1/7/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JAM U 7 1992` ," �DI SF� PAGE S equates to. It is less than one mile. To implement the Twin Pairs project, our latest cost estimate is $778,000,. so we are talking about $770,000 difference in the two projects if you include right- of-way acquisition at a bare minimum cost and do not include severance damages and other possible complications. Commissioner Bird really felt those figures are pretty accurate. If we go with the alternative of widening the existing roadway, we are looking at a year's delay and an increase of $770,000 in construction costs. Those are the facts that should be conveyed to the electorate so that they can make an educated vote. This is basically why he has voted in favor of the Twin Pairs project the last two times. Charlie Styco, resident of Sebastian, commented that what bothers him most about the proposed Twin Pairs design is the disruption in traffic it would cause in two places on U.S #1. With the road widening alternative, there would be only one red light on U.S. #1. Commissioner Bird advised that we have gone into that in depth at prior meetings, and Director Davis explained that by splitting the intersection, the left -turn movements can be segregated and occur in a synchronized fashion and more traffic can be moved through the intersection than if you consolidated all those turning movements into one location. If you go to one location, it probably would be a 4 to 8 -phase traffic signal, which means a motorist has to wait until the left -turn movements are clear and the through movements are clear. He must wait through at least 4 phases of the signal as opposed to only 2 phases if the roadway is split. We have talked to the DOT and they have no problem with the Twin Pair design. They basically feel it is a good alternative, which is why they are implementing a Twin Pairs project in Vero Beach. Commissioner Scurlock emphasized that at a recent workshop the new consultant hired by the City of Sebastian confirmed that the Twin Pairs project has a higher capacity to handle traffic than the old alignment. That was said at our last meeting, and we went back to the tape to confirm that. We have had two separate, independent traffic consulting firms tell us that the Twin Pairs concept was better, and as a Commissioner, he must rely on trained professional opinions. Commissioner Scurlock was convinced that most of the people do not fully understand the reasoning behind the design, and he has yet to hear one professional come forward and say there is a better design than the Twin Pairs design. Lengthy discussion ensued about whether a referendum would be advisable, and Supervisor of Elections Ann Robinson asked -to see a 32