In order to proactively prepare for what other similar communities have experienced with the expansion and development of FDOT expressways throughout Florida, SilverLeaf residents are taking a proactive approach to mitigate the future increase in noise pollution with the placement of sound barriers. Locally, we see those north of us in Duval County that have witnessed firsthand the invasive noises and sights of such expressways but have been able to receive the benefit of sound barriers to mitigate the environmental changes. Busy traffic, noisy engines, and vehicle lights will soon become a part of our daily life disrupting our peace and tranquility that we currently enjoy. Our homes are meant to be our sanctuaries, which will be marred by the incessant hum and view of the expressway. However, this is not something many of us are able to claim as a surprise, the First Coast Expressway has been approved before our homes were built but not prior to Hutson planning and County involvement. Depending on ones perspective, this could be seen as a positive or a negative. Regardless of ones opinion, one thing many can agree on is that there are things that can be done to minimize the negative aspects of the expressway thru the placement of sound barriers that will provide a benefit to the majority. SilverLeaf Village has approximately 75 homes in direct line of site of the future Expressway and the noise will reach well beyond those that border the lake. If our homes were built by 2016, there is a high probability FDOT would have surveyed, tested and approved the placement of a sound barrier based on similar communities that have been approved for noise mitigation. As a result, per the FDOT regulations, any home built after such barrier approvals should have taken into consideration the location of the expressway when determining home site locations. This responsibility falls on both the developer and governing district, Hutson Development and St. Johns County, during the planning and approval process to take residents noise exposure into consideration per Section 264 (Noise Walls and Perimeter Walls) of the FDOT Design Manual, 1/1/19 version. As a result of this, it is now up to the impacted residents to proactively engage Hutson Development and Government agencies to mitigate the impacts of the First Coast Expressway for SilveLeaf Village and our future neighbors within SilverLeaf that will be impacted by the expressway.

Research has shown that consistent exposure to high levels of noise can lead to an increase in stress levels and negatively impact our health (source: Environmental Protection Agency, USA). A concrete or acrylic sound barrier could reduce these noise levels by an estimated 5 to 10 decibels (source: Department of Transportation's Highway Traffic Noise Barrier Construction Manual).

Not only would these barriers shield against noise, but they would also serve to protect us from the sight of the expressway. After all, who wants their tranquil backyard view to be dominated by asphalt and vehicles?

By installing sound barriers along the expressway, we can reclaim our homes. FDOT, Saint Johns County and Hutson Development all have a duty to safeguard the peace within its residential communities. Therefore, we call upon the local government and the Florida Department of Transportation to prioritize and fund the installation of sound barriers. Help us restore the tranquility of our homes. Please sign this petition and take a step towards protecting the quality of life we currently experience within SilverLeaf.