Local News
City OKs annexation contracts
Marc Valero | Highlands Today
Published: December 14, 2012
AVON PARK - The City of Charm continues to explore growth opportunities through annexation with the latest effort aimed at future development along a portion of the planned Phase III of the Sebring Parkway.Published: December 14, 2012
The city council approved another 275 acres, or 0.43 square miles, to be annexed into the city at a future time.
The city plans on installing water transmission facilities for the area starting at the Crystal Lake water treatment plant.
"This is huge for the city," said City Manger Julian Deleon. "The new parkway and city water will make development of this property a reality."
The annexation contract involved four separate land-owners and the city, he said. It is another example of a successful public/private partnership.
The annexation contracts involve properties owned by Crews Groves, Lake Ridge Groves, Ben Hill Griffin and Avon Gardens.
The land is contiguous to the South Florida Community College campus, Deleon noted.
The total estimated cost for the city is $276,650, which includes the water transmission system construction, engineering, surveying and easement acquisition costs.
The city annexed the 233-acre college campus in September.
Also, Deleon noted that the city council approved a $2.2 million loan, with a $1.7 million principal forgiveness grant, for a program that will provide more than 11.5 miles of drinking water mains into the Lake Lotela and the Avon Park Lakes service areas.
"This will be huge in terms of jobs and the continued expansion of the city's utilities," he said.
mvalero@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5826