LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council Member Sherri Myers
SUBJECT:
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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) WORK ALONG CARPENTERS CREEK AT THE WATERFORD AT CREEKSIDE
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council direct the Council Executive to compose a letter to FDOT asking for information regarding the work the agency is performing on Carpenters Creek at the Waterford at Creekside, to address erosion and the many trees taken down by FDOT. Further, that the Council Executive inquire as to whether FDOT plans to restore the tree canopy that the agency has removed. Finally, that such information be made available to the City Council within two (2) weeks of making a request for information.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
This is an urgent matter regarding the recent actions of FDOT that have resulted in removing approximately 100 feet of the bank of Carpenters Creek next to the Waterford at Creekside on Davis Hwy.
The total removal of the bank resulted in clear-cutting all of the trees, including pines, magnolias, and oaks. The reason for the actions taken by FDOT is to shore up the bank of the creek that had severe and sudden erosion that has compromised a private parking lot at the Waterford at Creekside on Davis Hwy.
The sponsor of this item believes the erosion was due to the installation of a Vortech Vault by the city of Pensacola as pictures and videos were taken by the sponsor of this item show the damage to the creek bank occurred approximately around the date of August 9, 2020. The Vortech Vaults have been placed along the creek many times for the purpose of removing trash, debris, and sediment from entering the creek and making its way to Bayou Texar. However, in a presentation, the Woods consultants advised the city council that the Davis Hwy Vortech Vault is causing stress on the creek.
The actions by FDOT to mitigate the damage to the creek bank could result in more hardening of the creek and prevent the attempts by the city and the county to restore the creek. The City Council, as the governing body of the city, has a duty to the citizens to protect the creek that runs through numerous neighborhoods and commercial areas.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Carpenters Creek at the Waterford Photo #1
2) Carpenters Creek at the Waterford Photo #2
3) Emails re Carpenters Creek & Bayou Texar
PRESENTATION: No