A STUDY OF U.S. ROUTE 17-92 CORRIDOR, ORANGE CITY, FLORIDA

The City of Orange City, Florida is located approximately midway between Daytona Beach and Orlando, Florida. Therefore, it is directly situated in the mecca of Florida tourism. Orange City has had a long and rich history, including the st, Johns and Blue Springs which were the site of more Civil War battles than any other locality as well as having contained one of the most nationally renowned natural springs. In fact, Orange City once contained one of the largest orange groves. However, population surges in the City as well as surrounding Communities over the past forty years, has contributed to vast commercial development, and in turn greater automobile usage. This has resulted in increased highway travel, thereby impacting the primary highway traversing Orange City, namely us Route 17-92. The purpose of this study is to define precisely what the problems were affecting us Route 17-92, and in turn the quality of life in Orange City. An assessment of these problems were obtained through various sources, including discussions with Orange City and Volusia County staff. However, great insight was acquired from Orange City residents and business owners located along us Route 17-92, by means of two surveys. Information was obtained from Orange City residents through a telephone survey, and procured from businesses located on us Route 17-92 through a personally hand-delivered survey. From the findings of the above analysis, the following problems were identified; traffic congestion, high number of accidents, deteriorated City and County streets, unfriendly pedestrian environment and limited pedestrian amenities, as well as an unattractive appearance. The last problem included limited landscaping, vast unbuffered frontage oriented parking lots, haphazard commercial signage and unappealing City signage. After identifying these problems, the study formulated recommendations using the results of both the resident and business owners surveys. Three categories of recommendations were devised. First, recommendations to reduce the existing highway hazards. Second, recommendations to establish a pedestrian-friendly environment. Lastly, recommendations to address the aesthetics of the project area.

viii

Chapter one -Introduction
The City of Orange City is located on the east coast in central Florida, approximately midway between Daytona Beach and Orlando, Florida (Figure 1.1). The primary routes which traverse Orange City are I-4 (east-west) and us 17-92 (northsouth

STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION
This report will analyze that section of us Route

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
• Objective 1: Assess the perceptions of citizens/consumers and commercial business owners residing within the project area in regards to existing conditions along us Route 17-92.
• Objective 2: Analyze and assess methods of addressing existing traffic and pedestrian concerns. Service) while simultaneously enhancing pedestrian movement in a safe and pleasing manner.
The primary purpose of this study is to aid in halting a process which has been slowly decaying a once attractive and small-town like atmosphere. Furthermore, the City of Orange  Missouri. 1990.
The "Bond Street Corridor Plan" for Bel Air, Maryland was important literature because its physical makeup paralleled US Route 17-92, and contained the same types of problems.

METHODOLOGY
This section will outline the methodology used to achieve each objective.

Chapter one -Introduction
Pg.10 Objective 1 The first step in realizing a successful research project will involve conducting surveys of businesses Furthermore, discussion with the Orange City Planning Department resulted in a concurring opinion that administering the survey through local businesses, (leaving survey forms at selected businesses to be filled out by customers as they visit these establishments) would also fail to furnish the necessary response rate.
The two surveys consisted primarily of close-ended,

Pg.11
"yes and no" type questions. The purpose for organizing the surveys in this manner, was to target specific problem areas as well as reduce administering time. In order to ensure that the data collected was a true representation of all Orange City residents, an attempt was made to survey 244 households, or 10% of the 2,440 total households in Orange City. 8 Such a response rate would assure that at minimum a 90% confidence interval was achieved. 9 However, due to time constraints, lack of citizen participation and inability to successfully reach residents at home, only 176 households were contacted.
Objective 2 -The survey data was used to assess traffic concerns from a user's perspective. However, a true appraisal of the existing traffic problems was derived from analyzing records of the Volusia County Department of Transportation.
These records precisely enumerated accident prone areas and identified the existing Levels of Service, thereby, indicating areas of congestion. This information helped to assist in targeting those areas which need redesigning (e.g. accident prone intersections Therefore, an accurate assessment of conditions along US Route 17-92 will require researching both areas. 7 The years 1987 -1992 had a total of 376 reported accidents and a resulting 472 injuries. (Bill Linkovich, "Crash Detail Reports from 1987," DeLand, Florida: Department of Transportation, 1987 . This however, is not an accurate assessment, because less than 50% of all accidents are reported due to the Florida no-fault insurance law and the increase in insurance rates once they are reported. ( Figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1 C.E. Trafford's original Parcel Map
. I -' -· --(Source: James Kerr, Orange City Planning and Zoning Coordinator, orange City, Florida) Once surveyed, members of the Wisconsin Company formed the orange City Immigration Society. The duty of this Society Chapter TWo -Historical overview Pq.18 was to entice fellow Wisconsin's, as well as others, to relocate to the area. 6 The Immigration Society was also ·1 · .. ,..., r.r---: ,_..,..,..1 Department store (Target) and a variety of smaller businesses.
The following analysis is a synopsis of the data presented in

Chapter Three -Existing Conditions
Pg.50

Road Conditions
The existing configuration of US Route 17-92 within the project area is approximately three miles long and 64 feet wide for most of its length. The highway is primarily 95% straight in a northerly-southerly direction, with only a slight angling at the extreme northern and southern points.  Moritz's analysis, only those roads which are located within the project area are considered for purposes of this report.

Alternative Routes
The West Volusia Beltline, which has been proposed as early as the 1970s, is about to become a reality (Figure 3.6).
During the past two decades no construction took place due to a lack of funding, however, such is not a concern any longer. 5 The Beltline will begin at Saxon Boulevard to the south and continue till it meets and turns into Kentucky Avenue. The Beltline will then proceed as an extension of Kentucky Avenue and continue north till it intersects with US Route 4 72, before continuing on till its connection with and completion w ;ZJ ~l ~l· . ;

Chapter Three -Existing Conditions
Pg.56 at Kepler Road. The entire Beltline will be eight miles long and cost approximately 14 million. 6 The completion of the Beltline will aid in diverting traffic off of US Route 17-92.
Specifically, that portion of traffic which is travelling to the commercial malls located on Enterprise Road as well as DeBary.
Thereby, allowing us Route 17-92 to cater to those persons who desire to utilize the businesses located there.
The only concern stemming from this proposal is the limited   There are all sorts of businesses on US Route 17-92, ranging from two dance studios to three motels to ten furniture/antique dealers.
The variety is endless, and the area is not at a loss for any product. The tremendous commercial growth on Enterprise Road has aided in filling any gaps which may have precluded the area from becoming self sufficient. However, along with this concept of self sufficiency, problems have also evolved. Such problems as poorly placed parking areas, limited landscaping, lack of attention to architecture and haphazard signage. On thP. other hand, many sections are overly congested with no set arrangement nor even a streetscape appearance.
Severa l businesses will encroach upon the right-of-way (be located directly upon City sidewalks), while adjacent businesses remain somewhat setback. Such buildings themes will tend to see-saw as described for some distance.
The reasons for such architectural disorientation, is

Chapter Three -Existing conditions
Pg.63

Illustration 3.6 The Emily Dickerson Library as it Appears Today
(Source: Photograph taken by the author during a site visit) because of the time frame in which the various buildings were constructed and the lack of concern of business owners due to the "situated-upon-a-highway" mentality.
There is one significant node located just slightly east of US Route 17-92 on East Graves Avenue. The Orange City Town Hall comprises this node, and it is valuable in both an architectural as well as historical sense (Illustration 3.10). The Town Hall was recently rededicated on its one hundredth year anniversary.
The Town Hall has undergone renovations to make room for a growing staff, however, it still retains its rich history and

Private and Public Signage
Each and every commercial business along US Route 17-92 has a sign of one form or another. Such signs consist of typical pole (Pl) or wall sign, or other types. The following list is an all inclusive array of those type of signs found within the project area: Changeable Copy (CC), in which letters may be removed at will (e.g. gasoline prices); Marquee    business sources, the City has little concern from an economics perspective. The City's real concern is in regards to the lack of attention to aesthetics as well as City Ibid., oral, 10 February 1994. 10 Ibid. (It is purported that upwards of 50% of all accidents are not reported, due to Florida's "No-Fault Insurance" law and its immediate impact upon a person's insurance rate once the accident is reported.)

Chapter Four -Resident & Commercial Business surveys
Two surveys were conducted in order to accurately assess the wants and needs of all Orange City residents and business owners located within the project area along US Route 17-92.
The first survey was oriented towards Orange City residents, both year-round and seasonal. The second survey was directed at those Orange City and Volusia County businesses which were located along US Route 17-92 within the project area. This chapter describes the methodology, results and significance of each of these surveys.

Survey Methodology
The resident survey consisted of two informational questions, sex and age, and ten opinionated questions which were further comprised of several sub-component parts (see Table A.8 in the appendix). All the questions were fashioned so that they were answerable with a simple "yes or no" response. Due to the forth-right manner in which the respondents offered information above and beyond the preconstructed questions, an eleventh and open-ended question was added to the survey (see Table A

Chapter Four -Resident & commercial Business surveys Pg.84
Households were chosen by utilizing the local phone book, and randomly selecting every eleventh name. There was no set reasoning behind utilizing the number "eleven", except for the fact that once the number was chosen, it was repeated throughout the process. All calls were allowed four rings.
Should a person not be home, as many were often not, then a second attempt was made the following day. If there still was no response on the second attempt, then the household was not considered further. All phone calls proceeded in the same manner; the author introduced himself, the purpose of the call was clearly stated and the reasons for conducting the survey were explained. If at any time, the resident expressed noninterest, displeasure and/or resentment for being disturbed, the call was immediately terminated and counted as a "nonparticipatory household".

Survey Results
Approximately 1, 000 households were called during the three and a half weeks in which the survey was conducted. Of these 1,000 calls, exactly 176 households were contacted. The reasons for not reaching the goal of 244 households, was because of the frequency in which residents were not home and expiration of time allotted towards conducting the resident survey. Of the total, 120 households (68.18%) participated in the survey while 56 (31. 82%) were "non-participatory".

Significance of the Survey
The purpose of the two informational questions was to accurately assess whether the survey was or was not reaching all sectors of the Orange City population. Sex-wise, females participated 9% more heavily, as compared to overall population ratios, than did males. Therefore, the survey can be considered slightly biased. However, the survey was targeting households, and thus, the voice of whomever was responding to the survey could be considered the general opinion of that particular household.
Age, on the other hand, tended to lean 37% more heavily in favor of those aged 51 and above. Such a wide discrepancy The significance of question number three, "is the area safe for pedestrians", is extremely difficult to appraise.
Approximately 90% of the households were evenly divided in their response, with the remaining 10% replying with an "unsure" answer. Therefore, the only thing that can be inferred, is that there is a mixed opinion in regards to the degree of safety experienced by a pedestrian. "unsure" answer. It The remaining 3% responded with an can only be inf erred from such an overwhelming affirmative response that Orange City residents consider the area aesthetically acceptable.
The significance of question number six, "is existing signage visually pleasing", is also hard to assess. Those responding positively, approximately 53%, was not much higher than those who responded negatively, 40%.
The remaining approximately 7% responded as "unsure". Therefore, the only inference which can be made once again, is that Orange City residents are mixed in their perception of existing commercial signage.
In regards to those who responded negatively, the primary two reasons offered for their answers were too many and too cluttered, with an 81.25% share respectively. The remaining reasons were only expressed by a third or less of these respondents, and thus, are not really representative of the general population.
The significance of question number seven, "is there enough landscaping", is additionally questionable.

Chapter Four -Resident & Commercial Business surveys Pg.94
Approximately 13% more households (approximately 54% in total) responded negatively. However, this does not alter the fact that approximately 41% of the total households responded otherwise, which is still a significant percentage. Exactly 5% of the households responded as being "unsure". Therefore, the only inference which can be made, is that the general opinion is mixed regarding the overall existing landscape. It is impossible to state with any certainty whether the existing landscape is acceptable or unacceptable.
The significance of question number eight, "should all electrical wiring be placed underground", is easily comprehended. An overwhelming 84% of the households responded positively. It is therefore safe to assume, that the general population would welcome such an idea. Though, actual costs were not discussed, the respondents were well aware that such a measure would be extremely expensive, and thus, commented that such a proposal would have to be implemented over a longterm period in order to be financially feasible.  Middle left-hand turn lane is a hazard. 5 Reduced driving due to reduction in 12 driving ability.
Traffic light desperately 2 required at intersection of Target and Walmart on Enterprise Road.

COMMENT NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Turning onto US Route 17-92 from any 10 side street is extremely difficult.
(Source: Resident survey conducted by the author)

Survey Methodology
The commercial business survey consisted of one informational question, location of customer parking, and seven opinionated questions which were further comprised of several sub-component parts (see Table A.10 in the appendix).
All the questions were fashioned so that they were answerable with a simple "yes or no" response. Due to the forth-right manner in which the respondents offered information above and beyond the pre-constructed questions, an eighth and open-ended question was added to the survey.

Survey Results
There are approximately 179 businesses located within the project area. Exactly 105 surveys (58.66%) were collected.
The remaining 74 businesses did not participate for either of the three previously stated reasons. Although, 105 businesses completed the survey, many did not answer several questions.
Therefore, an "unanswered column" had to be included in order

Chapter Four -Resident & Commercial Business surveys Pg.99
to have each question total 105. Therefore, it is safe to assume that on average, business owners would welcome such a change.
The significance of question number five, is the area visually pleasing, is questionable because the business owners were split in their views. Approximately 42% answered positively, whereas, approximately 45% asserted that the area needed improvement. Therefore, it is difficult to state with any certainty the general opinion of the business community.
The question must have been a difficult one to respond to, due to the fact that 13. 3% of the owners could not offer a decisive answer.
The overwhelming negative response to question number six, is the area pedestrian friendly, offered significant help. The response was almost two-to-one regarding the autooriented character of US Route 17-92. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the general business community shares the same views as those who responded negatively.

Chapter Four -Resident & Commercial Business surveys Pg.109
The significance of question number seven, whether support exists or not, is self-explanatory. The City must obtain support from residents and the business community if change is to actually occur. The majority of business owners responded favorably to the idea of upgrading us Route 17-92.
It is worth noting the percentage of business owners who responded as "unsure", (29.5%). Several of these respondents offered a reason for their indecisiveness. They hinted that change was needed, however, fear of financial support via higher taxes is what kept them from answering in a decisive manner. Therefore, it is safe to assume that a portion of these respondents would have offered their support if they had been better informed that the purpose of the question was to obtain general support.
An eleventh open ended question was added to the survey, in order to allow the business owners an opportunity to off er any additional comments, opinions and/ or suggestions.

Chapter Four -Resident & Commercial Business surveys Pq.110
It is worth noting that several businesses commented during the collection of the surveys that the existing sign situation is becoming unbearable. Those who attempt to establish signage which is in compliance with City ordinances encounter severe bureaucratic obstacles, while others ignore existing legislation and situate whatever signage they prefer.
A lack of enforcement has allowed many illegal signs to remain, thereby, establishing an inequitable situation.
Several owners have stated that as a result of this inequity, they are prepared to follow the lessons of others and also disobey City ordinances. Lengthen the time of crossing lights in 1 order to offer pedestrians more time.

COMMENTS NUMBER OF BUSINESSES
Many drivers stay well under the posted 1 speed limit, which can be extremely hazardous.
Middle left-hand turn lane is a hazard. 9 More traffic signals are required along us 8 Route 17-92.
On-street parking is required. 1 Posted speed limit should be lowered. 4 School crossings are not regarded.
School crossings are the cause of traffic 1 congestion in the morning and evening hours. The hours in which they are in effect, should be shortened.
Sign ordinance either needs to be enforced 2 or eliminated because many violations are occurring.
Traffic signal should be installed 2 somewhere between Ohio Avenue and Enterprise Road. Objective: Reduce congestion and improve the Level of Service.

Pg.116
Recommendations: (1) The proposed West Volusia Beltline which appears will soon be a reality, will alleviate the existing traffic (2) One concern that has been raised is the limited access restrictions being imposed upon the proposed Beltline.

Pg.117
Should curb-cuts and driveways be allowed to flourish as they have on US Route 17-92, the value of the Beltline will be nil. The differences between a taxi and this service is that several people will share a ride and usually a request is made well in advance (e.g. the evening before Objective: Reduce the number of accidents by eliminating accident prone points.

Chapter Five -Recommendations
Pg.120 Recommendations: (1) Drivers must be careful of on-coming traffic when attempting to make a turn from the left-hand turn lane. Regarding the additional traffic on the secondary roads, it has been stated that increases in volume will be minuscule. 2 Figure 5.1 offers a cross-sectional view of how landscaped islands can enhance the entire project area.
(3) Due to the highly commercialized nature of the area, there is constant truck deliveries occurring throughout the day at various businesses.
(appliance and lumber One business in particular, Lowe's enterprise) , receives constant deliveries from a variety of sources. This type of heavy traffic can be hazardous to residential areas, both in regards to the residents who reside there and the infrastructure.
Therefore, these delivery trucks must be averted from utilizing the signalized intersections and rerouting process, as is being recommended for automobiles. This can be accomplished through the placement of signage which specifies that all vehicles over a certain tonnage are prohibited.
These trucks can accomplish their task by arriving in that lane of travel which will allow them to turn directly into the West Volusia Beltline, once it is constructed, will easily allow trucks to deliver their goods without having to make any turns.
(4) There will be a slight increase in the traffic volume on secondary roads should the rerouting process be instituted.
Therefore, the following recommendation will ensure that only However, two business owners commented also that streets and sidewalks needed to be repaired.

Pg.127
Objective: Improve existing road conditions for safety as well as aesthetic reasons. Recommendations: (1) Road conditions need to be improved for the sake of residents as well as any driver who utilizes Orange City roads. Therefore, street repairs need to be implemented immediately, and at a pace which will allow the repairs to be financially feasible. A second reason, and one which is of equal importance, is the need to improve road conditions for the purpose of handling the expected increase in usage. Once traffic is rerouted onto secondary roads for turning purposes they will be required to handle a slight increase in volume, and thus, increased wear and tear.
Given the high cost of repairing all the streets listed in the road analysis, it is recommended that repairs be conducted in four phases. The first phase should be completed in one year, and the second phase within five years.
The reason for this short period of time, is due to the importance of the road sections included in the first two phases in regards to the proposed rerouting process. The first phase will cost an estimated $1,159,000, and the second phase, $659, 540. County roads are not included in the estimated costs. It is Volusia County's responsibility to repair these designated streets, and therefore, the City must request their immediate attention. Phases three (estimated at

Chapter Five -Recommendations
Pg.128 $2,398,380) and four (estimated at $1,239,070) will be accomplished over the next ten to fifteen years. The actual costs will be somewhat higher due to inflation, however, due to the secondary importance of the streets listed in these phases their repairs can be accomplished as funding becomes available. Tables  due to the increased usage that it may encounter should the rerouting recommendation occur, it may be necessary to improve, and even perhaps, widen the street. Therefore, it is recommended that an investigation of this road on how well it will fare once the rerouting of traffic occurs be conducted.

Subject: Pedestrian Environment
Issues: Due to the severe growth of us Route 17-92 into a major highway, the increase in traffic volumes and the lack of appropriate signal devices at intersections (for crossing purposes), the project area has become unfriendly as well as unsafe for pedestrians. Sidewalks exist along both sides of US Route 17-92, and therefore, pedestrians can stroll along         amenities. However, the same group responded almost two-toone that the area was not pedestrian friendly.
Objective: Provide a greater variety and number of pedestrian amenities. Recommendations: (1) It is recommended that the medians which will be established be supplied with a quantity of park-like benches.
The purpose of these benches is twofold, they will enhance the appearance of the islands and area in general, as well as offer those persons waiting for the next signalized crossing an opportunity to sit and rest. Benches should additionally be located at various locations throughout us Route 17-92.
Specifically, benches should be located at the small park adjacent to the Emily Dickerson Library.
(2) More trash receptacles are required at intermittent locations along us Route 17-92, both north and south-bound.
No trash receptacles should be placed upon the islands, as this will attract rubbish and clutter an area limited in space. Furthermore, it would be difficult for refuse collectors to maintain the area due to the danger of pausing their vehicles on US Route 17-92 during collection periods.

Chapter Five -Recommendations
Pg.143 Trash receptacles should be placed in either wooden or aesthetically pleasing metal holders, for the purpose of vandalism and/or theft. It is highly recommended that receptacles be placed at the previously stated signalized intersections. This will reduce the amount of refuse which may be collected on the islands by offering individuals an opportunity to dispose of their litter.
(3) More public telephones are needed at places which will ensure the safety of the callers. Such safe locations could be areas similar in nature to those who already have them such as, gas stations and convenience stores. These businesses usually operate on a 24 hour basis, and therefore, are well lighted and occupied by one or more individuals.
Other locations could include commercial business parks due to the numerous businesses located their and the number of individuals who congregate.
( 4) Bus shelters and benches will be required in the future should a public transit service be instituted.
Therefore, if and when the City begins to implement the above recommendations, they should additionally plot prospective locations for this specific amenity. It is highly recommended that public transportation be supported as well as the placement of these necessary amenities. it. Instead they agreed to establish an amortization schedule which will allow all non-conforming signs to remain for a period of ten years, at which time they must be removed. The reasoning for offering such a long-term period is because of the opposition by business owners to a more stringent amortization schedule. It has been speculated that little will change even when the ten-year expiration has arrived.
Therefore, much of the problem lies with the City. It has done little to enforce the existing ordinances, and has refused to establish more stringent methods of eliminating those signs which are non-conforming. 62% of the business owners responded that the number of existing signs was acceptable and 73% responded that the existing height was fine. Additionally, several .business owners commented that little enforcement has allowed unfair signage practices to occur. Therefore, they were prepared to situate non-conforming signs and ignore existing Ordinances.
Objective: Control haphazard signage. Recommendations: (1) The first action offered is to recommend enforcement of the newly revised Sign Ordinance.
by hiring an enforcement officer This can be accomplished who will travel around ensuring that legislation is being followed and fining those who do not.
If a recommendation such as this one is not followed, the situation will only get worse and so will relations between the business community and the City.
(2) Eventual elimination of all non-conforming signs can be achieved. Residents and business owners responded that the existing signage was acceptable. Furthermore, the City Council has already asserted what their opinion is on behalf of eliminating signs too quickly. Therefore, it is recommended that a slightly more stringent amortization schedule (than the one which was recently approved), be adopted. A schedule can be arranged which will eliminate all signs within the ten-years as originally adopted by the City Therefore, this has considerably deterred from the aesthetics as well as the safety of the area. However, neither businesses nor residents seem to perceive this as a problem.
The City has commented that as a result of the limited concern presented by businesses and residents, the existing parking situation will continue. An example of this is the newly constructed Target Department Store which has its limited landscaped customer parking area in full view of Enterprise Road. approval may be somewhat difficult.
On the other hand, the City has an excellent rating, and with its tremendous tax base, any bonds acquired would be effortlessly disbursed.
In regards to influencing business owners to buff er their parking areas and enhance the surrounding landscape, the City may consider offering tax breaks or other incentives in exchange for certain specified improvements.

REGULATORY STRATEGIES
The newly revised Orange City Sign Ordinance is quite explicit and thorough. However, there are two revisions which can be accomplished in order to further strengthen it. These include; the establishment of a more strict sign amortization schedule, and requesting bonds be posted for temporary signs.
This amortization schedule will not only ensure that all nonconforming signs are eliminated within ten years as currently required by the sign ordinance, but also that signs are removed throughout this time-period. This can be accomplished by creating a schedule which requires the removal of signs based upon their age and depreciating value, thereby protecting the financial expenses that owners have invested into these signs. By demanding that a bond be posted each time a temporary sign is requested, the City will assure the removal of these signs by the owner at an appropriate expiration period. Both recommendations will ensure the aesthetic enhancement of the project area as well as appease Chapter six -Implementation strategies Pg.164 those business owners who feel that an unfair precedent is being set. It is well understood that both these ideas have been previously suggested and denied by the City Council.
Therefore, perhaps once other recommendations have been implemented and completed these ideas can be reevaluated.
Strict enforcement of landscaping requirements for all future commercial developments must occur. In addition, it should be required within the Zoning Ordinance that future frontage oriented parking areas be buffered. This will still allow viewing from the highway, but at a reduced level.
The area requiring strict regulation enforcement will be throughout the proposed West Volusia Bel tline.
Either an overlay zone should be immediately imposed upon the entire area, or strict design guidelines established which will impact developments throughout the Beltline Corridor.
Whichever method is selected, it should be immediately enacted that driveway cuts onto the Beltline will be prohibited.
Furthermore, any future developments must establish access onto the Beltline via a side street or a frontage road. In fact, it is highly recommended that developments be planned utilizing the Planned Unit Development concept, thereby, ensuring fewer curb-cuts.