Tugalo Greenspace Project Back in Budget

Toccoa City staff and officials, working with project engineers and contractors, have succeeded in negotiating adjustments to the scope of work for construction of the Tugalo Street Greenspace to bring the project back within budget, Commissioner Terry Carter told fellow commissioners and citizens at Monday’s regularly-scheduled commission meeting. 

As previously reported by WNEG News, the city was awarded a $689,042 Rural Downtown Redevelopment Grant to fund the creation of the greenspace, with $68,904 in matching funds required from the city. However, the low bid, submitted by Triscapes Inc. of Cumming, was $235,524 higher than the budgeted amount. 

Carter, at Monday’s meeting, detailed the adjustments to the project to meet the budget.

Carter explained that the brick pavers, which were nearly $25,000 of the quoted cost of the project, would become a fundraising project that Main Street Toccoa would take on, selling engraved bricks. More information about the fundraiser will be made available once the details are finalized. 

Greenspace construction, beginning with demolition work, will begin on Dec. 11, and Main Street Toccoa officials have advised area businesses that the parking lot will be closed for demolition and construction purposes until further notice. 

Alternative parking areas recommended by Main Street include the parking spots along Sage Street, Pond Street, and in the parking lot behind Linda’s Place at the Rebel Cafe, accessible from Doyle Street by a breezeway. 

For more information, contact Main Street Manager Kristen Deal at (706) 898-5777 or [email protected].