Q: Can you describe what you learned from the Florida Department of Transportation regarding a new entryway to the Chick-fil-A/Zoe’s Kitchen parking lots?
A: I have been advised that there will be a minor modification to San Jose Boulevard at the entrance to Chick-fil-A and Zoe’s Kitchen. Due to a number of crashes turning into the property, FDOT is planning to build an additional entrance into the parking lot accessible from southbound San Jose Boulevard. The far right hand turn lane will turn into the parking lot just to the north of the current entrance and the space between the two entrances will be curbed with grass in it. Traveling south, once you pass the light at Oak Bluff Lane, if you are in the far right lane, you will be required to turn into Chick-fil-A/Zoe’s Kitchen. It will be for entrance only. Cars traveling northbound will continue to make a left turn into the existing entrance and that will also serve as the exit. The additional entrance and curbing is proposed to be completed by the end of the year.
Q: What about the current back-ups on Oak Bluff Lane?
A: This will not address that ongoing concern. I am proposing that a sign be added to southbound San Jose Boulevard, encouraging drivers to continue through the light at Oak Bluff Lane and access the new entrance (rather than make a right on Oak Bluff Lane and then a left into Chick-fil-A).
Q: Do you have an update on the San Jose Boulevard project discussed last month, in which you proposed to create an additional access lane to the Buckman Bridge in order to help with traffic back-up for through drivers traveling south on San Jose?
A: I have recently learned that this project is unfunded. It is on the docket, but it is probably still three to five years out.
Q: Do you have an update on curbside recycling, set to resume this month?
A: Curbside recycling will resume the week of April 4. Waste Pro has had some success in securing more staff with higher pay and bonuses offered, but with new staff comes new learning curves and mistakes. Missed streets should be picked up in a timely manner, but we expect some delays during the beginning. Our office continues to serve as an intermediary between constituents and the Solid Waste Department/Waste Pro.
Q: Is there an update on the waste transfer station?
A: East of District 6, on Greenland Road, there is a waste management facility that is zoned for heavy industrial purposes. It has been acquired by Waste Pro, likely for their waste transfer station. No rezoning is required, but it will still likely be about two years until we see improvements in travel time as a result of the operation of this transfer station.
Q: What is the latest on the Hartley Road overhaul?
A: This is one of the last Better Jacksonville projects. The overhaul of Hartley Road, including sidewalks, from Old St. Augustine Road to San Jose Boulevard, has gone out to bid. We expect to start construction in the fall.
Q: Do you have any Town Hall meetings planned?
A: The next Town Hall will be on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mandarin Senior Center on Hartley Road. We are experimenting with a different format to allow residents more individual contact with me and with City of Jacksonville department employees.
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.
