Parkside community gets much-needed makeover

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.- A Port Charlotte community is getting a much-needed makeover.

Local leaders targeted the Parkside area for a series of revitalization projects, but now, the construction has hit a roadblock.

“There’s stumbling blocks, but I think there’s always stumbling blocks when you are trying to change things,” said Debrah Forester, Charlotte County’s economic redevelopment manager.

Elkcam Boulevard has brand new 10-foot-wide biking and walking paths and upgraded landscaping. The sidewalk will eventually link up to other boulevards like Harbor, Olean and West Tarpon. County leaders say a proposed entrance sign along Harbor Boulevard has become a challenge.

“There are challenges and I think we’ve been working very closely with the property owners trying to accommodate their needs and educate them on what Parkside is,” said Forester.

Parkside redevelopment is budgeted for $9 million. Along with sidewalks and landscaping improvements, county leaders plan to add benches and decorative lighting.