Lake Placid CRA to prioritize downtown stormwater master plan; Dal Hall interior nearly ready for rental

The Lake Placid Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Oct. 20 agreed to advance work on a downtown stormwater and streetscaping master plan and heard updates on renovations at 151 Dal Hall.

Town Administrator Charlotte said staff met with Jennifer Coto Salisbury of the Central Florida Regional Planning Council and “she did confirm that we can put that into the CRA budget.” The CRA board instructed staff to return next month with a budget amendment to reallocate funds so an engineering firm can begin the stormwater study.

The board’s decision was driven by recurring downtown flooding reported by property managers and business owners, and by an engineer’s estimate of about $70,000 for the combined stormwater/streetscaping master plan. Charlotte told the board that Kimley‑Horn (the engineering firm proposed for the work) would focus on drainage and traffic, while the CFRPC downtown revitalization work would address parking and streetscape elements. “They’re together,” Charlotte said of the two efforts, “but Kimley‑Horn is going to focus more on the traffic and where the puddling is for the water.”

At the meeting the CRA agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting next month to approve the budget transfer that would fund the study. Staff said if bids for construction work related to the study or other projects are not ready by December, the board would revisit implementation in January.

Board members discussed capacity to manage multiple projects. One member urged resuming monthly CRA meetings so staff could move projects forward. Charlotte and other board members noted the CRA has roughly $638,000 available in program funds but limited staffing to execute projects and suggested using consultants for some deliverables.

Separately, staff reported progress on 151 Dal Hall, a town‑owned building the CRA is preparing to rent. Charlotte said the interior rehab is “pretty much complete.” The fire‑suppression system above the stove has been installed and staff is “currently waiting for Summit to contact us to have the fire marshal come out to test the suppression system.” Once the fire marshal inspection is complete and the town installs address numbers and two small wheelchair ramps, Charlotte said the building should be rentable, possibly by November.

The CRA also reviewed exterior options for 151 Dal Hall. One contractor’s bid proposed replacing the exterior with Hardie board siding, another proposed sandblasting and re‑stuccoing, and a third provided covered‑patio options. Because the patio estimate will exceed the town’s $10,000 bid threshold, Charlotte said staff will seek additional quotes and then go to formal bid. Several board members recommended opening the interior for use now and staging exterior upgrades as later enhancements.

Board action: members moved and seconded a motion to hold a CRA meeting next month to adjust the budget to pay for the stormwater/street‑scaping study. The motion carried (vote recorded as unanimous by the board). Staff said they will circulate an updated project list and an updated CRA budget in advance of the next meeting.

Why it matters: downtown flooding repeatedly affects businesses in Lake Placid’s historic commercial core; the board’s vote to prioritize a stormwater master plan starts a planning process that will identify specific capital projects, costs and timing. If approved, the study will guide how the CRA spends a substantial portion of available funds and whether to pursue grants or consultants to accelerate implementation.

What’s next: staff will distribute the engineer’s proposal and a revised project budget to board members before the next meeting. The CRA expects to return in November to authorize the $70,000 transfer for the study, pursue competitive bids where required, and bring bid results back in December (or January if bids aren’t returned).