U.S 441 to get palmy fix-up

Plantation leaders moved forward with the Plantation Gateway redevelopment project last week, approving a contract for landscaping improvements along U.S. 441, also known as State Road 7.

On Wednesday night, City Council members voted to award a $532,000 contract to Williams Paving Co. from Medley.

The company submitted a lower bid than those from West Palm Beach and Miami firms. Its bid also was $150,000 less than the city's initial estimated cost.

Workers will plant a long row of cocoplum shrubs and royal palms along the west side of U.S. 441 from Broward Boulevard south to Davie Boulevard. Smaller decorative plants will be interspersed throughout.

The project is expected to begin later this month, said Marcia Berkley, the city's director of planning, zoning and economic development.

A matching landscaping project already has been completed along the east side of that stretch of road.

''This will be consistent with the landscape-edge theme we've created for the Gateway Corridor,'' City Engineer Brett Butler said. ``It's a continuation of the planned activities we have for the corridor.''

Other improvements include new irrigation and curbing updates, Butler said.

The landscaping project is the latest in a series of ongoing improvements along U.S. 441 from Sunrise Boulevard to Davie Boulevard.

The city has dedicated millions of dollars to redevelopment efforts, including landscaping, lighting and signs, in an attempt to attract new businesses and residents.

Last month, a developer announced plans to build a retail and condominium complex on the southeast corner of Broward Boulevard and U.S. 441.

For information on what else is planned for Plantation's 441 corridor, go to www.plantationgateway.org.

In other Plantation news, the city's budget planners said they will announce next year's proposed budget on Aug. 12. The budget will dictate what residents will pay in property taxes next year.

Council members will review the proposed budget before voting on its initial approval.

By state law, the city is required to host two public hearings in the evening before the budget goes for final approval.

The new budget year begins Oct. 1.