News Summary
The Jacksonville City Council has approved a controversial residential development in Riverside, permitting the construction of five new two-story homes in the Stockton Street town center. While the unanimous vote aims to respond to housing needs, concerns over parking availability and potential flooding have been raised by local residents and businesses. Amendments to the development plan will require the developer to address these parking concerns during construction, though many remain skeptical about the impact on the already limited parking situation in the area.
Jacksonville City Council Approves Controversial Residential Development in Riverside
Jacksonville City Council approved a contentious residential development in Riverside on June 24, allowing for the construction of five new residences in the Stockton Street town center. The council voted unanimously, 16-0, in favor of rezoning Ordinance 2024-0539, which reclassifies the property from a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to a new PUD that permits residential construction. Council members Terrance Freeman, Joe Carlucci, and Ken Amaro were not part of the vote.
The approved plan will see the construction of two-story homes situated on a 0.23-acre lot located between Myra and College streets. Previously, the property was designated for commercial use, which allowed construction on up to 80% of the lot. However, the Jacksonville City Council’s decision now permits the development of residences in the area.
Concerns Among Neighbors and Local Businesses
As the plan moved forward, many residents voiced their apprehensions regarding parking availability in the area. The development does not include provisions for off-street parking, and local businesses have argued that the new homes will further decrease available parking space for their customers. Currently, there are only 35 regular parking spots and 2 disabled parking spaces designated for the ten businesses at the town center, all of which lack off-street parking options.
Residents raised concerns that the proposed construction would result in the temporary removal of up to 20 parking spaces. To address these issues, an amendment was added to the rezoning ordinance, mandating the developer to implement measures to mitigate the impact of construction on parking. Under this amendment, the developer may be required to close five parking spaces at a time during the building process, minimizing disruption to the parking availability.
Other Concerns and Proposed Solutions
The discussion around the project also highlighted the potential for increased flooding and traffic safety issues in the vicinity. In response to these concerns, city council members have committed to working with staff to explore solutions aimed at protecting local businesses from the anticipated parking limitations.
Proposed strategies include the possibility of creating additional parking along Myra Street, as well as designating specific parking times for business customers on Stockton Street. However, any solutions must comply with the Riverside-Avondale overlay, which enforces special zoning regulations in the area.
Background of the Property and Council Recommendations
The property is owned by the John Gorrie Investment Group LLC, which is led by former Jacksonville Jaguars owners Delores Barr Weaver and J. Wayne Weaver. The council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee previously recommended approving the rezoning, emphasizing in a 6-0 vote on June 17 that residential use would likely exert less pressure on parking compared to commercial uses.
As the Jacksonville City Council moves forward with its decision, it remains to be seen how the approval will impact the Riverside community, particularly concerning parking, flooding, and overall traffic safety in the busy Stockton Street area. Local stakeholders will be closely monitoring the construction process and the subsequent effects on parking and local businesses. Any modifications to parking regulations and strategies will aim to preserve the needs of both residents and business owners, ensuring the sustainability of the Riverside community.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Stockton Street Row Houses Cleared
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- News4Jax: Rezoning Plan Advances
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Jax Daily Record: Row Houses Across from Stockton Street
- Google News: Jacksonville Development
- News4Jax: Developer Plans New Homes
- Google Search: Jacksonville City Council
- Jax Daily Record: Opposition to Row-Style Houses