On December 7, 2020, the City Commission expressed their desire for staff to move forward with a plan to begin design for one portion of a “sewershed” area, called Blue Ridge-Salford North.
This is depicted as neighborhood “1” on the map below and consists of 1,583 total properties. The estimated time of completion for the first neighborhood is 25-30 years. (Click below to view the sewershed map and estimated dates of completion based on current estimated funding of $1 million per year.)
Expanded View of Neighborhood ”1”
Cost
Based on similar projects in nearby communities, the estimated cost could be anywhere from $12,100 – $22,600. This cost is dependent upon many factors however, grants, matching funding, etc. will lessen the burden on residents if approved. Also, City of North Port Utilities is recommending commission approval for a 30-year payment plans, early connection incentives, advanced payment discounts, a hardship program, and credits for homes with new septic systems or wells/water systems.
Why Now
North Port, originally a General Development Corporation (GDC) community like Englewood, Cape Coral, Leigh Acres, Labelle, and Pt. St. Lucie, etc. only expanded water and sewer infrastructure as individual development occurred in the beginning, resulting in a fully serviced core area. The intention was to try to remain ahead of the growth with the infrastructure, but unfortunately, bankruptcy was declared in 1991 and the infrastructure held by GDC in the various cities were turned over by various means, to the respective governments. Now, some 60 years later, North Port is one of the only remaining GDC communities that has not implemented a plan to transition the platted lots to central sewer and water. According to Worldpopulationreview, North Port’s population is number 46 of the 410 incorporated municipalities in the State of Florida. As one of the largest cities within the state of Florida, as well as one of the top cities in the nation for growth and development, it is imperative that North Port address these environmental concerns.