Q: Can you give the latest update [as of interview date of Aug. 18] on the status of yard waste pick up?
A: There has been a concerted effort here in Mandarin to address the lack of yard waste pick up. The City of Jacksonville brought in contractor J.B. Coxwell to take over some of the routes to get caught up. They worked from July 24 through Aug. 14 and I’ve been posting daily on Nextdoor to let people know which neighborhoods they were working in and which were concluded. Waste Pro (the contractor for our city’s solid waste management department) picked up their routes again on Aug. 17, but are still having trouble maintaining their schedule. Unfortunately, we expect the delay in pick ups to be ongoing and I will do my best to continue to communicate via Nextdoor and email. We will continue to work to hopefully prevent getting too far behind again.
Q: What can you tell us about the proposed Daybreak Market, coming to the old Golden Corral on San Jose Boulevard?
A: The Florida Department of Transportation has advised us of a new median configuration in front of the property. The existing full access median opening does not meet current spacing requirements to accommodate new construction, so the median opening will be modified to a directionalized median opening, allowing southbound right turns only from the site.
Q: Can you give an update on the Time Out Sports Bar, to be located at the old Village Inn property?
A: On Aug. 17, the Land Use and Zoning Committee (LUZ) supported the Planning Commission and the appeal brought forth by neighbors was denied in a 5 – 2 vote. So, all systems are go for this business as pertains to their ability to serve hard liquor at this location. I was in the minority as I supported the appeal and not the decision of the Planning Commission, as I would rather err on the side of caution. I’ll be meeting with the owner of the establishment to ensure they live up to the terms and conditions required as well as monitor traffic, specifically to make sure there is no parking on the streets of the neighborhood.
Q: Do you have any budget updates for the city?
A: I serve on the Finance Committee this year and we are presently vetting the budget. It’s not a hardship year this year; there is a lot of emphasis in the budget on quality of life organizations, such as social services, arts, education and career training. The budget will go to the city council for approval at our last meeting in September and I don’t anticipate any rollback in millage rates this year. We are trying to serve the rank and file, taxpaying constituents and meet their basic needs.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 6?
A: There were federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan of 2021 allocated to each city council member to give to organizations to support post-Covid efforts. I was purposeful that the money I had stayed in Mandarin. Four organizations in Mandarin will each receive a grant of $25,000: the Mandarin Community Club, the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society, the Mandarin Garden Club and the Florida Elite Soccer Academy.
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.
