August 27, 1998

Re: The Bridge of Lions

Dear Mrs. Clinton:

  We in the Nation’s Oldest City are delighted to learn of your interest in historic sites, brought to light more recently by your visit to Seneca Falls, New York.

  Our historic city is the oldest surviving European settlement in the United States. Founded by Spain in 1565. To put this in perspective, when the English founded Jamestown in 1607, St. Augustine’s youngest Spanish settlers already had grandchildren, and the town was undergoing urban renewal!

  Needless to say, we are proud of our heritage and serious about our stewardship of this cradle of United States history.

  One of the more serious threats to our heritage is the overlapping authority of several government agencies. I refer to the status of the Bridge of Lions. The Bridge was built in 1927, and because of its architecture and grace it has been the subject of countless articles and photo essays ever since. It has become one of the icons of our city, as well as a major traffic artery from the colonial city to the modern Anastasia Island development. The Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, and touches the National Landmark Historic District. It is well within sight of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and presents the visitor with the most panoramic view of the oldest cultural landscape in our country.

  Some years ago the Bridge of Lions was found to be deficient by the Florida Department of Transportation; this triggered the process of studying alternatives for its rehabilitation or replacement. That process is coming to a conclusion and its result may bring about the destruction of this historic landmark.

  The Department of Transportation was leaning toward their ornate restoration/replacement option UNTIL the United States Coast Guard pointed out that a building permit would not be issued by their office unless the width of the span for marine vessels was greatly increased. The larger span requirement changes the economics of the project as well as the aesthetics, and tips the Department of Transportation balance toward replacement.

  We note that the existing span is sufficient for pleasure craft and commercial fishing vessels. The wider span is preferred by barge traffic using the Intracoastal Waterway principally to transport fuel oil. We are concerned about the impact of larger and large barges transporting more and more fuel oil through the narrow and increasingly populated Intracoastal Waterway, especially since the barges using the Intracoastal Waterway are permitted to use single hull vessels for a few more years. The barge industry is in close contact with the Coast Guard on this issue all up and down the east coast.

  The danger that our historic Bridge of Lions will be torn down is very real. The National Trust for Historic Preservation took note, and included the Bridge of Lions in the 1997/98 listing of “The Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites” in America.

  Time is now of the essence. The Environmental Impact Statement is due to be published very soon (perhaps within two to four weeks) by the Florida Department of Transportation. Once it has been published and circulated for a month, a public hearing will be held. After the public hearing, the Department will make a decision and apply for the necessary permits to begin work.

  Only if the Bridge of Lions is recognized for its historic and cultural importance do we stand a chance of saving it from demolition brought about by multiple requirements of various government agencies. The Florida Department of Transportation can and will guarantee the Bridge to be safe and sound if the ornate restoration/rehabilitation option is selected.

  The enclosed Fact Sheet was prepared by a local group, which has worked tirelessly to save the Bridge of Lions, and is accurate in its presentation. The enclosed photo of the Bridge of Lions speaks eloquently to its beauty and architectural merit. Also enclosed is a copy of an article that should appear in the September/October issue of Arbus Magazine.

  Please help us. We have used all the channels available to us to make our position known, and still we are staring at defeat. Please accept our invitation to visit St. Augustine and see first hand how important this is to the Nation’s Oldest City. I anxiously await any help and support that you can give us in saving the beautiful Bridge of Lions and all that it represents to our community. I will be glad to provide you with additional information if you so desire. Thank you for helping us preserve St. Augustine’s past for future generations.

Sincerely,

Len Weeks
Mayor