News Summary
Tensions rise in Jacksonville as residents express strong objections to two proposed townhome developments near Arlington. Community members are particularly worried about traffic congestion, the fit of the projects within the neighborhood, and potential drops in property values. Recent committee votes show a split decision on the developments, with one being denied and the other approved. The City Council is set to continue discussions on March 11, but residents remain apprehensive about the changes looming over their community.
Jacksonville Residents at Odds Over Proposed Townhome Developments
In Jacksonville, tensions are brewing among residents over a couple of proposed townhome developments that many are not too keen on. Neighbors from Arlington are raising their voices against plans for two separate projects right near their homes. The City Council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee recently weighed in on these controversial plans, and the decisions are stirring up quite the conversation among locals.
Where the Developments Are Happening
The first proposed site is a 3.3-acre lot at the corner of Townsend Boulevard and Fort Caroline Road, while the second is a larger 11.38-acre area at 7535 Fort Caroline Road, nestled between Townsend and Allenby Drive. The developers are eyeing to build 69 townhomes on the larger lot and another 20 townhomes on the smaller site, which many Arlington homeowners find alarming.
Committee Votes Create a Split
However, the other rezoning request for 20 townhomes received a different fate, as the committee voted 6-1 in favor of changing its zoning from Commercial Office and Residential Low Density to Residential Medium Density. This approval came despite challenges from committee member Ken Amaro, who remains a fierce advocate for maintaining the neighborhood’s character.
Concerns Raised by Neighbors
Worries from the community are flooding in, with over 60 residents attending the recent Land Use and Zoning meeting to express their concerns. The main issues affecting their opinions include worries about traffic congestion and whether these new developments fit in with the single-family home vibe of the area. Many homeowners, led by Ed Radloff of the Colony Cove neighborhood association, are adamant that their community is primarily made up of single-family homes, and they don’t want townhomes crashing their block.
Residents fear that the looming presence of taller two-story townhomes, often clad in board siding, may not only diminish their property values but could also lead to overcrowded streets and drainage issues. In fact, a traffic study suggested that the new development could add about 497 new trips per day to the neighborhood roads, adding to the congested environment many already experience.
Developers Respond to Community Feedback
In response to the local backlash, a land use attorney representing RCBF Properties LLC noted that the developers have made multiple revisions to cater to community concerns. For instance, they straightened out their plans by removing one building entirely from the initial proposal. The projected selling price of these homes is around $300,000, and the developers argue the impact on property values may not be all that negative, comparing it to similar townhome projects in the area.
Planning Staff Recommendations
Despite local opposition, the Planning and Development Department staff had recommended approval for the larger project, assuring that it keeps the neighborhood’s needs in mind. The Jacksonville Planning Commission even gave it a unanimous thumbs up. However, some committee members, including Joe Carlucci, pointed out that the aesthetics of the plan might stray too far from the neighborhood’s actual feel. Meanwhile, the smaller 20-townhome project was viewed as a much better fit, especially since it is closer to existing larger apartment complexes.
What’s Next for the Ordinances?
The discussion around both proposed developments is far from over. The decisions made in this committee meeting will now advance both ordinances to the full City Council, likely to be debated on March 11. For residents, this saga continues as they rally for their home’s character amidst the potential changes on their streets. As opinions differ and the votes loom, the Arlington community is bracing themselves for what’s next in this ongoing development drama.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Arlington Residents Win One, Lose One in Opposing Proposed Town Homes
- Candy’s Dirt: Luxury Apartments Come Online in Arlington Entertainment District
- The Observer: North Arlington Breaks Ground on 6 New Townhomes
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Townhouse
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
