by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
City Council and the First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization Monday took one step toward better understanding each other’s roles in the community.
The MPO, which was formerly a part of the City’s Planning Department, recently became an independent regional government agency and is now responsible for much of Northeast Florida.
At the request of the Council’s Transportation, Technology, Environment & Energy Committee, MPO representatives appeared in Council chambers Monday, responding to various questions and concerns.
“We’re also here because we’d like to express what role we want the City play as we plan and prioritize future improvements in the area,” said MPO executive director Denise Bunnewith.
Bunnewith and MPO director of planning Jeff Sheffield presented a list of transportation projects currently in various stages of development.
Sheffield said the Council would have the opportunity to look over those projects in an attempt to see which ones, if any, they would like to advocate.
“These are what we’ve considered to be cost feasible projects in area,” he said. “If possible we’d like to see the Council establish a hierarchy, an order in which they’d like to see them move forward.”
Bunnewith added funds were limited and that the list of “priority projects” were not a “wish list.”
“There are always going to be more projects than there is money,” she said, “so this is not any kind of guarantee.”
Committee members Jerry Holland and Art Graham were among the more vocal of the group.
“One thing that I can’t help but notice is that many of these projects, and there are a lot of them, are happening on the Westside of town,” said Graham, noting that “may be reflective of past Council leadership.”
“I think we’ll have to take another look at that because from what I understand, most of the growth and development in Jacksonville is taking place much farther east,” he said. “That’s where the real traffic congestion is taking place.”
Holland agreed, saying there was “no better instance of a parking lot than Butler Boulevard.”
“I’d say improvements are needed there more than anywhere else in town,” he said, “Mathews Bridge included.”
Sheffield said he valued the input, though the MPO would ultimately establish which projects should be put on the fast track.
Following the meeting, most agreed it was productive and hoped the Council would take action very soon.
“I’m pleased, very pleased,” said Committee chair Lake Ray. “I think we can work very quickly in putting something together and I look forward to hearing the concerns of the full Council.”