A $9.06 million Parker Avenue rebuild, Forest Hill to Nottingham, goes out to bid in November: two multi-use paths, new signals and lighting, done by 2028.
A 1.3-mile stretch of Parker Avenue in the south end is set to be rebuilt with two multi-use paths, new signals and pedestrian lighting. The city plans to put the work out to bid by November and finish by Dec. 31, 2028.
The City Commission cleared the way Tuesday. It moved $5.11 million in state grant money into this year’s budget as the project heads into construction. The item passed on the consent agenda, according to the city’s pass/fail agenda for the Oct. 13 meeting (PDF).
What is being built
The project runs from Forest Hill Boulevard north to Nottingham Boulevard. City staff wrote that the road today has broken sidewalks, curb ramps that do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act and old signs. They also called Parker Avenue a main safe route to school for many children.
The plans include:
- two multi-use paths
- a rebuilt roadway and new pavement markings
- traffic signal improvements
- drainage improvements
- pedestrian lighting
- landscaping and irrigation
The corridor links Forest Hill Community High School, Dreher Park, Hillcrest Memorial Park, Palmetto Elementary School and the businesses at Parker Avenue and Nottingham Boulevard. The staff report says the design follows the city’s Bicycle Master Plan.
The street is in Commission District 5, represented by Commissioner Stephen Sylvester.
Who pays
The estimated construction cost is $9,061,747.47. A Florida Department of Transportation Local Agency Program grant covers $5,110,000. The city’s share, $3,951,747.47, comes from its one-cent sales tax capital fund. The city must maintain the road and signals once they are built.
The project has been years in the making. The commission approved the grant application in 2018, through the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, and accepted the grant in 2023. Tuesday’s vote re-established money that went unspent in earlier budget years.
Also approved Tuesday
The city’s summary of Tuesday’s decisions and the agenda list these other actions:
- Three new fire trucks. The commission approved a lease-purchase of up to $6,381,628 for a Sutphen SPH 100 platform truck, a KME 101-foot tractor-drawn aerial ladder and a KME 103-foot aerial ladder truck. They replace aging equipment. At 4.69% interest, the city will make seven yearly payments from Dec. 15, 2027, through Dec. 15, 2033. Total payments come to $7,718,138.92, including $1,336,510.92 in interest, paid from the fire assessment fee fund.
- Utility liens. Liens totaling $22,031.47 for unpaid water, sewer and stormwater bills from July 2026.
- City workers’ contract. A new agreement with the Service Employees International Union running from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2029.
- After-school snacks. $26,260 from the Florida Department of Health’s Child Care Food Program for after-school programs at the Pleasant City and South Olive community centers.
- United Against Hate Week. Mayor Keith A. James proclaimed Oct. 18-24 United Against Hate Week in the city.
What it means for you
- Nothing changes on Parker Avenue yet. The city plans to seek bids by November, and construction follows the contract award.
- The agenda does not give a construction schedule or say which lanes will close. We will add closures to our road construction and closures page when the city’s weekly Road and Dock report lists them.
- Families at Palmetto Elementary and Forest Hill Community High should expect work along the school route once construction starts. The city expects to finish by the end of 2028.
- More on the area is in our Dreher Park neighborhood guide.
- Questions about the project go to the city’s main line, 561-822-2222.
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