Guest Column: The Commissioners Albatross

Bruce A. Maguire
St. Augustine, FL

Remember the beginning of this project? It was to “Reconnect” the visitors and tourists to the historical district of the City. The underlying premise was to ensure the multitudes of visitors to the Castillo who did not cross South Castillo Drive to visit St. George Street would now be induced to do so.

To help create that inducement, the City cooperated with the National Park Service to build a Castillo Visitor Center on the south side of South Castillo Drive. But, that move created more problems – Where and how should the multitudes of visitors cross to the south side?

There are currently three cross walks between Orange Street and the corner of Orange and Avenida – a distance of 1,000 feet. I fail to grasp the magnitude of visitors who spurn the cross walks and leave our historical City. I fail to understand the inability to enforce the crosswalks for our visitors. I fail to grasp the City’s mandate to completely redesign our road system simply to reconnect with the Castillo.

By mandating a major change in South Castillo Drive and Avenida Menendez, the belief is that FDOT now mandates the City provide bicycle lanes. In fact, FDOT’s PPM dictates that bike paths will be included in the design package for new road construction. It also requires reconstruction plans include new bike paths – when practical! I like bicycle lanes and believe such lanes throughout our County would improve safety for bicyclists and autos. Bicycling is a healthy and growing activity. However, when one starts with a physically restricted venue, something has to be left out or moved to another venue.

After talking with FDOT officials and reviewing their PPM documents, I found out that the City does not have to provide bike paths. As with every statute and law, there are always exceptions and waivers. Upon reviewing the physical limitations of South Castillo Drive matched with the existing surface (pavement and curbs) and sub-surface (gutters and drainage systems) designs, the City qualifies for a waiver of the bike paths.

The importance of this simple issue should not be discounted. The Commissioners should not base their final decisions on incorrect or incomplete information. Bike paths will require additional space within the existing right-of-way – space that does not currently exist. Trying to add a dedicated lane for the horse carriages also requires additional space that does not currently exist. Trying to add a wider sidewalk on the south side of South Castillo is another good idea, but there is no space to do so.

The bottom line is simple. The existing right-of-way is only large enough for the four lanes of traffic that exists today. The road system is not broken, therefore, don’t try to fix it.

I am a strong supporter of the National Park Service, its many monuments and especially the Castillo. But, I have to ask the question. If improving connectivity and enhancing safety is so important, why is the NPS not making a better effort? Why isn’t the NPS willing to contribute bike paths and wider sidewalks? Their “hands-off” approach doesn’t rile the community. Therefore, a similar position by the Commissioners should not create a problem.

In its initial mission statement, the Reconnecting the Castillo to the Bayfront project was offered to make improvements to the bayfront and A1A in time for the City’s 450th Commemoration in 2013-2015. However, this grant funding has the potential to provide capital funding for improvements to the bayfront and A1A, leaving improved connections between downtown and the Castillo – bayfront for the community’s benefit long after the celebration.

Bruce Maguire is a life-long resident of St. Augustine and Green Cove Springs. He graduated from the University of Florida where he was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Business, with a specialty in Real Estate, investments and planning. Following 21 years in the Air Force as a fighter pilot, Mr. Maguire retired at the rank of Lt. Col. and returned to St. Johns County. He served four years as a County Commissioner, presiding as Chairman for one year. During the four years, he represented St. Johns County on the North Florida Regional Planning Council and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the 2010-2020 Florida Transportation Plan development board. He currently owns and operates several businesses within the community.