Title
Update on University Avenue Improvements and Eastside Gateway Projects (B)
Explanation
This update focuses on the CRA's work to improve the University Avenue corridor with a range of small and large scale projects consisting of pedestrian enhancements and the construction of the Eastside Gateway.
The construction plans are progressing for removing old waste receptacles, bike racks and benches and replacing them with new, upgraded designs from Gale Lemerand Drive to Waldo Road. Staff is coordinating with RTS and Solid Waste on the placement of these items at bus stops and other locations. Public Works is securing easements for certain locations along the right-of-way. CRA staff is coordinating construction scheduling with Public Works and Solid Waste. Staff anticipates that construction will commence in November and continue through January 2008. CRA staff has obtained two quotes totaling $57,776.03 for equipment from approved specified source vendors, REP Services and Wabash Valley. It is anticipated that the Public Works general construction services contractor will perform the final installation tasks. The cost for these services will be determined after the final scope of work is completed.
The CRA is currently planning landscape improvements to three roadway medians in the Eastside Redevelopment District (between Waldo Road and East 15th Street) and five roadway medians in the CPUH District (between West 1100 and 1900 blocks). The CRA contracted with Zamia Design Landscape Architecture to develop construction plans and specifications, which are nearing completion. Meetings were held with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to address state mandated design criteria. Bidding and construction are contingent on FDOT approval and it is anticipated construction will be initiated in early 2008. The preliminary cost for constructing the medians is approximately $75,000 and maintenance costs will be known after installation is completed.
Permitting the University Avenue Improvements through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is underway, and the maintenance agreement is under review by the Public Works Department and Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. It is anticipated that permitting will be completed by November.
The CRA is making progress on the new lighting project in the Eastside district between Waldo Road and East 15th Street. The eastern limits of this project will impact the Gateway project. The project consists of removing old fixtures and installing Lumec Renaissance fixtures on both sides of University Avenue. GRU is planning to submit the revised lighting plan to the FDOT for approval and complete ordering equipment soon.
The design for this project on the former-Tacklebox site consists of a series of concrete planters and landscaping to create an aesthetically pleasing roadway feature. The Eastside Redevelopment Advisory Board reviewed the preliminary construction documents on September 20th developed by Zamia Design Landscape Architecture. The advisory board gave feedback concerning the colors of the concrete planters as well as the proposed plant materials. The construction and bid documents are anticipated to be completed by early October. Staff anticipates that the project will be bid in early 2008 so that construction can begin around February or March 2008. The cost estimate to construct the project is approximately $214,533.
Fiscal Note
For the replacement of streetscape items, $100,000 is currently budgeted for the College Park University Heights district in account 618-790-W724-5520 (Primary Corridors-University Avenue Improvements) and $71,376 budgeted for the Downtown district in account 610-790-W200-5520 (University Avenue Improvements).
Recommendation
Executive Director to the CRA: 1) hear a brief presentation from CRA staff; and 2) authorize the CRA Executive Director to execute a contract with the specified source vendor for streetscape equipment subject to CRA attorney approval and not to exceed $60,000.