Exh 8CAGENDA ITEM SC
JULY 14, 2003
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
AGENDAITEM: Request by Bestcon, Inc. to use a portion of the unopened West 14th
Street right-of--way to construct a landscaped walkway, a wooden
pedestrian bridge and platform to provided access to a creek connecting
to the Intracoastal Waterway.
SUBMITTED BY: Sonya Doerr, AICP, Community Development Director ~~
DATE: June 25, 2003
BACKGROUND: Bestcon, Inc, has requested permission to use the westernmost portion of the
unopened West 14th Street right-of--way to allow residents of the adjoining Hidden Paradise
subdivision to have access to a narrow creek (or ditch) that connects to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Bestcon proposes to construct a small wooden pedestrian bridge that will cross the drainage ditch,
and a pathway that will connect to a platform that could be used for fishing or to launch canoes or
kayaks. This location is adjacent to the recreation tract within the Hidden Paradise subdivision. The
Homeowner's Association will maintain the walkway, the platform and the bridge, and these
facilities will be available for use by the general public.
The City would retain all rights to the right-of--way, and Bestcon would coordinate with the Public
Works Department so that the bridge would not interfere with any drainage function or maintenance
of the ditch. Staff supports this request, which is consistent with the Recreation and Open Space
element of the Comprehensive Plan, as well as identified EAR-amendments (see attached) related to
access to mazsh azeas and the Intracoastal Waterway.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve aright-of--way use permit to Bestcon, Inc. to allow
construction, as generally depicted within the attached site plan, of a wooden pedestrian bridge
and platform, connected by a natural landscaped pathway, to be located within an unopened
portion of the West 14th Street right-of--way, subject to:
1. the wooden pedestrian bridge and platform, and the natural landscaped pathway,
shall be maintained in good condition by the Hidden Paradise Homeowner's
Associafion, and the Applicant and/or Homeowner's Association shall assume
liability for and enter into a hold harmless agreement with the City prior to
construction of these facilities;
2. the platform shall be removable in order that the ditch may be maintained with the
City's walking excavator. The Homeowner's Association will be responsible for the
prompt removal of the structure with 24 hours notice of scheduled maintenance;
3. these facilities shall not be restricted from use by the general public, and the City of
Atlantic Beach shall retain all rights as dedicated and shown on the map of the
Section'~H" subdivision as recorded in O.R. Plat Book 18, Page 34; and
July 14, 2003 regular meeting
AGENDA ITEM SC
JULY 14, 2003
4. Bestcon, Inc. shall receive approval from the Department of Public Works, including
provision for continued access to and maintenance of the West 14th Street drainage
ditch prior to construction of these facilities.
BUDGET: No budget issues.
ATTACIINIENTS: Letter from Paul Nichols with Bestcon, Inc., proposed site plan, and excerpt
from EAR Recreation and Open Sp .e element.
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
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AGENDA ITEM SC
JULY 14, 2003
June 10, 2003.
Ms. Sonya Doen-
Planning and Zoning Director
City of Atlantic Beach.
800 Seminole Road.
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233-5445
Deaz Sonya,
I would like to apply for a public use permit of a portion of the
western most section of the 14~ Street right of way, adjacent to our
Hidden Paradise subdivision.
Upon issuance of this pemvt, it is my intention to have my
company, BESTCON, Inc. construct a walkway to be used by the
public (and maintained by the Hidden Paradise Homeowners
Association) to cross the drainage ditch and access a platform that
is connected to the crossing with a landscaped walkway according
to the survey attached.
It is well known by BESTCON; Inc. that the public works
department of Atlantic Beach periodically maintains the ditch. The
design of the crossing (which in all likelihood will be removable)
will be done with the approval of Mr. Bob Kosoy, and his staff.
Members of the Hidden Paradise Homeowners Association will
primarily use this crossing, walkway and platform. The public at
large will not beprecluded from use of it.
Sincerely yours, Il',
W • IM
Paul W. Nichols
President
AGENDA ITEM SC
JiJLY 14,2003
EXHIBIT A EAR Revision as adopted by
Recreation and Open Space Element Resolution 03-03, Febrtiary 24, 2003
K. Financial. Feasibility of Implementation
• The City recognizes that the. maintenance. of parks and recreation facilities,
both natural and constructed, as well as the high level of services. and
programs, will continue to be a significant element of the City budget.: At this
time, there are no .anticipated financial constraints associated with this
element, and continued support of the goals, objectives and policies of this
element is expected to remain a priority for the City of Atlantic Beach.
Several recreation projects are included in the Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund
discretionary list for potential funding.
L. Anticipated Plan Amendments
• Substantive amendments to this element are not .anticipated; akhough data
provided within the tables will be updated, as will be objectives and policies,
where appropriate. LOS standards will be established in the Capital
Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
~• The addition of policies; which support parallel policies of the Conservation
and Coastal Management Element, specifically related to access to the
beach, marsh and Intracoastal Waterway are anticipated.
• Policies related to the protection of new open space and recreational facilities,
such as the Dutton Island Preserve and Tideviews Park and the Adele Grage
Community Center are anticipated.
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