Classifieds Buttons
Search
Banner Ad
published: Friday, January 15, 2010
Clermont has big plans for 2010
City plans to build new buildings, expand older facilities throughout year
ROXANNE BROWN
Staff Writer
CLERMONT -- Residents have a few projects to look forward to in 2010 and beyond, thanks to money officials have been saving for a rainy day.
The first is the long-awaited waterfront pavilion that has been the topic of discussion for much of 2009. In November, the council unanimously voted to go forward with their $750,000 vision.
The money was taken from reserve funds made up of impact and infrastructure funds the city has been setting aside over the last 7-8 years.
"This is part of the City of Clermont's little economic stimulus package," said Assistant City Manager Darren Gray. "We've saved some money over the years so we'll be able to help spur it (city) along by not having to borrow anything for the projects we're looking to complete."
The waterfront pavilion will have open-air walls, a covered seating area with room for more than 300 and a large stage for events and performances.
In addition, larger events will also be accommodated by way of a large stretch of grass with enough room for 300-400 more people on folding chairs or outstretched on blankets.
Gray said either way, the view from the pavilion--with Lake Minneola as a backdrop--is the real treasure of it all.
"We're excited. Our plan along the lakefront is to get citizens more engaged because it's so beautiful," Gray said. "It's such a gem for us."
The pavilion will be a year-round place for picknicking, but its main function will be providing a venue for events and performances.
The pavillion will also be available for rent for business functions, weddings and other other private events.
Gray said the city has also been toying with the idea of booking monthly concerts.
Gatorsktch Architects, out of Clermont, was commissioned for the design and schematics were submitted to the council on Dec. 8.
Gray said that after the final go ahead from council, the bidding for construction will begin, something he foresees happening around April. He hopes the pavillion will be completed before year's end.
The pavilion will be at the open field on Third and Osceola streets, stretching out into the field behind the Highlander Hut.The city plans to demolish that building to make room for a new facility with restrooms and rentable banquet rooms leading out into the pavilion.
"I along with other council members wish to see this project expedited. There is sufficient support to get this project on the front burner and Gatorsktch has done an outstanding job developing the preliminary design," Councilman Ray Goodgame wrote in a report on Dec. 8. "This building will provide a great venue for many events."
One of the other major projects in the works is a replacement building for Jenkin's Auditorium.
City officials investigated refurbishing the building but decided it was too costly.
The proposal on the table now is a new auditorium--being referred to as "Clermont Auditorium"--that will be constructed where the Cooper Library once stood on the corner of Lake and Montrose streets.
Gray said although the council has so far approved the Jenkin's replacement, some analysis needs to be done before work can begin.
"We need to know what uses we want in the building and how big of a building we'll need," Gray said. "Then from there, we will go onto the design phase."
Cost estimates for the replacement facility will be dictated by the results of the study and its construction may run into 2011.
If two major changes in Clermont's downtown area are not enough, there's still more to come with an expansion of the city's police department building.
Gray said plans to expand the police department have been on the books for a couple of years, adding that $500,000 has been set aside to get it accomplished.
According to Police Chief Steve Graham, the existing 7,000 square foot building went up about 20 years ago.
Gray said that at that time, there were 25 officers on staff. Today there are 57.
"We've doubled in size but the facility has not expanded," Gray said.
Gray said there are many possibilities for expansion the city is considering, including the most probable, which would be South into the existing sheriff's substation after its move to State Road 50 come April.
The first step of the expansion, a space needs analysis and design bid, is underway.
"It is time for the expansion (of the police department) to get going," Goodgame wrote in an e-mail. "The police department is operating in very crowded conditions.""
