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Lynn Haven plans streetscape, accessibility upgrades for Florida and Ohio Avenue; cost estimate jumps to about $12 million
Summary
City officials said they will use grant funding plus CRA dollars to cover gaps for a Florida and Ohio Avenue corridor improvement that now carries an estimated $12 million price tag, with design about 60% complete and a public workshop planned.
Ben Janke, Lynn Haven’s Community Redevelopment Agency director and economic development director, told attendees the city is advancing a Florida Avenue and Ohio Avenue improvements project and will seek grant gap funding after updated estimates rose sharply.
The project—originally estimated at about $4.3 million—covers streetscape, landscaping, electrical upgrades along Florida Avenue, and segments of Ohio Avenue. Janke said the design team (Bridal architects) is roughly 60% complete and will present plans at a public workshop in April to solicit community input.
A recent cost update suggests the project now could cost about $12,000,000. “We should be able to complete the current project. However, it's an estimate,” Janke said. He said the city plans to use the grant opportunity to cover the gap between the original estimate and current costs.
Janke noted the grant’s scope is specific and may exclude certain expenses—examples cited were streetscape furniture and plant materials—which could be deemed ineligible. To address potential ineligible costs, he said the city has added funds to the CRA budget to cover those shortfalls so the project can be completed within the existing public right of way.
Janke said the corridor work will include surface material changes to improve ADA accessibility by eliminating level changes that now create barriers for people using wheelchairs. He described the work as intended to improve the appearance and commercial viability of the historic downtown corridor and to encourage private investment along Florida Avenue.
No formal vote or commitment of additional local funding was recorded at the meeting. Next steps described by Janke include finalizing the design after community input and advancing to the bid stage once plans are complete.
