Q: Can you give some rezoning updates for Mandarin, specifically the Aladdin Road/Julington Creek Road property as well as the Cissell property on Loretto Road?
A: For the Aladdin Road property, the application didn’t get through the Planning Commission, so the applicant withdrew the application. I suspect it will come back at some point in a different iteration.
There has been a long time application on file for the Cissell property on Loretto Road near Kennedy. The applicant will be hosting a community meeting on Monday, Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the South Mandarin Library to share their plans with the community and receive feedback. There has been some concern regarding potential flooding issues and I’m working with the Public Works Department to do a deeper dive on flooding issues in this area.
Q: What’s the latest on curbside recycling and waste pickup?
A: According to Brian Hughes, Chief Administrative Officer for the city, they are seeing a significant reduction in missed yard waste and garbage collection city-wide. As for the recycling, I personally recycle items at both Palmetto Leaves and Earl Johnson Park and I’ve sometimes seen the dumpsters filled to capacity. I always follow up with Chief Will Williams, head of the Solid Waste Department. I’m hopeful to see the resumption of curbside recycling in early 2022.
Q: When is the cleanup of the entrance ramps from San Jose Boulevard to Interstate 295 anticipated?
A: I just received an email from the Florida Department of Transportation that said that they expect the Buckman Bridge restriping project to be completed in early 2022. It’s my understanding that once this is completed, the interchange with San Jose Boulevard will be restored to its original condition, to include cleanup and landscaping.
Q: When is your next Town Hall meeting?
A: I’ll be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Mandarin Senior Center on Hartley Road. I invite all Mandarin residents to attend.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with Mandarin neighbors?
A: A couple of things. First, as far as the Time Out Sports Grill that is going in the old Village Inn on San Jose Boulevard. An appeal has been filed and the City of Jacksonville’s Office of the General Counsel is in the process of defending the decision as approved by the City Council.
Secondly, I’m in the process of following up with Ash Properties as to the development of the old K-Mart building. I’m also checking with the city to see if there are any incentives we could offer to make redevelopment of this property more attractive.
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.
