PIEDMONT — The CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) committee had its fifth and final meeting Tuesday night to discuss what they will propose to the City Council for possible funding.
The committee has been assembling a list of projects, including those suggested by residents, and 13 projects are “on the books.” The committee will tour two sites May 4 — a renovation of the existing hard court at Piedmont Middle School for use by the students as well as the popular new pickleball teams; and a landscaped triangle at Blair Avenue and Calvert Court.
“We are familiar with most of the other proposed projects,” CIP Committee Chair Conna McCarthy said, “but we want to take a look at those two.”
Some of the big-ticket citywide projects are in the “talking” or preliminary stages with budgetary constraints. Those include the aquatic center, improvements to Coaches Field, the Linda Beach master plan and renovations to Veterans Hall and the recreation building.
Renovations are already going on at the Vista Avenue tennis courts, in partnership with Piedmont Recreation Facilities Organization (PRFO). The courts were recently renamed for Corey Reich in honor of the Piedmont High School tennis coach who is battling ALS. Fundraising is underway for the courts.
Public safety cameras and more license plate readers are also on the list. Piedmont Police Chief Jeremy Bowers is investigating funding for these. Proposals from residents include one-way signage at Wildwood Gardens and a safety egress there.
“The streets are narrow and lined with parked cars,” McCarthy said. “Delivery trucks have problems navigating. Fire Chief Bret Black is investigating what could be done there.”
Other resident proposals include a dog fountain at Piedmont Park. Far out on the horizon are any improvements to the rustic Blair Park across from Coaches Field to accommodate visitors to sports activities at the field. Refurbishment and drainage repairs to Witter Field at Piedmont High are on hold for now, McCarthy said, adding that cost analyses have not been determined for most of the proposed projects.
“Following the tour, we will assemble the list for review by the City Council. It’s always good to get another set of eyes,” McCarthy said.
The projects also will go to the city’s appropriate reviewing bodies — the Public Safety Committee for license plate readers, the Planning Department for building renovations and the like. The Budget Advisory Committee will review the cost analyses when they are available. The city in May will hold its annual budget meetings, which are open to the public, to determine what monies may be available for some of the usually smaller CIP projects.