LOCAL

PCB holds 'really important' public meeting on upcoming Alf Coleman Road improvements

Nathan Cobb
The News Herald
Scott Passmore, assistant program manager of the Corradino Group, middle right, meets with residents during a public meeting Tuesday about an upcoming project to redevelop Alf Coleman Road.

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Scott Passmore says he believes it's crucial for residents to stay up to date with any massive roadway improvement projects in their area. 

As assistant program manager of the Corradino Group, an engineering group hired by Panama City Beach to manage its Front Beach Road Community Redevelopment Area Plan, Passmore was among a handful of residents who attended a public meeting Tuesday evening to discuss slated developments for Alf Coleman Road. 

The meeting was a chance for residents to learn more about the project's timeline, to express any concerns they might have and to speak with local officials. 

Residents gather at a public hearing Tuesday to learn more information about an upcoming project to redevelop Alf Coleman Road.

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"We want to make sure that we dispel any misperceptions or misunderstandings of the scope and the nature of the work," said Passmore.  "It's really important that we provide continuous, ongoing forums for citizens to engage on (such) projects.

"... We're spending public tax dollars, and It's important that the public understands that their tax dollars are being spent well."

The Alf Coleman Road project is expected to cost the Beach about $4.5 million. It will raise the street's elevation to reduce roadway flooding, improve the surrounding drainage system and rehabilitate existing pavement. 

New sidewalks, roadway signs and street lights will be installed along the area scheduled for reconstruction, which spans more than half a mile from Hutchison Boulevard (Middle Beach Road) to Panama City Beach Parkway (Back Beach Road).

PCB will begin accepting bids during the third quarter of this year. Construction should then break ground toward the beginning of 2023, and the selected contractor will have about a year to complete to project.

For about 150 days during construction, Alf Coleman Road will be closed from Cabana Boulevard to the north entrance to Lowe’s parking lot. This will allow for the replacement of drainage culverts and the relocation of water and sewer lines. 

Despite the temporary closure, the city will keep open at least one access point to all residences and businesses in the affected area. 

Passmore noted the Alf Coleman Road project is one of four CRA projects scheduled to begin construction next year. The others are:

  • Segment 4.1 — Reconstruction of Front Beach Road east of Lullwater Drive to about Hills Road. Construction is scheduled to begin toward the middle of 2023.  
  • Segment 4.2 — Reconstruction of Front Beach Road east of Hills Road to about Lantana Street. Construction is scheduled to begin toward the end of 2023. 
  • Segment 4.3 — Reconstruction of Front Beach Road from Hutchinson Boulevard. Construction is scheduled to begin toward the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024. 

Renovations to Powell Adams Road also should occur alongside Segment 4.1. 

The CRA was formed in 2001 with the goals of installing upgraded features such as sidewalks, improved lighting and new street signs along Front Beach Road and its connecting roadways. 

"(Upcoming portions of the CRA) will be coming one behind the other," Passmore said. "There are a lot of challenges that we're working through to make those commitment dates, but we are on track at this time."