The community plans, with varying levels of detail, identify where the communities envision these destinations. For example:
Apollo Beach proposes mixed-use town centers at Apollo Beach Boulevard and US 41, between US 41 and I-75, and other locations where appropriate. Riverview’s community plan identifies a downtown district at US 301 and Riverview Drive, although the area is currently developed with suburban commercial uses. Sun City Center proposes to create a town center in Sun City Center Plaza at SR 674. In Ruskin, Shell Point Road and US 41 are designated as Main Streets. The Gibsonton Community Plan indicates a desire to designate Gibsonton Drive as the community’s “Signature Corridor” and Main Street to encourage s mall scale business development. Plans for Wimauma identify SR 674 as the Community Main Street and key transportation corridor. Some of the proposed locations for town centers and Main Streets may need to be reconsidered, particularly where truck routes or major roadways create potential conflicts. In some instances, areas of activity have been identified in locations where town centers and Main Streets are proposed. In many of these areas existing land uses, street network configurations, and planned densities are not currently aligned with the type and location of town centers that are expressed in community plans and visions. Additional master planning and form-based codes are an opportunity to advance these visions. Many of the community plans were developed and updated between 2005 and 2013. Community plan updates are needed to address changes catalyzed by population growth and development, reflect the current needs and desires of community members, and leverage contemporary planning practice and emerging technology. The update process will require extensive community involvement, analysis, and planning. The updated plans should identify community visions and provide feasible strategies that are implementable in coordination with broader planning efforts.
Continue to Develop Mobility Hubs
The mobility hubs proposed in the SouthShore Transit Study relate to placemaking strategies by supporting existing/emerging areas of activity or serving as activity generators. Shared mobility services and other innovative technologies are proposed to address first-mile/last-mile connections that support transit use. Mobility hub strategies proposed by the SouthShore Transit Study should be explored further and implemented once feasible. They can also reinforce and connect with services offered by non-profit organizations, such as Enterprising Latina’s, private vanpool services, and other options that address the individualized needs of communities. Measures that increase transit ridership in South County should also be considered. Improvements may include increasing transit frequency and extending transit routes to areas with low coverage. As the population in South County continues to grow, and the desire for
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