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CRC concurs with cultural review, advances $15 million ‘Smart St. Augustine’ mobility and signage plan
Summary
Committee concurred with a cultural resources assessment and approved design modifications for the federally funded Smart St. Augustine project, which includes mobility hubs, dynamic message signs, EV chargers and real‑time parking displays; archaeological monitoring will be required during construction.
The Corridor Review Committee on April 3 voted to concur with a Cultural Resource Assessment Survey (CRAS) and approved design modifications associated with the Smart St. Augustine project, a federally funded mobility- and information‑system initiative (application HP2025-0021) funded by a $15,000,000 RAISE grant.
Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin described the project as a coordinated effort to provide real‑time information to residents, businesses and visitors through dynamic message signage, kiosks, an app and parking sensors. The project includes mobility hubs featuring electric-vehicle charging stations, bike racks and digital kiosks; large dynamic message signs on arterial approaches; and smaller parking signs inside the historic district that display real-time available spaces.
Staff told the committee the CRAS concluded there would be no adverse effect to historic resources within the project’s area of potential effects but recommended archaeological monitoring during ground-disturbing work. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is awaiting the CRC and HARB (Historic Architectural Review Board) input before issuing its final determination.
Committee members discussed design details and conditions HARB requested: keeping EV chargers black in the historic district (white only on the parking-garage rooftop), stepping larger arterial signs back from sensitive views near the Bridge of Lions, and using decorative fluted poles and mast arms to reduce visual impact of the larger dynamic signs. Franklin said the city will operate the signs and that much of the system will be automated using parking sensors; police and mobility staff will be able to override messages for incidents or public information. He also confirmed the project is subject to Section 106 review and requires archaeological monitoring in some locations and that the city expects construction to begin in fall 2025 with operations phased in and expected by spring 2026 if federal funding remains available.
After discussion, the committee moved and approved a motion to approve the proposed design modifications and concur with the CRAS finding of no adverse impact; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Staff and the design team will work with SHPO, HARB and, where applicable, the National Park Service (for locations such as the Castillo) and will include archaeological monitoring during ground-penetrating activities as recommended in the CRAS.
