News Summary
Residents of the Oakleaf neighborhood in Jacksonville express strong opposition to a proposed tasting room at the new Shores Liquor Store under construction. Concerns raised include increased traffic, reduced property values, and the establishment’s proximity to the Enterprise Learning Academy. Despite city regulations, the store is only 1,300 feet from the school. After a community meeting, councilman Dr. Rahman Johnson acknowledged the concerns but deferred the decision on the proposal for further evaluation.
Jacksonville, FL – Residents of the Oakleaf neighborhood are voicing strong opposition to a proposed tasting room at the new Shores Liquor Store currently under construction in their community. The liquor store, situated at the corner of Old Middleburg Road and Collins Road, is part of a new strip mall development that is set to be completed by November 2025.
The proposed tasting room has sparked significant concern among local residents, who expressed their worries during a recent community meeting organized by Jacksonville City Councilman Dr. Rahman Johnson. Key issues raised during the meeting included anticipated increases in traffic, potential declines in property values, and the establishment’s proximity to the Enterprise Learning Academy, which is only a few blocks away.
According to city regulations, establishments serving alcohol without food must be at least 1,500 feet away from schools or churches. However, the Shores Liquor Store is approximately 1,300 feet from the Enterprise Learning Academy, which raises questions about compliance with city code. Councilman Johnson has acknowledged these concerns but has not made any definitive statements regarding the proposal’s compliance.
Residents expressed fears that the tasting room would primarily benefit the business while burdening the community with increased traffic and safety concerns. Many attendees at the meeting indicated feelings of negligence and disregard for the community in the decision to situate a tasting room so close to a school. To mitigate the impact, some neighbors suggested possible restrictions on the tasting room, such as limiting its hours of operation and installing a security fence around adjacent homes.
Additionally, residents underscored the need for the Jacksonville City Council to prioritize community safety and adhere to the original development plan that did not include such an establishment. The developer, Vrihi Development LLC, was notably absent from the meeting; however, their attorney, Paul Harden, attended to address questions and concerns from the local residents.
Following the community meeting, the planning committee deferred its decision on the tasting room proposal. The matter will be revisited prior to being submitted to the land use and zoning committee for further evaluation. The Jacksonville City Council is scheduled to cast a final vote on the proposal by June 24, 2025, marking a critical deadline for both residents and the developer.
As the discussion around the proposed tasting room continues, residents remain vigilant, hoping the City Council will take their voices into account and maintain a focus on the well-being of the Oakleaf community. With concerns regarding traffic, safety, and property values at the forefront, the outcome of this situation will play a significant role in shaping the future of the area.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Residents Voice Concerns Over Liquor Store Plans
- Wikipedia: Liquor Store
- First Coast News: Opposition to Proposed Liquor Store
- Google Search: Liquor Store Proposed Jacksonville
- KOBI5: New Wine Tasting Room in Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine
- Jacksonville.com: Alewife Craft Beer Shop Closing
- Google News: Jacksonville Tasting Room
