Phase 2 of downtown Mount Dora streetscape construction begins

MOUNT DORA A mound of dirt and a handful of shovels lay in the middle of the historic downtown area where city officials, residents and merchants joined Mayor Cathy Hoechst today in a ground breaking ceremony to kick off phase two of the streetscape construction project.

The $3 million construction effort calls for updates to the commercial downtown area, including replacing water and sewer lines, reconstructing sidewalks and ramps, and installing new landscape and irrigation.

"We are open. We will remain open for business," said Hoechst. "We want them [the public] to come down and help celebrate our construction, and then definitely come back on October 1 when it's all done and beautiful."

Construction started today on Third Avenue from Dora Drawdy Way to Baker Street. The area will be closed to traffic, but sidewalks and businesses will remain accessible and open. Parking will be available at the lot on Tremain Street and at the First United Methodist Church.

Additional construction on Donnelly Street from Fourth to Fifth Avenue will begin June 1 with the entire second phase complete by October 1, the city said.

"We have not painted this as a beautiful, wonderful picture during construction," Hoechst said. "The beautiful, wonderful picture comes after we're done. But we're going to be dealing with some pretty challenging construction."

After last year's tumultuous $4 million first-phase construction project, city officials pledged more dialogue with merchants and residents to keep disruptions at a minimum.

In addition to holding monthly meetings with merchants, officials have increased efforts to update the public by posting more frequently on social media and the city's website, and mailing residents updates, said city spokeswoman Kelda Senior.

Akhtar Hussain, owner of the Village Coffee Pot and Mount Dora Confectionary, said although the construction may impact his business, city officials have provided plenty of information about the project.

"[The] city is very cooperative," Hussain said. "They are very concerned about that."

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Phase 2 of downtown Mount Dora streetscape construction begins