Q: Can you share any insight on the proposed First Coast Energy development at the corner of State Road 13 and Otoes Place?
A: I have heard from a number of residents about this project. This particular project will not come before the Board of County Commissioners, because what the developer has applied to build is allowed by right. Our staff, at the direction of a consensus by the Board of County Commissioners, is still making requests of the developer to try to make the project more compatible with the neighborhood. At issue for a lot of people are the mature trees in the median of Otoes Place, which provide a special entrance to a small neighborhood. This is a public right of way and the question is, does the developer have the right to take down some of these trees in order to make a second entrance to their property? Our Land Development Code recommends two entrances, but that doesn’t mean we have to agree to it. So, our staff is trying to steer the developer into being a good neighbor. I think it’s all of our desire for First Coast Energy to do whatever they can do to be a good neighbor.
Q: What is the construction that will soon be taking place on Race Track Road? And how is the Longleaf Pine Parkway construction coming along?
A: On Race Track Road, we are extending the turn lane for westbound traffic to turn onto Veterans Parkway. Currently, the turn lane backs up and spills into what should be a through lane. We desperately need the 1,000 feet longer turn land to improve traffic flow on Race Track Road. The construction is due to start on Dec. 18 and, weather pending, be completed in 30 days. These dates were selected in an effort to make the period as convenient as possible with no school traffic for part of the time.
On Longleaf Pine Parkway, construction to add an extra lane and basically double the capacity of the road is coming along quickly now. The construction should be finished by the end of calendar year 2024. This is an example of good planning, since when the road was originally built, proper right of way was already acquired, so when it came time to expand, they just had to turn dirt.
Q: Can you comment on the Memorandum of Understanding between the county and Twin Creeks Development Associates, LLC as pertains to the widening of County Road 210 in front of the Beachwalk neighborhood?
A: The community has seen us holding the developer accountable for the past two years and at long last the developer has agreed to sign this Memorandum of Understanding, which provides for the final part of widening of County Road 210 to six lanes. It is important to note that the developer will be paying for this widening as he was obligated to do.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 1?
A: I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us or call me at (904) 584-5348.
