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Ormond Beach commissioners object to FDOT asphalt sidewalk on A1A, ask staff to send letter
Summary
Commissioners criticized FDOT’s replacement of concrete sidewalks with asphalt on A1A, saying asphalt is less durable and hotter for pedestrians and pets; commissioners asked staff to prepare a formal letter to FDOT expressing the city's concerns.
Ormond Beach commissioners criticized the Florida Department of Transportation’s decision to install an asphalt multimodal trail on portions of State Road A1A where they expected concrete and asked city staff to prepare a letter to FDOT expressing the city's displeasure.
Commissioner Howard Riley introduced the issue during staff and commission reports, saying he had read an email from a former commissioner and that local residents and advocates expected concrete sidewalks to be replaced with concrete rather than asphalt. Riley said asphalt “does not hold up near as well as concrete,” is hotter in summer, is “hard on a dog,” and is “a maintenance nightmare.” He asked staff to reach out to FDOT to say the city is not satisfied.
Commissioner Travis Sargent and other commissioners echoed concerns, noting heavy pedestrian use along A1A and that the exposed location receives full sun. Riley said some trail advocates prefer asphalt where there is heavy tree canopy, but that the A1A location is different because of sun exposure. One commissioner said removing asphalt and replacing it with concrete would require ripping up the asphalt, making retrofitting difficult.
Commissioners agreed to have staff draft and send a letter to FDOT conveying the city’s objections and asking for reconsideration or future coordination; the meeting record shows a consensus and a request for staff to prepare the letter. No formal ordinance or legal action was initiated at the meeting.
