Comments on: CSX: They’re Serious About Winter Haven …

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Mon, 14 May 2007 14:28:38 +0000

Commissioner Reed, I wanted to provide the most current information regarding plans for this park. The City of Winter Haven is in the midst of master planning future park needs. Here is the current status as provided by T. Michael Stavres, Director of Community Services.

The City does have plans for a new â€œregionalâ€ park to be located in southeastern Winter Haven. We are focusing at this point on the 100+ acres located due north of the Cityâ€™s Wastewater Treatment Plant III along Pollard Road (hence this project being frequently referenced to as â€œThe Pollard Road Site/Parkâ€.)

Earlier this spring, the City entered into contract with HHI, Inc. (Orlando) for the completion of a Park, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. The goal of this initiative is to evaluate the current park, recreation and open space infrastructure in Winter Haven, compare it against recent and anticipated growth patterns and develop a plan for new park construction and re-purposing of existing facilities to best meet the needs of the community over the next 10-20 years. In addition, to staff input and in-house data collection, public meetings and specialized focus group sessions where held in March to gather input from the community at large. Staff anticipates receiving the â€œFindings Reportâ€ in late June. This report will be a summary of the data collected and input provided by the community. The final Master Plan document is anticipated to be complete in late August of this year. This plan will identify not only what types of parks, recreation and open space infrastructure are needed, but also where they should be constructed to best meet the needs of the community as a whole.

Although this may seem unrelated to the initial question of what type of park will be constructed, it is actually the first step in answering that question. We (the City) need to have a good understanding of what is needed and where it is needed before we start building anything. It is our intent that the Master Plan will help pinpoint what types of facilities should go on this particular site. Our thought at this time is that the site will likely support both active and resource-based recreational amenities.

With respect to the environmental conditions on the Pollard Road Site, any recreation improvements will be consistent with the existing conditions. Any active recreation deemed appropriate for the geographic area of Pollard Road (or any other site for that matter)will be limited to areas within the park that are capable of supporting the amenity without impacting environmentally sensitive areas. For those areas that are environmentally sensitive (i.e. Scrub communities), recreational amenities will be limited to resource based activities only (i.e. nature paths, educational displays, passive picnic areas, vistas, etc.)

In addition, the re-alignment of Thompson Nursery Road / Eloise Loop Road may also have an impact on what and how amenities can be placed on this particular site.

By: Jean Reed

Jean Reed — Sun, 13 May 2007 16:17:06 +0000

The 100 acre park would be very much needed and could provide a buffer between residential and industrial – a sign of good planning.
Unfortunately the Eloise Loop Road realignment plan will most likely go through the middle of this land set aside for a park. Additionally, some of that park parcel is sand scrub – a land type which is preserved as much as possible in its natural state. Most of rest of the land has tall pines.
Is Winter Haven planning a nature type park here, or is it intended as an active park?

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Sun, 13 May 2007 15:46:57 +0000

There have been discussions regarding realignment of Helena at the south end of the theme park but nothing concrete at this time.

Primary access to Cypress Station and Towne Center will be from CG Boulevard though traffic counts on Helena will likely increase.

CSX trucks are to access that site from Highway 60. Weight limits will further restrict large vehicles especially with regard to the bridge on Helena. The CSX facility will impact you far less than growth along Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Helena is a county road at present and any improvements will likely become a part of their planning process.

By: Joey

Joey — Sun, 13 May 2007 14:04:05 +0000

To Bob Gernert,
This is in reference to the traffic issues brought up by Bill.
What are the plans for Helena Road in relation to the CSX project, Cypress Station and Cypress Gardens traffic?
Cypress Station is being built directly in front of my house and I and other neighbors are worried about the impact on traffic in the area. It’s hard getting to and from our home and with the possibility of CSX trucks and workers we are afraid it will only get worse, and if it does I might have to put up a traffic light at my driveway to be able to get in and out.
Sorry about being off topic.

By: tdb

tdb — Wed, 09 May 2007 21:04:30 +0000

I believe that purchasing 318 acres in order to fall short of the 320 which would require a comprehensive study is very suspicious. Can you explain this to me? Is this question not addressed in the CSX Public Relations Script? Why would CSX and the City want to avoid such an impact study? What requirements are being avoided by being so clever? Our city fathers are looking out for us, aren’t they?

By: Bob Gernert

Bob Gernert — Fri, 04 May 2007 11:38:12 +0000

The map presented with this post indicates a 100-acre park is proposed for the northernmost section of the property. While significant tax revenues will be generated, the Polk Public Schools and State stand to realize as much revenue as the City of Winter Haven.

By: Dee Dee Chiavuzzi

Dee Dee Chiavuzzi — Fri, 04 May 2007 10:45:31 +0000

I do believe some type of park is planned along with the CSX project. At least I’ve heard the rumor of it.
As far as the roads go, Pollard Road which runs off of Eloise Loop will be the worker entrance for the CSX site, yet again, that’s what we’ve been told. I believe the roads are mostly county, but almost all taxes will go to the city of Winter Haven. Imagine that. County residents being left with the bill.
I think a bigger picture that most people arent’t seeing is the city has allowed the site to be rezoned to Heavy Industrial 2, all within a mile to mile and a half of dozen SE Winter Haven neighborhoods as well as our new elementry school.

By: bill

bill — Tue, 01 May 2007 00:50:33 +0000

it is obvios that thi web site is pro csx you don’t want to post negative csx info sorry for the lack of free speech in this country GOD BLESS MY USA

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 20:33:44 +0000

It has been indicated that the truck traffic to this facility will be routed from SR 60. Does that also go for the worker traffic that will need acces to it? If so, OK. However, I would like to bring up the crowded conditions already voiced in the media concerning Thompson Nursery Road, SR 653, Eagle Lake Loop Road, Eloise Loop Road, Helena Road, Rifle Range Road, etc. Workers will need to get to this facility and these are the likely access roads, at least from the northern – more populated – side. Factor in the larger crowds attending Cyprus Gardens, especially for the weekend concerts, and the possibilities for grid lock become astounding!
Not many of theses roads are city streets. Most are county maintained. It is my opinion that the entire SE Winter Haven area needs vast up-grades on roads due to the massive infestation of development and now this industrial beheamouth. What does the county bring to the table for this industrial windfall? It certainly stands to gain handsomely!
When was the last time anyone looked for a decent sized park in all of SE Winter Haven? With all of this growth, where is the library branch being located? Post office branch?
Yes, I know I’m going to be chastized for being off topic, but I’ve lived in the mentioned SE Winter Haven area for over twenty years and none of these aminities have been added or major road improvements, except the widening of CGB – and it opened the flood gates for all of this development.

By: moe

moe — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 23:00:31 +0000

the csx project should be welcomed by all residence in lake wales,winter haven and the surrounding area,this will greatly impact the economics of the area for years to come