Oakland continues work on Starr Street extension plan

Drivers along Oakland Avenue wanting to head south to West Colonial Drive in Oakland will have a new north-south route when the town of Oakland completes its plan to extend Starr Street between the two roads.

The Oakland Town Commission moved one step closer with the project at its Feb. 8 meeting by accepting an ordinance that dedicates right of way along the western side of Starr Street, between Oakland Avenue and Sadler Avenue.

The extension was identified in the Mobility Master Plan, adopted in 2018. Most of the construction of the extension was covered through the Tractor Supply and Lakeside Church projects; the town was tasked with constructing the remainder of the road up to Oakland Avenue through a previously platted 40-foot corridor east of Oakland Presbyterian Church.

“The project requires a minimum of 50 feet to accommodate the roadway, sidewalk and drainage,” Public Works Director Mike Parker wrote in his report to the commission. “It also requires the 50-foot width to provide for an additional eight-foot traffic lane to support the (Oakland Avenue) Charter School traffic, thereby keeping the two travel lanes open to north-south traffic.”

The project will be bid out in about three weeks.

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

• Commissioners accepted the Oakland Avenue/Tubb Street Complete Street Design package, which includes concepts and the phasing and cost estimates. These provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing the town’s main streets.

Phase 1 is Tubb Street, estimated to cost $6,470,523.70. Phase 2, the gateways into the town along Oakland Avenue, would cost around $603,279.50. Phase 3 is East Oakland Avenue/Old Town, estimated to cost $3,126,203. Phase 4, the area of Oakland Avenue east of Florida’s Turnpike, would cost close to $362,228. Phase 5 is the area of Oakland Avenue west of the turnpike and is estimated to cost more than $12 million.

• The commission accepted the updated Transportation Needs Plan and approved distribution to Orange County for the Sales Tax Initiative. The plan includes a list of projects and improvements identified as part of the Mobility Master Plan and was updated with the Oakland Avenue/Tubb Street Complete Street plan.

• Elected officials approved cancelling the March 8 regular Town Commission meeting because the town’s municipal election will be held that day.

• Commissioners approved an amended lottery order for Oakland Avenue Charter School. Last year, nine families were faced with either having children in two different schools or withdrawing older siblings from OACS because the younger siblings did not get accepted into kindergarten based on the school’s lottery order at that time. The new system gives first priority to Oakland residents and OACS siblings, followed by town of Oakland employees’ children, non-Oakland residents in Orange and Lake counties, and residents in counties other than Orange and Lake.

• Elected officials appointed commissioners Mike Satterfield and Sal Ramos to the Oakland Canvassing Board. Mayor Kathy Stark and Town Manager Steve Koontz will serve as alternates.

• Vice Mayor Mike Satterfield read a proclamation declaring February 2022 Black History Month in the town.

• The commission approved an exception for the Oakland Nature Preserve to serve beer and wine at its Feb. 12 Pours at the Preserve event.