Loxahatchee Groves standardizes driveway aprons for E Road/Collecting Canal paving project; vice mayor recuses

The Town Council on June 16 approved a change order for the A Road and Collecting Canal paving project that standardizes driveway apron dimensions at 2 feet by 20 feet. The measure passed by voice vote with a 4-0 tally; Vice Mayor Sood recused because he lives on a road included in the project.

Public Works staff explained that field measurements of existing driveways produced variation, and the contractor agreed to adjust the quote to meet the council’s standard of 2 by 20 feet for typical aprons. Councilmembers discussed whether property owners should be allowed wider aprons at their own expense and how to prevent erosion or repeated roadway damage at nonstandard openings.

Why it matters: The change order affects the scope and final cost calculation for a town paving project and sets a uniform standard intended to reduce inconsistency in driveway transitions to the newly paved surface.

Details: Staff noted some driveways are large agricultural openings and that some properties may require wider aprons; the contractor said he could re-price to a 2-by-20 standard. The council asked staff to authorize the contractor to proceed with paving while using the standardized apron where appropriate. The vote passed with Vice Mayor Sood’s recusal noted in the minutes.

Next steps: Staff will finalize field measurements, apply the standardized apron dimension in the change order, and proceed with project scheduling.