Downtown Utility and Streetscape Improvements Project

City of Fort Myers

DRMP
Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency
HHI Design
KRAFT Construction Company, Inc.
TKW Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Public Information

Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. (CMA) was the public information consultant for this City of Fort Myers project which included the replacement of 50 city blocks worth of utilities completed in a four-year period. Once underground utilities on each street were complete, street beautification elements were constructed including brick-accented sidewalks and crosswalks, lighting and landscaping.  Street furniture such as benches, waste receptacles, and decorative bike racks placed throughout downtown complete the street furnishings package.

An extensive public involvement program was conducted using a combination of small group briefings and numerous individual meetings with property and business owners. Newsletters and flyers were distributed to property owners, businesses and residents in the downtown area. Notification flyers regarding construction activities, road closures, and water shut-offs were distributed to affected property owners. Coordination with police, fire, EMS, downtown parking facilities, and solid waste services was ongoing throughout the project.

CMA duties also included weekly local traffic reports and interaction with downtown events staff and local media. A project website was created to keep the public informed about the project, road closures, and parking. Upon completion of the project, CMA coordinated all aspects of the City’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to unveil the new waterfront feature.