HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Elvis Cruz-Morningside Park Shoreline DesignSubmitted into the publ'
record r it (s) VA, I-
on City Clerk
The City's Proposed Morningside Park Shoreline Plan Has Big Problems, Should Be Changed
By Elvis Cruz, for City Commission meeting of April 13, 2023 Item RE-3
Executive Summary:
The City plans building a seawall in Morningside Park, but instead of placing it along the
shoreline (as normally done, examples: Alice Wainwright, Bayfront, Bicentennial, Albert Pallot
parks, etc.,) the seawall would be set back inland, from 23 to 77 feet. Therefore, the shoreline
would not be protected from storm surge, sea level rise, flooding and erosion, but the opposite,
the shoreline would be surrendered to storm surge, sea level rise flooding and erosion.
The plan would block the majority's preferred location for the new pool: the same
location as the old pool. The inland seawall would leave the concession building unprotected.
It would needlessly demolish, move and rebuild the loop road, the pool parking lot and
sewer line.
It would plant large areas of 3 foot -tall marsh grass on the waterfront, obstructing
picnics and other recreation, and creating a high -maintenance problem.
It would needlessly remove or severely damage several large trees.
Public opinion is opposed to this plan. Two petitions (2,100 signatures and 491
signatures) and a comprehensive neighborhood survey show the public wants to keep the
park's facilities in place.
A less expensive, common-sense alternative is to place the seawall primarily along the
shoreline, with three or four access areas for kayaks, etc.
See the other side of this sheet for a drawing and proposed legislation.
Funding is on the agenda for Thursday, April 13, 2023, item RE-3. Please approve that
on the condition that the seawall is placed primarily along the shoreline, as mentioned above.
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Submitted into the pu 1ic
record or i em(s) A, �.
on L 1I' 1 Z 3 City Clerk
Requested Resolution for the Morningside Park Shoreline
Requested requirements for resolution RE-3. Please:
Locate the seawall primarily along the shoreline, with 3 or 4 access areas.
Keep the original loop road and pool location as is.
Make the walkway 6 feet wide to maximize green space.
Existing trees to remain
3' wide Seawall,
at 6 feet NAVD
6 foot wide path
Area for picnic tables
Berm, raised 2 - 3 feet
Existing ground level
12 inch face
Existing
limestone blocks
Add
boulders
Bay
Benefits of this alternative plan:
* Protects the shoreline from storm surge, sea level rise, flooding and erosion, and
allows the new pool to be built in the same location as the old pool.
* Protects the concession building from sea level rise and storm surge.
* Saves money by keeping the loop road intact, which is what your constituents want, thereby
protecting eleven large trees — some have been there since 1953.
* Preserves the open recreational green space along the shoreline for picnicking, and the
seawall itself provides recreation; sitting, standing, fishing.
* The six foot -wide walkway maximizes green space. The proposed 15 feet is too much.
* It's what the city normally does at bay front parks, and it's what the public wants.