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$250K park grant application will be forwarded

City Council took a step toward trying to make Brandon Park more special than it is already.

On Thursday, council authorized the adminstration to seek a grant with strings attached, but that will bring $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Interior, passed through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The strings are that the city is not to discriminate, seek handicapped accessibility in the developed area, competitively select contractors and modify the deed to keep the park a public facility in perpetuity.

If successful, the city can begin to have installed a Nature Play area, a water area, to be used for environmental educational purposes; tennis courts resurfaced; pathways improved; lighting added; and a bio rentention areas created.

“We’re putting a new face, new amenities and real value in,” said Councilman Don Noviello. He said it was nice this council and the administration can have a small role in the future of the park.

The grant is to be matched by use of $125,000 in community development funds this year and a request to use $125,000 next year, said John Grado, city engineer and director of community and economic development.

The sites are to be developed in the active area of the park east of Packer Street.

The Brandon Park and Shade Treet Commission and Recreation Commission gave positive recommendations to the proposal.

The city also approved a second and final reading of a revised rental ordinance.

The portion is focused on registration requirements for rental property owners to get a better grasp on who is paying business privilege and mercantile taxes, said Joseph Gerardi, city codes administrator.

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