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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Local Issue #2- Transportation Improvements- Promote alternative modes of transportation on Collins Avenue to reduce traffic congestion, and reduce traffic congestion on North Bay Road Define/Describe the Issue. How does the past compare to the present with respect to the issue? How was the issue treated in the existing plan? Although the 2000 Plan reports no LOS deficiencies on all of the principal arterial roadways within the City, it is agreed that conditions have changed-- Collins Avenue and North Bay Road have been identified as having traffic congestion problems. Based upon the Metropolitan Planning Organizations' Year 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan, future traffic volumes show Collins Avenue as operating at a LOS "E." Collins Avenue and ~orth Bay Road are experiencing significant traffic and pass- through increases-both peak hour and all day trips-- due to intense redevelopment activity, population growth and increased inter-county single-occupancy vehicle commuters both in the County and the City. Thus, the issue of promoting alternative modes of transportation on Collins Avenue becomes more critical both for the short and long-time frame to reducing traffic congestion. We suggest including corridor planning as part of the City's efforts to address this issue. The overall goal of the City's Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element calls for maintaining a balanced multi-modal transportation system that supports the future land use element and meets the needs of all residents, visitors and workers. The Plan lists a number of policies, plans and programs the City will implement consistent with FDOT and County policies. Work is already underway at the various levels-- the City, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation and Miami-Dade County, are looking to implement operational improvements at intersections (traffic signals), turn lane movements and median openings to improve flow of traffic, while balancing other community needs such as pedestrian safety and convenience as well as constructing a bicycle path along North Bay Road. The three major state roadways bisecting the City of Sunny Isles Beach and providing regional connections include- the William Lehman Causeway (NE 192nd Street- SR 856), Sunny Isles Beach Boulevard--SR 826 and Collins Avenue-SR A1A - a north- south divided road. 174th Street is a four lane divided arterial and the remainder of the local roads have two lanes. No new roads are planned for the area. Sunny Isles Beach Blvd., Collins Avenue and NE 192nd Street have sidewalks on either side. Generally, transit service in Sunny Isles Beach is adequate-served by five Miami-Dade Transit routes and one local shuttle route. The City has been successful in negotiations with Miami Dade Transit for implementing additional transit and possible future water taxi service. Since 2000 the City has worked diligently to add on-street parking for the residents of Sunny Isles Beach. The City has identified the need for a proposed parking structure which would relieve the current parking shortage. Finally, in further complying with current conditions and LOS criteria for a multi modal transportation system, the City designated a Transportation Concurrency Exception Area (TCEA) as specified in Section 9J-5.0055(6) of the Florida Administrative Code, and Section 163.3180(5), F.S. The area within the City, designated as a TCEA is exempted from transportation concurrency requirements as a delineated area for urban City of Sunny Isles Beach - 2005 Draft Evaluation and Appraisal Report Rev. 6/29/2005 Page 11