More Charm in South Douglas Street's Future Look

Dunedin's downtown charming streetscape is soon to be stretched to the southernmost end of Douglas Street.

City leaders approved $196,355 in funds for a three-month project that adds sidewalks, handicap curb ramps, pedestrian street lamps, and texturized pavement at crosswalks along the section of Douglas between Lexington and Union streets on July 11.

Crews from Stamper Construction of Tarpon Springs do not yet have a date to begin work, but it should take three months to complete, Doug Hutchens, public works and utilities director, said.

New six-foot-wide sidewalks will be constructed on both sides of the road with handicap curb ramps at all intersections. Street lamps will be in the same style as the decorative old-time ones downtown. Brick texturized crosswalks will be installed at the midblock of Hale Senior Activity Center/Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, the midblock of Orangewood Street and north side of Union Street.

Landscaping improvements will be limited because the public right-of-way area is so small. City officials will be contacting property owners about planting free trees from the city, but their longterm care will be up to the individual homeowners, the city says.  

City officials have also designated an extra $17,533 for adding old-time decorative street signs for designating neighborhood roads. They will be atop black poles and encased in black frames.  

City officials are still working with a homeowner at the corner of Union and Douglas street about using a small part of their property for a "Welcome to Dunedin" sign.

The project is being paid for from the One Cent Sales Tax Fund, according to city documents.