At the forefront of the meeting was the discussion on the 20th Street project, a significant initiative aimed at addressing infrastructure needs and safety concerns. The council reviewed proposals for sidewalk construction, emphasizing the project’s potential to enhance connectivity and pedestrian safety, particularly for students accessing nearby educational institutions. The project is divided into two phases, with construction costs for the second phase alone estimated at $487,900, including a 20% contingency. This phase would extend from ECTC to Highway 90, while the first phase, from Walton Road to ECTC, exceeds $600,000 in estimated costs. In addition to sidewalks, council members stressed the importance of incorporating street lighting to address safety concerns in poorly illuminated areas.

The discussion also touched on stormwater management, with members highlighting issues with current drainage systems, describing local ditches as “dangerous, unsightly, and dirty.” They suggested seeking additional funding from the Northwest Florida Water Management District to address these issues, separate from the current CDBG grant scope.

A motion was made and seconded to proceed with the 20th Street improvements, including lighting and wastewater concerns, signaling the project’s priority status. This move aimed to reassure council members of the project’s feasibility and prompt action towards its implementation.

Simultaneously, the council explored the potential for a broader downtown development plan. The council examined the possibility of utilizing the “Reconnect Communities” initiative to address infrastructure needs and development codes. While there was interest in connecting the downtown development plan with the 20th Street project under a single CDBG application, members acknowledged the challenges of merging them and the necessity to prioritize one project to maximize the chances of securing funding.

Discussions extended to the Main Street streetscape project, which has faced delays despite significant investments in time and resources. The council expressed frustration at the slow progress and emphasized the need for a cohesive vision for the city’s development. The sentiment was that the Main Street project is vital for supporting local businesses, especially with the county’s ongoing expansion. The council considered an integrated approach to project planning, proposing that existing designs could be expanded to expedite development and funding applications.

The council also addressed the need for updates to the Land Development Code to require new developments to include sidewalks, thereby reducing the city’s financial burden for maintenance. This proposal received support.

The goal is to align infrastructure designs with the county’s requirements.