Media Release

3:05 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Growth Management Department will be holding a public workshop on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  This public workshop will be held at Haile Plantation located at 5100 SW 91st Terrace, Gainesville, FL. The workshop will be an overview of the County’s Multi-Modal Transportation Plan and the proposed Archer Braid Trail.

The proposed multi-modal transportation plan would consist of an interconnected grid network of roadways, limited roadway widening, rapid transit service on dedicated transit facilities, and an enhanced bicycle/pedestrian system.  Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code would offer incentives and standards for Transit Oriented Developments (TODs) and Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs).  The proposed transportation infrastructure would be funded by a mobility fee that would replace the existing transportation impact fee and proportionate fair share mitigation.   

The Archer Braid Trail has been identified as one of the top bicycle and pedestrian priorities by the Board of County Commissioners.  The trail is proposed to provide a direct bicycle/pedestrian link between Haile Plantation and the University of Florida.  The proposed alignment of the trail would primarily follow the Progress Energy Easement across Lake Kanapaha and I-75.  County staff is currently reviewing the proposed alignment and is meeting with property owners to discuss use rights and related issues.  Once preliminary discussions with property owners have taken place, staff intends to report the information back to the Board of County Commissioners and seek direction on moving forward with the construction of the trail.