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Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element <br />roadways, and more opportunity for trip demand to be satisfied by means other than single <br />occupancy vehicles. <br />Several other characteristics of the future land use pattern will also affect transportation. With <br />higher residential densities programmed for various corridors, there is an opportunity for <br />increased transit use, since transit systems experience greater ridership under these kinds of <br />conditions. Similarly, the future land use plan's clustering of commercial/industrial development <br />within nodes ensures that trip attractions will be located together in clusters, a pattern which <br />promotes viable transit use as well as pedestrianibicycle use. <br />Even more important for transportation planning are some of the future land use plan initiatives <br />that are not reflected on the future land use plan map. One of these is the allowance of mixed <br />use development. As provided for in the future land use element, commercial uses can be <br />established on a limited basis in residential areas. By so doing, trip lengths can be reduced, and <br />transportation system impacts can be lessened. <br />Another important consideration is the future land use element's policies encouraging traditional <br />neighborhood development (TND). Through incentives, the future land use element promotes <br />TND as an alternative to typical sprawl development patterns. <br />Characterized by grid streets, mixed uses, accessible recreation, pedestrian systems, and other <br />design features, TND projects relate to the transportation system in several ways. By locating <br />housing close to work, shopping, and recreation, TND projects can reduce trip lengths, reduce <br />vehicle trips, and increase bicycle and pedestrian trips. Also, TND projects can enhance transit <br />possibilities. <br />Regional Travel Demand <br />Recently, residential development in the western portions of St. Lucie County progressed more <br />quickly than residential development in western Indian River County. Since Indian River County <br />contains multiple regional shopping, entertainment, and/or employment centers, traffic increased <br />substantially from northern St. Lucie County into south and central Indian River County in this <br />time frame. This trend will likely continue until new commercial and employment centers in St. <br />Lucie County provide local destinations for that county's residents. Several proposed new <br />developments in eastern Osceola County will also lead to increased demand for travel to Indian <br />River County. <br />Responding to the growing demand for regional travel requires improved coordination with <br />regional partners as well as the provision of more regional transportation facilities and travel <br />options. One strategy for improving regional coordination is expanding existing formal planning <br />efforts. For example, the county should consider entering into interlocal agreements for <br />transportation planning with Brevard, Okeechobee and Osceola counties in order to study future <br />regional corridor alignments, notify other jurisdictions of new development projects and <br />transportation impacts, and maintain the regional travel demand model. <br />Community Development Department Indian River County 117 <br />