The Brooksville City Council changed hats during the 06/20/16 council meeting to discuss the Brooksville CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) as a committee. The committee heard from Bill Geiger, the CRA executive director, regarding plans for the water tower beautification. After the committee meeting in April, Geiger’s team also made a presentation to the Good Neighbor Trail Advisory Committee (GNTAC) to determine whether the water tower project might be in conflict with any GNTAC plans.
The GNTAC reviewed the proposed improvements and made some recommendations. The amended plans include building a shelter at the base of the tower, adding cold water fountains/filling stations, bike racks, benches, and a kiosk or information board. Don Lacey, Senior Vice President at Coastal Engineering, appreciated that the CRA sought input from the GNTAC and believes that the GNTAC recommendations can be accommodated.
Geiger prepared a task order to reflect the changes to both the initial plans and the budget. The committee voted unanimously to approve the task order, which will transfer $118,000 to begin the project during the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Changing hats again, the City Council then voted unanimously to approve the recommendation of the CRA committee. When finished, the shelter/pavilion is expected to fit in with the historic district’s architectural appearance and provide a welcome stopping point for both pedestrians and cyclists.