You InVision Tampa Blog

Letter to Mayor Buckhorn from InVision Participant

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:05:10 -0400

Dear Mayor Buckhorn,

I attended the Invision Tampa meeting last evening at the Children’s Board. I am so impressed with the program and very proud of all the improvements you and your staff have implemented. Your vision for Tampa is really inspiring, and we are fortunate that the City solicits the input of its residents and business owners. As you mentioned at the meeting, I have been involved in the Seminole Heights community for many years. I was born in Seminole Heights, so my roots go deep and I love my community.

We have seen a real surge in the revitalization movement in our four neighborhoods with in Greater Seminole Heights:Southeast Seminole Heights, South Seminole Heights, Old Seminole Heights, and Hampton Terrace. Now, with the plans to improve and beautify the Nebraska Corridor, it will only become a better neighborhood, where our residents will enjoy an even better quality of life. The entire City will be dramatically improved, as the City Core is changed for the better. It is an exciting time to be living in Tampa!

We are so blessed to have you at the “helm of our ship”. You are a man of great vision, with the determination and positive attitude to achieve your goals for Tampa. I look forward to seeing the Invision Tampa project unfold, as residents work together to continue making positive change in Tampa.

As you continue moving forward for a better City, just know that you have my wholehearted support.

Respectfully,

Beverly A. Morrow, Trustee
Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association

Community Design Workshop Recap

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:32:24 -0400

During the corridor design workshops, we heard several common themes. First, we heard that there are a variety of existing businesses and services along the corridor that provide jobs and great value to the community. Secondly, there are several examples of new investment in the corridor. Lastly, there are a few areas for opportunity including easing some of the constraints to new investments and investing strategically into the appearance of the corridor.

Additionally, we learned that the corridor is diverse and comprised of five major character areas:

Community Boulevard along Hillsborough
Main Street on Nebraska from MLK Boulevard to Hillsborough Avenue
Workshop District on Nebraska between MLK and Columbus Avenue
The “Link” – a critical connection between the interstate and Columbus Avenue
South Main Street leading into downtown

These character areas require different strategies in responding to existing and future demands to create a vibrant, prosperous commercial/residential corridor. The InVision Tampa consulting team will be exploring these strategies in the coming weeks and will have a preliminary draft plan by the end of June.

In the meantime, take a look at the presentations from the Community Design Workshop and let us know your thoughts on the future of the Nebraska – Hillsborough Corridor.

Guest Blog Entry Two: Middleton High School Student

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:37:56 -0400

My name is Youssef Mohamed and I am 14 years old. I am currently a freshman at Middleton High School. I am in the Engineering project Lead the Way and The Biomedical/Science Project lead the way magnet programs. After school I have HOSA and FTC, a great robotics club.

When I first heard of this program I saw an opportunity to help with the community so I immediately signed up and waited excitedly for the first day. At first I thought this would be a great way to help with the community and something good for my resume, but then I realized that there was much more to be learned.

InVision Tampa is a project where we are putting together everything we have learned in the past year to make a layout of part of our city. With the help of our entors Mr. Sechler and Mr. Drury we made a plan expressing our ideas of what we saw was needed to complete the community and make it whole.

Our mentors taught us how to understand spatial concepts and put them to work organizing a block in Tampa. We got to use our imagination and work as a team to try and get the best design layout. After our plan was finished we got to make a 3-D model and visualize our work.

As we got closer the end of the program we put all the work together on a poster as the real world workers do and presented it to our audience, who consisted of the other teams and our mentors. This helped us practice our public speaking skills which we know is a major part of being successful.

Everyone had a great time working together and getting past obstacles that kept popping up on our path to success. We were all able to come up with different ideas and share them to each other. This was a great experience for all of us.

Guest Blog Entry: Middleton Magnet School Student

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:59:07 -0400

My name is Surya Balaji. I am 14 years old and a freshman at Middleton Magnet High School; where I am a part of the Engineering Project Lead the Way Magnet programs. I am an avid member of the school’s extremely successful robotics club, and Vice President of FBLA. I hope to go to Georgia Tech to pursue engineering.

When I first heard about this program and its affiliation with the City of Tampa revitalization project, I knew that this was going to be a great exposure to the professional world of engineering. I was excited to participate when I was told what the project was about, and how this would be a real world application of my knowledge.

This project has taught me how to think about the surrounding community, environment and understand spatial concepts. Mr. Sechler and Mr. Drury, the mentors of this program have been instrumental in helping us learn about the design process, development, and how to present my ideas to others.

I think that the vital aspect of this whole project is keeping the community in mind. One interesting idea that would benefit the community was to create an overhead walkway over Hillsborough Avenue, and to have a MetroRapid Future Transit Station.

In my group, I worked as the 3D and Visual modeler designed the 3D layout of the site. Using Trimble/ Google SketchUp, I was able to create a very detailed model of what my group had envisioned for the site.

Throughout the project, we went through difficulties relating to spatial planning, design, ideas, and the overall concept of the site. By working with my group, and through the guidance of Mr. Sechler and Mr. Drury, I was able to make my ideas clean and concise.

Despite the difficulties and new concepts, I had a lot of fun being a part of this program, as it involved working as a team. I was able to expand my creativity to come up with a solution to this interesting challenge.

I see Tampa as a leader in trade, commerce, infrastructure, and many more aspects. I feel that this experience has taught me many concepts of engineering and how keeping the community in mind is a key in strengthening and developing this great city.

InVision Tampa Teams Up with Middleton High School

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:39:27 -0500

Today, the InVision Tampa team will launch a project with students at Middleton High School in Seminole Heights. This unique initiative will engage students in a collaborative discussion on the Nebraska-Hillsborough Corridor master planning process.

During the assignment, students will explore civil engineering, architecture, landscape and site planning options. This includes an analysis of the street, transit, stormwater, parks and green networks, and cultural frameworks. The group will meet with InVision Tampa’s global urban planners and engineers from the City of Tampa as they explore options for a one-block section on Hillsborough Ave (see photo).

The project will require students to analyze the condition of the site and provide recommendations for improving the block and the surrounding areas. Students will then create their own “master plan” for the block.

Students will present and display their work at the Nebraska Corridor Design Workshop on April 30. This workshop will be open to the public and held at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to this event at InVisionTampa@gmail.com.

Share Your Ideas! We need your input as we add the...

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:35:00 -0500

Share Your Ideas!

We need your input as we add the Nebraska-Hillsborough Corridor to the Center City Plan. As a main connector to our downtown, this area is vital to our urban core’s future success. This corridor also has the opportunity to build upon its rich history and strengthen the culture of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Here’s what residents are already sharing:

“Build up around new Metro Rapid bus stops – i.e. 15th and Nebraska … there is a lot of ugly open and unused space on both sides of Nebraska here.” –Marc B.

“Bus Rapid Transit would help move people to major points: like the Fairgrounds out east, North-South Corridors on Nebraska and Florida Ave’s, Al Lopez Park and Raymond James Stadium, then the Airport and beyond. Second, a bike and running trail along the same corridor would further encourage alternate means of travel.” –Brandon B.

“I would like to see more green down Hillsborough. It is a sea of gray asphalt. Placing street trees next to a more inviting sidewalk would be a big change.” –Sam S.

What do you see for the future of the Nebraska Corridor? Answer these questions and more on our MindMixer site:

Thank you for your support!

This Weekend: Rowing Regatta at Curtis Hixon

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:25:00 -0500

We hope to see you this Saturday and Sunday at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for the Roosevelt Rowing Regatta – a free event featuring boat races, live entertainment and signature seafood from several local restaurants.

Saturday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rowing Races (rain date is Sunday)
Live entertainment by the Lisa Casalino Jazz Quartet

Sunday – noon to 4 p.m.

Paddle-board, Kayak Races & Dragon Boat Races
Seafood Challenge Award
Live entertainment by the Lisa Casalino Jazz Trio

Learn more at www.RooseveltRowingRegatta.com.

Unveiling the Center City Plan

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:11:42 -0500

Tampanians eager for Mayor Bob Buckhorn to reveal the details of the draft Center City Plan packed into Tampa Prep’s auditorium Tuesday night. Dozens were left with only room to stand, but their anticipation kept them on their toes through the entire presentation.

During the open house, Mayor Buckhorn mentioned the high levels of community engagement that have made this project such a success. He also explained how the Center City Plan focuses on re-centering downtown around the Hillsborough River and connecting area neighborhoods in a pedestrian, transit friendly mannerforward moves Tampa can begin making today.

Then, Pete Sechler of AECOM took the stage to dissect the plan into three main components: a unified vision, five building blocks for smart urban growth and 10 forward moves Tampa can begin making today.

Tampa’s unified vision is for the Center City to be “a community of livable places, connected people, and collaborative progress that embraces and celebrates its river and waterfront.” The five key building blocks that have emerged include a strategic focus on our underutilized waterfront, livable neighborhoods, a strong, mix-use pedestrian environment, sensible linkages between communities and an urban pattern that supports transit.

As Sechler then delved into the 10 forward moves, the crowd’s anticipation noticeably grew with the room’s silence. He opened up with a discussion on Tampa’s waterfront, citing it as a critical opportunity to change the economic fiber of Tampa, link key river places and encourage the public to invest in downtown.

But it wasn’t until Sechler unveiled the opportunity to redevelop Florida Avenue and Tampa Street that the audience’s enthusiasm became apparent. As he proposed transitioning downtown Tampa’s main arteries from one-way to two-way streets, the crowd began applauding.

We hope you’ll review the full plan here, and feel free to send any questions or comments to InVisionTampa@gmail.com.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this amazing process!

Who's checking-in to Downtown Tampa?

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:31:20 -0500

Social networks have greatly helped the InVision Tampa team garner resident feedback and discover various aspects of this community.

Earlier this year, the City of Tampa Planning Division completed a Foursquare study that reviewed user check-ins within the InVision Tampa study area. During a 14-day period from April 16-30, 25,026 check-ins were recorded at 2,461 venues within the InVision Tampa area. We identified some interesting patterns. Throughout the day, we saw changing levels of activity including check-ins at the University of Tampa, the morning check-ins at work in downtown, the return to places like Skypoint and Channelside in the afternoon, the tourist activity at Channelside and the awaking of Ybor City after 6 p.m.

Here is a time-lapse video that shows the traffic in these different areas throughout the day.

Also, check out this report to learn more about what we found.

Issues and Opportunities Report

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:29:02 -0500

Over the past five months, we have met with more than 800 Tampa residents through community charrettes, walking tours, knowledge exchanges and workshops, and we have collected abundant feedback from more than 1,000 social and virtual town hall users.

Check out our Issues and Opportunities Report on what we heard and learned from all of your input. This report reviews our process and the widespread community responses that so many of you were a part of.

Public Realm: Knowledge Exchange Recap The public realm includes...

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:54:00 -0400

Public Realm: Knowledge Exchange Recap

The public realm includes streets, sidewalks, parks, public spaces and trails. By improving the public realm, cities are repositioning themselves to be more livable. At the InVision Tampa Knowledge Exchange on May 16, David Barth of AECOM spoke about how cities are creating livable and economically viable communities through these enhancements.

Barth discussed how it is no longer acceptable for urban public spaces to be concerned only with what’s inside their boundaries. The public realm needs to play a role in solving larger urban problems outside their boundaries. This includes promoting economic development, maximizing use of available resources and being energy efficient. It is also important to focus on connecting people to other places and activities to promote being active 24/7.

These principles form the spine of Tampa’s center city plan and, if done correctly, changes in our public realm. Our urban core can be a magnet for economic development, new population growth and meaningful human interaction. Watch the above video to see David Barth’s complete presentation.

Knowledge Exchange Videos on YouTube

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:27:21 -0400

Earlier this year, nationally renowned speakers participated in a series of four community knowledge exchange forums including: Creating the 21st Century City, Public Realm, Sustainable Economic Development and Livable Transportation. These sessions were reordered and two videos are now available at InVision Tampa knowledge exchange YouTube playlist.

In one video, Pete Sechler of AECOM describes the components of a great street and highlights some of Tampa’s existing complete streets. In another video, Danny Pleasant, director of the Charlotte Transportation Department, discusses how the City of Charlotte created its long-range transportation master plan and reviews how other cities can learn from their approach and experience.

Other videos will be available in the coming weeks.

Support Your Favorite Vision!

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:04:00 -0400

Over the past couple of months, Tampanians have been hard at work scripting, filming and acting in their submissions to our “What’s Your Vision?” video contest. We received some great ideas and even a catchy tune, but we need your help to decide who will win the coveted grand prize - lunch with Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

The video with the most views through Sept. 15 will win, so it’s up to you watch, share and promote your favorite. Remember: views = votes!

Below are our seven contenders, ranging from transit and technology to East Tampa and our waterways. What do you think of them?

History on Signs

Commuter Rail Transit

Harbour Island Concerned Citizens

My Waterfront Adventure

East Tampa Let’s Go!

Tampa: A Technology Hub

EPTOT – The Experimental Prototype Transportation of Tomorrow

River Places and River Walks

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:52:11 -0400

The InVision Tampa plan puts the Hillsborough River as the focus of the downtown area. Past planning efforts typically considered the Hillsborough River the western boundary of the Central Business District and very little attention was given to the “West Bank.”

Our team believes that the Hillsborough River should be accessible, comfortable, highly active and easily connected to nearby neighborhoods. Our plan includes centers of economic and pedestrian activity along the river.

These centers would contain a variety of restaurant, entertainment, recreational and commercial uses attracting residents, workers and visitors – all connected to neighborhoods through the Riverwalk. Water taxis would ferry people across the river to enjoy multiple venues in a single evening.

How could it evolve? See the image below that accentuates current activity areas and adds new districts. This would create a cohesive water front district from the Channel District to West Tampa.

Below is an example representing how we see the West Bank of the Hillsborough River, north of Cypress, could transformed into a pedestrian gathering place. Over time, we envision a unique centerpiece of the city that will be a destination for people from across the country.

A Model for Complete Streets

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:58:00 -0400

The InVision Tampa consulting team, led by AECOM, observed that many of the streets in the urban core area are wider than they need to be to accommodate the existing and future levels of automobile traffic. The excess right-of-way is a valuable asset, as it provides room to create true complete streets.

The City has already embarked on a complete street initiative through its recent Walk-Bike Study and the InVision Tampa plan builds upon this effort by identifying candidate streets and showing how complete streets can be created. Below is some additional information about complete streets and why they are important.

What are Complete Streets?

Complete Streets is a term for streets that are designed for everyone - pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work or places of recreation.

Why are Complete Streets Important?

Because Complete Streets are designed to foster various users, they also tend to act as magnets for redevelopment. In the June 20 Knowledge Exchange, Ian Lockwood, former Transportation Planner of West Palm Beach, showed that whenever the move was made to create a more complete street in downtown West Palm Beach, redevelopment and reinvestment followed. According Lockwood, streets are not just infrastructure, they are opportunities to create value (through complete streets), which in turn creates more livable communities.

What do Complete Streets Look Like?

Below is a model for creating a complete street. Note that there are dedicated zones for different modes of travel and amenities for people.

A Big Idea for a New Bikeway

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:17:00 -0400

At the concluding session of the Community Design Workshop, the InVision Tampa consulting team presented an idea of creating dedicated cycle track along Nuccio Parkway. The concept reduces the number of lanes to 2 lane (2-way streets), includes on street parking and the dedicated bike trail. In all of our neighborhood charrettes, there was an overwhelming desire to connect neighborhoods to downtown, the river and in particular, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. If constructed, this bikeway would provide a continuous trail through the urban core connecting residents from Ybor City to North Hyde Park and providing access to the Hillsborough River. A real life example of an urban cycle trail already exists in Indianapolis and such a facility could be in Tampa’s future. Is this a good idea?

http://www.indyculturaltrail.org/

Tampa’s Vision in Focus

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:35:00 -0400

Last week for the first time, Tampanians set eyes on the results of their feedback from last few months.

While they’re far from the final plan, the InVision Tampa team unveiled renderings to help bring downtown’s future into focus. Take a look below.

The first illustration transformed a section of the riverbank near local business Rick’s on the River. It depicts what a new Riverwalk on the west bank of the Hillsborough River might look like.

The team showed off are-imagined Palm Ave.next. Here, it’s been converted from a four-lane to a two-lane road, which provides more space for sidewalks and green spaces.

Above is Florida Ave.redeveloped as a two-lane, two-way street. In its current state, this road has a 20,000 cars per day capacity, but only 9,000 cars use it on a daily basis. Reducing the number of lanes lowers the maximum speed cars can go, making the street safer and more livable for pedestrians and cyclists.

Finally, the planning team saw great potential in Willow St. as a small business incubator. With plenty of sidewalk and outdoor retail space, could create an excellent outdoor urban experience in the future.

You can view the full presentation of findings at the City of Tampa’s website. Also, be sure to check back as we explore these ideas in the coming weeks through this blog.

Top Five Themes from Community Feedback

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:57:00 -0400

The first design workshop began with the InVision Tampa team reviewing five dominant wants from residents and business owners that emerged during neighborhood charettes and Knowledge Exchanges:

Provide more access to the Hillsborough River’s waterfront
Protect and expand historic neighborhoods
Grow the urban core as an entertainment and residential center
Design streets that cater to walkers and bikers, not just cars
Invest in more transportation options for downtown neighborhoods

We noticed one overwhelming theme here: balance, whether it’s between pedestrians and cars, or new development and historic preservation. Many of our downtown’s problems can be addressed by striking the right balance.

Later during the workshop, attendees were divided into five smaller groups to tackle these issues. The groups echoed each other saying, if Tampa is to succeed, developments need to keep in mind future end-users and multigenerational growth—no more short-sighted solutions.

At our next workshop, we’ll be unveiling preliminary design sketches and concepts that will lead to a blueprint for our city center.

Join us Thursday, July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Universityof Tampa Crescent Club(9^th Floor of the Vaughn Center). Be sure to RSVP to InVisionTampa@gmail.com, and we hope to see you there!

Upcoming Design Workshops

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:36:10 -0400

After all the feedback we’ve received from the Knowledge Exchanges, neighborhood charettes and i-Town Hall, we’re hosting two workshops on how to implement your ideas.

The interactive design workshops will be held at the University of Tampa, during these sessions, we will discuss a plan of action for downtown Tampa’s city center. Specific dates and times are:

Review of Community Based Themes: Input and Actions

A working session to develop Citizen Based Themes that will set the blueprint for the future.

Monday, July 23
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
University of Tampa at the Crescent Club

Work in Progress Presentation: Initial Design Ideas for Center City’s Future

A presentation of preliminary concepts, ideas and strategies.

Thursday, July 26
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
University of Tampa at the Crescent Club

Also, upcoming for residents of the Nebraska Corridor, we will host additional neighborhood charettes to explore and get feedback on these areas.

Be sure to sign up for our eblast to get the most up-to-date info as it’s announced at www.invisiontampa.com/getinvolved.html. And, don’t forget to RSVP at InVisionTampa@gmail.com.

Tampa Ranked One of Top 15 Fastest Cities

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:44:29 -0400

Last week, the U.S. Census released the fastest-growing cities since the 2010 Census and included some good news for the City of Tampa. Despite the economic challenges of the past few years, Tampa has continued to grow and is the only larger Florida city to make the top 15 coming in at number 12. While other cities are struggling to maintain population, the statistics from the U.S. Census tell us that people are choosing to come to our area. This trend highlights the importance of Tampa’s quality of life and underscores the overall focus of the InVision Tampa effort - a focus on People, Place and Progress to create a city where people want to visit, live and establish their lives. In the coming weeks, the InVision Tampa team will begin unveiling plans for the future of the Central City. These plans, as they are realized, will continue to improve the city’s quality of life and make Tampa one of the most sought after communities in the nation.

Learn more at: http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/population/cb12-117.html

-Randy Goers, Urban Planning Coordinator at the City of Tampa