To pave or not to pave

Parkland offers to pave Pine Tree Estates’ streets

The roads in Parkland’s Pine Tree Estates community could see some improvements soon.

The city will improve a roadway if two-thirds of residents along that street sign an agreement stating they want the work done. Parkland would then accept ownership of and maintain the roads, but the affected residents will be assessed for the cost of repaving and maintaining them.

The community does not have a homeowner’s association.

“These are private roads,” said Mayor Michael Udine. “If the city does not facilitate it in some way, it will never get done. As soon as one street does this, all the others are going to do it.”

The idea of the city taking the lead came up in a March meeting. The community also lacks access to city water, but residents expressed more concern about the need for improved roads.

A few city officials spoke about the advantages of providing water service before the road is repaved.

“It would be shortsighted if we pave the roads, and a few years down the line, they decide to do a water system,” said Commissioner Mark Weissman. “They will have to tear up the roads then.”

The Ranches is another Parkland community that does not have city roads or water. A recent fire that destroyed a home there led to many residents demanding fire hydrants. Commissioner Christine Hunschofsky said she is willing to consider providing water service in Pine Tree Estates.

The City Commission will discuss the issue again after residents respond to a letter issued by the city about the street program. If approved, it would take the city about three and a half months to repave a road.