West Melbourne City Council approves stormwater evaluation for Hollywood Estates project

The West Melbourne City Council meeting on May 20, 2025, focused on critical infrastructure improvements, particularly addressing stormwater management in the Hollywood Estates neighborhood. The council discussed a proposal for an initial engineering evaluation to develop a plan aimed at reducing flood risks in the area.

City officials noted that West Melbourne is eligible to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which can provide up to $750,000 every three years. With the completion of the Melbourne Estates project, the city is now positioned to seek funding for Hollywood Estates, a neighborhood that has long been identified as needing stormwater improvements.

Mister Rohde, a city representative, explained that the existing stormwater infrastructure in Hollywood Estates is inadequate. The neighborhood lacks proper drainage systems, with only half of the area equipped with stormwater inlets. The current infrastructure is undersized and does not meet modern standards, leading to persistent flooding issues.

The proposed task order with IEG Infrastructure Engineering Group aims to create rough schematics for the stormwater system, which will be essential for the CDBG application process. The council emphasized the importance of community outreach, including meetings with residents to ensure their support and understanding of the project.

Council members expressed concerns about the feasibility of completing the project in two phases, given the estimated costs and the need for significant infrastructure changes. They acknowledged that while the first phase would improve conditions, it must be designed to ensure that it does not hinder the effectiveness of the second phase.

The council unanimously approved the motion to authorize the city manager to execute the task order with IEG, marking a significant step toward addressing the stormwater challenges in Hollywood Estates. The project is expected to take approximately 18 months for construction, with potential delays for the second phase depending on future funding eligibility. Overall, this initiative represents a proactive approach to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Hollywood Estates by improving flood management and infrastructure.