dirt roads

[Smiling JOe]

SJ-
aren't developers now required to pave entrances to new developments?

Good question, and is a little vague. If you are referring to connector roads, leading to the property, I don't know that specific answer. If I had to take a guess, I'd say no, the developers don't have to pave connecting roads leading to their developments, which is how I read your question. I have seen examples of where the developer did pave a connector road to other paved roads. One of the requirements is that the developer have traffic count studies and the road leading to the development has to be able to handle the impact of the additional traffic load caused directly by the development at full build out. However, as I understand it, the County does require the developer to install the infrastructure within the development, prior to selling any parcels in the development.

On a similar note, as I understand it, a developer can pay for the paving of the public road leading to a development, and it would not have to meet the County's 60' wide easement, but they County does prefer it to be 60'. I believe they will allow the paving with a minimum of 45' width. I'm going from memory of a Planning Dept mtg held at least a year ago, so take this with a bucket of sand and do you own DD.

 

[florida girl]

This is Chat Holley Road in 1965, used to be called Power Line Road. I think the county needs to better prioritize it's projects.

 

[scooterbug44]

This is Chat Holley Road in 1965, used to be called Power Line Road. I think the county needs to better prioritize it's projects.

I'm confused. Chat Holley is already scheduled to be repaved and expanded, isn't it?

 

[florida girl]

I'm confused. Chat Holley is already scheduled to be repaved and expanded, isn't it?

They fought over paving this road for about 50 years! Couldn't agree on where to put it, then easements. Finally commissioner what's his name said "just pave it!" So, yes it's now paved, although not in good condition. There used to be bumper stickers that said, "I lost my parts on Chat Holley!"
That picture was taken in 1965.

 

[scooterbug44]

Still not understanding how a 50 year old photo of a flooded dirt road that was paved at least 10 years ago and is already scheduled for repaving & expansion is relavent. What am I missing?

 

[florida girl]

Still not understanding how a 50 year old photo of a flooded dirt road that was paved at least 10 years ago and is already scheduled for repaving & expansion is relavent. What am I missing?

The topic was dirt roads. The last I heard about Chat Holley was an intention to 4 lane it, and extend it to Mack Bayou. I haven't heard any other news. Actually, the photo is 42 years old, and the road was paved almost 20 years ago. Life on a dirt road. The county seems to feel more priority in appeasing it's wealthier citizens with pet projects of insignificant importance, to the livelyhood of those who have to put up with annoying everyday problems.

 

[John G]

B. Halfhill was digging into this and wanted the staff to produce a list of roads and their maintenance schedules. No such list has ever existed... He rubbed someone the wrong way and got a harassment complaint out of it and run out of town...
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DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla.

More than 30 percent of Walton County's roads are dirt roads. Officials are trying to reduce that number through their Dirt to Pave program. But the county is currently working through the list of roads from the 2014-2015 fiscal year, like Majestic Boulevard.

"You see them paving a few roads down the street, then you just hope your turn coming up," said Terry Empson, a resident of Majestic.

His road has been on the list since 2014.

"Currently, the Dirt to Pave list is behind schedule," said Louis Svehla, the county's Public Information Manager.

At last week's Board of County Commissioners meeting, Public Works submitted this fiscal year's capital improvements list.

"We have a projection of finishing up the 14-15 list going into June of this coming year."

The county says a lot can contribute to the lag. Mainly, the crew responsible for Dirt to Pave can be reassigned to more pressing projects like washed out roads or bridges.

"The more ill weather that we have - rain, those type of things - certainly make that program delay a little bit," said Svehla. "One of the reasons it's considered behind is because we try to complete a list prior to completing another list."

That money rolls over from year to year, but being behind can be inconvenient.

"Two years behind on Dirt to Pave is not good," said Commissioner Cindy Meadows at Tuesday's commission meeting.

It costs about $150,000 in materials and engineering to pave one mile of road. The county usually paves between 4 and 5 miles, not including other roads that are paved through grants the county receives.