Q: Do you have an update on the Julington Creek Road construction and detour?
A: The contracted completion date for this project is Sept. 26, so hopefully by the time you receive the next issue of Mandarin NewsLine, we will be able to announce the project’s completion. I’m very aware of the inconvenience for drivers this has posed and I regularly remind the folks at the Public Works Department of the importance of finishing on time. I would encourage drivers to exercise patience as they navigate the school zones in the detour.
Q: How did the Town Hall meeting in early August with Mayor Donna Deegan go?
A: I thought it was well attended on the part of constituents. The Mayor was very comfortable and engaged in the process. I applaud her for her willingness to do these meetings and the comfort and ease with which she does them. I met with her beforehand to apprise her of issues that would likely come up and I also met with JSO and the Parks and Rec Department to make sure we had ample parking and traffic control.
Q: Is there anything to report on the Alberts Field construction and parking situation?
A: I hosted a meeting with the Public Works Department and Parks and Recreation to coordinate access to fields and parking for the baseball season. Parks and Rec assured me they would make things as accessible as possible. The focus and goal is to discourage people from parking on the side of Brady Road. Parks and Rec Director Daryl Joseph is looking to see if additional established parking on the south side along Orange Picker Road and the north side along the tennis courts can hopefully be made more formal. The challenge is that there are only 65 designated parking spaces, but the park is landlocked and we are limited to the space we have.
Q: Do you have any other park updates?
A: New playground equipment is being installed at the Chuck and Corky Rogers Park. At Tommy Hazouri, Sr./Mandarin Park, new playground equipment is on backorder. Other sports field improvements to Losco and Palmetto Leaves parks are in process as well.
Q: What was the outcome of the rezoning request for the Livingston Road townhouses?
A: With some disappointment, I share that the City Council approved this rezoning by a vote of 14 – 4. I tried my best to point out the traffic and parking concerns due to the property’s proximity to two charter schools and a private school. Also the infrastructure in the area has not been addressed, which I felt was a reason to decline and part of the reason for my “no” vote.
Q: What other zoning updates do you have?
A: The Sissel property, on Loretto Road near Kennedy Road, has signs posted on the property advising of a proposed minor modification to the PUD. There is some interest in a church being built on the property, so the PUD would need to be modified to permit this usage.
For the County Dock property, there has been no significant progress of late. I’m aware that the committee of community members is working with the applicant to address concerns at this time.
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.
