A sharply divided St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday to kill a controversial proposal to build a five-foot sidewalk along Shore Drive Trail, with Commissioner Clay Murphy casting the deciding vote.
Murphy, whose district includes the area in question, said he had all but made up his mind before learning of an anonymous website that accused county officials of paving the way for large-scale development in the residential enclave.
“This is my district,” Murphy said, describing the “vitriolic, divisive nature” of the debate. Though angered by what he called “completely offensive and false” tactics employed by the site’s creators, he ultimately concluded “this trail has to die,” and voted to eliminate the project.
The proposal drew passionate testimony from residents on both sides. Supporters argued the 3-mile paved path would provide safe access for children, the elderly and people with disabilities along a stretch that currently has no sidewalk.
Opponents countered that the $1.1 million plan would mar an otherwise unspoiled natural area and potentially open the door to congestion and future development.
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst, who voted in favor of the trail, said the issue boiled down to accessibility. “I’ve come to the conclusion that it is a safety issue,” he said, adding that the project would help residents “who cannot walk in the grass … the way the people who are able-bodied can enjoy the trail.”
Whitehurst also forcefully rejected claims circulated online that the sidewalk would spur commercial development or lead to special assessments on homeowners.
County staff confirmed there had been no discussions with developers and no plans to levy maintenance assessments on residents.
“You can make a reasonable argument to oppose the trail,” Whitehurst said. “But we should not fold when under this kind of pressure and these tactics are being employed.”
Commissioner Sarah Arnold, who also supported the project, called the opposition campaign “one of the most striking hypocrisies or cases of nimbyism I’ve seen in this county in my five years on the board.”
Arnold said it was “a matter of time” before a serious accident occurs along the roadway.
Opponents on the board, however, said their decision was rooted in preserving the character of the area.
Commissioner Krista Joseph described Shore Drive as “the most amazing place,” adding that she had promised residents she would not support adding infrastructure there. “It’s time to stop the development,” she said.
With Murphy joining Joseph and Commissioner Ann Taylor in opposition, the motion to eliminate the trail passed 3-2.
