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Auburndale redevelopment agency reviews 5-year capital plan; members debate parking and splash pad amid drought concerns
Summary
At its May 18 meeting, the City of Auburndale Community Redevelopment Agency reviewed a proposed five-year Capital Improvement Plan, discussed downtown parking and a potential splash pad (with water-use questions), and unanimously approved April 6 minutes.
The City of Auburndale Community Redevelopment Agency on May 18 reviewed a proposed five-year Capital Improvement Plan and debated downtown parking and a possible splash pad as members raised concerns about water use.
Deputy City Manager Amy Palmer presented current fiscal-year revenues and the proposed five-year Capital Improvement Plan to the board and staff. Board member Jordan Helms asked for clarification on the timeline for the Wiley Drive Master Plan; Palmer provided clarification and said she would follow up with additional details.
Board member Crystal Tijerina urged the agency to “be thinking about where do we do additional parking,” noting the need to support businesses expected to come into the downtown area. Sean Levy agreed, citing demand from events such as the Blueberry Festival and the Renaissance Festival and saying a splash pad would be “top three of what is wanted from residents” in survey results.
Tijerina also raised concerns about constructing a splash pad during an ongoing drought, asking whether it would be the right time to install a water-feature amenity. Deputy City Manager Palmer said the concern was valid and that operational costs and water-consumption estimates would be included in the consultants’ scope of work so the Board could weigh timing and conservation implications.
Chair Tim Pospichal noted that emerging conservation technologies—such as water-reuse systems—could affect operational considerations for amenities and facilities. Palmer reminded the Board that additional parking was already on the suggested projects list and said Wiley Drive could provide an opportunity for new parking as projects develop.
Earlier in the meeting, Alex Cam moved and Jordan Helms seconded approval of the April 6, 2026 Community Redevelopment Agency minutes; the motion passed with all ayes. The meeting adjourned at 8:01:54 p.m.
Next steps: staff will incorporate operational-cost and water-consumption information into the consultants’ scope for projects tied to the Capital Improvement Plan and return with follow-up information; the Board may schedule additional meetings if proposals for a downtown market study are received.
