Alonzo 'Babe' James Community Center expansion
The design phase for the expansion of the Alonzo 'Babe' James Community Center in the Historic Westside Community is underway. The $450,000 expansion will include nearly 1,360 square feet of additional space and an interior renovation. Construction is expected to begin in February with a December 2014 completion. The project is funded by the County of Volusia and the City of New Smyrna Beach through the City's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Dunn Parking lot improvements
The Canal Street Historic District may get 36 additional parking spaces for Christmas. The former Dunn Lumber site on the corner of U.S. 1 and W. Canal Street will be improved to provide paved parking, landscaping and lighting. The project is out to bid with bid opening July 23. Construction could begin in September. With an anticipated cost of $120,000-$160,000, the project will be funded by the County of Volusia and the City of New Smyrna Beach through the City's Community Redevelopment Agency.

FDOT Canal Street intersection improvements
Improvements to the intersection at Canal Street and U.S. 1 have been designed. Recently the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced funding for construction will not be available until the FY '18 budget cycle. The FDOT project will enhance safety and functionality and will add right turns onto U.S. 1 as a focal point of this project. Work is expected to begin when the FDOT starts its 2018 improvements.

Mary Avenue Playground
Construction on the Mary Avenue Playground is underway. Featured restrooms and a pavilion are nearing completion. Decorative fencing and playground equipment are expected to be installed mid-July. A ribbon cutting is planned for mid-September.

Washington Street Streetscape Project nears completion
Construction on the newest streetscape project in New Smyrna Beach's Historic Westside Community is nearly 80 percent complete. The project will enhance the roadway, pedestrian access, stormwater system, and lighting along a one-quarter mile roadway from Myrtle Avenue to U.S. 1. Sidewalks, landscaping, and street lights currently are being installed between Myrtle Avenue and the railway crossing. Paving in this section is expected to begin July 15. Work on the east side of the railway crossing to U.S. 1 is expected to start early July. The entire project could be completed by the end of July. The nearly $1.4 million cost of the project is funded by the County of Volusia and the City of New Smyrna Beach through the City's Community Redevelopment Agency.

RFPs in the CRA District
Developers looking for opportunities in New Smyrna Beach may be interested in five requests for proposals (RFP) around the City's Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). Sites are on the N. Causeway, Third Avenue, Faulkner Street, Columbus Avenue and alongside the railroad tracks on U.S. 1 south of Canal Street. For information on the proposals, please call the CRA office at 386.424.2265.