Controversy Erupts Over New Chick-fil-A in North Jacksonville

News Summary

North Jacksonville is buzzing with discussions over the planned construction of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant. While some residents are excited about the quick-service dining option, others raise concerns about traffic, safety, and property value impacts. The proposed site will include a large building, dual-drive-thrus, and outdoor seating, but potential local disruptions have led to significant debate in city council meetings.

North Jacksonville Residents Grapple with Plans for New Chick-fil-A

The city of North Jacksonville is currently reviewing permits for a shiny new Chick-fil-A restaurant that is planned for construction at 705 Duval Station Road. While the idea of a local Chick-fil-A might make some mouths water, it has stirred up quite a bit of controversy in the community.

A Fresh Fast-Food Proposal

This new restaurant is designed to be a sizable, quick-service establishment, encompassing a whopping 5,033 square feet. The project will include a dual-drive-thru, which certainly promises to speed things up for the hungry customers on the go! The total area of the location will stretch to about 5,333 square feet, and it will have seating for 92 customers. If outdoor dining is more your style, fear not! The plans include a lovely patio area where diners can enjoy their meals al fresco. Additionally, the site will come with 63 parking spaces for convenience.

Behind the Project

The project comes with an estimated construction budget of $1.3 million, while site-clearing is estimated to cost around $182,000. The civil engineering whizzes at Bohler Engineering FL LLC are hard at work managing the project’s logistics. From the early submitted applications for site-clearing on March 27 to the construction permit filed on April 22, everything is moving along. Once everything’s all said and done, the total investment recorded according to permits will circle around $1.48 million.

What’s Happening on the Ground?

The proposed site is set on a 1.39-acre plot at the busy intersection of Duval Station and Bradley Cove Roads, right across from First Coast High School. Here, Chick-fil-A intends to demolish all the existing trees for construction and implement curb and gutter installations along Lady Lake Road. Plus, there will be a driveway entrance to a JEA lift station, alongside some sidewalk modifications. Erosion control will be a priority, with measures like silt fencing and tree protection being part of the plan.

Community Concerns Rising

However, not everyone is excited about the new Chick-fil-A. Residents from nearby neighborhoods are apprehensive, raising significant concerns regarding safety, traffic congestion, and potential impacts on local property values. Many fears center around the traffic coming from the North Creek subdivision and how it might change with a busy restaurant in the mix.

Discussions at City Council meetings have seen considerable debate over the proposal, with many locals opposing it due to the expected influx of vehicles and the disturbance it may cause to their peaceful neighborhood. A traffic study funded by Chick-fil-A did find the need for a new traffic light at the intersection of Bradley Cove and Duval Station roads, which will be financed by the restaurant chain itself. This light is intended to alleviate some of the potential traffic chaos.

Regulations and Amendments

In a bid to address community concerns, Council member Reggie Gaffney Jr. suggested amendments during discussions. These included the need for tree buffers and restrictions on signage, which the Council accepted. This shows that while the city moves forward with the project, they are also trying to take the residents’ thoughts and feelings into account.

Despite the council’s approval of the site plans with a narrow 12-7 vote, dissatisfaction among residents continues to linger. As the city reviews the necessary permits, many in North Jacksonville are left wondering how this new Chick-fil-A will transform their community—potentially bringing tasty meals but perhaps at the cost of their quiet neighborhood vibe.

It remains to be seen how the construction unfolds and whether Chick-fil-A can find common ground with the local residents. As the city progresses with this appealing yet controversial project, one thing is for sure: change is always in the air!

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Additional Resources

• Jax Daily Record: Chick-fil-A Submits Permits for North Jacksonville Site Contested by Residents
• First Coast News: Chick-fil-A Receives Building Permit for Drive-Thru Only Location
• Jacksonville.com: Oceanway Chick-fil-A Gets Jacksonville City Council Approval
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food
• Google Search: Chick-fil-A construction news