Q: Can you shed any light on the decision to not pick up recyclables curbside?
A: This was a decision of the city’s administration — to suspend recycling pickups to allow Waste Pro to allocate all its trucks to address the yard waste issue. We continue to have delays in yard waste pick up, but I think things are improving. This is not a permanent solution and I expect the suspension of recycling pick up to be six months or less.
Q: How can residents continue to recycle items during this time?
A: There are 14 different sites where residents can bring their recyclables for drop off at no cost. The closest one for Mandarin residents is Palmetto Leaves Regional Park, 5760 Greenland Road. Hours for recycling drop off are Monday through Saturday from sunrise to sunset. Visit www.coj.net/welcome/docs/recycling-faq-s-version-2.aspx for more details on how to drop off recyclables.
Q: What is the work being done on the wooden pedestrian bridge on Pine Acres Road?
A: Maintenance is being performed on this pedestrian bridge to replace the wooden planking, clean and repaint the handrailing, and adjust the approach sidewalks to correct the lip alignments. Construction is anticipated to be completed in November 2021.
Q: What is the latest information on the Julington Creek Road bridge rehabilitation?
A: Currently, design of repairs to both bridge approach slabs and repair of the sunken approach pavement and sidewalks is in progress. Plans are anticipated to be 100 percent complete in fall of 2021. Following that, advertisement for construction will take place in winter of 2021 and project completion is anticipated in fall 2022.
Q: Will there be a sidewalk on Loretto Road between Mandarin Road and County Dock Road?
A: There is a project underway to add a sidewalk in this location. Survey work is complete and final design is underway.
Q: Do you have an update on the old Famous Amos site on San Jose Boulevard?
A: The building was sold and was painted yellow — and then it was never in operation. Now it is painted white, but it will still operate as a medical cannabis facility, just under different ownership.
Q: Can you give any insight into your decision to resign from the Safer Together committee?
A:The focus on this series of workshops was supposed to be on the relationship between the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and the community it serves. What happened was the project was commandeered by a group with its own agenda, and it drove a wedge between JSO and my colleagues — so much so that moving forward, even with a civilian policy review board, was very unlikely. Unfortunately, what’s lost in all this is the hard work we put into this process over the last year. I’m disappointed, but I’m sure this isn’t the last time we will be looking to improve this situation.
[Editor’s Note: We published an error in the date of the upcoming special election for the City Council At Large Group 3 seat. The Special Unitary First Election will be held Dec. 7, 2021. The Special Unitary General Election will be held Feb. 22, 2022. We are sorry for any inconvenience.]
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.
