A.G. Gancarski
On Monday afternoon, the Jacksonville Transportation, Energy, and Utilities committee considered 2015-313, which would allow a nonexclusive Grant of Easement to support the JEA 42-inch force main river crossing, which conveyed to JEA a utility easement and two temporary construction easements, in, over, and under portions of Metropolitan Park and an Everbank Field parking lot.
The Finance Committee discussion revealed qualms. The TEU agenda meeting revealed further qualms about potential contamination on the site.
TEU offered amendments: modifying the easement areas, ensure the work is done before the 2016 NFL season, clarifying that there is no interference with third-party leases, and that the Metro Park plan is compatible with the easement area.
Public Works and the Parks Department consulted earlier Monday, and both concurred that there were no conflicts created. Any damage created, added Public Works director Jim Robinson, would be remedied.
The handling of unsuitable or dangerous material, likewise, would be JEA’s responsibility, shifting the burden from the city of Jacksonville.
The measure passed without objection, and Councilwoman Lori Boyer‘s qualms from Finance seemed to be quelled.
