Multi-million dollar improvements in Avondale’s Park and King shopping district remain on schedule, according to project managers.
Work began last October to update and repair everything from utilities to sidewalks.
“This project is similar to the work that was done in Five Points, but on a much larger scale with respect to the budget and the amount of area we’re working with,” said Sherry Hall, spokesperson from the City’s Public Works Department, “but we’re moving along.
“There was more work that needed to be done than we originally thought, but it hasn’t caused much of a delay.”
Hall said JEA utility upgrades throughout the neighborhood are the biggest challenges.
“It’s just one of those things you can’t predict before you actually get started,” she said. “But once we did, it was apparent that the utilities hadn’t been upgraded in a very long time. JEA felt is was necessary to expand the scope of their work.”
Hall said neighborhood support has been, “very encouraging.”
“I can’t explain how incredible has been throughout this entire process,” she said, adding that biweekly meetings have allowed for open dialogue and an opportunity for the public to ask questions. “We discuss any issues that arise and also identify and address any potential concerns. It’s wonderful.”
The project should be complete in early 2005.