Streetscape, undergrounding and dock work highlight CRA capital plan

CRA Director Bridal Gandhi Savda gave a project-by-project update during the FY27 budget presentation, calling infrastructure the top priority in the CRA’s proposed spending plan.

The downtown undergrounding and Seminole Streetscape project—contracted with Burkhart Construction and estimated at $8.7 million—will include curbless street design, pervious pavers, drainage improvements, on-street parking, lighting and landscaping. Gandhi Savda said transformers are expected to be energized by the end of September and pole removal is planned between January and April 2027, pending FP&L and FEC permits.

The downtown courtesy dock replacement is already under construction; staff said the existing facility with 13 slips will be replaced by a new dock providing 30 slips, funded in part by FIND and transportation impact fees and expected to be completed by April 2027. Public Works Director (speaker) clarified that portions of the existing hard dock will remain while floating sections damaged by wave action will be replaced and the new dock will be pyloned in.

Other infrastructure items in the CIP include the Stittmann neighborhood drainage and sidewalk improvements (in 60% design and requiring state water‑management permitting) and the Southeast Dixie Highway two‑phase streetscape project, which must be delivered in phases to meet LAP grant right‑of‑way limitations.