Marsh Oaks Neighborhood Association

July 7, 2001 Minutes

Aug 03, 2001

MARSH OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MINUTES FOR JULY 7, 2001 MEETING

The Marsh Oaks Neighborhood Association (MONA) met on Saturday, July 7 at the
Oceanside Church of Christ. Two guests from the City of Atlantic Beach joined
us, Recreation Director Timmy Johnson and City Commissioner Rick Beaver.

PLAZA ROAD PARK
The main topic at this meeting was the new park that is to be constructed on
Plaza Rd. The size of the property is 320' by 100'.The city proposes to level
the site, and put a 10' chain-link fence and a smaller privacy fence around
the perimeter where the park land abuts private residences. The primary use
for the park is as a grass playing surface for soccer or football or
kickball, etc. The city proposes to put in an irrigation system, benches and
a few parking spaces along Plaza Rd. There will be no lights for night play.

MONA requested that a setback of landcaping and trees be created to minimize
the noise coming into private residences since it appears that the existing
vegetation and trees on the perimeter cannot withstand the effects of a
bulldozer (root damage).

MONA also asked the city to consider a concrete and stucco wall, either 6' or
8', in place of the chain-link fence and wooden privacy fence proposed by the
city. This would provide greater noise reduction.

ROSE PARK
MONA members thanked Timmy Johnson and his staff for the fine job they did in
creating Rose Park, which was officially opened a week before the meeting.
Members made six requests for minor alterations: 1) that the city ordinance
regarding the presence of dogs in the park be posted; 2) that shade trees be
added to the west side of the playground; 3) that a spring be added to the
main gate into the park in order to automatically close the gate against
dogs; 4) that the double gates on the south side of the park be kept closed
except for access to city employees; 5) that a step be created to help
toddlers reach the watter fountatin; and 6) a query: what happened to the
swing shelters MONA requested?

BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Mo Shaughnessy and Jonette Needham are gathering information for a butterfly
garden to be built on the single lot owned by the city just north of Rose
Park. The basic contributions of the city would be a water source; a privacy
fence on the north boundary of the lot; and a picket fence or chain-link
fence with gate around the other three sides of the lot. MONA members would
provide labor and plant species that attract butterflies.

TRAFFIC ACCESS PROPOSAL
There was further discussion of the traffic access proposal submitted by MONA
to the city.

Rick Beaver offered to contact the DOT in an effort to alter the cycle of the
stoplight at Plaza Rd. and Mayport Rd. He said that he was opposed to the
idea of an elevated pedestrian and handicapped walkover over Mayport Rd.
because it was unnecessary and because of its cost.

There was additional discussion of the safety hazards of Mayport Rd. as a
result of the Mayport Flyover project. Nearly everyone agreed that Mayport
Rd. was now more dangerous than before. However, objections were raised that
an elevated walkover would become a magnet for crime.

OTHER BUSINESS
There was a discussion of the traffic situation on the northeastern corner of
Mayport Rd. and Atlantic Blvd., where it is very difficult to merge into
traffic on Mayport Rd. if one is driving west along the Atlantic Blvd.
service road. Also, the existence of two bus stops at that one location --
with one of the stops being on Mayport Rd. at the point of the merger -- was
cited as another danger of that corner.

Also, the issue of noise pollution from Hurricane Hatties and car stereos was
raised. Stephen Holland agreed to check with the AB police department to find
out what, if anything, residents can do to combat loud car stereos.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of MONA will take place on Saturday, August 4, at 1PM in the
Oceanside Christian Church, 130 Main St. in Marsh Oaks. All residents and
business or property owners in Marsh Oaks are invited to attend. The agenda
will include an update on the Plaza Rd. park and Rose Park, the Mayport
Flyover traffic access proposal (including the elevated pedestrian and
handicapped walkway), and noise pollution.

Submitted by Michael Hoffmann,
MONA Steering Committee
MARSH OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MINUTES FOR JULY 7, 2001 MEETING

The Marsh Oaks Neighborhood Association (MONA) met on Saturday, July 7 at the
Oceanside Church of Christ. Two guests from the City of Atlantic Beach joined
us, Recreation Director Timmy Johnson and City Commissioner Rick Beaver.

PLAZA ROAD PARK
The main topic at this meeting was the new park that is to be constructed on
Plaza Rd. The size of the property is 320' by 100'.The city proposes to level
the site, and put a 10' chain-link fence and a smaller privacy fence around
the perimeter where the park land abuts private residences. The primary use
for the park is as a grass playing surface for soccer or football or
kickball, etc. The city proposes to put in an irrigation system, benches and
a few parking spaces along Plaza Rd. There will be no lights for night play.

MONA requested that a setback of landcaping and trees be created to minimize
the noise coming into private residences since it appears that the existing
vegetation and trees on the perimeter cannot withstand the effects of a
bulldozer (root damage).

MONA also asked the city to consider a concrete and stucco wall, either 6' or
8', in place of the chain-link fence and wooden privacy fence proposed by the
city. This would provide greater noise reduction.

ROSE PARK
MONA members thanked Timmy Johnson and his staff for the fine job they did in
creating Rose Park, which was officially opened a week before the meeting.
Members made six requests for minor alterations: 1) that the city ordinance
regarding the presence of dogs in the park be posted; 2) that shade trees be
added to the west side of the playground; 3) that a spring be added to the
main gate into the park in order to automatically close the gate against
dogs; 4) that the double gates on the south side of the park be kept closed
except for access to city employees; 5) that a step be created to help
toddlers reach the watter fountatin; and 6) a query: what happened to the
swing shelters MONA requested?

BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Mo Shaughnessy and Jonette Needham are gathering information for a butterfly
garden to be built on the single lot owned by the city just north of Rose
Park. The basic contributions of the city would be a water source; a privacy
fence on the north boundary of the lot; and a picket fence or chain-link
fence with gate around the other three sides of the lot. MONA members would
provide labor and plant species that attract butterflies.

TRAFFIC ACCESS PROPOSAL
There was further discussion of the traffic access proposal submitted by MONA
to the city.

Rick Beaver offered to contact the DOT in an effort to alter the cycle of the
stoplight at Plaza Rd. and Mayport Rd. He said that he was opposed to the
idea of an elevated pedestrian and handicapped walkover over Mayport Rd.
because it was unnecessary and because of its cost.

There was additional discussion of the safety hazards of Mayport Rd. as a
result of the Mayport Flyover project. Nearly everyone agreed that Mayport
Rd. was now more dangerous than before. However, objections were raised that
an elevated walkover would become a magnet for crime.

OTHER BUSINESS
There was a discussion of the traffic situation on the northeastern corner of
Mayport Rd. and Atlantic Blvd., where it is very difficult to merge into
traffic on Mayport Rd. if one is driving west along the Atlantic Blvd.
service road. Also, the existence of two bus stops at that one location --
with one of the stops being on Mayport Rd. at the point of the merger -- was
cited as another danger of that corner.

Also, the issue of noise pollution from Hurricane Hatties and car stereos was
raised. Stephen Holland agreed to check with the AB police department to find
out what, if anything, residents can do to combat loud car stereos.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of MONA will take place on Saturday, August 4, at 1PM in the
Oceanside Christian Church, 130 Main St. in Marsh Oaks. All residents and
business or property owners in Marsh Oaks are invited to attend. The agenda
will include an update on the Plaza Rd. park and Rose Park, the Mayport
Flyover traffic access proposal (including the elevated pedestrian and
handicapped walkway), and noise pollution.

Submitted by Michael Hoffmann,
MONA Steering Committee
MARSH OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MINUTES FOR JULY 7, 2001 MEETING

The Marsh Oaks Neighborhood Association (MONA) met on Saturday, July 7 at the
Oceanside Church of Christ. Two guests from the City of Atlantic Beach joined
us, Recreation Director Timmy Johnson and City Commissioner Rick Beaver.

PLAZA ROAD PARK
The main topic at this meeting was the new park that is to be constructed on
Plaza Rd. The size of the property is 320' by 100'.The city proposes to level
the site, and put a 10' chain-link fence and a smaller privacy fence around
the perimeter where the park land abuts private residences. The primary use
for the park is as a grass playing surface for soccer or football or
kickball, etc. The city proposes to put in an irrigation system, benches and
a few parking spaces along Plaza Rd. There will be no lights for night play.

MONA requested that a setback of landcaping and trees be created to minimize
the noise coming into private residences since it appears that the existing
vegetation and trees on the perimeter cannot withstand the effects of a
bulldozer (root damage).

MONA also asked the city to consider a concrete and stucco wall, either 6' or
8', in place of the chain-link fence and wooden privacy fence proposed by the
city. This would provide greater noise reduction.

ROSE PARK
MONA members thanked Timmy Johnson and his staff for the fine job they did in
creating Rose Park, which was officially opened a week before the meeting.
Members made six requests for minor alterations: 1) that the city ordinance
regarding the presence of dogs in the park be posted; 2) that shade trees be
added to the west side of the playground; 3) that a spring be added to the
main gate into the park in order to automatically close the gate against
dogs; 4) that the double gates on the south side of the park be kept closed
except for access to city employees; 5) that a step be created to help
toddlers reach the watter fountatin; and 6) a query: what happened to the
swing shelters MONA requested?

BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Mo Shaughnessy and Jonette Needham are gathering information for a butterfly
garden to be built on the single lot owned by the city just north of Rose
Park. The basic contributions of the city would be a water source; a privacy
fence on the north boundary of the lot; and a picket fence or chain-link
fence with gate around the other three sides of the lot. MONA members would
provide labor and plant species that attract butterflies.

TRAFFIC ACCESS PROPOSAL
There was further discussion of the traffic access proposal submitted by MONA
to the city.

Rick Beaver offered to contact the DOT in an effort to alter the cycle of the
stoplight at Plaza Rd. and Mayport Rd. He said that he was opposed to the
idea of an elevated pedestrian and handicapped walkover over Mayport Rd.
because it was unnecessary and because of its cost.

There was additional discussion of the safety hazards of Mayport Rd. as a
result of the Mayport Flyover project. Nearly everyone agreed that Mayport
Rd. was now more dangerous than before. However, objections were raised that
an elevated walkover would become a magnet for crime.

OTHER BUSINESS
There was a discussion of the traffic situation on the northeastern corner of
Mayport Rd. and Atlantic Blvd., where it is very difficult to merge into
traffic on Mayport Rd. if one is driving west along the Atlantic Blvd.
service road. Also, the existence of two bus stops at that one location --
with one of the stops being on Mayport Rd. at the point of the merger -- was
cited as another danger of that corner.

Also, the issue of noise pollution from Hurricane Hatties and car stereos was
raised. Stephen Holland agreed to check with the AB police department to find
out what, if anything, residents can do to combat loud car stereos.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of MONA will take place on Saturday, August 4, at 1PM in the
Oceanside Christian Church, 130 Main St. in Marsh Oaks. All residents and
business or property owners in Marsh Oaks are invited to attend. The agenda
will include an update on the Plaza Rd. park and Rose Park, the Mayport
Flyover traffic access proposal (including the elevated pedestrian and
handicapped walkway), and noise pollution.

Submitted by Michael Hoffmann,
MONA Steering Committee
MARSH OAKS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MINUTES FOR JULY 7, 2001 MEETING

The Marsh Oaks Neighborhood Association (MONA) met on Saturday, July 7 at the
Oceanside Church of Christ. Two guests from the City of Atlantic Beach joined
us, Recreation Director Timmy Johnson and City Commissioner Rick Beaver.

PLAZA ROAD PARK
The main topic at this meeting was the new park that is to be constructed on
Plaza Rd. The size of the property is 320' by 100'.The city proposes to level
the site, and put a 10' chain-link fence and a smaller privacy fence around
the perimeter where the park land abuts private residences. The primary use
for the park is as a grass playing surface for soccer or football or
kickball, etc. The city proposes to put in an irrigation system, benches and
a few parking spaces along Plaza Rd. There will be no lights for night play.

MONA requested that a setback of landcaping and trees be created to minimize
the noise coming into private residences since it appears that the existing
vegetation and trees on the perimeter cannot withstand the effects of a
bulldozer (root damage).

MONA also asked the city to consider a concrete and stucco wall, either 6' or
8', in place of the chain-link fence and wooden privacy fence proposed by the
city. This would provide greater noise reduction.

ROSE PARK
MONA members thanked Timmy Johnson and his staff for the fine job they did in
creating Rose Park, which was officially opened a week before the meeting.
Members made six requests for minor alterations: 1) that the city ordinance
regarding the presence of dogs in the park be posted; 2) that shade trees be
added to the west side of the playground; 3) that a spring be added to the
main gate into the park in order to automatically close the gate against
dogs; 4) that the double gates on the south side of the park be kept closed
except for access to city employees; 5) that a step be created to help
toddlers reach the watter fountatin; and 6) a query: what happened to the
swing shelters MONA requested?

BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Mo Shaughnessy and Jonette Needham are gathering information for a butterfly
garden to be built on the single lot owned by the city just north of Rose
Park. The basic contributions of the city would be a water source; a privacy
fence on the north boundary of the lot; and a picket fence or chain-link
fence with gate around the other three sides of the lot. MONA members would
provide labor and plant species that attract butterflies.

TRAFFIC ACCESS PROPOSAL
There was further discussion of the traffic access proposal submitted by MONA
to the city.

Rick Beaver offered to contact the DOT in an effort to alter the cycle of the
stoplight at Plaza Rd. and Mayport Rd. He said that he was opposed to the
idea of an elevated pedestrian and handicapped walkover over Mayport Rd.
because it was unnecessary and because of its cost.

There was additional discussion of the safety hazards of Mayport Rd. as a
result of the Mayport Flyover project. Nearly everyone agreed that Mayport
Rd. was now more dangerous than before. However, objections were raised that
an elevated walkover would become a magnet for crime.

OTHER BUSINESS
There was a discussion of the traffic situation on the northeastern corner of
Mayport Rd. and Atlantic Blvd., where it is very difficult to merge into
traffic on Mayport Rd. if one is driving west along the Atlantic Blvd.
service road. Also, the existence of two bus stops at that one location --
with one of the stops being on Mayport Rd. at the point of the merger -- was
cited as another danger of that corner.

Also, the issue of noise pollution from Hurricane Hatties and car stereos was
raised. Stephen Holland agreed to check with the AB police department to find
out what, if anything, residents can do to combat loud car stereos.

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of MONA will take place on Saturday, August 4, at 1PM in the
Oceanside Christian Church, 130 Main St. in Marsh Oaks. All residents and
business or property owners in Marsh Oaks are invited to attend. The agenda
will include an update on the Plaza Rd. park and Rose Park, the Mayport
Flyover traffic access proposal (including the elevated pedestrian and
handicapped walkway), and noise pollution.

Submitted by Michael Hoffmann,
MONA Steering Committee