Staff: Morningside Drive agreement progressing but complex; timetable pending donor and right‑of‑way steps
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Summary
City staff said negotiations with a hospital and other stakeholders over the Morningside Drive project are progressing but complex; the agreement depends on voluntary property donations and multiple confidential parcel negotiations. Staff expects to present a draft agreement to the commission by September if not August.
City staff updated the commission on negotiations for the Morningside Drive project and a related agreement with the hospital (referred to in the meeting as Havant/Advent Health). Staff described the project as complex and said completion depends on voluntary land transfers, acquisitions and multiple confidential negotiations with property owners.
City attorney and staff told commissioners that about 17–18 parcels are involved and that negotiations are voluntary and, in places, confidential. Staff said once required right‑of‑way is acquired, the city will advertise solicitations for a contractor and a construction‑management firm (the latter to handle property‑owner issues during construction). Staff estimated procurement and award could take 60–75 days from advertisement, after which construction would begin. Commissioners asked about project schedules; staff said preliminary schedules show construction completion projected by September 2027, but the schedule will be updated as right‑of‑way and agreements progress.
The city manager and city attorney said they continue to meet with the state and other stakeholders—staff meets monthly with FDOT and would provide updated schedules to state partners when milestones occur. Commissioners asked that staff keep them informed; staff said they will share updates privately where acquisition negotiations are confidential but will provide public updates on schedule milestones.