PCC Approves CRA Fifth Street Improvements SFWMD Grant Application

PALMETTO – The city commission gave the CRA the go ahead to start primary plans to design a low impact stormwater project that would incorporate green-scaping into water filtration. The span of Fifth Street from Eighth Avenue to 10th Avenue would serve as a model for the city’s future urban planning.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, or SFWMD, is an agency that works with local governments to obtain funding for projects that stabilize water needs and ensure there is plenty available for the future. They are able to accomplish this by enhancing conservation efforts in stormwater projects. The program has been a hit with local governments all over the region – all except for Palmetto.

Example of urban greenscape

”When I went on the website to see who is utilizing these funds, the only place that wasn’t on the list was Palmetto,“ said Carlos Ugarte, an architect involved in the venture. ”This project is perfect fit for the SWFMD cooperative funding.“

SWFMD’s Cooperative Funding Initiative, or CFI, matches 50 percent of the costs involved in order to promote conservation efforts. All governmental entities have to do is apply within the specified timeframe in order to qualify. The deadline for all applications is the first Friday of December, which is why Jeff Burton, director of the CRA department, expedited the endeavor for last night’s meeting – without it being present on the agenda.

”Money for this grant is already within the budget. By applying for it, we may be able to cut costs for already approved relative city planning in half,“ said Burton. ”They are interested in concepts and innovative ideas and the streetscape we are planning is something that hasn’t been done very much in the State of Florida.“

Not all board members were impressed by the initiative which could amount to $400,000. Commissioners Mary Lancaster and Tambra Varnadore questioned the rushed vote. However, Mayor Shirley Bryant and Brian Williams defended the CRA, sympathizing with their time restraints. The motion carried 4-1 with Tambra Varnadore opposing due to the hasty arrangement and the fact that item was not on the agenda.

”I will not be voting on this because I don’t have time to sit here and read it when you don’t send me these things in advance,“ said Varnadore.

The project would include low impact street improvements like sidewalks, street, lighting, pedestrian access, and parking. It would incorporate natural systems of water filtration through plant life into flood planning, and enhancing the quality before allowing drainage into the Manatee River.

”The design would maximize street parking and use pavers to catch rainwater. By the time it gets to the river, the quality is much greater. We can also have the stormwater retainers comprehensive so that every business doesn’t need its own – they can be linked,“ said Carlos Ugarte.