by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Debate concerning the fate of the old Fuller Warren Bridge has existed since the abandoned structure yielded to its newer and larger successor in 2000. Advocates want it preserved as a public pier while the State wants it razed as quickly as possible.
Five years later, it appears the City Council may be stepping into the ring. City Council member Suzanne Jenkins filed legislation Tuesday requesting the formation of committee that will determine if a pier project is even possible anywhere in the area.
Council Vice President Kevin Hyde is a bill co-sponsor.
“I think we owe it to ourselves and the constituents who want to preserve riverfront access on the Southbank to see if we can build something somewhere,” Jenkins said. “I’m hoping we can sit down, look at the costs and hopefully arrive at some kind of conclusion. I do think we need to find out, once and for all, if something like this can work.”
Jenkins said a pier may be even possible if, ultimately, the old Fuller Warren is not part of the plan. One alternative, she said, may involve building a pier underneath the new bridge, using its pilings for infrastructure.
“I’m sure there are many, many different scenarios out there and we need to hear them all,” she said. “I can’t really say what is going to come out of this until we have all of the information in front of us.”
Providing the committee moves forward, Jenkins said she also expects plenty of public feedback.
“Absolutely,” she said. “The public has been trying to make their voices heard for a long time. I don’t think it would be right to cut them out of our discussions.”
The Council will determine if they want to form a Downtown Pier Committee by the end of March. Jenkins said she is unsure of who would chair it, but maintained she would be involved in some way.
“That’s (Council president) Elaine Brown’s call. I don’t have to chair it to be involved,” Jenkins said.
Brown said she has not made any decisions regarding the committee nor would she predict what kind of ruling it would make.
“Do I think there needs to be a pier or promenade downtown? I do,” she said. “Should it be built out of what’s left of the old bridge? I don’t think we have enough information at this time.”
FDOT spokesperson Mike Goldman said if the City wants to build a pier, it will be on their dime.
“Our position has not changed from the beginning. We want to take (the old bridge) down,” Goldman said. “If the City wants to do something with it, they’re are going to have to pay for it, maintain it and assume all liability.”