A project to build a $2.3-million force main from Wildwood’s wastewater treatment plant to the Oxford area was put on a fast track Monday night by the Wildwood City Commission.
Commissioners approved a $32,000 fieldwork contract for the project so design and other preliminary work can begin before the larger project is funded.
“It gives us a two-month kick-start,” said Mayor Ed Wolf. “Time is of the essence in this project.”
The city hopes to get up to $750,000 in state funding to help offset the cost, said City Manager Bill Ed Cannon.
Some residential construction is under way in northern Wildwood and Wolf said other developers are looking at the area.
“That’s an area of the city of Wildwood that’s getting a lot of interest,” he said. “We have not had to say no to somebody who wants to get a piece of property and develop it.”
The force main approved Monday night is in addition to another force main approved last month that would extend from the treatment plant west of U.S. 301 to the Trailwinds property across from Pinellas Plaza, where The Villages recently withdrew a proposal to build nearly 800 homes.
Providing water and sewer services is the backbone of Wildwood’s development plan and the Oxford area is facing some stress.
Cannon said the commission must decide whether to transport more water to Oxford from existing wells west of Interstate 75 or drill a new well.
“We’ve got serious troubles in Oxford,” he said.
Construction at Lakeside Landings, which will add about 200 homes to the community along County Road 472 near Lake Miona, is causing problems for area resident Rebecca Haynes, who told commissioners that dirt from the project has invaded her home and pool and that County Road 117, where she lives, no longer is safe for children on bicycles.
“I know you’re thinking about the big picture, but don’t forget about the little people who have been here,” she told commissioners.
At the other end of Wildwood, commissioners also approved the annexation of two parcels near the proposed Florida Turnpike interchange at County Road 468 south of Morse Boulevard.
The annexations of the 37.7-acre and 22.6-acre parcels make it possible for the city to extend sewer and water services to businesses that may locate there.
“They will be commercial someday,” Wolf said.
One of the parcels was acquired by The Villages for the interchange. Wildwood has an agreement with The Villages allowing the city to annex its commercial property in exchange for permitting The Villages to provide services to its residents who live in Wildwood.