The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is set to vote on the fate of a contentious trail proposal that has sparked years of intense debate among residents of St. Augustine South.
On March 3, commissioners are expected to vote on whether to move forward with the redesigned Shore Drive Trail project or reallocate more than $1.6 million in budgeted funds to improvements at San Sebastian Park.
The Shore Drive Trail was originally proposed as an eight-foot-wide multi-use path through Shore Drive Park, designed to improve pedestrian safety, provide ADA accessibility, and enhance access to waterfront views.
But the project quickly drew criticism from nearby residents who argued the trail was too wide, encroached too far into green space, and altered the otherwise unmolested character of the park.
In response to community pushback, the Board directed staff last year to revise the plans and engage residents.
The updated proposal reduces the trail width to five feet, shifts alignment closer to the roadway, and incorporates permeable asphalt in select areas to address drainage and environmental concerns.
Construction costs for the revised design are estimated at approximately $1.1 million.
A public meeting held Feb. 11 drew more than 100 residents, with dozens of comments submitted.
The County also issued a survey to gauge community opinion, but the results were not available as of Monday.
Tuesday’s meeting is expected to include staff recommendations, public comment, and potential board action.
Commissioners could approve the redesigned trail, pursue a scaled-down segment approach, or terminate the project entirely and shift funding elsewhere.
