by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Delayed for approximately one year, Hendricks Avenue in San Marco is finally getting its $7 million makeover.
Public Works spokesperson Marci Cook said construction crews will begin work to repave the road, add landscaping, upgrade utilities and widen sidewalks this week.
That work, she said, should conclude by fall 2006.
On-street parking along Hendricks Avenue will be eliminated, but Cook said more than 200 free public spaces will be added or leased between Atlantic Boulevard and Prudential Drive.
Signage will be added, directing people where to park, she said.
“We’re glad to be starting on this project and we know the neighborhood and the people who use Hendricks Avenue are, too,” Cook said. “They’ve been very patient.”
Originally, Hendricks Avenue was expected to be overhauled in time for the Super Bowl but when bids came back too high in late 2003, Mayor John Peyton said it was best to wait.
“That’s the plan and it won’t change,” Peyton advisor Susie Wiles said at the time. “It’s just that this project is very complicated and the mayor wanted to be assured it could be completed within the time frame that was originally decided upon.”
Peyton also feared the project wouldn’t be completed in time for the Super Bowl.
City Council member Art Shad said the high bids may have reflected on the contractors being intimidated by the relatively tight time frame.
“It’s a high profile project because the whole world is going to be watching Jacksonville,” Shad said last year. “If you’re the reason behind any delays, you’re not going to want your company’s name on everyone’s television screens.”