CR210 Update                        last updated 8/07/2007

• Representatives from Sawmill Lakes and the Ponte Vedra Coalition comprise a subcommittee whose purpose is to meet regularly with county officials and participate closely in the design of  the planned widening of CR210 between the intracoastal bridge the the Mickler Roundabout and hopefully develop a   mutually acceptable road improvement design for the community at large.    Summary of the July 25th meeting with Commissioner Tom Manuel July 25th:   Various road improvement ideas were proposed and discussed.  It was decided that a new plan for road improvement using only two lanes would be prepared.  Engineers at this meeting   felt that a  3 lane design would not be a good option for alleviating congestion.  The new two lane design would include sidewalks, multi-purpose paths, public entrance to Guana and improved access into and out of SML, ie, round-about at the main entrance.  ( A traffic signal is not an option at this time) Engineers were presented with a list of concerns established by the PV Coalition and the  SML Board of Directors for consideration when creating this new design such as noise and light mitigation, ingress-egress to SML, proximity to homes, etc.  It's very likely that the expiration date for work to start (as contracted with Nocatee developers) will be extended another 5 years but construction could start sooner once a a design is accepted and permits obtained.   When the two lane design is complete, the PV Coalition will need to present  it to the entire community, (chamber of commerce, HOA's, businesses, etc). for support.   When it receives significant community support it will be presented to the County Commissioners for a vote.  Many obstacles still exist fort he 4-lane design. 
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• Thursday 6/21/07 @ 7 p.m. Landrum Middle School - Public meeting to discuss CR 210 proposed widening.
• On Monday February 12, 2007 several Board members, Angela Diaz, Hal Hitch, Tommy Reinheimer and Bill Muir from our  Civic Affairs Committee met with county representatives to discuss the widening of CR210 from the intracoastal bridge to the traffic circle by Mickler Road.  Representing the county were Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson, Director of Public Works Joe Stephenson, county civil engineer Press Tompkins.  Below is a brief summary of the meeting, discussion points etc. as presented primarily by Joe Stephenson.
• The current discussions of the widening of CR210 are a direct result of negotiations the county is having with Nocatee regarding a delay in the proposed timing of any roadwordk on CR210.  Nocatee had originally agreed to pay for or perform the work on this section of the roadway, but the expiration of that agreement is is next year.  As Nocatee is approximately three years behind plan, the county is looking to extend this agreement and keep potential funding dollars for any type of roadwoark (on CR210) in play. 
• It has been determined by traffic studies conducted by the county that the road in front of SML is presently at a critical level.  This does not including projected traffic to be generated by Nocatee. 
• The traffic circle was designed to handle two lanes of traffic in the circle itself.  There are presently two, 2-lane roads (Palm Valley Road and Mickler Road) exiting the traffic circle, equaling 4 lanes.   The road from the bridge to the traffic circle is only two lanes, hence the need to widen it to 4 lanes.  Four lanes into the traffic circle, four lanes out. 
• Any possible widening of this section of road will not take place at minimum for 3-5 years from now, more likely   longer.  There are  several delays relating to funding, permitting, easements, drainage, etc. and Nocatee issues as mentioned above.
• At present, the county has 83 feet of easement for 4-laning.  Ideally, they need 100 feet but it can be done in the space currently available.  By using multi-purpose trails versus 2 sidewalks and a bike path, etc., the current easement may suffice.
• The county absolutely has NO intention of acquiring property from Sawmill Lakes via eminent domain. 
• The county's easement (right of way) presently runs up to the SML fence line (except in areas where the right of way stops before the fenceline, i.e., at the front entrance.) .  Actual travel lanes would be no closer than 10 feet to the existing SML fence.  The road would not come any closer but could be further from the fence in some locations.
• The county will attempt to acquire a strip of land from the Guana along CR210.  However, because of the recent attempt to build a high school in those protected lands, there is greater sensitivity to obtaining a strip of land.  Taking a strip of land from protected areas is not without precedent and Ms. Stevenson assured us that she would approach the state agencies to make an appeal.
• It is likely they will have to raise the road 2-3 feet which may involved having to install a retaining wall for drainage.   Drainage is a big issue that the county engineers will need to resolve.
• They indicated that our community is too small to install traffic lights at our entrances.  However, they did suggest perhaps another traffic circle and  an entrance into the Guana as well off this new circle. 
• Any plans the the county has related to this project are conceptual in nature and not at all set in stone. 
• The widening of Mickler will be in phase two of this project and that won't be done until after the next traffic study due in 2012.
• A traffic light will be installed in 2008 at the intersection of Mickler and A1A. 
• The county advised that there should be an opportunity for public input before they submit their request for Guana Land.
• The Civic Affairs Committee will work to keep the community apprised of any progress and issues with this project.   The committee will work to coordinate participation of our community, and others, to communicate with state/county officials at the appropriate time.

The Sawmill Lakes Board of Directors would like to start a committee of residents who will focus and track this project as it relates to our community.  Please consider volunteering your time and specialized expertise to this important project.   Email smlboard@smlinfo.org to see how you can help.

email:   smlboard@smlinfo.org
10036 Sawgrass Drive, Suite 1 * Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 * (904) 273-9832