In 2016, City Council awarded a total of $915,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through M&Cs G-18760 and G-18793, to the Lake Como Park Sidewalks and Pedestrian Lights Project that provided improvements around the park perimeter. This project was completed in 2018 with a remaining balance of funds in the amount of $253,291.22. Staff recommends combining these funds with $223,994.67 in unprogrammed CDBG funds for a total of $477,285.89 to be used for the Lake Como Neighborhood Sidewalks Project which will include the installation of sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps to residential streets north of the park which lack sidewalks. Additionally, the project will reconstruct existing curbs, gutters, and driveway approaches where damaged by the sidewalk installation. Sidewalk and ramp installation will occur on the following blocks: 2900-3000 blocks of Lake Como Drive (from Curzon Ave. to Locke Ave.), 5200-5400 blocks of Locke Avenue (from Merrick St. to Lake Como Dr.), and 2800-3100 blocks Merrick Street, (from the IH-30 frontage road to the end of an existing sidewalk south of Curzon Ave.).
Staff presented the proposed improvements at the Como Neighborhood Advisory Council meeting on August 2, 2018. A public comment period was held from April 22, 2019 to May 21, 2019 to gather input on the implementation of this project. Any comments received are maintained in the Neighborhood Services Department in accordance with federal regulations. Funding comes from the 2014-2015 Action Plan. The Action Plan funding years may vary and be substituted based on the principle of First In, First Out (FIFO) in order to expend oldest grant funds first. The funds may be used for any CDBG-eligible costs related to this project on behalf of low- and moderate-income residents. The project is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 3. This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity. |