The Wilton Drive Landscape Project

September 2021 Update

The project consists of:

– Repair of existing irrigation system and installation of new system components

– Removal of construction fill in landscape holes, replace with topsoil

– Installation of 50-60 trees and ground cover

– Maintenance of the landscaping for one year

History

The design process began in 2015 with the roadway narrowing and sidewalk widening. The construction of that portion began in August 2018 and completed in September 2019. That portion of the project was paid for by $2.7 million dollars in federal transportation funds.  

Meanwhile, the landscaping and irrigation system was being designed. When the roadway construction was complete in September 2019, the City was allowed to submit the landscape and irrigation design to the FDOT for review and approval of a permit. That process was completed with FDOT variance and permit approvals in September 2020.  

The City paid for the landscape and irrigation design, and was prepared to pay for the construction but were encouraged to apply for county transportation surtax funds to pay for the construction. We did so, and the project was one of the highest rated in the first funding cycle. That was in 2020. As the state process did, the county process has taken many months to complete approvals. The really good news is that the county has preliminarily approved about $270,000 for the project. The City Commission approved the interlocal agreement with the county in August 2021.

What’s next?  

An Invitation to Bid (ITB) went out, inviting companies to provide a proposal for construction of the project. Once that window to bid closes (about 30 days) a selection committee will meet to review and score the bids, and choose a vendor. The county will then review and, hopefully, approve the vendor. Once the city signs a contract with the vendor, construction on the irrigation system will commence. When that’s complete, the trees and groundcover will go in.  

How much will it cost?

The design documents indicate probable construction costs of about $250,000 in 2018, but until the bids come in we won’t know for sure.  Here’s what we have in funding for the project so far:

Broward County Surtax $270,000

City $100,000

Wilton Drive Improvement District $60,000

Broward County Tree Trust Fund$23,000

Private Donations $10,000

Total to Date $463,000

Next Phase

Once we understand the actual cost of the irrigation and landscape, we will know how much (if any) we have left over for the next phase, street furniture and lighting. The Wilton Drive Improvement District is currently reviewing designs for trash bins, bike racks, benches and more. City staff is seeking funding for electrifying the Drive, including uplighting for landscaping and outlets for holiday lighting.  

Our goal is to transform The Drive into an even more vibrant destination that will attract local, national and international visitors. 

HOW TO DONATE

Click the “DONATE HERE!” button and select “00. Donations” in the drop down menu. Under “Donation or Note”, fill in “Landscape”.

Thank you for your generous donation! You are helping create the Main Street of our future.