News Summary
Residents in Jacksonville are strongly opposing the proposed McMillan Apartments, which would build 96 apartment units on a potentially contaminated site off Winton Drive. The city council has received recommendations against the zoning change due to environmental concerns, particularly regarding ‘forever chemicals.’ Local residents are calling for environmental assessments to ensure safety before any development. The final public comment opportunity for this project will take place at a city council meeting on October 14.
Jacksonville residents are expressing strong opposition to a proposed apartment development that aims to rezone land off Winton Drive to build 96 apartment units. The project, known as McMillan Apartments, is set to cover a five-acre plot of land in the area. The Jacksonville City Council has received a recommendation from the city’s planning department against the zoning change, highlighting the community’s concerns over environmental issues and potential contamination of the land.
At a recent community meeting, residents gathered to voice their objections to the rezoning bills 2025-0242 and 2025-0243. Their primary concern lies not with the idea of having renters or fears about increased traffic but rather with the potential environmental hazards that could arise from the development. Community members are particularly worried about the threat posed by “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, which are known for their persistence in both the environment and human body.
Longtime residents believe that the land has been contaminated due to historical dumping practices and its proximity to two cemeteries. There have not been any studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate what contaminants may exist in the area, which adds to their apprehension. As a result, many locals are advocating for thorough environmental assessments before any construction can occur.
Concerns over the proposed apartments have been echoed by multiple residents who recall the past use of the site. One resident shared memories of witnessing dirt and debris being removed from the property, as well as warehouse materials and product waste being deposited onto the land. This history has instilled a lasting fear about the safety of the location for future development.
In a public statement, residents like Reverend Aaron Flagg emphasized their personal experiences of avoiding drinking tap water from the area, attributing their caution to the potential risks associated with the land’s contamination. The lack of investigations into environmental safety has compelled community members to take a proactive stance against the apartment project.
The developer behind McMillan Apartments has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the project and the concerns raised by residents. Despite the pushback, the final opportunity for public comment on the proposed development will take place during a Jacksonville City Council meeting scheduled for October 14th at 5 PM.
As the discussion continues, residents remain vigilant in their efforts to protect their community from what they perceive as a potentially harmful development. The results of these community meetings and the upcoming city council session may significantly influence the future of the McMillan Apartments project and the overall environmental safety of the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Begins on Residences at Marina Village
Carnival Corporation Relocates Headquarters to Miami Area
University Enhancements Planned for Jacksonville Institutions
Local Schools Compete for Team of the Month Honors
Concerns Arise After Shooting Incident Near Riverside High School
Teen Charged with Murder in Jacksonville Shooting Incident
Shooting Incident at Que Padre Mexican Restaurant in Jacksonville
New Publix Grocery Store Coming to Downtown Jacksonville
Fire Displaces Families at Laurel Pointe Apartments in Jacksonville
Fire Displaces Families at Laurel Pointe Apartments
Additional Resources
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.
