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Town staff says design talks nearly complete for Newton Beach Park; CDBG‑DR rules and HUD approvals slow progress
Summary
Town staff told the advisory board they are negotiating a contract with a design firm for Newton Beach Park and that the project is funded through a CDBG‑DR grant administered by Lee County and HUD. Staff said procurement and required recordkeeping have caused delays, and estimated design and construction could take roughly two years from contractor selection.
Town staff told an advisory board meeting that negotiations are under way to hire a design firm for Newton Beach Park and that the project will move forward only after town, county and HUD approvals required by the CDBG‑DR grant process.
At the April meeting, a staff member involved in project management said the town is negotiating with J.R. Evans and emphasized the strict recordkeeping, procurement and communication rules tied to the CDBG‑DR funds passed through Lee County from HUD. "Everything has to be recorded ... we can't just email or call them on a whim," the staff member said, adding that the town manager is leading contract talks.
Why it matters: The park project carries multi‑million‑dollar federal recovery funds and board members said delays on design and contracting are constraining parking and other visitor services the town needs now.
Staff described an extended…
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