Beyond Today | Issue 39

Issue 39 | February 2017

Have your say on development and traffic in Brandon

The Brandon Corridors & Mixed Use Centers Pilot study is a joint pilot project of the Planning Commission and Hillsborough MPO. The purpose of the study is to better coordinate the envisioned land use pattern with planned transportation improvements along Brandon's major east-west corridors - Brandon Boulevard, Lumsden Road, and Bloomingdale Avenue. These busy corridors connect much of Brandon's residential and commercial development to I-75.

We need your input on development and transportation improvements that will support our strongest redevelopment and economic development opportunities in conjunction with transportation improvements that will enhance the development pattern, provide choices, and improve safety for all users.

Take the Brandon Pilot Project survey now »

Healthy food access in Terrace Park | University Square

A recent compelling story from ABC Action News has a direct connection to the work of local planners to make sure people have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Residents of the Terrace Park | University Square neighborhoods are being asked to take a survey on access to healthy foods and are invited to a community meeting on February 21st at 6pm at the Copeland Park Community Center.

The Planning Commission and the Department of Health - Hillsborough will discuss research findings and a potential community garden for this community. This work is supported by a $25,000 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The Hillsborough MPO, with a grant from the American Public Health Association, is also collaborating to create safe walk and bike connections to a community garden in these neighborhoods.

Take the Access to Healthy Food Survey through March 15th »

Welcome Commissioner Metzger!

At our February 13 meeting, Shaun Metzger took his oath of office representing the City of Tampa on the Planning Commission.A communications professional w ith a passion for planning, Mr.Metzger is currently pursuing his CNU-A accreditation with the Congress of New Urbanism and is excited to use that knowledge to help see the Tampa Bay region flourish.

The City of Tampa is currently accepting applications for an open position on the Planning Commission. Applications are due by March 23, 2017. Directions for submission are on the application.

Meet our current Planning Commissioners »

Applications now being accepted for FLiP 2017!

Hillsborough County School District students currently in good standing in grades 9, 10, or 11 who would like to learn more about the planning profession are eligible to apply. Current seniors will only be accepted on a space available basis. This FREE program will run May 31, June 1, and June 2, 2017 from 8:30a - 5:00p and includes meals, snacks, a FLiP T-shirt, and more! Applications must be accompanied by a recommendation and are due by April 17, 2017.

More information & application »

Walkability in the University Area Community

Since locals are the experts when it comes to their neighborhoods, we reached out for their help to ask how walkable is your neighborhood?.

The University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC) in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough, Hillsborough MPO, and the Planning Commission developed an outreach plan to engage neighborhood residents and visitors to the University Area Community Center who attended classes and programs. Asked to rate the conditions they experienced, as well as their observations and thoughts during a single walk, 288 residents responded to the survey. To incentivize participation, two raffles for bicycles were offered for individuals who completed the survey. This report provides a basic breakdown of trends that were identified from analyzing responses. The input received from residents is extremely useful towards identifying road and sidewalk needs, and it provides an invaluable resource towards future community planning efforts.

View the full walkability report »

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other
nondiscrimination laws, public participation is solicited without regard
to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status.

Read more about the our commitment to non-discrimination and other requirements.