FDOT Applications Submitted for Sidewalk and Pedestrian Improvements in Winter Haven
by James Coulter
Several Winter Haven streets may receive sidewalk and pedestrian improvements in the near future now that the City Commission has approved funding applications for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Sidewalk and Pedestrian Improvements
At their recent meeting on Mon. Mar. 9, Winter Haven city commissioners voted unanimously to approve three resolutions to submit three funding applications to FDOT and the Polk Transportation Planning Organization.
The applications will be for three projects for sidewalk and pedestrian improvements for the following streets:
• North Lake Maude Drive. A minimum of one four-to-six-feet wide sidewalk to be installed along 2,000 feet of North Lake Maude Drive, as well as Third Street, NE, Fourth Street, NE, Fifth Street, NE, and Edwin Street, NE. May also include stormwater system upgrades as needed. A preliminary estimated cost of $830,277.
• Fifth Street, NE. A minimum of 6-foot-wide sidewalks to be installed along 1,400 feet of Fifth Street, NE, between Avenue K, NE, and Avenue O, NE. Will also include upgraded stormwater systems, street lighting, and new street trees. A preliminary estimated cost of $997,142.
• Fifth Street, SE. A minimum of five-foot sidewalks along approximately 2,700 feet along Fifth Street, SE, between Avenue G, SE, and Avenue O, SE. Will also include upgraded stormwater systems and enhanced crosswalk improvements at Avenue G, SE, Avenue K, SE, and Avenue O, SE. A preliminary estimated cost of $851,174.
Rezoned Parcel for Residential Duplex
City commissioners also reviewed the first reading of an ordinance for the rezoning of a less than one-acre parcel located at 1519 8th Street, SW.
The ordinance would rezone the parcel from Industrial-Light (I-1) zoning district to Multi-family Residential – Low Density (R-3) zoning district.
The property is planned for development as a residential duplex. The land is currently surrounded “by residential uses to the north; commercial uses to the east and south; and the CSX railroad line to the west,” according to the city agenda.
City staff determined that: “there is no increase in maximum potential infrastructure demands beyond what is currently allowed. Additionally, development of a residential duplex will likely result in fewer demands on public infrastructure than development permitted under the current I-1 zoning district.”
The ordinance will be voted upon at the next city commission meeting scheduled for Mon. Mar. 23 at 6 PM at Winter Haven City Hall.
Funding Allocation for R.H. Malcom Park
City commissioners also reviewed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to allocate funding support for proposed renovations at R.H. Malcom Park.
Located at 742 Ave N SW, the park currently consists of a playground, picnic area, park amenities, and parking.
The park is planned to receive renovations as part of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.
These renovations, as outlined in the city’s agenda, include “a new playground, with pour-in-place safety surfacing, new site amenities, picnic area, and upgraded ADA access.”
To help fund these renovations, approximately $296,202.74 will be allocated from the Community Development Block Grant Funding Program, as distributed by Polk County.
