The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a public hearing for the Malabar Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study. A PD&E study is an environmental and engineering process developed by FDOT to determine effects associated with a proposed transportation improvement project.

We will present the recommended alternative to widen or improve Malabar Road from Babcock Street to U.S. 1 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway where warranted. The project will also change the Access Classification of Malabar Road from Class 3, which does not prevent turns for traffic traveling in opposite directions, to Class 5, which prevents turns across the median of a divided highway. Chapter 335.199, Florida Statutes, requires a public hearing to present the proposed access classification change when any project on the state highway system closes or modifies an existing access.

The hearing will be Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the City of Palm Bay Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907. Notices are being sent to all property owners and tenants located within at least 300 feet on either side of the proposed alignment and to other public officials, regulatory agencies, organizations, and individuals interested in the project.

The hearing will begin as an open house at 5 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6 p.m., followed by a public comment period. The hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

Persons wishing to submit written statements, in place of or in addition to oral statements, may do so at the hearing or by sending them to Lorena Cucek, FDOT District Five, 719 S. Woodland Boulevard - MS 501, Deland, FL 32720. All statements postmarked no later than March 13, 2018 will become a part of the public hearing record.

The draft environmental and engineering reports will be available for review from February 7, 2018 through March 13, 2018 at the following locations:

1.      Franklin T. DeGrodt Library, 6475 Minton Road SW, Palm Bay, FL 32908

2.      Malabar Town Hall, 2725 Malabar Road, Malabar, FL 32950-4427

3.      The study website www.sr514malabar.com

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 as executed by FHWA and FDOT.

Public participation is sought without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at jennifer.smith2@dot.state.fl.us.

Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Lorena Cucek, FDOT Project Manager, at 719 S. Woodland Boulevard - MS 501, DeLand, FL 32720, by phone 386-943-5392, or by email to lorena.cucek@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).