Commission approves Dunnavant Square improvement, cooperative districts

A new improvement district was approved at the Shelby County Commission’s April 25 meeting.

During the meeting, the commission approved a petition to form and incorporate the Dunnavant Square Improvement District, which is located between the Village at Highland Lakes and Mt Laurel as well as an application to form a capital improvement cooperative district for the same area.

The capital improvement cooperative district has the power to acquire, construct and install capital improvements for public infrastructure within the Dunnavant Square Improvement District. It will be governed by two directors from Shelby County, County Chief Development Officer Chad Scroggins and County Engineer Randy Cole, and one member from the improvement district.

County Manager Alex Dudchock previously discussed the districts at the April 11 commission meeting. He said there are no plans finalized at this time, but there are analyses being done to determine which projects would be viable.

Dudchock added that a pedestrian tunnel between the improvement district and Mt Laurel, which is across the street from the district, is a project they would like to pursue. They are also looking at improvements to the Dunnavant Valley Trail.

“It’s not a done deal by any means for the pedestrian tunnel, but if at all possible, that’s what’s going to happen,” Dudchock said.

Also at the meeting, the commission:

• Awarded a bid for 2016 paving and resurfacing. The paving and resurfacing bid was awarded to Dunn Construction at $2,616,787.80.
• Approved a proclamation recognizing April as Fair Housing Month.