Citizens petition for road closure

By MELISSA BURNSED

MACCLENNY, FL - Citing an increase in traffic traveling through their residential neighborhood thirty residents petitioned the Baker County Board of Commissioners Monday, to close Barber Road to through traffic. It has served as a shortcut between SR121 and SR228 for years. Now, 

"Road Closed" signs went up this week.

however, according to residents since the Wal-Mart Super Center opened traffic has increased significantly. Included in that traffic are tractor trailers who are using the shortcut as a truck route to access the retail mega-store.

Stating that they believe "it is only time before this results in a tragedy," the petition says the narrow one lane bridge and adjacent blind curve, on the unpaved portion of the road, pose a significant safety risk.

"We know no one planned on the traffic from a large commercial area being dumped into a residential neighborhood, but that is what has happened," is the summation line of the petition. Residents said they blame both city and county officials for not anticipating that drivers would use the road as a shortcut between the Wal-Mart and the commercial strip on SR121.

"The neighbors are concerned and I agree we need to close the road. There are other alternative routes available for passage," said Commissioner Alex Robinson.

In order to properly inform the public, first signs that designate the road as closed to through traffic will be posted. Following a public hearing, the county plans to erect barricades on both side of the roads’ bridge to permanently block traffic.

In other business, Baker County Development Commission leader Darryl Register briefed the board on the Hanson Tile situation, following recent layoffs at the production plant. The incentive laden agreement that helped lure the company to locate their facility near Sanderson has specific penalty clauses that call for a $300,000 fine if the company employee count falls under 30. After the latest layoffs, only a skeleton crew of nine remains on the local payroll.

Register recommended that a lien be sought for that amount, "To protect the county and develop commission." He added that the lien could be removed later if the company lives up to their commitment to increase staffing levels once the housing construction market rebounds from the current economic slump.

The commissioners also voted down a request to change the zoning on Randy Crews 6.71 acres located north of Taylor, near the intersection of Baxter Grade Road and Eddy Grade Road. Half a dozen nearby property owners spoke against the change, citing Mr. Crews failure to fulfill his commitments following a prior zoning change for property where his Erosion Stoppers business is located. They also felt the intended addition of a mobile rental home would be harmful to their rural enclave.

Citing a recent denial of a nearby property rezoning request, due to spot zoning, Commissioner Mark Hartley’s motion for denial was unanimously approved.