City Council Discussions, 4 September, 2018

Tracy Hudson-Frantzis, 569 Sylvia Road, spoke on the proposed extension of Doherty Drive to Heritage Oaks Boulevard. She stated that her property abuts the canal and she would be buffered from the new roadway. However, she was concerned with the

existing traffic on Henry Avenue and creating another connection. The City was proposing to spend $1,000,000 for something that is not necessary. She did not believe the additional access to the Heritage Oaks development would alleviate any concerns. She asked that Council delay the construction of the road.

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Dave Earnshaw, 2255 Botanica Circle, also spoke in opposition to the Doherty Drive extension. He believed the existing tree line and natural vegetation helped with the drainage for the area.

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Justin Lauer, 2205 Botanica Circle, also spoke in opposition to the inclusion of the Doherty Drive extension in the budget. He believed this would be a dangerous route because of cars veering off the roadway and killing children. He also stated that more

traffic creates more crime. He believed that multiple entrances to the Heritage Oaks neighborhood would increase the level of crime. Lastly, he commented that replacing the trees with concrete would increase the flooding the area. He asked that Council remove this item from the budget.

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Deputy Mayor Bentley stated that he supported the budget but did not support the Doherty Drive extension. He was concerned with the use of over $2 million in reserves. If this project was not completed, it could reduce that amount being pulled from reserves. He reported that he had visited the canal that runs along the proposed right-of-way during the last hurricane and noted the pumps were running and the water was at the top of the canal. He expressed concerns with the additional run-off created by the new roadway. City Manager Morgan stated that the street project would not modify the open canal. In order to receive approval from the St. Johns Water Management District permit, the City would need to show that the canal would not be adversely impacted.

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Deputy Mayor Bentley reported that he wanted to further explain his reasoning for opposing the Doherty Drive extension. He noted that he had told property owners several years ago that he would support them on the issue opposing the extension. Therefore, he wanted to keep his word to those property owners.

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Council Member Smith reported on her thoughts on the Doherty Road extension. She noted that many of those living in Heritage Oaks were informed that an access would be built connecting Heritage Oaks Boulevard to Henry Avenue. She believed it was the

City's obligation to construct the road.

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Council Member Dittmore stated there were 800 homes in the Heritage Oaks development and he felt that Council had only heard from a small minority on the Doherty Drive extension. He believed the majority of the homeowners wanted the road to be built.

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Extracted from official minutes.