Based on Council Member concerns about traffic conflicts on Lawrence Blvd/ SR 21 in front of Gifts and Guns, we met with FDOT Traffic Operations Division about a month ago and asked them to help us with the traffic conflict. In late November, they sent us back the attached proposals. The most effective of the two proposals is the course of action that would remove all five existing parking spaces on the Northeast side of Lawerence Blvd. It would funnel traffic through the area of removed parking and allow them to spread out into the dedicated left-hand turn lane that would have more area and much better markings. It would also increase the vehicle storage in the thru lane. The project would cost FDOT between $15 and $20,000 but they would be willing to restripe the roadway if requested by the City of Keystone Heights. The City Manager has spoken with both property owners. Mr. Cunningham of Gifts and Guns, who would lose three spaces in front of their store, is fully supportive of the project. Ms. Nelson who owns the multi-unit building to the south of Gifts and Guns does not like the idea. The City Manager spoke with her tenants in the barber shop and health store, and both were not supportive of the change as their elderly customers have a hard time getting to their store and the two spots in front of the building provide them access. The attorney’s office did not like the change but stated they could make the adjustment. Note that the city provides 20 parking spaces directly behind the property and an additional 41 spaces in the area along Nightingale Street.

City council give the city manager guidance on how they would like to proceed. Does the council want staff to continue one on one engagements with impacted parties, or hold a townhall/ workshop on the issue at the next regularly scheduled CRA Board meeting in February?