San Marco Boulevard is set to undergo a significant transformation starting in April, as Jacksonville embarks on a major upgrade to its stormwater infrastructure in an attempt to mitigate the area's chronic flooding issues. Phase two of the LaSalle Street pump station construction will soon commence, necessitating detours for an estimated four to six weeks around the LaSalle Street and San Marco Boulevard intersection. This development was detailed by First Coast News following an announcement by Jacksonville City Councilmember Joe Carlucci.
According to Carlucci, the project will replace the old 30-inch stormwater pipes with newer, larger 60-inch versions complete with flaps designed to prevent backflow from the St. Johns River during high tides. This is a critical measure as businesses like Flamebroiler, owned by Jackie Grzebin have struggled previously with flooding. Despite her concerns over the impact of detours on her business, "It is worth it," Grzebin said, recognizing the importance of the project, in a statement obtained by First Coast News.
Further details were given at a recent town hall meeting where residents and business owners gathered to discuss the upcoming changes. Amidst concerns about reckless driving due to the detours, residents have called for temporary speed bumps to mitigate risks. "It’s a game of Frogger. People just dodging," resident Crystal Wright described the hazard of impatience and distraction. In response, Councilman Carlucci has committed to installing the necessary speed bumps, a plan he disclosed to those in attendance, as reported by News4Jax.
The need for transparency in the face of significant urban change was a priority stressed by Councilman Carlucci during the discussion at Balis Community Center. The town hall provided a platform for stakeholders to direct inquiries to Haskell, the contractor responsible for the project's execution, "to answer any level of detail question that they have," as Carlucci told Action News Jax.
The closure of roads and construction will cause inconveniences, but the city promises appropriate signage to assist with business access during this period. Completion of the drainage system upgrade is expected to significantly reduce business owners' and residents' need to take emergency action during periods of heavy rain. The pump station will eventually be capable of pumping 70,000 gallons per minute, potentially transforming the narrative of seasonal flooding in San Marco, and enabling a more steadfast sense of community resilience against the elements.
