Staff is requesting permission to develop an Interlocal Agreement with St. Lucie County for the reconfiguration and resurfacing of the Melody Lane Parking Area.  This parking area, located at the southern end of Melody Lane, between Melody Lane and Indian River Drive, is owned by St. Lucie County.  The southern 25' of the parking area is right-of-way owned by the City of Fort Pierce.  Both the county's property and the city's right-of-way are necessary to make this a functioning public parking area. 

St. Lucie County has budgeted approximately $100,000 for the resurfacing of this parking area.  City staff has communicated to the county of our desire to reconfigure the parking area, utilizing angled parking spaces and providing additional parking on the south side of the area.  A well pronounced crosswalk is also proposed through the middle of the lot to ensure the safety of school students who must traverse between the two parts of the St. Andrews Academy campus.

The existing capacity of the parking area is 87 spaces.  The proposed reconfiguration provides 91 spaces.  Even though the improvements will only gain four additional spaces, the traffic flow and aesthetics of the area will be greatly enhanced.  The preliminary cost estimate for these improvements totals $164,600.  St. Lucie County has indicated they will be willing to provide the $100,000 towards these improvements, providing the City take the lead on contracting out the work and provide for the shortfall in funding.