The Florida Department of Transportation notified the city of Fernandina Beach Thursday that it will begin demolishing the walkway on Atlantic Avenue from Eighth to Tenth Streets including the removal of the historic pavers.
The notice sent the city into crisis mode in an effort to salvage as many of the hexagonal pavers as possible for future use in the historic downtown.
"We've been thrown a curveball by FDOT and we have to mobilize quickly in order to preserve as many pavers as possible for later reintroduction into historic downtown," said Public Works Director Jeremiah Glisson. "We want to make sure the public knows what's happening on the walkway."
FDOT spokesman Hampton Ray said the project has been expedited because of the availability of $183,000 in project funds which are due to expire on July 1.
"We have been in discussions with the city since August of last year and FDOT has made it clear that if the city wanted to salvage and keep pavers the city would have to coordinate internally to remove pavers they want to save," Ray said.
He also said the city was made aware that the project would proceed quickly and "shouldn't come as any surprise. To suggest otherwise would be disingenuous."
In a press release FDOT said the existing pavers will be removed and replaced with a brushed concrete sidewalk to promote mobility and improve safety. The sidewalk will be six feet wide along most of the corridor; however, at the corner of 8th Street and Atlantic Avenue, the sidewalk will narrow to protect the tree at the location.
FDOT officials Tuesday conducted a "hybrid" meeting to accept public comments on the project which also included an informal "open house" session of reviewing the plans individually with concerned residents.
The walkway has been closed since last September after expanding tree roots displaced sections of the historic pavers creating what FDOT said was an unacceptable safety hazard for pedestrians on Atlantic Avenue just past 10th Street.
The fate of a majestic heritage oak tree near the corner of Atlantic Avenue and 8th Street by the Hoyt House that will be impacted by the sidewalk installation has yet to be determined. But FDOT said during construction, any work performed in and around existing trees will be conducted in coordination with a certified ISA Arborist. This additional step is being taken out of an abundance of caution to protect the integrity of the trees in the area.
Contractor Webber Infra is expected to complete the work this summer, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting.
According to the city, all intact pavers were removed between South 9th – South 11th Streets today, May 31. NO pavers will be removed between 8th – 9th Streets until FDOT & the City’s arborist are on site. FDOT’s contractor will begin the installation of new sidewalks and sod next week.
Hampton Ray is saying the city is disingenuous? Tuesday FDOT called a city meeting and presented no plan and no concrete information. Now he's saying to concerned citizens who are calling regarding the incongruence between stating at the Tuesday meeting that FDOT will accept comments on the sidewalk project up to June 10th. Today, just 2 days later, he calls saying the project will be starting on Monday. You have also been rude to concerned callers that are calling you in desperation. You say that we "just don't like your answers". No sir Mr. Ray, YOU have been EXTREMELY DISINGENUOUS. And YOU somehow think WE should trust you and FDOT to protect our heritage trees?? No sir, WE DO NOT!