Q: Can you give an update on your Town Hall meeting about the Hartley Road improvements that was held on April 17?
A: We had a good turnout of around 50 people. In addition to another lane on Hartley between San Jose and Old St. Augustine Road, there will be a 10 foot sidewalk on the north side and a 30 foot multi use path on the south side for pedestrians or bicycles. People seemed glad that the project is coming along. There was a concern addressed regarding traffic during the course of construction, and we learned that there will be an effort to maintain two lanes open at all times. Other items discussed were the intersection at Pine Acres and whether a roundabout or traffic signal could be considered in the future (not as part of this project). Also, the intersection of Hartley at San Jose was discussed. Currently, there are three lanes: one for left turns, one for straight and one for right. The project proposes two left lanes with the center lane marked for Interstate 295 access. This would make the right lane for straight or right turns, since a right turn on red is not permitted at this intersection. Construction is set to begin in June 2026 with an anticipated completion two years later.
Q: Can you comment on the pending construction of sidewalks on Loretto Road between County Dock and Mandarin roads?
A: This project includes full curb, gutter and sidewalk and has been in the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) for multiple years. The delay has been a matter of cost as every time the project goes to bid, the cost is markedly higher. We plan to meet soon with neighbors who are immediately impacted to address their concerns. We do understand and appreciate the importance of preserving trees and the character of the area. As such, the proposed sidewalk will be meandering in order to avoid as many trees as possible. We had similar concerns raised about the Mandarin Road and Orange Picker Road sidewalks, but as someone who frequents these sidewalks, I have the opportunity to talk to neighbors about them. The sidewalks are very much appreciated.
Q: What is the latest on the Orange Picker Road realignment?
A: I just stopped by there on April 16 and the road will be closed to begin digging up the road the next day. It will be closed for two months, until mid-June. Due to some of the underground infrastructure work, they will not be able to complete the new extension in advance of closing the existing road in an effort to shorten the road closure. I’ve been advised that the full two month closure will be necessary.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 6?
A: For the past six months, I’ve been chairman of the council’s Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Facilities Committee, and we are tasked with taking a look at the administration building as well as the jail. We’ve been working with the Northeast Florida Regional Council who is drafting a report from the five working groups within the committee. On May 8, I’ll host a meeting of the full committee to review this draft report and then I expect to present it to the full city council at the first meeting in June. One thing we are recommending (and is already in progress) is for the sheriff’s office administration to lease space in the Florida Blue building on Riverside Avenue. The resulting space in the administration building can then be used to address the most pressing needs of the detention center, which includes the need for an infirmary.
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.
