Growth Management Department

US 17 Corridor Planning Study

 

Planning Study Introduction and Background

US 17 (Duncan Road) in Charlotte County was recently expanded from two to four lanes.  The expansion, as well as the establishment of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center across the Charlotte County line in DeSoto County, is contributing to increased pressure to change the semi-rural character of the area to more urban uses.  At this time, Charlotte County has determined that a Corridor Planning Study is necessary.

The study area for the US 17 Corridor Planning Study is the approximately 8-mile Corridor extending from Charlotte County’s boundary with the City of Punta Gorda to the Charlotte County/DeSoto County boundary.  The study area encompasses essentially one mile on either side of the US 17, coincident with property lines on the east of US 17, which is outside the Urban Service Area, and with water edges on the west of US 17 (see study area map and study area photos).

The US 17 Corridor Planning Study is a land use study that will include:

  • an assessment of existing land use, natural, historic, and transportation conditions along the US 17 Corridor;
  • a “build-out” analysis to determine the quantity and types of development that may occur in the Corridor; and
  • the creation of an alternative vision, goals, and implementation plans.

Key objectives that will be advanced while developing the US 17 Corridor Planning Study include:

  • identifying a set of strategies to maintain and enhance appearance, access, mobility, safety, economic development, and environmental quality along the corridor;
  • providing land use guidance in order to manage growth and development/redevelopment along the US 17 Corridor;
  • fostering intergovernmental cooperation between Charlotte County, DeSoto County, the City of Punta Gorda, and the Florida Department of Transportation by bringing them together to address common planning and development issues;
  • designating existing historic and natural assets, including the Corridor view sheds, and coordinating their enhancement;
  • addressing transportation issues that may arise from changes in land use in the US 17 Corridor;
  • identifying potential opportunity sites; and building consensus on a vision for land use and design concepts for proposed development areas related to the Urban Service Area boundary;
  • examining the potential for and suitability of development in the US 17 Corridor, including the need for access improvements, infrastructure extensions, commercial nodes, industrial land uses, economic opportunities, land use regulations, and design guidelines.

Completion of the US 17 Corridor Planning Study will include extensive public outreach to residents, land owners, and business owners in the area.  The US 17 Corridor Planning Study scope (see US 17 Planning Corridor Study scope) provides a detailed scope of the study.

To assist the Growth Management Department with completion of the US 17 Corridor Planning Study, in March, 2008, Charlotte County hired Mary Anne G. Bowie Associates, Inc dba Bowie Urban Planners, as a consultant to work with staff.  As of April 1, 2008, staff has kicked off the US 17 Corridor Planning Study (see Completed Tasks to view completed work).

Land owners along the corridor have hired consultants to conduct a study in the area as well.  Growth Management Department staff will work closely with their consultants.

 

Summary of Public Meetings

On Thursday, September 4, 2008, the first of two public meetings was held to solicit input on the vision for the US 17 Corridor Planning Study. The meeting included a presentation and a period for public comment. Public comments included the need to consider utilities and infrastructure, concerns over excess regulations, preservation of views to the waterways, conserving historic resources, maintenance of other roads in the area, consideration of the urban service area boundary, need for convenience services, and compatibility of residential and commercial uses.

On Saturday September 13, 2008, the second public meeting was held to solicit input on the vision for the US 17 Corridor Planning Study.  About 30 people attended the meeting.  The meeting included a presentation and a hands-on visioning session. Visioning Session Ideas

 

Interviews with Stakeholders

To develop input to assist with the US 17 Corridor Planning Study, Growth Management Department staff has conducted interviews with Stakeholders to collect information and get their ideas.  View the summary of the Interviews with Stakeholders to see what we have heard.

 

Be sure to check back to this webpage for updates as the study progresses.  For additional information regarding the US 17 Corridor Planning Study, please contact:

Ms. Jie Shao, Planner III
Charlotte County Growth Management Department
18500 Murdock Circle, B-201
Port Charlotte, FL  33948-1094
(941) 743-1272
(941) 743-1292 (fax)
jie.shao@charlottefl.com