News Summary
Residents of Jacksonville’s Oceanway neighborhood are voicing strong opposition to a proposed housing development that plans to build 62 homes on less than ten acres. Concerns include traffic congestion, safety issues, and the potential impact on the area’s rural character. Local residents have initiated a petition against the project, gathering over 1,000 signatures. City Council member Mike Gay has shown support for the community’s concerns. The upcoming City Council meeting will discuss the proposal, with a vote scheduled for October.
Jacksonville Residents Oppose Proposed 62-Home Development
A proposed housing development in Jacksonville’s Oceanway neighborhood is facing significant opposition from local residents. The development plan aims to construct 62 homes on less than ten acres of rural residential land near the intersection of Starratt and Yellow Bluff roads. Residents argue that the high-density project will place an excessive strain on the community and exacerbate existing traffic congestion.
Local resident Jason Rife, who has lived in the area since 2007, expressed discontent with the proposed project, criticizing it for its high-density nature. He noted that the plan includes plans for 31 duplexes and 62 homes on approximately nine acres, which many residents feel is too much development for such a small area. While acknowledging that some development is inevitable, Rife and others contend that the scale of this project does not align with the needs of the community.
Traffic Concerns and Safety Issues
Traffic is a major concern among residents, particularly at the already busy intersection of Starratt and Yellow Bluff roads. Another resident, Jim Droste, reported observing 2,480 cars passing through this intersection during a recent two-hour period in the early evening. Droste raised alarm over safety issues resulting from a lack of crosswalks, particularly for children who must navigate these busy roads.
In addition to traffic congestion, residents fear the development could lead to other problems. Concerns surrounding the integrity of wells and septic systems, flooding risks, and the project’s potential impact on the neighborhood’s rural character have been raised. Many residents have voiced a desire to preserve the natural beauty and rural lifestyle that define the Oceanway area.
Community Action and Responses
In a show of collective opposition, residents have collected over 1,000 signatures on a petition aimed at halting the project. Community signs have also emerged, urging city leaders to acknowledge the rural character of the neighborhood with messages such as, “This isn’t the city. This is rural country.”
Jacksonville City Council member Mike Gay has expressed support for the residents articulating their concerns regarding the development. He mentioned that there are currently no existing plans to widen the roads in the area but noted that a $15 million traffic study has been commissioned to assess needs. If the proposed city budget is approved, over $6 million may be allocated for necessary intersection improvements.
Next Steps for the Development Proposal
As opposition grows among residents, they are urging city officials to carefully consider their concerns prior to making any final decisions about the development. The next Jacksonville City Council meeting is scheduled for September 9, with a vote on the matter anticipated on October 14. Residents hope that their voices will lead to a reevaluation of the development plans that they believe threaten their community.
The unfolding situation has brought together a community passionate about their rural lifestyle, and many residents are hopeful that city officials will heed their concerns regarding the proposed high-density development in their neighborhood.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Residents Rally Against Housing Development Plan
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Nonprofit Advances Affordable Housing Development
- Jacksonville.com: New United Way Fund for Homeownership Expansion
- WNCT: Affordable Housing to Be Built in Jacksonville
- Wikipedia: Community Development
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.
