clay County Chamber of Commerce): Mr. Berry was interested
in how areas that do not touch the I-75 corridor can tie
into this project and benefit from the project. He is
currently working on a canoe trail that he would be interested
in promoting through this project. |
| A: |
Penny Wheat stated that
the Regional Tourism Council was formed in 1992 to address
this type of issue. She stated that a group such as Mr.
Berry’s could possibly advertise on the I-75 radio network. |
At this point, Penny Wheat identified some concerns that have
come up during the time the I-75 Corridor Council has been studying
this project:
- Historic areas are not identified along I-75 to promote
tourism.
- Businesses that are located immediately adjacent to I-75
want to be visible, but would like the noise cut down.
| Q: |
Harvey Budd (Candidate for
FL state representative): Mr. Budd wanted to know if a
private business wanted to sponsor an interchange, would
there be money available from the state or federal government
to match those funds? |
| A: |
Penny Wheat restated that
10% of ISTEA-21 money must go to enhancement projects.
She stated that she believes that the FDOT will contribute
to funding the additional 22 interchanges once support
from the private sector starts being donated. She asked
Marion Helbar of the Florida Beautification Council to
discuss the grant program for enhancement projects. |
Marion Helbar: Any government community can apply
for up to $200,000 in grant money for enhancement projects.
The Council scores applications on a 14-point scale. There are
two conditions that apply to the grant money: it must be used
for a state road, and the government agency must sign a maintenance
agreement for the area.
There were no other questions or comments at this time. Penny
Wheat thanked everyone for coming and reminded attendees to
pick up a copy of the handout that has Joe Montalto and Fred
Wright’s contact information on it. She asked them to contact
Mr. Montalto or Mr. Wright if they have any further questions
or concerns. |
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