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Park redesign timeline uncertain as staff works through DEP and wildlife permitting
Summary
Staff told the CRA permitting for a park redesign requires additional electrical engineering work and is under review by Fish and Wildlife and the state DEP; staff will meet with consultants and coordinate with event organizers to minimize disruption.
During public comment, Curtis Loftus, who introduced himself as executive director of Deck of Chairs, asked for an update on timing and potential construction impacts for a planned park redesign near Latham.
Taylor said staff is still in the permitting phase and must complete more detailed electrical engineering to satisfy marine-life protections, and that the project is now in review with Fish and Wildlife and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. "We're still in the permitting phase with, Fish and Wildlife and DEP right now through our consultant," Taylor said, and staff has a consultant meeting scheduled next week to review permit status.
Taylor said staff is sensitive to the number of events in the park this year and intends to time any construction to be minimally disruptive; staff will reach out individually to existing event organizers once a clearer timeline is available. Taylor also said the first phase likely covers the western third of the park area near the statue and that staff will continue to coordinate offline with community partners.
What’s next: staff will meet with consultants to clarify permitting and follow up with community organizations that have scheduled events to reduce conflicts if construction is scheduled during festival season.
