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Jacksonville Announces Major Development Plans

Aerial view of Jacksonville showing ongoing construction and urban development.

News Summary

The Jacksonville City Council has approved a significant mixed-use development project at Pecan Park Road that spans over 1,000 acres. This transformative initiative has garnered a unanimous vote from the Land Use and Zoning Committee and aims to reshape the Future Land Use Map of Jacksonville’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The project includes areas for conservation, light industrial use, and various residential types, promising economic growth and new opportunities for the community. Additionally, another ambitious proposal for the Airport Commerce Center is underway, further enhancing the city’s development landscape.

Exciting Developments on the Horizon in Jacksonville!

Jacksonville is buzzing with excitement as the City Council gears up for a significant large-scale development that promises to transform the landscape at Pecan Park Road. This sprawling 1,003-acre mixed-use project sits at the intersection of Interstate 95 and North Main Street, and it has just received a big thumbs-up from the Council Land Use and Zoning Committee with a unanimous 7-0 vote. The final decision from the full City Council is anticipated next.

A Bit of History

Now, let’s rewind a bit. The land is currently owned by Benderson Development Co. LLC, which purchased a majority of it back in 2007 from none other than Bacardi Bottling Corp.. That’s right; it has roots in the beverage industry!

What’s in Store?

The proposed Ordinance 2024-0970 aims to adjust the Future Land Use Map of Jacksonville’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The new designations break down as follows:

28.74 acres designated for conservation
289.79 acres allocated for light industrial use
22.52 acres set aside for community general commercial
206.04 acres planned for medium density residential
413.82 acres earmarked for low density residential

This reshaping means the existing multi-use and light industrial designations are getting a major facelift to better suit community needs.

The Planning Process

It’s worth noting that this Bacardi Mixed-Use PUD project has been in the pipeline for a good few years. The developers submitted plans for about 2.04 million square feet of warehouse space, underscoring the potential economic boost this project could bring.

In addition, Benderson Development has been proactive in securing an environmental resource permit, filed with the St. Johns River Water Management District back in April 2019, indicating a commitment to sustainability in their planning.

Fast forward to January 2025, and the Jacksonville Planning Commission had already given a nod of approval to the new zoning measures. It’s clear this project is heading in a positive direction!

Airport Commerce Center

But that’s not all! Another development luring dollars and attention is the proposed Airport Commerce Center, brought forth by Flint Development LLC out of Kansas. Situated on a hefty 315.42 acres just north of the Jacksonville International Airport, this center also got the green light from the City Council in November.

The ambitious plan includes constructing up to 3.1 million square feet of industrial space across seven buildings, ranging in size from 141,960 to an impressive 1,071,360 square feet. Talk about a game-changer!

Strategically Positioned

The Airport Commerce Center isn’t just about size; it’s also about prime location. The area will undergo a rezoning transformation from Public Building and Facilities to a Planned Unit Development, facilitating light industrial use. Additionally, around 229.01 acres will change from agriculture and public building designations to light industrial.

Access will be made easy via Pecan Park Road and a shared easement with the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. Combined with careful planning, traffic impact studies suggest that these new developments will not significantly burden the State Highway System. That’s a relief for both commuters and residents!

A Bright Future for Jacksonville

With existing infrastructure and even a solar farm nearby, these developments are positioned to enhance Jacksonville’s economy, stimulate job creation, and provide new residential options. As the projects unfold, it’s clear that Jacksonville is on the brink of a transformative journey, paving the way for an exciting future!