CRA authorizes $314,829.75 for roundabout design at Orange and Sorrento

The Mount Plymouth Sorrento Community Redevelopment Agency Board authorized $314,829.75 from the CRA trust fund to pay for design work on a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Orange Street and Sorrento Avenue.

Meg Brew said the CRA advisory committee recommended moving the portion of Sorrento Avenue from Orange Street to County Road 437 into the design and engineering phase; OM Engineering Services provided a scope of work on its on-call contract rates. Brew told the board the full scope was included in the meeting packet and that the item will come before the Board of County Commissioners for a transfer of funds from reserves if the CRA board approves design funding.

County Engineer Jeff Earhart described an absence of a current construction schedule and estimated construction costs “probably $2 to $3 million.” Earhart also said the roundabout design is planned to be paid for in full by the CRA; if development such as the Hillcrest project moves forward, increment funding or impact fees could contribute to construction costs.

Board members asked whether the design would cover the entire roundabout even though the CRA boundary falls at the intersection; Earhart responded that the county intends to pay for the entire design. Staff noted that right-of-way acquisition to the west may be required in a subsequent phase.

Staff presented the item as a design-phase authorization; if the board proceeds, the project will require a future BCC meeting for transfer of funds from reserves.