Big Things Coming to City Parks System? Bridgeport Council Planning to Discuss Potential Future Projects
By Jeff Toquinto on February 09, 2024
A relatively light agenda for Bridgeport City Council at the Monday, Feb. 12 meeting has a few items of impact.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. There is a 6:30 p.m. work session that is open to the public.
There are three items on the agenda. Two of those will be discussed in executive session with Interim City Manager Mark Rogers saying there will likely be no action taken once Council adjourns back into regular session.
One of the items is already known – Council will discuss the applicants for the open position of Bridgeport City Manager. The other involves advanced planning for Bridgeport Parks and Recreation.
“These are some things (Parks and Recreation Director) Joe (Shuttleworth) has talked about previously for Council to consider,” said Rogers. “I believe we’ll be taking a bigger look at things.”
The question is what the “things” Rogers is talking about. The vagueness is not by accident. Instead, Rogers and Shuttleworth both say they are multiple projects on city parks property that could happen if funding is available and if funding is approved.
“There are some potential park improvements, from revitalizations to additions, in the system that we think could be exciting for the community, but we’re just looking at them r
ight now. I’ve presented material to Council for their consideration,” said Shuttleworth. "There is a lot to digest, and we hope to get a better grasp on whether Council is on board to move ahead with them.”
ight now. I’ve presented material to Council for their consideration,” said Shuttleworth. "There is a lot to digest, and we hope to get a better grasp on whether Council is on board to move ahead with them.”
The one item that will be discussed in open session, as well as in the work session, is to consider and act on a resolution to apply for a hazard mitigation grant from FEMA. The grant, which requires a 25 percent match from the city, would be for $1.6 million.
Curry said the application would be used primarily to address a major slip area that came about as the result of the August 29 flooding. The area of the slip was behind Ollie’s in the Home Depot Plaza. More on this, including why the city could end up with the funding before the grant application goes through, on Monday.
The meeting will also include an invocation by Pastor Jeff Vaughan of the Grace Baptist Church. It will also feature a report from Rogers and Mayor Andy Lang and a public comment forum near the start of the meeting.
The meeting will take place at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. It is open to the public.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows the sign to Bridgeport City Park, which is likely one of the area's that could see improvements or additions. Bottom photo is of Parks Director Joe Shuttleworth.
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