Q: Do you have any updates on rezonings in Mandarin?
A: We have three right now that are garnering a great deal of interest. First, the Loretto Road project is still in deliberations. We are working diligently with neighbors and the developer to come to an agreement. A revised site plan will soon be going to the Planning Department. 

The O’Connor Road/Melcon Farms rezoning application is also still in progress. A Town Hall meeting has taken place.

Finally, the LUZ (Land Use and Zoning) Committee did approve the Barkoskie Road application by a vote of 5 – 2 on Aug. 18. I voted against the application due to traffic safety concerns at the Old St. Augustine Road/ Barkoski Road intersection. The application will be part of the consent agenda at the City Council meeting on Aug. 25 due to the support of the Planning Department and now the LUZ.

Q: What is the issue that you are hearing the most about lately from constituents?
A: We are having an ongoing issue with respect to water management/flooding, especially during the heavy rains of early August. I’ve been working with the Public Works Department daily since the beginning of August; they are working to clear drains and mediate what was developed privately with city owned property. Our infrastructure just can’t handle this kind of rainfall in such a short time and I’m very aware of the challenge. 

One way I’ve been working to address this is through CIP (Capital Improvement Program). The city administration has agreed to put a significant amount of money over a five year period to things such as under drains and drain cleaning throughout the city . My priority is to keep Mandarin a priority for this work.

Q: Can you outline your new committee responsibilities with the new council year?
A: I have a number of new responsibilities this year. I’ll be the chair of the LUZ (Land Use and Zoning) committee, and as such will help manage growth throughout the city. I’ll also continue as liaison to the Cultural Council. I’ve been named the Council representative to the Supervisor of Elections’ canvassing board. Finally, I’m actively involved with several special committees, including the Social Justice Committee, the Opioid Epidemic Committee and the Resiliency Committee.

Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 6?

A: Over the course of the past two months I have been inundated with emails on a variety of national topics. These emails are sent to all council members plus the mayor and other elected officials simultaneously and I call them “broadcast emails.” I don’t necessarily think they merit a response; I take note of them, but don’t generally respond. My suggestion is if you have an issue, please send an email to me personally and include your address. I always make sure to respond to these types of individual emails. I do take pride in our office’s responsiveness and customer service.

Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?

A: Community members can email me at MBoylan@coj.net or call (904) 255-5206.

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