Ruby Street Stormwater and Beautification Plan Meeting March 28th

The public is invited to a Community Meeting on Monday, March 28, 2016 to learn more about the City of Tavares Ruby Street Stormwater and Beautification Plan, which will be commencing in April.

Goals of the Project:

• Reduce pollutants flowing into Lake Dora.
• Use an innovative, yet sustainable treatment approach.
• Provide public education on stormwater pollution issues.
• Enhance the quality of life, community vibrancy, and economic development in the City of Tavares.

The Ruby Street Stormwater Improvement and Beautification Plan is the next step in implementing the City of Tavares master plan for economic development in the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), which was created with cooperation from our local community. The plan is designed to entice businesses, residents, and visitors into the heart of our City, attracted by retail, the arts, and festivals, and brought to us through improved infrastructure for air, water, and rail transport.

An 8-acre walkable park will be created, which will consist of a series of beautiful “ponds” and wooden bridges, which will actually serve as sustainable stormwater treatment area. Floating flower and fauna mats (Bee Mats) will fill the ponds, which will also contribute to removing pollutants. This cutting-edge stormwater treatment “park” will create a scenic green space addition to downtown.

In addition to the implementation of this innovative stormwater technology, the City of Tavares will be replacing 50-year old drainage pipes and outfalls, which will resolve the flooding issues that currently plague Ruby Street during heavy rains. These heavy rains flood the roadways, spill over to the park and then flow into the lake, carrying the pollutants. These flooded roads make it difficult for residents to walk to the local businesses

The conclusion of the project will include a complete beautification and streetscape of Ruby Street, including hand-laid Ruby red brick, and comprehensive landscaping and planting of trees. The finished Ruby Street project will be among the most inviting downtown locations in Florida.

Funding for this project is being provided by the Lake County Water Authority.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT »

MEETING WITH BUSINESSES:
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tavares City Council Chambers
City Hall, 201 E Main Street, Tavares

MEETING WITH RESIDENTS:
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Utilities Operations Building
100 Captain Haynes Road, Tavares

For more information contact Mandy Wettstein at 352.406.0422 or mandywettstein@gmail.com