Safe Routes to School application advances despite neighborhood opposition

Martin County staff presented a Safe Routes to School grant application for Northeast Rose Tree Drive and Northeast Lake Drive intended to improve pedestrian access to Jensen Beach Elementary. The application covers approximately 3,041 linear feet of 6‑ft sidewalk and is a discretionary FDOT funding source that, if awarded, would fund construction while the county covers design and construction engineering inspection.

During public comment, resident Jerry Compton (2903 NE Rose Tree Drive) said he had collected neighborhood signatures and that "95% of all the neighbors" oppose the sidewalk, citing chronic drainage problems, narrow setbacks, and the view that the neighborhood has few schoolchildren who would use the path. Compton asked the county to prioritize existing ADA deficiencies on Savannah Road instead. Staff and public‑works representatives responded that the design has not been completed and that the consultant will demonstrate no net drainage impact and seek feasible drainage improvements within the right‑of‑way as part of project design.

Commissioners were split. Proponents noted the school’s support and that Safe Routes to School funding typically covers construction costs; opponents emphasized petitions and drainage concerns. The board approved the Safe Routes application but with three dissenting votes recorded (Commissioners Collins, Campy and Reid). Staff will incorporate drainage considerations into the final design should the grant be awarded.

The transcript shows the board’s approval was a discretionary step to allow an application to move forward in a competitive grant process; design and mitigation will occur during engineering and permitting.