Photo from 231 Sycamore

Along with the usual exciting liquor license applications – this time for the Pharmhouse Restaurant and Oakview Grocery – this evening’s city commission meeting includes a request for a $121,280 increase in funding for Glenlake Park improvements, which will fall within the project’s budget.

According to a letter (page 35 of PDF) from Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon to City Manager Peggy Merriss, the increase is the result of “several factors”, including the “owner’s and architect’s requirements and concealed site conditions”.  Saxon promises that the additional funds will result in a significant upgrade to the planned drainage system and landscape treatment of the park.”

According to a breakdown of the numbers, additional funding will be used for additional storm drainage improvements, landscape materials, a granite-faced concrete, utility changes, repaving the park’s main driveway and a screening fence at the park boundary along the creek.

Saxon closes his note with word that the recent wet weather has pushed back the completion date of Glenlake to “late March, early April 2010″.

Linda Harris and Dan Magee blitz the blogosphere with this press release…

The Grand Opening of the new Glenlake Bathhouse and Pool, originally scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m., has been postponed until June 5, 2009. Completion of the new bathhouse has been delayed by the numerous rain days which occurred this spring.

Both McKoy Pool and Ebster Pool will open on Saturday, May 23, 2009 as scheduled.

The Glenlake Pool and Bathhouse Grand Opening celebration will be held on Friday, June 5, 2009 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. and will include games, prizes, refreshments, and free admission. Details will be updated and confirmed on the City of Decatur website at www.decaturga.com.

Yes, we’ve seen the “directionally-challenged” wayfinding signs going up (and sometimes blocking/or being blocked by other street signs), we’ve seen some impressive sidewalk replacement, and the construction of McKoy Pool, but really we’re waiting for the city’s larger bond projects to get underway.

Well, hold onto your hats Decatur citizens because starting this summer/early fall, much of that $14.6 mil will begin to be spent!

Check it out: (And click the links for more detail)

West Ponce/West Trinity Bike Lanes: (Start Date: June 08 )

Oakhurst Streetscape Improvements: We’re talkin’ trees, sidewalks and crosswalks in downtown Oakhurst (Start date: July 08 )

Downtown Streetscapes: East Trinity and Church Street get a facelift (Start Date: Sept 08 )

Fire Station 2 Rebuilt: Oakhurst Fire Station 2 being replaced (Start Date: Aug 08 )

Decatur Cemetery: Stormdrains? Not sure what else. (Start Date: Sept 08 )

Glenlake Park: Tennis players took issue with plans to cut back on the # of tennis courts due to a natural spring under them, but these plans (that include many changes and improvements to the whole park) were still approved by the city commission. Wonder where they will put the new tennis courts. (Start Date: Sept 08 )

All of this is taken from the city’s website, so start dates and whatnot may not be absolutely up-to-date.

I welcome any info, updates or revisions!