Miss Shannon Roberts opened the public comments with concerns about the city’s deviation from its residential character plan due to the proliferation of hotels. The board then proceeded to discuss several items, with particular emphasis on the A1A corridor improvements and intersection realignment.

Lexi Miller, a City of Cape Canaveral staff member, presented an update on the A1A improvements, detailing the ongoing projects, which aim to create a safer and more aesthetically pleasing thoroughfare. The plan includes the incorporation of medians with low-impact landscaping and protected turn lanes. Speed and safety were prominent concerns, with proposals suggesting the design should aim for a 40 mph speed limit, potentially being reduced to 35 mph following future data collection. This sparked questions about the length, construction schedule, and impact on existing infrastructure, including parking lots.

Traffic calming measures were discussed in depth, with options such as medians, landscaping, speed tables, narrowing lanes, and signage being considered. The idea of roundabouts was brought up but noted that initial proposals for such measures were not supported. The board also examined the inclusion of protected bike and pedestrian pathways in the proposed intersection realignment project, as well as the maintenance of landscaping and the funding status of the design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction phases.

The timeline for the design and construction phases was scrutinized, acknowledging funding struggles and the anticipated start date for the intersection realignment project in fiscal year 2027. The board also discussed the representation and prioritization process for projects through the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), recognizing the need for continued advocacy to secure funding and maintain high project rankings.

The meeting also addressed concerns for pedestrian safety on A1A, from Tyler to Taylor, and the potential for additional safety studies, highlighting the long-term plan for a pedestrian hybrid beacon midblock crossing. The urgency of implementing safety measures quickly was underscored, along with the potential impact of these measures on pedestrian access to various destinations in the area.

Deliberations extended to the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) growth, with the Civic Hub project, including the master plan and stormwater management, being set for presentation at an upcoming city council meeting. The board debated the allocation of funds for the Civic Hub project and the city’s debt service, considering the impact of increasing property valuations on tax revenues.

A discussion on the potential bonding for funding projects, particularly the presidential streets project, elicited varying opinions. The necessity of addressing the condition of the underground infrastructure of the streets was highlighted, alongside the debate around the specific needs and priorities of the city.

The potential implementation of an assemblage program by the CRA to acquire properties for development projects was discussed, weighing the costs and the need for the CRA to determine its spending priorities. The update of the Economic Development Action Plan appeared as a potential catalyst for addressing these issues.

The prioritization of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) was considered, with the board members discussing the need-based prioritization of projects and the role of the council in policy decisions. The funding sources for projects, particularly for stormwater and wastewater projects, were deliberated, with a focus on using designated funds to support specific initiatives.

The impact of hotel tax revenue on funding projects and the growth of the city’s tax base through new construction and property value increases was also a topic of conversation. Public participation brought up concerns about the increasing number of hotels and the alignment of the city’s developments with the preferences of residents.