Phase I of this 3-phase project is complete. Phase I consisted of Grove and McLeod Streets within the Merritt Park Place target area totaling 3,000 linear feet. A sanitary sewer and stormwater collection system was installed at a cost of $600,000. In addition to funds provided by the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, MIRA also received grants from the St. Johns River Water Management District through the Clean Water Initiative of the Environmental Protection Agency and Brevard County Water Resources. Sewer hook-ups are underway, phasing out the failing substandard septic systems.

In addition, road resurfacing and new parking areas were constructed providing on-street parking for area patrons. Irrigation lines, landscape materials and period street lamps were installed to aesthetically improve these streets.

Grove Street before and after

Key Benefits

• The elimination of approximately 150 aging or failed septic systems in close proximity to the Indian River Lagoon, resulting in a reduction of nutrients, toxins, and bacteriological loadings in the Indian River Lagoon.
• It is the vision of the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency that Merritt Park Place will become a quaint and picturesque town center for all of Merritt Island with a pedestrian-friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment for both commercial and residential uses.

Phase I Groundbreaking Ceremony

(Left to Right) MIRA Board Members Roderic Kring, Michelle Daignault, MIRA Chairman Bert Francis, II, District 2 Commissioner Randy O'Brien, MIRA Special Projects Coordinator Barbara Carta, MIRA Consultant Doug Robertson, MIRA Vice-Chairman Sandee Natowich