Planning Commission to Consider Adding Projects to Capital Improvement Program Budget

The Planning Commission will consider including projects at the Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center and Villa and Brookside parks to the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Last March, the commission found that 10 new projects proposed for inclusion in the CIP were consistent with the city’s General Plan.

The program was amended twice to add additional projects.

The projects include roof renovations and interior tenant improvements.

The project provides for repairs to the building’s clay tile and torch down roof systems; replacement of interior finishes damaged as a result of the leaking roof systems; and ADA upgrades to the restrooms.

The $380,000 repair project would ensure continued services at the center and preservation of the historic structure.

The Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center provides African and African American heritage programs through culturally informed education activities. Completion of the needed repairs will ensure continued services for the community and preservation of the historic structure.

The city would also spend $195,000 to replace playground surfaces at Villa Parke and Brookside parks.

“The 7,128 square-foot playground surface at Brookside Park and 945 square-foot playground surface at Villa Parke will be replaced with a new rubber surface that provides ADA access to play areas and fall protection, which helps prevent serious injuries,” according to a city staff report.

The existing rubber surface of the playgrounds have reached the end of their useful life and requires replacement before it becomes a safety concern.

Both projects are fully funded in FY 2022.

According to a city staff report, “state law authorizes planning agencies to review a city’s Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for their consistency with the General Plan.”

The Capital Improvement Program is a critical tool for the orderly physical development of the city. The new projects were evaluated against the city’s general plan, and staff concluded that the projects would advance the Goals, Policies, and/or Objectives of the land use element of the General Plan.

The Planning Commission is authorized to make recommendations on matters which affect implementation of the General Plan and the “…orderly physical growth and development of the city,” including capital improvements.

The previously approved 10 projects include roof replacements at the Hill Avenue Library and the Victory Park Recreation Center and a $75,000 assessment of the roof, electrical systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at City Hall.

The meeting can be viewed at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and viewed at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84625546920