Ordinance advances to collect $2.3M from developers for Cypress Gardens–Pimlico intersection improvements

At the Jan. 12 meeting, Miss Amanda Deaton presented an ordinance that would implement the findings of a cost-share study for the Cypress Gardens and Pimlico Boulevard intersection. The study attributes roughly 37% of traffic at that intersection to three planned developments and proposes collecting about $2.3 million from those developments to contribute to intersection improvements. Deaton said county funds from the Cypress Gardens 1¢ sales tax project would supply the remaining roughly $4 million, for an estimated project total near $6 million.

Deaton described the scope to include intersection work at Pimlico and Old Highway 52, signalization at the Pimlico/Cypress Gardens intersection, and three-lane widening in some areas. She said preliminary plans, right-of-way acquisition and permitting will be required and estimated preliminary work leading toward construction in "probably about 2 years." Council members clarified that the three contributors include two industrial developments and one residential development.

On motion, council approved consideration prior to first reading and moved the ordinance forward. Staff said final design, right-of-way and permitting will determine exact construction timing and that the county will coordinate the funding mix with developer payments and sales-tax funds.