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Council signals consensus to keep $109,000 sidewalk in FDOT-funded South Avenue project
Summary
Staff told council FDOT-funded South Avenue extension bids showed a $109,000 sidewalk scope that could be removed or funded by the city; after discussion about future connectivity to Sixth Avenue and potential higher future costs, council gave staff consensus to keep the sidewalk and use city sidewalk funds if DOT will not cover it.
Public Works Director Shane Leblanc outlined cost challenges on the FDOT-funded South Avenue extension, including conflicts with utilities and unsuitable fill in the road bed. To address contract overruns staff presented two options: remove approximately $109,000 of sidewalk work from the current contract or retain it and use city sidewalk funds to cover the shortfall.
Councillors discussed pedestrian demand, future road extensions and the benefit of connecting the new sidewalk to an existing Sixth Avenue sidewalk project. Several members argued doing the work now avoids higher costs later and preserves connectivity to the National Guard facility and City Hall; others noted low present pedestrian use but acknowledged future growth could change that.
Council reached a consensus in favor of retaining the sidewalk scope and pursuing city funding if DOT declines to increase the contract amount, and asked staff to pursue DOT coordination and return with final funding details.
