Imagine 2040 feedback included preserving urban and suburban housing choices, with an emphasis on bringing more mixed use urban style development to major corridors and activity centers.

Activity Centers are the intersections of major multi-modal corridors on the City's Vision Map. In the update, goals, objectives, and policies begin to incentivize redevelopment along multi-modal corridors and within major activity centers as well as promote safer streets and alternative forms of transportation. Proposals for these areas promote redevelopment of non-residential properties into mixed-use developments that include medium density residential, office, and commercial uses along major multi-modal corridors.

Bonus Intensity Zone (BIZ), a new overlay district, has been developed to incentive higher density development within a quarter mile of transit stops. By using New Urbanist design principals, developers could receive a 25% residential density or commercial intensity bonus over what is currently allowed under the existing land use category using the BIZ Overlay.

Complete Streets are focused on so new development encourages walking, bicycling, and public transportation use, and makes these transportation options safe and convenient. A key component supports the orientation of buildings toward pedestrian and transit infrastructure rather than toward automobile infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to create neighborhoods whose physical layout and land use mix promote transportation choices that are safe and welcoming for everyone.

Review the draft plan. The updated Temple Terrace Comprehensive Plan has been reduced from 700 pages to 300 pages. Entering the public hearing phase on its path to adoption expected in early 2016, the plan will go to a Planning Commission Public Hearing on August 24 and a Temple Terrace City Council Public Hearing on October 20. Comments and feedback can also be provided to Tony LaColla, AICP or reach him by phone at 813/273-3774 x350.  

The draft Plant City Comprehensive Plan addresses legislative mandates, corrects inconsistencies, prioritizes resources, and updates project statuses. The Plan supports the integrity and character of local neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas, and encourages future economic opportunities within Plant City.

Some highlights of proposed changes include allowed development patterns within Midtown to be consistent with the adopted Midtown Redevelopment Vision Plan. Flexibility has been added to the build-to-lines and parking withing the Mixed Use - Gateway. Medical and distribution facilities have been added to the list of eligible uses that may be considered within the I-4 Tech Corridor Overlay. Also, an appeal process for text and map boundary line interpretations of the plan have been included.

The draft update is currently available for review. Meetings and public hearings have been scheduled beginning at the Planning Commission Public Hearing on August 24 at 5:30 p.m. The updated plan will then be presented to the Plant City Planning Board on August 27. The Plant City City Commission transmittal public hearing is currently scheduled for October 12. Adoption of the plan is expected in early 2016. For more information, contact Mark Hudson, AICP, at 813/273-3774 x338 or Jay Collins, AICP, at 813/273-3774 x335.  

At a workshop on July 29, the Board of County Commissioners endorsed Guiding Principles for the future growth of Hillsborough County. Developed by Planning Commission and County Administration staffs, these principals will guide and focus priorities, providing a common framework for decision-making on planning for a thriving future.  

Setting consideration of the Capital Improvement Program, potential Urban Service Area expansion, redevelopment and infill, mobility fees, and the Imagine 2040 Comprehensive Plan upon a common foundation, the five Guiding Principles are:

• Quality of Life
• Fiscal Sustainability
• Economic Prosperity
• Responsible Growth
• Consistency of Action

The Hillsborough County Guiding Principles for Future Growth will be presented at the August 10 meeting of the Planning Commission at 2:00 p.m. Please join us on the 18th floor of County Center at 601 E Kennedy Boulevard or tune in to HTV to watch live. Work will continue on the County Comprehensive Plan update through 2016. For more information, contact Stephen Griffin, AICP, at 813/273-3774 x353. 

The draft 2015 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is available for public review and comment. The Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD) RWSP assesses the projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet demands over a 20-year period. The Plan is updated every five years, in accordance with Florida Statutes.

The 2015 RWSP consists of an executive summary and four geographically based volumes corresponding to the District's four designated water supply planning regions (Northern, Tampa Bay, Heartland and Southern). SWFWMD is accepting public comment on the draft RWSP through August 17, 2015. Comments and questions will be addressed and tracked in a 2015 Public Comments and District Responses document that will be posted. To leave a comment or for more details, please call George Schlutermann, P.G. at 1-800-423-1476 x4212 or email.

The Hillsborough River & Coastal Cleanup is not your typical litter removal event. Volunteers collect more than trash, they collect data to identify the number and type of littered items, the

overall tonnage removed from each site and the amount of recyclable materials diverted. This information is used to determine future needs and projects within the community while creating an awareness. As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, data is shared with Keep America Beautiful, the Ocean Conservancy, as well as local officials to help provide a local and global perspective.  

Last year, well over 60,500 pounds of litter and debris was removed from more than 75 locations throughout Hillsborough County. More than 4,000 volunteers participated in the cleanup along the Hillsborough River, Alafia River, and other waterways.

This year's cleanup will take place on Saturday, September 19 at various sites throughout Hillsborough County. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cleanup will begin at 9:00 a.m. Volunteer registration opens on August 3rd. If you are interested in being a site captain, please email projects@keeptbb.org today.

See a project built in the last five years that is improving the quality of life in Hillsborough County? 

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