by Bailey White
Staff Writer
Jacksonville’s mayoral candidates say they’ll support an idea that would light Jacksonville’s seven bridges, giving each a unique identity.
Sheriff Nat Glover and Gate Petroleum executive John Peyton will consider architect Tri Vu’s proposal to light the city’s bridges as part of a comprehensive project which would span a couple of years and culminate before the 2005 Super Bowl.
“Nat likes the idea very much,” said Harry Reagan, Glover’s campaign spokesperson. “He thinks the project would make the city look great in time for the Super Bowl and he is very supportive of it.”
“It’s an intriguing concept,” agreed Peyton. “We need to encourage and applaud this kind of creative thinking. I will certainly look forward to entertaining this concept when I am mayor.”
Under Vu’s plan, each bridge — like the Acosta and the Dames Point already — would have its own system of lights, designed to highlight the bridge’s uniqueness. The shape of the Mathews Bridge could be highlighted with a string of lights in the dip of its arch. The Hart Bridge, with its proximity to the stadium, would be a perfect place to display teal and gold lights as a salute to the Jaguars.
“It’s a way to do the best for the city,” said Vu. “I want the city to look its best, not just for the Super Bowl, but every day.”
Of course, funding for the project is a major issue. Vu’s estimate for each bridge averages around $500,000. It’s likely the cost would be split between the City, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.
“I’m excited about the possibilities,” said Peyton. “However, funding a project like this, given all of the priorities, must be a major consideration.”
“Nat believes the first step would be to get the entities that would be involved to sit down and work together on funding for the project,” said Reagan. “Until then he couldn’t commit to new spending.”
Vu’s original idea was that each bridge could have its own corporate sponsor to help provide funding, but that the City would be the best starting place for the project. However, as Mayor John Delaney’s administration draws to a close, Vu said he will definitely approach the next mayor with his idea.
“I’ll continue to sell the idea,” he said. “I want to make this project a reality. I’d love for the City to pick it up because I think everyone else will follow. The cost is a small amount compared to the Better Jacksonville Plan; it’s a drop in the bucket. I think it’s something the city could be proud of.”
In the meantime, he is addressing various community groups, and he says, is getting good feedback.
“Ch. 4 conducted a survey and found that 80 percent of the respondents were in favor of the project,” he said. “Everybody seems to really like the idea.”