Q: We had a reader question whether you had any information about the Quality Inn on Hartley Road, which has evidently been in some phase of construction for the past three years?
A: I have seen this property, but I don’t have any information about it. It appears they are making some effort to make it operational. My office will check with Development Services, which is responsible for permitting, to see if they have any information.
Q: What Mandarin updates do you have from the May 14 City Council meeting?
A: The Council did unanimously approve the rezoning for the Home Depot at the site of the old KMart, with some minor amendments that had to do with parking. The amendments did not change the basic design as proposed.
Also, Tony’s Cantina’s (at the site of the old Jumpin’ Jax House of Food) distance waiver for the sale of alcohol was approved.
Q: Can you share your preliminary impressions on the stadium proposal by the city and the Jaguars?
A: I saw the very thorough presentation at the Council meeting on Tuesday (May 14) and also attended the huddle at Mandarin High School the next evening. For the most part at the huddle there were very few objections. The possibility of a referendum about this was raised by some folks, but knowing the time and energy that we as a council will put in to analyze what is really six agreements I think would be quite onerous for the average citizen to make an educated opinion on it. That said, I’m receiving emails from both sides and I welcome people sharing their opinion.
Q: What is the latest update from the JSO Primary Facility special committee on the City Council?
A: We are finalizing our report and will present it to the full City Council at the first meeting in June (June 11). Our charge was to make a critical assessment of the facilities today, understand how the evolution of the process from adjudication to detainment has evolved, especially with respect to mental health issues, and keep an eye toward fiscal responsibility. Going forward, all stakeholders in the process will have to come to some sort of agreement; we do know there will likely be a significant investment over the next three to five years.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 6?
A: Yesterday [May 15], I stopped by Orange Picker Road and spoke with some of the Coxwell workers. They anticipate their work being on time. Recall that the road closure was expected to last for two months and as of today, we are about halfway through. The road is on track to be re-opened in mid-June as scheduled.
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.
