Neighbors complain of stalled Oxford Road sidewalk/stormwater project; public works says crews on site, gas utility delay cited

Residents of English Estates told the Seminole County Board June 23 that the Oxford Road sidewalk and stormwater project has fallen behind schedule and left streets and yards in poor condition.

John Murphy, speaking for residents, said the contractor had not completed visible work on a 500‑day schedule and described construction debris, dumped dirt on lawns and the absence of a safe walking route to the nearby elementary school. Mark Harden, representing the neighborhood HOA, listed operational concerns including missing production milestones, insufficient crew levels, improperly installed drains, blocked storm pipes causing flooding, and debris left in the right‑of‑way.

Public Works Director Tony O’Loughry responded that multiple crews were on site and that a buried gas line owned by TICO had delayed portions of the project. O’Loughry said the county had limited daytime work during the school year to protect students but extended working hours for the summer and that the department currently expects the contract schedule to meet a year‑end completion target. She invited the HOA to provide a written, itemized list of concerns so staff can address specific items with the contractor (Merkon Construction Company).

Commissioner Lockhart said county staff had already been notified, inspected the site and would pursue compliance; Lockhart asked for rapid follow‑up. The board acknowledged residents’ frustration and asked staff to provide oversight and remedial action where contractors have failed to meet obligations.

— "I thought I was going to get flooded out myself," one resident said describing blocked drains after recent heavy rain.

What happens next: Public Works asked for a written list of deficiencies from the HOA and will continue to monitor contractor performance; commissioners indicated they will press staff for more active oversight and remediation.