SUBJECT
title
Approve Agreement for Transfer of Public Road between the City of Lakeland and Polk County for a portion of Wabash Avenue North and authorize a County Deed for the right-of-way associated therewith. Also accept a City Deed from the City of Lakeland for right-of-way associated with a portion of Wabash Avenue North and 10th Street. (No fiscal impact)
body
DESCRIPTION
Polk County and the City of Lakeland coordinated on respective projects to improve and extend Wabash Avenue from Memorial Boulevard to Fairbanks Street. The County made improvements to Wabash from Memorial Boulevard to 10th Street and the City made improvements to Wabash Avenue north of 10th Street which included a northerly extension of Wabash Ave to connect to Fairbanks Street and improvements to the intersection of Wabash Ave and 10th Street. As part of the coordination the City agreed to accept maintenance responsibilities for Wabash Avenue North lying north of 10th Street and the County agreed to continue maintenance responsibilities for 10th Street and Wabash Avenue to the south thereof. The portion of Wabash Avenue North lying north of 10th Street that existed prior to the project is proposed to be transferred to the City in conjunction with the agreed upon maintenance responsibilities. Additionally, the City acquired right-of-way parcels to complete its project, and the County requested it convey its interest in eight of those parcels, or portions thereof, which are associated with 10th Street and Wabash Avenue to the south of the 10th Street.
Florida Statutes allow for the transfer of public roads between jurisdictions by mutual agreement of the affected governments and a conveyance of the associated right-of-way by deed. The City has reviewed and approved, at its meeting held October 21, 2024, an Agreement for Transfer of Public Road for the transfer of the portion of subject portion of Wabash Avenue North and has agreed to accept the County Deed for the associated right-of-way. The City also approved the conveyance of the right-of-way parcels associated with 10th Street and Wabash Avenue south of the intersection and has executed and delivered a City Deed to the County. Approving said Agreement, authorizing the County Deed to the City for the associated right-of-way and accepting the City Deed will give the City and County ownership of the rights-of-way which correspond to the agreed upon maintenance responsibilities for the roadways.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the aforementioned Agreement for Transfer of Public Road, authorize the County Deed to the City for the right-of-way associated therewith and accept the City Deed from the City of Lakeland.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577