by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
While campaigning for office last year, City Council member Art Graham discovered several parcels of land throughout Duval County that were largely unused and undeveloped. Now, Graham said he would like to see that land converted into an interweaving bike and walking trail network.
The plan, though still in its early stage, made its unofficial debut earlier this week at a Dist. 13 town hall meeting.
“If you look at a map of Jacksonville, you’ll notice the options are huge for something like this,” said Graham. “By making use of some of the JEA easements, and these are spots with a lot of density in several districts, it has the potential to span the entire city.”
However, Graham said the first phases of the project would likely begin east of Interstate 95, with the area bordering 9A and J. Turner Butler Boulevard. serving as the starting point.
“I haven’t studied the west side of the city quite as closely,” he said, “but I can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t have similar possibilities.
Stressing “connectivity,” Graham consulted with Ram Professional Group, an engineering firm, to get a workable design together, though no cost estimates have been quoted.
“It will be a while before we’ll know what it will cost,” he said, “but it would be less expensive and much safer and pedestrian friendly than adding a bike lane to a major road.
“The City already has control over the land we’re talking about, so all we would really need to do is go in and put in a 10-foot wide asphalt surface. There’s nothing there now, and it would be easier to go in before a lot of developments start up.”
Graham added directional signage would also be incorporated and the design would likely mirror similar projects in Broward and Hillsborough counties.
“I’ve even it seen it working in Chicago where you can get on your bike and avoid those major arteries of traffic to get to where you need to,” he said. “Right now, you can’t even get to the library near JTB without getting in your car, even if you live in Deerwood.”
Graham said early feedback from constituents, fellow Council members and the mayor’s office has been largely supportive.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Council president Lad Daniels. “He’s talking about making our city more pedestrian and biker friendly while utilizing a City asset. I think it can even serve as a beautification project.”
Graham said the project would also serve as a way for JEA to give back to the city. Presently, they haven’t been consulted about the project.
“From a PR standpoint, I definitely think they could benefit from this,” he said. “They will have the opportunity to give back to the community by being able to show how user friendly they can be.”
Graham wouldn’t speculate when legislation would be introduced or a funding source identified.
“It’s hard to say,” he said. “As is true with anything, there are a lot more good projects in the works than there is money to go around. Maybe it will be a priority during the next budget cycle. It might not come up for another two or three years, we’ll have to see.”