The Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency made major commitments to the Cedar Key Water & Sewer District for needed utility upgrades at its October 11 meeting. Many other agenda items were progress reports or items either deferred or combined for future workshop discussions. The Water & Sewer district infrastructure projects along with the "Downtown Streetscape" project and pavement management plan were given highest priorities and to be included in a CRA bond issue scheduled for early 2007. A memorandum from the Water & Sewer District identified six water and three sewer projects that will cost $2,091,000 to be completed. The largest project, an eight inch water main from the water treatment plant to Whiddon Avenue, will cost $785,000. The second most costly project, at $500,000, will be repair and replacement of sewer lines on First and Second Streets, all of Dock Street and three other runs totaling eight blocks in length. Jackie Gorman, CRA Director, told Cedar Key News the Water & Sewer District projects, the Downtown Streetscape project and the pavement management projects will have highest priorities because they will be financed with a bond issue in early 2007. The bonds will be paid off with tax money returned to Cedar Key from Levy County as a result of the CRA. Mayor/Commissioner Paul Oliver, after much discussion of launch ramp design, suggested full redesign of the Marina. Included in the discussion was Commissioner Heath Davis' suggestion of research on removal of the C Street Bridge to Dock Street. Traffic flow on Dock Street would remain two-way, with a "teardrop" turn around in the vicinity of the Captain's Table restaurant. That plan would allow large boats to enter the Marina and increase yacht visitation. An affordable housing program, often discussed, but yet to be developed, was the final item on the agenda. Talks are under way with the Housing Authority regarding low income housing in Cedar Key. The current housing project property will be surveyed and a conceptual plan will be devised. The conceptual plan could call for clustering of new units and expansion to four more units. Furthermore, it may give occupancy priority to City or School District employees. | 