Committee reviews ADA transition implementation and accessible pedestrian signals; $800,000 request shown as unfunded

Punta Gorda staff presented projects tied to ADA compliance and pedestrian accessibility on Sept. 9, including a multi-year ADA transition plan implementation request and a separate proposal to install accessible pedestrian signals (APS) at select intersections.

The ADA transition item covers accessibility and security upgrades, wayfinding signage, and park and City Hall improvements to meet federal, state and local standards and to remain eligible for federal grants. Staff noted the council previously signaled support for annual ADA allocations and that ongoing funding beyond FY27 would require future ballot action or council direction.

On APS devices — which provide audible/vibrotactile cues for people who are blind or have low vision — staff described a draft plan of proposed intersections and a unit price of about $8,000 per pole. Public Works project manager Danny Burhell said most intersections require four poles and estimated 20 intersections in the initial list, leading staff to show an $800,000 total request on the project sheet; he told the committee the request is currently unfunded.

Committee members asked whether FDOT would fund APS devices at state roads. Staff said many of the proposed intersections are city-owned and that funding is not secured from FDOT for those locations. "This whole project is currently unfunded, so they are requesting the full $800,000 just to clear that up," Kristen Simeon said.

Staff said the APS proposal supports the 2019 citywide master plan and Complete Streets priorities. Committee members asked for clearer breakdowns on the forms so the advisory group can see how much is being requested from the 1% sales tax versus other sources when they perform project scoring.