Palatka staff says St. John's Avenue streetscape work underway; sidewalks and amenity strips expected by October

City staff updated the Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency on July 20 that work on the St. John's Avenue streetscape has begun and that amenity strips are being installed block by block with sidewalks poured at the same time. Staff said the portion of work on blocks with completed sidewalks started first and that the sidewalks and amenity strips should be completed by October.

"They're gonna proceed with those block by block... that'll take us through October, and we're still looking at an anticipated completion date of October for the sidewalks to be completed with the amenity strips," staff said.

Staff confirmed no additional funding was required for the current phase after the board agreed not to proceed with bump-outs. Commissioners and the deputy asked operational questions about where existing planters will be moved, who will maintain plantings and which merchants have adopted individual planters; staff said new planters will be maintained by the city and that some merchants have adopted planters and display plaques.

Board members also requested a full financial breakdown for the streetscape project covering roughly eight years of work. Staff said assembling an eight-year history will require research and coordination with finance and public works because not all records are digital, and staff committed to provide what is available and follow up with the requesting commissioner.

Commissioners asked for interim solutions for trash cans and other downtown amenities during construction; staff agreed to coordinate with public works on temporary placements.

The streetscape work continues as part of the CRA's Central District infrastructure improvements and will be included in upcoming budget discussions.