JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A proposed $7.5 million sidewalk project along Art Museum Drive has become the latest target of criticism from state and local officials questioning government spending.
But advocates for people with disabilities say the project would address a longstanding safety problem along a busy corridor where pedestrians often have no choice but to walk in the roadway.
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The City of Jacksonville plans to install sidewalks along a roughly mile-long stretch of Art Museum Drive between Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard. The corridor serves several organizations that provide services for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as nearby affordable housing and senior living communities.
Supporters of the project say the lack of sidewalks forces some residents and clients to navigate dangerous traffic conditions.
“I would say out of 10 clients a day, two or three walk here,” said Jose Morales, development manager for the Center for Independent Living.
Morales said pedestrians often must walk along curves in the roadway while vehicles travel at high speeds.
“When they’re walking in a curve and cars are speeding by, there’s really no way for them to get out of the way because the sidewalks don’t exist,” Morales said.
The Center for Independent Living is one of several organizations located along the corridor. Morales, who is legally blind, said the project would improve accessibility for vulnerable residents and it’s something they have been advocating for since 2015.
“It’s completely essential,” Morales said. “There’s about nine agencies that serve vulnerable populations, especially people with disabilities, along the path between Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard.”
The project’s cost has drawn scrutiny from Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, and Jacksonville City Council member Rory Diamond, who has criticized the spending on social media.
City officials say the price tag is significantly higher than a typical sidewalk project because of engineering challenges along the route.
According to the city, crews will need to perform substantial work near the bridge carrying Emerson Street over Art Museum Drive. The project requires cutting back portions of the bridge embankment and constructing retaining walls to create enough space for sidewalks. Officials said limited space behind existing guardrails and potential drainage improvements contribute to the overall cost.
Morales argued the investment is justified given the concentration of services located along the corridor.
“It’s counterproductive to spend so much money for many years to put all the resources and services for our vulnerable population in one stretch of road and not be accessible and, most importantly, not be safe,” Morales said.
In a statement to News4JAX, a spokesperson for the city defended the project and criticized opponents.
“This thoroughfare is in a fast-growing part of the city that is heavily trafficked by both vehicles and pedestrians,” the statement said. “The project will make the roadway safer for pedestrians and residents who are disabled.”
The spokesperson added that it was “disappointing to see any elected official classify a project designed to keep people safe as wasteful.”
The project remains several years away from construction. The city plans to begin design work in fall 2026, with construction currently scheduled to start in 2028. Officials estimate construction could take between 12 and 18 months depending on the amount of drainage work and bridge modifications required.
City leaders said they are also exploring federal funding opportunities to help offset project costs.