Town staff explains Newton Park CDBG‑DR process as residents press for progress

Residents and board members pressed town staff Feb. 26 about delays on Newton Park, and a town staffer explained the federal recovery grant and procurement steps that must occur before construction can begin.

During public comment a resident questioned why visible progress had stalled and asked "how much are we talking this is gonna cost?" Another attendee said the project had been under discussion for more than a year. Will (town staff) replied that the Newton Park rebuild is funded through a CDBG‑DR award that flows from federal to state to county review and that even after funding is approved, the town must secure county approval for release of funds and run a design and bidding process. "I'll ask council for the approval to negotiate with them," Will said of the selected engineering and design firm, adding that after contract negotiations and design the town will present engineering plans for approval and then proceed to construction procurement.

Board members expressed frustration at the pace. Will acknowledged delays caused by beach renourishment after Hurricane Ian and by rounds of procurement that failed to produce the required minimum number of bids, and said staff will provide more detail to the advisory board. A resident referenced an earlier figure when asking about costs; a board member noted $3,200,000 as the amount discussed for park funding during the meeting, which town staff said is tied to the grant and procurement process and will be accounted for in upcoming contract and design documents.

Will said staff will report back to the board with details on the selected firm and the timing for design deliverables and council action.