With the move from the existing Duval County Courthouse on East Bay Street to the new building in LaVilla set to begin Friday, the list of questions about the $350 million Better Jacksonville Plan project was made even longer Monday.
New issues raised by the City Council Courthouse Oversight Special Committee include Turner Construction Co. being less than forthcoming about moving the building’s location on the site at the project’s start, the possibility of permanently closing Pearl Street adjacent to the new building and why trees have already been planted in front of the building without City approval of the landscape plan.
Council member John Crescimbeni, who sits on the committee, questioned why the building had to be moved on the site plan and said his concern that the relocation of the structure may have contributed to the controversy surrounding permanently closing two blocks of Monroe Street along the south side of the courthouse.
David Reaves, Turner Construction vice president and operations manager, said the building had to be moved to avoid interfering with underground utilities at the site.
“Three or four years ago, it was determined at that time we had to move the building,” Reaves said.
He said the building’s foundation was installed “20ish feet east and five feet south” of its original location. Crescimbeni asked why the relocation wasn’t made public at the time.
“It wasn’t a secret, but we weren’t asked,” Reaves said.
Crescimbeni asked if there were “any other questions” he should ask.
“I’m sure there are,” said Reaves.
“I’m worried about other questions we didn’t ask. There are a lot of secrets in this project,” Crescimbeni said.
City Public Works Director Jim Robinson said the architectural plans are being finalized in preparation for the renovation of the old federal courthouse for the State Attorney’s Office.
Part of the design specifications will include two options for the connection between the new courthouse and the future State Attorney’s Office.
One option is a ground-level covered walkway between the two buildings and secured by remote-controlled gates, Robinson said.
Council member Bill Bishop, also a committee member, asked if the Council might be asked to close Pearl Street between the two buildings.
“Maybe,” Robinson said.
City General Counsel Cindy Laquidara went to the podium and said that Pearl Street is already closed.
Bishop said he doesn’t recall any legislation having been enacted to close Pearl Street.
Robinson explained that Pearl Street has been closed for the construction project and its closure may have to continue.
“Permanent closure is a great possibility,” he said.
Crescimbeni said he visited the site recently and asked why trees have already been planted. He said he asked Dave Schneider, the City’s courthouse project manager, last week for a copy of the landscape plan and was provided a plan from 2009.
Crescimbeni said it his understanding that the landscape architect “signed off on the plans weeks or months ago,” but the plans have not yet been approved by the City.
“How can we be planting trees?” asked Crescimbeni.
Robinson updated the committee on the timeframe related to the relocation of the prosecutor’s office. He projected the office will move from its location on East Bay Street to the new facility in December 2013.
He also said the relocation of courthouse staff and furnishings will begin Friday and is on track to be completed in time to resume operations, as scheduled, May 29.
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