Brynt Johnson, Director of Engineering and Building Services

Resolution of support for a Grant Application for the Complete Streets and Other Localized Initiatives Program (CSLIP) for the NE 15^th Avenue and Side Streets Improvement Project.

Issue Statement: The Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Complete Streets and other Localized Initiatives Grant Program (CSLIP) provides funding for local transportation projects to improve safety and multi-modal mobility. Projects submitted for funding shall be between $500,000 and $3,000,000. Grant funding for the construction phase of the submitted project is programmed to be available in seven years (2028).  Grant Applications for CSLIP project funding had to be submitted to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) by November 10, 2021.  Amendments to the scope of the grant application must be submitted by December 21, 2021.   Staff seeks to amend the CSLIP application to include additional sidewalk opportunities to ensure the project meets the $500,000 minimum construction threshold and provide greater connectivity to the Downtown.  

Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Commission adopt a resolution of support for the submission of the Complete Streets and Other Localized Initiatives Grant Program for the NE 15^th Avenue and Side Streets Improvement Project.

Background:  At the October 20, 2021 City Commission Meeting a resolution of support for the NE 15^th Avenue Improvement Project was adopted by City Commission.  Subsequently, the cost estimate for the construction portion of the project was determined to be just below the threshold for a CSLIP Application.   In discussion with the MPO, it was determined that the project could be expanded to include side streets between NE 13^th Avenue and NE 16^th Avenue from Oakland Park Boulevard to Park Lane East (NE 38^th St.) to provide greater connectivity and meet the minimum threshold for the application.  For these additions to be considered by the MPO, the City must submit a revised application with a corresponding resolution of support.

At the October 20, 2021 City Commission Meeting a resolution of support for the NE 15^th Avenue Improvement Project was adopted by City Commission.  A community meeting on the project was held on October 5, 2021 in advance of the City Commission action.

It was determined after the submittal of the application that the project could be expanded to include side streets between NE 13^th Avenue and NE 16^th Avenue from Oakland Park Boulevard to Park Lane East (NE 38^th St.). 

The proposed project contemplated in this agenda consists of two elements: 1) NE 15^th Avenue from Oakland Park Boulevard to Park Lane East (the original scope in the October Resolution), and 2) Side streets between NE 13^th Avenue and NE 16^th Avenue from Oakland Park Boulevard to Park Lane East. The specific improvements being requested for CSLIP funding include:

• Installation of continuous 5' sidewalks on both sides of NE 15^th Avenue
• Installation of continuous 5' sidewalks on one side of NE 37^th Street, NE 36^th Street, NE 35^th Street, NE 34^th Street, NE 33^rd Street and NE 32^nd Street.
• Drainage as needed to facilitate installation of sidewalks

 In addition, staff will evaluate potential inclusion of traffic calming elements.

That City Commission adopt a resolution of support for the submission of the Complete Streets and Other Localized Initiatives Grant Program for the NE 15^th Avenue and Side Streets Improvement Project