Commission hears options for Rock Island Road backyard barrier; city weighs $1M concrete wall vs. $500K vinyl fence

City staff presented options for a barrier along Rock Island Road, between Bailey Road and the Broadview Park area, and asked the commission for direction on type and next steps. The proposed barrier would run along the backyards of single-family homes adjacent to an FPL easement and a retention area.

Public Works staff said the full length under consideration is roughly 2,000 feet. The two options presented were a concrete wall with an estimated cost of about $1,000,000 and a vinyl fence option estimated around $500,000. Staff noted both options require clearing vegetation and removal of existing private fences before installation.

An important constraint is Florida Power & Light utility infrastructure: three transmission poles in the area are supported by guy wires that cross properties. FPL requires a 75-foot clearance on either side of those locations, so the city would provide gated openings (a picket-style fence with swing gates) where FPL needs access to maintain the poles and guy wires.

Commissioner Bustamante said residents prefer a concrete wall, noting it provides better sound attenuation than a vinyl fence and asked staff to continue negotiations and community outreach. Staff said they will continue to coordinate with the property manager for the power-line easement, schedule homeowner meetings for property-owner sign-off where required and return with firm quotes and installation timing.

No final decision was made at the meeting. Staff asked for direction and said they will set homeowner meetings, secure FPL approvals and return with bids and a recommended material choice. Cost estimates provided by staff were high-level; the city will obtain final contractor proposals after clearing negotiations and FPL coordination.