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e-NEWS and NOTES: A Biweekly Bulletin
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In This Issue:
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September 29, 2003
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STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
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GRANTS, FUNDING, & RFPS
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NEWS, REPORTS, AND PUBLICATIONS
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OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
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FAPA/AICP NEWS, INFORMATION & UPDATES
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FAPA MEETINGS AND OTHER EVENTS
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COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING INTERIM PROJECT
Senate President King announced last week an interim project on “Strategies to Promote and Encourage Urban Infill and Redevelopment.” Due December 1, 2003, the objective of this proposed interim project is to identify appropriate additional strategies to promote and encourage urban infill and redevelopment. According to announcement, Committee staff will work with local governments, financial institutions, residential and commercial developers, the Department of Community Affairs, and others knowledgeable about urban issues to determine what additional strategies are necessary to better promote urban infill and redevelopment.
HIGH SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION
The House released its first bill, HJR 3, for 2004 Regular Session. HJR 3 is a joint resolution, sponsored by Representative Allen, relating to High Speed Ground Transportation. This bill proposes the repeal of Section 19 of Article X of the State Constitution to eliminate a constitutional requirement that the State provide for development and operation of a high speed ground transportation system.
JACKSONVILLE GREENWAY CONNECTOR BECOMES A REALITY
Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet today unanimously approved the first land acquisition for a Northeast Florida trail system connecting state and national forests. The first 94 acres of the West Jacksonville Greenway Connector was purchased from the City of Jacksonville for $190,814, half of its approved value. This acquisition provides land along US 90 for a new trailhead with public parking, restrooms and access to multiple recreational trails. Adjacent to the publicly owned Pope Duval Park, the trailhead will join the Jacksonville-to-Baldwin Rail Trail and provide a critical link to other conservation lands. The West Jacksonville Greenway Connector is part of a broader five-year plan to connect Florida’s communities through greenways and trails. When complete, the 444-acre tract will form a continuous greenway from Jennings State Forest to Cary State Forest, connecting Camp Blanding to Osceola National Forest. Connecting the conservation areas will improve land management, enhance public access and protect sensitive natural resources. For more information on greenways and trails, visit www.floridagreenwaysandtrails.com.
PROTECTION FOR CYPRESS GARDENS MOVES FORWARD
An agreement was reached between the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and Cypress Gardens owners, First Gardens L.C., to provide long-term protection to the State’s oldest theme park. The State of Florida has been working to preserve the historical landmark since owners closed the attraction in April after 67 years of business. The State will continue to pursue the option of using a conservation easement to permanently protect a portion of Cypress Gardens. The conservation easement would be funded through the 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program initiated by Governor Jeb Bush in 1999 to conserve environmentally sensitive land, protect water and preserve important cultural and historical resources.
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY STRUHS REGARDING PROPOSED RULE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE PHOSPHATE INDUSTRY
“The Department is proposing a new rule to better protect Florida’s environment and Florida’s taxpayers. The proposed rule will establish a higher level of confidence that Florida’s phosphate companies have the financial capacity to clean-up and close their facilities and not place those costs on the public. While we cannot eliminate the risks associated with the unanticipated closure of a phosphate production facility, we can do a better job of predicting and minimizing the environmental and financial risks in the future. This is a complex issue that will require thoughtful and thorough public deliberation. If done correctly, enhanced standards of corporate accountability will not only protect Florida’s environmental and financial interests, but will also strengthen the phosphate industry.” Please see the proposed rule at www.dep.state.fl.us/water/mines/rules.htm.
FLORIDA BUILDING CODE MODIFICATIONS
The Department of Community Affairs has announced that the Florida Building Commission will consider the proposed base code modifications to the Florida Building Code at the October 2003 meeting. According to the Commission Agenda, the proposed base code modifications will be taken up at 9:15 a.m. on Monday October 13, 2003, continuing at 10:55 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2003. The proposed base code modifications will be considered by assignment to the Technical Advisory Committees. The Committee recommendations will be taken in alphabetical order of the TACs: Code Administration, Electrical, Energy, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Special Occupancy, and Structural. The tracking charts showing the committee decisions are located on their web site at www.floridabuilding.org. On the right side of the home page, click on 2004 Building Code Tracking Documents in the "What's New" box to find the committee tracking charts.
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THE IMPACT OF BULDING RESTRICTIONS ON HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Written by Moriah Bellenger, “The Impact of Building Restrictions on Housing Affordability,” is the seventh in a series of Policy Briefs issued by the DeVoe L. Moore Center at Florida State University. You may access this and prior Policy Briefs by going to www.fsu.edu/~policy/research/publications.html#policy_briefs.
TRANSPORTATION & THE ENVIRONMENT: PERSPECTIVES IN PROGRESS
A new report by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, “Transportation & the Environment: Perspectives in Progress,” documents the contributions that the transportation sector has made to the environment over the past 30 years, through the use of high technology, innovative project design and construction, cleaner burning fuels, and recycling of waste materials. The report is posted to the Association’s website at www.artba.org/pdf/2003_Trans_Enviro_PP.pdf.
REGIONALISM: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
The September newsletter from the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association, a well-respected "think tank" on planning and development in the city, focuses on the successes, evolution, and potential of regionalism, with special emphasis on regional governance. Note: the file size is approximately 2MB and may take a few moments to download. Go to www.spur.org/newsletters/0903.pdf.
NEWSCLIPS
“Boise and the Treasure Valley find themselves at a crossroads: Issues surrounding urban growth and transportation on the minds of many,” by Jason Kauffman, News Editor, The Arbiter, September 11, 2003.
www.arbiteronline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/09/11/3f60cff61263f
“The ‘Property Rights’ Hypocrisy: Smart Growth’s opponents love taxpayer investments, decry citizen involvement,” by Keith Schneider, Elm Street Writers Group, September 15, 2003.
mlui.org/growthmanagement/fullarticle.asp?fileid=16553
“Private Property Rights and Local Control: Can We Have Both?” By Chris Fiscelli, Research Fellow, Urban Futures Program, Reason Public Policy Institute, September 15, 2003.
www.rppi.org/localcontrol.shtml
“Principles Essential To The Renewal of Architecture: 41 principles for architects to live by.” By Andrés Duany, Planetizen Op-Ed, September 15, 2003.
www.planetizen.com/oped/item.php?id=105
“Tampa builds up to alleviate snags,” by Bob Golfen, The Arizona Republic, September 16, 2003.
www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0916doubledeck16side.html
“Child-proof' housing studied,” by Anthony Flint, Boston Globe Staff, September 18, 2003.
www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/261/metro/_Child_proof_housing_studied+.shtml
“Australia finishes historic rail link,” by Phil Mercer, BBC correspondent in Sydney, September 18, 2003.
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3118500.stm
“Sprawl and Obesity: A Flawed Connection,” by Wendell Cox and Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
WebMemo #337, The Heritage Foundation, September 19, 2003.
www.heritage.org/Research/SmartGrowth/wm337.cfm
“Silliest unfunded mandate: Sac[ramento]'s General Plan,” by Mark Dempsey, Sacramento Business Journal, September 22, 2003.
www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2003/09/22/editorial4.html
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A MESSAGE FROM FAPA PRESIDENT, JOE BELL
The chapter’s annual state conference in Palm Beach was more successful than any before. Preliminary numbers indicate that we topped 500 for the first time in Palm Beach with a total of 550+ registrants. Nothing this successful occurs without tremendous effort and dedication by a large number of volunteers. The Treasure Coast Section, ably led by Section Chair Kim Glas-Castro, set the bar higher for all future conferences. Their efforts were creative, extensive, dedicated, and extremely productive. We all join in acknowledging and congratulating them on a most excellent conference. We also acknowledge the hard work and leadership of Linda Dixon, FAPA vice-president for membership services and conference committee chair. Well-executed events are always well led, and Linda's leadership was evident throughout the conference. The Chapter Office also devotes enormous amounts of time handling registrations and many administrative details. Each year it is done better than the year before, and Sheri Coven, FAPA executive director, and her administrative assistant, Marty Quinn, did even more than their usual super job to make this conference an unsurpassed success. Great job everyone!!!
COME BACK TO AICP
Has your AICP membership lapsed? An amnesty program for former AICP members has been extended to January 1, 2004. You may be able to rejoin AICP and regain use of your professional credential with minimal financial penalty. For more information, call APA member service representative Cecelia Garner at 312-786-6394.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 11/18: FELLOWS PROGRAM AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please note that the 2004 Fellows Program and Application Information are now posted on the APA website at www.planning.org/faicp/faicp.htm. The new nomination deadline is November 18, 2003. The posting includes three sections; they are: 1) the 2004 Nomination Guidelines, 2) the 2004 Nomination Form, and 3) a 2004 Sample Nomination. Of particular note to those thinking about a future submittal, beginning in 2004, the Fellows will select and induct new Fellows every other year. The next round of FAICP selection will take place in 2006.
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The American Planning Association’s website includes links to requests for proposals and requests for qualifications. You may access this information at www.planning.org/rfp-rfq/.
NEW FAPA LISTINGS: None this issue.
REPEAT LISTINGS:
The Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP) announces the availability of funds for innovative coastal projects under its Coastal Partnerships Initiative. Eligible applicants include local governments of the 35 coastal counties and all municipalities within their boundaries; national estuarine research reserves; and national estuary programs. Eligible applicants also include public and private colleges and universities, regional planning councils, and nonprofit groups, as long as an eligible local government, national estuarine research reserve, or national estuary program agrees to participate as a partner in the application and project. The Coastal Partnership Initiative is intended to inspire community action and promote the protection and effective management of Florida’s coastal resources in four specific initiative categories: Working Waterfronts, Access to Coastal Resources, Remarkable Coastal Places, and Community Stewardship. The Coastal Partnerships Initiative makes financial assistance available as reimbursement grants of amounts ranging from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $50,000. Selected proposals will be included in the FCMP application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for Fiscal Year 2004-05 federal coastal management funds. The funding cycle will begin July 1, 2004 and end June 30, 2005; all projects must be initiated and completed within the funding cycle. Rule Chapter 62S-4, Florida Administrative Code, governs all aspects of the FCMP’s Coastal Partnerships Initiative. There is no specific application form. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Wednesday, October 15, 2003. A copy of Rule 62S-4, FAC, may be printed from the FCMP web site at: www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/legislative/coastal/grants/index.htm. If any person does not have internet access, a copy of the rule will be mailed upon request. For questions or to request a copy of Rule 62S-4, FAC, please contact Ms. Debbie Skelton, Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program, 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000; by telephone at 850/245-2161; or by e-mail at: debbie.skelton@dep.state.fl.us..
The Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP) announces the availability of funds for activities and tasks related to implementation of the statutory authorities included in the federally approved FCMP. A complete list of these statutes can be found at www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/legislative/coastal/federal/23_statutes.htm. Funding proposals should contribute to the protection, management and enhancement of Florida’s coastal resources and also focus on achieving the policy issues identified in the Coastal Zone Management Act. Eligible applicants include state agencies and water management districts. Financial assistance is available in the form of reimbursement grants in amounts ranging from a minimum of $15,000 to approximately $150,000, depending on the availability of federal coastal management funds received from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Selected proposals will be included in the FCMP application to NOAA for Fiscal Year 2004-05 federal coastal management funds. The funding cycle will begin July 1, 2004 and end June 30, 2005; all projects must be initiated and completed within the funding cycle. Rule Chapter 62S-4, Florida Administrative Code, describes the procedures for submitting applications and the criteria and procedures by which applications will be evaluated. There is no specific application form. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Wednesday, October 15, 2003. A copy of Rule 62S-4, FAC, may be printed from the FCMP web site at:
www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/legislative/coastal/grants/index.htm. For questions or to request a copy of Rule 62S-4, FAC, please contact Ms. Debbie Skelton, Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program, 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 47, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000; by telephone at 850/245-2161; or by email at Debbie.Skelton@dep.state.fl.us.
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FAPA CHAPTER AND SECTION EVENTS
September 30, 2003: The Emerald Coast Section is sponsoring A PLANNING DIRECTOR’S FORUM, from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m., at O’Charleys, 34906 Emerald Coast Parkway, in Destin. Cost is your own meal. RSVP to planforit@knology.net.
September 30, 2003: LPC Meeting/Conference Call beginning at 10:00 a.m., FAPA conference room, 2040 Delta Way, Tallahassee.
October 3, 2003: FAPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE meeting (11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) in Orlando.
October 8, 2003: First Coast’s Lunch N’ Learn on MAKING PLANNING ENGAGING, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Clay County Planning Department, Conference Room, 477 Houston Street, 3rd Floor, Green Cove Springs. RSVP to Tony Robbins at (904) 739-3655 or trobbins@prosserhallock.com.
October 9, 2003: SUN COAST APA’S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER, “Building a Tradition of Community;” at 6:30 p.m. at the Barn Theater at Winthrop Village, in Brandon . The Guest Speakers are Kay & John Sullivan, Developers of Winthrop Village, a New Traditional Neighborhood and Town Center in Brandon. The evening will include Announcement of Award Winners & Sun Coast APA Business Meeting. For more information, please contact Melissa Zornitta at (813) 272-5940 or zornittam@plancom.org.
October 9, 2003: BALLOT BOX PLANNING: HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY DEBATE, hosted by the Capital Areas Section, from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m., Tallahassee City Hall. Come hear supporters (Ross Burnaman of Florida Hometown Democracy) and detractors (Doug Buck of Florida Home Builders Association) debate the proposed Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment.
October 10, 2003: Treasure Coast Section’s “Brown Bag Discussion Series” continues with PALM BEACH COUNTY'S SECTOR PLAN effort. This informal presentation and discussion will commence at 12 noon at the PZB offices, 4th Floor conference room. Bring a lunch and join fellow planners.
October 14, 2003: Orlando Metro Section’s Annual Meeting at the Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The program will include installation of officers, awards to new AICP members, and recognition of FAPA state chapter awards winners from Orlando. A reception will follow on the DaVinci Terrace.
October 15, 2003: First Coast’s Lunch N’ Learn on MAKING PLANNING ENGAGING, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Jacksonville Planning and Development Department Studio, 128 East Forsyth Street, Suite 700, Jacksonville. RSVP to Tony Robbins at (904) 739-3655 or trobbins@prosserhallock.com.
October 27, 2003: First Coast’s Lunch N’ Learn on MAKING PLANNING ENGAGING, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Florida Hospital, Flagler Rooms A & B, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast. RSVP to Tony Robbins at (904) 739-3655 or trobbins@prosserhallock.com.
November 13, 2003: Capital Area Section’s LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON, from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m., Tallahassee City Hall. Hear local state Senators and Representatives update planners on state lawmaking.
December 4, 2003: The Capital Area Section is hosting a debate on the use of UGAs and UGBs, titled “IS URBAN CONTAINMENT WORKING?” The debate will take place from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m. at Tallahassee City Hall.
January 9, 2003: Ring in the New Year with FAPA’s Capital Area Section, in combination with the Apalachee Section of FPZA and FSU’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., location TBA.
February 18-19, 2004: Save the date for FAPA’s ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP in Tallahassee.
April 24-28, 2004: Save the date for APA’s NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE in Washington, D.C.—“Celebrate Community.”
October 13-16, 2004: Save the date for FAPA’s 2004 ANNUAL CONFERENCE in Gainesville.
OTHER SCHEDULED EVENTS:
October 2, 2003: CANCELLED!!! FLORIDA’S ENERGY FUTURE STAKEHOLDER MEETING, www.floridaenergyplan.net.
October 9, 2003: SMART GROWTH AND NEW URBANISM, a program for commercial and residential realtors, developers, planners, investors, elected officials, and concerned citizens to provide information about smart growth and new urbanism principles; from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., at Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter. To register, call 800-669-4327. After October 2, all registrations will be handled on-site.
October 9, 2003: Save the Date--NATIONAL SMART GROWTH CONFERENCE: STATE OF THE STATES ON SMART GROWTH; Radisson Hotel, Burlington, Vermont. For information on the conference go to www.vtsprawl.org/Initiatives/sgcollaborative/VSGC_main.htm.
October 15-18, 2003: FPZA STATE CONFERENCE featuring Daniel Bevarly, F. Lee Bailey, Randall Arendt, & Daniel Madelker; The Inn of Fifth (www.naplesinn.com); $125/night; mention “FPZA” to get the discounted price; call 239-403-8777 for reservations; conference schedule and registration information coming soon.
October 15-17, 2003: APA and its Planning and Law Division are cosponsors of the NATIONAL IMPACT FEE ROUNDTABLE IN SAN DIEGO. Topics include innovative impact fee methodologies, case studies from varied communities, and recent case law. Registration is limited to 200. The registration fee is $160 by August 15; $185 after August 15. The registration form is available at www.sandiego.gov/planning/pdf/03impactfee.pdf. Additional information is also posted to www.planning.org/conferences/impactfee.htm.
October 23 or 24, 2003: LOCAL DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS WORKSHOP (LDAW)™, Jacksonville (specific location TBA). The LDAW was developed for human service providers, neighborhood activists, grant writers, planners or anyone who would like to easily look up and analyze basic demographic characteristics. Participants will learn to use the 2000 Census, as well as more current data sets. Each workshop will focus on analysis for the particular city in which it is taught, however, all techniques and methodologies are directly transferable to any other geography. Cost: $225 for credit card at the time of sign up, $249 regular price. For more information or to register, visit www.smartgirltechnologies.com or call toll free at 1-877-241-6576.
November 13-15, 2003: BUILDING AND RE-BUILDING TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOODS—A step-by-step journey through the development and redevelopment process, including case studies of urban, suburban and exurban New Urbanist communities, offered by the Seaside Institute in Seaside, Florida. For more information, go to www.theseasideinstitute.org/.
November 19, 2003: ZONING AND LAND USE IN FLORIDA, a one-day seminar designed for attorneys, owners, presidents and vice-presidents, planners, engineers, project managers, architects, council and board members, property managers, developers, public works directors, zoning board members, principals, surveyors and land use officials, at the Ramada Inn & Conference Center, 2900 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (lunch on your own). Speakers include Robert Apgar, Sherry Spiers, Terrell Arline, Nancy Linnan, Cari Roth, Dan Stengle, and Jacob Varn. Register on-line at www.lorman.com or call (715) 833-3959.
December 4-6, 2003: TND II: CASE STUDY CRITIQUES ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT—A detailed look at five developments; Birkdale Village, Habersham, Kentlands, Mashpee Commons and Southern Village, offered by the Seaside Institute in Miami, Florida. For more information, go to www.theseasideinstitute.org/.
December 5, 2003: REGIONAL RURAL LANDS SYMPOSIUM: The Future of the Region’s Countryside, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., IRCC/FAU Schreiber Conference Center, Port St. Lucie Florida, sponsored by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. For more information or to register on line go to www.tcrpc.org or call (772) 221-4060.
December 6-9, 2003: NATIONAL PUBLIC LAND ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island. Florida' 13th annual Public Land Acquisition and Management Partnership Conference will bring timely and useful information to public agencies and all others in Florida, the Southeast and around the nation interested in land conservation, including non-profits, service providers and landowners. For more information, go to www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/conference/index.htm.
January 14-16, 2004: SOLVING URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSECT—An in depth discussion of transect-oriented planning and urban design with experts from relevant disciplines: architecture, urban design, planning, traffic engineering, landscape design, environmental science and social science, offered by the Seaside institute in Seaside, Florida. For more information, go to www.theseasideinstitute.org/.
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