News Summary
The Jacksonville City Council has unanimously approved a $70,000 funding allocation aimed at enhancing cleanup and safety in the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods. This allocation, supporting Ordinance 2025-0690, will be managed by Riverside-Avondale Preservation Inc. to address crime reduction, blight, and public improvements. The funding will cover various cleanup efforts, including litter removal and landscaping services, and is expected to boost safety in these historic areas.
Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville City Council has approved a $70,000 allocation aimed at enhancing cleanup and safety in the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods. The unanimous vote, which passed 19-0 on September 23, supports Ordinance 2025-0690 that provides funding to Riverside-Avondale Preservation Inc. (RAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic essence of these areas.
RAP, established in 1974, intends to work closely with local business owners in key districts including Five Points, the King and Park area, and the Shoppes of Avondale as part of this initiative. The primary goals are to implement public improvements that will help reduce crime, bolster safety, and address issues of blight within these vibrant neighborhoods.
The funding will be utilized for a variety of cleanup efforts, which include litter and waste removal, landscaping services, power washing, and other maintenance tasks, in addition to covering necessary supplies. The financial source for this allocation is a contingency account belonging to the City Council.
In a push to expedite the funding, the ordinance was fast-tracked as an emergency measure, ensuring that the allocation was finalized ahead of the conclusion of the city fiscal year on September 31, 2024. Council member Jimmy Peluso introduced the legislation and clarified that this $70,000 is intended to be a one-time funding request. He does not foresee RAP requesting additional funding from the council in the coming years, thereby making this initiative a singular investment.
In addition to the cleanup funding, Peluso has also proposed Ordinance 2025-0539, which aims to create the Five Points Dependent Special District. This special district would require commercial property owners within the Five Points area to contribute an assessment intended for security enhancements, improved lighting, landscaping upgrades, and special events designed to attract visitors.
The proposed ordinance is currently on hold as Peluso and local leaders seek to garner support from businesses in the area for its implementation. There is an expressed goal to pass the Five Points ordinance by October, demonstrating a commitment to improving the overall safety and attractiveness of the district.
The Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods have long been known for their distinctive architecture and community-oriented atmosphere, making them prime areas for both business and residential engagement. However, as with many urban areas, they face challenges related to crime and maintenance, which this funding initiative aims to address effectively.
This recent allocation by the Jacksonville City Council signifies a proactive approach to community upkeep and safety, fostering an environment where both residents and businesses can thrive. By empowering the Riverside-Avondale Preservation Inc. to lead these efforts, the city emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local organizations and government entities in enhancing the quality of life for all who live and work in the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Daily Record: City Council Approves $70,000 for Riverside & Avondale Cleanup
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Hoodline: Jacksonville Rallies for International Coastal Cleanup
- Google Search: Jacksonville clean up
- Jacksonville Daily Record: Council Considering Funding for Cleanup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Riverside
- Action News JAX: City Teams Up for Beaches Cleanup
- Google News: Safety concerns Jacksonville
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.
