News Summary
Jacksonville is set to witness a remarkable transformation as the City Council has approved a plan to convert 1,003 acres of timberland into a diverse mixed-use development. This initiative is aimed at enriching both the residential and industrial aspects of the community, featuring sectors for conservation, commercial, and residential spaces. Benderson Development Co. LLC is spearheading the project, which includes key zoning amendments and a commitment to ensure thorough traffic studies, paving the way for a more vibrant future for Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Set for Exciting Development Boom!
Hey there, Jacksonville! We’ve got some *thrilling* news that’s sure to change the landscape of our beloved city. Just last week, on February 11, the Jacksonville City Council made a significant decision by voting unanimously to transform a whopping 1,003 acres of timberland into a mixed-use wonderland. Buckle up, folks, because this is not just any development; it’s one that promises to enhance both the residential and industrial fabric of our community!
A Bold Step Forward
The decision came with two key pieces of legislation. Firstly, there’s Ordinance 2024-0970, which gives a *large-scale amendment* to the Future Land Use Map of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. This means the city is setting itself up for some major changes and growth. Secondly, Ordinance 2024-0971 is all about rezoning the previously established Planned Unit Developments (PUD) into a brand-new PUD for this area. Exciting times ahead for Jacksonville!
Who’s Behind This Project?
The mastermind behind this ambitious venture is none other than Benderson Development Co. LLC, a company based in University Park near Sarasota. They’ve been holding onto this land since 2007 when they purchased it from Bacardi Bottling Corp. Now, they’re ready to *bring new life* to the area located right at Pecan Park Road and Interstate 95.
A Peek at What’s in Store
The newly designated land use is quite extensive. Here’s the breakdown:
- Conservation: 28.74 acres with plans to keep those green spaces thriving.
- Light industrial: 289.79 acres set for growth in the local economy.
- Community general commercial: 22.52 acres aimed at meeting local shopping needs.
- Medium density residential: 206.04 acres to help house our growing population.
- Low density residential: 413.82 acres dedicated to spacious living arrangements.
So, whether you’re looking for a new home, some business opportunities, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there’s something here for everyone!
Planning for the Future
Now, as huge as this development is, it does come with some necessary precautions. A thorough *traffic study* is mandatory to ensure everything runs smoothly, and additional studies will be conducted for individual developments within the property. This precaution comes as a request from the city’s Traffic Engineering Division and Planning and Development Department. It’s vital to consider how this project will affect local traffic and safety, after all.
What’s the Timeline?
This *Bacardi Mixed-Use PUD* project has been in the works for several years, much to the delight of local residents and stakeholders. In June 2019, Benderson submitted plans for construction of almost 2.04 million square feet of warehouse space at the site, which indicates a serious commitment to the project. In addition to this, they’ve been working with WRA Engineering, an environmental consultant from Tampa, to secure necessary environmental resource permits from the St. Johns River Water Management District since April 2019.
Conclusion
With this approval, Jacksonville is on the verge of a major transformation! We’re looking forward to seeing how this development unfolds and how it will benefit our community as a whole. Whether you’re an aspiring homeowner, a business enthusiast, or just a curious resident, this is a great time to keep an eye on what’s happening in our vibrant city.
So, stay tuned, Jacksonville! The future is looking bright and bustling with possibilities!
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Council Approves Plans for Benderson’s Multiuse Project
- Jacksonville.com: Big Housing Plan Sparks Growth Concern
- Jax Daily Record: Planning Commission Votes on Davis Family Development
- Jax Daily Record: Regional Development Update
- Wikipedia: 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.
