WEST AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PHASE 2 - UPDATE
Dear Residents,
Here is the latest information regarding the ongoing West Avenue Neighborhood Improvements Project Phase 2. On April 2nd, MB Commissioner Alex Fermandez together with MB city staff hosted a public Zoom meeting where they provided the following update:
Improving Poor Condition of Streets in Construction Zone
The team acknowledged the current street conditions are cracked, dusty, often challenging to navigate and will explore alternatives to smooth the streets and address existing holes.
Gas Connection to Pump Generator
At meetings held this week, the lack of a gas connection to the planned West Avenue pump station was brought to the attention of city staff, Commissioners Fernandez and Dominguez and the Department of Public Works. In case of an emergency loss of power, the gas company will install the proper piping so a back-up power source will exist. This work is scheduled toward the end of the project, prior to the raising of the streets.
Reopening Parking Lot Next to Post Office
Commissioner Fernandez’s office along with developer David Berg, and SoBe West Board members Stephan Ginez are exploring opportunities to open the Post Office parking lot sooner vs. later for resident parking needs. Commissioner Fernandez is actively working on this matter and will be in contact with Stephan shortly.
Delayed Project Timeline
The original completion timeline was 10 months, which has now been reached. When asked about timeline, we were informed that the project is expected to be finished by this June/July.
Improving Street Lighting
SoBe West was asked to provide specific locations where additional lighting is needed. We invite residents to please share any suggestions so we can submit them to Commissioner Fernandez’s office.
Addressing Traffic in Construction Zone
The project team will review and improve the wording of the signage, particularly the corner of Alton & Lincoln, to help reduce confusion and traffic congestion.
Resident & Small Business Trash Collection Access
The project team acknowledged previous access issues and committed to ensuring that no building access is blocked moving forward. They will also coordinate directly with garbage collection companies if any issue happens.
The next West Ave Phase II Construction Walk lead by Commissioner Fernandez is scheduled for Thursday April 9th at 11 am on the corner of Lincoln Rd & Alton Court.
I would like to acknowledge SoBe West board members Stephan Ginez, Nancy Duke, and Valerie Navarrete for their ongoing engagement and leadership with the West Ave Phase 2 renovation project. They have consistently attended meetings and onsite walks organized by Commissioner Alex Fernandez regarding this project. They work and live in this construction zone and have been instrumental in sharing firsthand local resident challenges with city officials and with contractor Ric-Man Construction. Stephan always provides recommendations on how to improve and make life more bearable during this difficult time.
Finally, we want to recognize Commissioner Fernandez’s leadership and voice along with his aide Kara Petrella for the West Ave Phase 2 project. It’s impressive how many local residents come to attend his construction site walks. We appreciate Heather Leslie West Ave Phase 2 Communication Director for sharing many of our residents’ concerns to the internal team, and to CIP team David Gomez and Ariel Guitian for their engagement. Heather, David and Ariel will be attending our next SoBe West Community meeting along with Commissioner Fernandez to address challenges and best practices as we prepare for West Ave Phase 3.