Long Beach council approves final engineering for Phase 1 of Lake Shore Drive and seeks CCMG grant

The Long Beach Town Council on May 11 approved a proposal from Hass Engineering to complete final engineering for Phase 1 of the Lake Shore Drive roadway improvement project and authorized staff to pursue a CCMG grant for construction funding. Clerk-Treasurer Meg Collins told the council that the engineering expenses in the proposal will be paid from 2026 capital funds.

The council’s approval covers final design of Phase 1 only; Collins said additional engineering for later phases will be brought back for council review. Police Chief and Town Administrator Mark Swistek added that the Hass proposal includes work on the CCMG grant application. "If the grant application is successful, Hass will need to return with a proposal for bidding and construction management," Swistek said, and additional fees would be incurred for construction oversight when paving begins in spring 2027.

Council President Joy Schmitt moved to approve the Hass Engineering proposal; Anita Remijas seconded, and the measure passed unanimously. Collins said the town reviewed the capital plan with staff and believes funds are sufficient to cover the 2026 engineering expenses.

The council did not authorize construction work or a contract for construction-phase services at this meeting; those steps were described as contingent on grant success and subsequent council approvals. The town indicated it will return to the council with further cost details and any required contract approvals if the CCMG grant is awarded.