News Summary
In Jacksonville, concerns rise as the upcoming construction of 216 townhomes adjacent to a tire recycling plant faces backlash. Councilmember Mike Gay highlights safety issues prompted by a recent fire at the facility. The ‘Live Local Act’ enables developers to bypass local zoning laws, sparking debates about community needs and local governance. Critics express worries over decreased local control and the potential for unsuitable developments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community safety and property values amidst Florida’s affordable housing crisis.
Jacksonville – A recent change in Florida state law is stirring controversy in Jacksonville regarding developments near a tire recycling plant. Councilmember Mike Gay (R-District 2) has voiced concerns over plans to build 216 townhomes adjacent to Atlantic Can Inc.’s tire recycling facility on the Northside, especially in light of a significant fire at the plant less than a year ago that burned for several weeks.
According to Councilmember Gay, the current law restricts local authorities’ ability to intervene in such developments, raising alarms about the safety and appropriateness of housing so close to an industrial site. The landowner initially sought to have the industrial parcel rezoned for residential use; however, they withdrew the application due to pushback from local residents. In an unexpected turn, Gay received a letter from the city’s planning department indicating that the landowner has leveraged a new state law to proceed with the development irrespective of community objections.
The contentious legislation known as the Live Local Act, which was passed in 2023, aims to reduce regulatory barriers to promote workforce and affordable housing in Florida. This act allows developers to bypass local zoning laws under specific conditions, enabling them to proceed with projects that otherwise would have faced local restrictions. Gay has criticized this potential development, claiming it fits poorly with community needs, describing it as a “square peg in a round hole.” He warns that without changes to the law, similar scenarios may arise, granting developers more influence over city planning than what residents prefer.
The landowner, when reached for comments about the developments, chose not to provide a response. The Live Local Act includes provisions that offer developers significant tax benefits, such as a 75% property tax exemption for rental housing aimed at families earning between 80% and 120% of the area’s median income. Developers can receive a complete 100% tax exemption for housing directed at families earning less than 80% of the median income. Furthermore, the law encourages varied zoning opportunities for affordable housing, facilitating taller buildings and easing certain density regulations.
Critics of the Live Local Act argue that it could diminish local control, resulting in developments that may not align with community needs. Local governments do have the option to decline certain tax exemptions if they have a surplus of affordable housing. Amendments to the law have also been introduced to clarify and address potential concerns about the preservation of historic neighborhoods during the development process.
To benefit from the exemptions under the Live Local Act, developers must allocate at least 40% of the units for affordable housing. This law aims to address Florida’s housing affordability crisis, acknowledging that rising rents have significantly impacted many families. Recent statistics have indicated a marked increase in homelessness among families across Florida, linked to escalating housing costs.
The Florida Legislature is expected to continue reviewing the Live Local Act as part of ongoing discussions about tackling affordable housing issues in the state. Amid pressing concerns about community safety and residents’ rights in local governance, the developments in Jacksonville may present broader implications for similar projects across Florida.
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Additional Resources
- Action News JAX
- Florida Politics
- Jacksonville Free Press
- Palm Beach Post
- Jax Daily Record
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Live Local Act Florida
- Google Scholar: Florida housing policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Florida affordable housing
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.
