Q: Can you give an update on the Town Hall meeting held on May 15 regarding the County Dock Road rezoning application?
A: This meeting was well attended. Subsequent to the meeting, the applicant has agreed to modify the application to a Planned Unit Development (PUD), which will allow us to codify the conditions agreed upon by the community and the applicant. I am presently putting together a group of community members to meet with the applicant for this purpose. The property was originally scheduled for 70-foot fronts on the lots and the applicant has agreed to 90-foot fronts, which reduces the number of units from 24 to 21. (Keep in mind that without any changes to zoning, 10 units could already be built on this property.)
Also at the meeting, concerns were expressed regarding retaining and maintaining institutional trees as well as ensuring that water from the property’s retention ponds drains appropriately to the river. With these changes, this application will not be appearing before the Planning Commission as originally scheduled, but at a later date.
Q: Can you address the Julington Creek Road closure?
A: I’ve had ongoing discussions with Robin Smith, the city’s chief of engineering and construction about this and am aware that the road closure is very inconvenient for community members. We considered deferring it until the summer to avoid school traffic, but then it would likely run into the beginning of next school year. The traffic department is monitoring the intersections of Loretto and Aladdin roads as well as Hood Landing and Old St. Augustine in case adjustments are needed at the traffic signals.
Q: What is the latest on the Livingston Road project?
A: The applicant filed a revised written description and site map on May 8. Of note is that the garages for the townhomes will be located on the back of the units and won’t be seen from the road. The revised Livingston Road application (80 townhomes) was approved by the Planning Commission and now will be on the agenda of the City Council’s Land Use and Zoning Committee on Tuesday, June 6 at 5 p.m. in the Council chambers and to the full City Council at its meeting on June 13.
Q: Can you share how the process for rezoning works?
A: There are multiple layers to this process with a lot of vetting before it gets to the Council for a vote. As to the citizen interaction, while there are opportunities beforehand for citizens to speak to the LUZ Committee and the full Council, the initial focus should be when the matter is taken up by the Planning Commission, the LUZ the following week and the full Council the week thereafter. (The first, third and fourth boxes on the bottom of the flow chart.) We encourage the applicants to host a community meeting early in the process in order to gauge the neighbors level of support (or opposition) and learn of their specific concerns. Our office will make certain that our constituents know the best time to speak their opinion before the respective bodies as the application moves forward.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with Mandarin residents?
A: I am pleased that I will be introducing a resolution at the City Council meeting on June 27 recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Mandarin Community Club. Congratulations to all the hardworking volunteers and club members.
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.
Graphic provided by Council Member Michael BoylanÂ
