SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- The renovation for Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park is inching closer, seven years after the project was first approved.
The project was delayed for years because of several lawsuits. The renovation plan would eliminate cars on the plaza, instead creating pedestrian areas and add just over six acres of parkland.
Last week, the city received three bids on the project. According to The Voice of San Diego, the lowest bid is $83.5 million dollars. The city council has approved $75 million for the project, $45 million from the city and the remainder from the Plaza de Panama Committee.
Jim Kidrick is a member of the committee. Kidrick says the bids are higher than they would have liked but added that they are just the first step.
The city sent 10News the following statement regarding the plans for renovation:
“Three bids from prequalified contractors were submitted and now city staff will evaluate them to determine if they meet the requirements for qualifications and compliance. The contract will go to the lowest qualified bidder. Once the bid evaluation is complete, Plaza de Panama Committee and the City will discuss next steps.
Under the terms of the cooperative agreement the City and the Plaza de Panama Committee, the City’s financial commitment to the project is capped at $45 million (plus city fees and staff costs of $4 million). All costs beyond $45 million are the responsibility of the Plaza de Panama Committee."
The city hopes to award a contract by March of this year.
