Q: On May 14, you hosted a Mandarin Road sidewalk project meeting at the Mandarin Community Club. Can you give an update?
A: It was a lively meeting. The intent of the meeting was to revisit and review Ord. 2001-1009, which designated Mandarin Road and some other roads as scenic and historic corridors. One requirement is the city arborist as well as the city councilmember must sign off on anything that would require tree removal. It has been agreed that the city arborist will have an even greater role than what is specified in the ordinance: he will be part of the plan review process. Also, JTA has agreed to hire an independent arborist to be on site as needed. Secondly, we looked back at the 2016 Complete Streets recommendation reports, which advocated for a sidewalk along Mandarin Road.
I showed slides from the first segment of the sidewalk project and JTA gave an overview of the process then hosted breakout sessions for attendees to review the preliminary plan and ask questions. This was followed by public comment.
I think the vocal majority of people at the meeting did not support the sidewalk extension, but that is offset by the number of emails I receive supporting the effort.
Q: It sounds like you are supporting the project?
A: There’s a fine line between my personal opinion, which admittedly I think the extension of the sidewalk to whatever is reasonable is warranted, and my responsibility to represent the many constituents who are advocating for the extension.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: JTA is in the process of creating a website with all the relevant materials available as well as public comment captured at the meeting. The website will be updated as needed and the link to the website will be promoted as soon as it is available.
It’s important to note that so far we have a preliminary plan. We will be taking the next 12 – 15 months to flush out the plan as much as possible and then another meeting, taking into account all the new information and public input, will be scheduled.
Q: Constituents recently received a statement regarding a non ad valorem assessment with regards to solid waste. Can you provide background to this?
A: It’s been 15 years since the solid waste fee has been increased and it’s currently $151 per year. In fiscal year 2017, the City of Jacksonville began lending money to the General Fund, increasing each year to nearly $40 million this year, to help pay for solid waste disposal. The increase constituents see this year will bring the fees paid by residents closer to the amount charged for the service, but still will not completely cover them. Look at it this way: we receive 52 trash pickups, 52 yard waste pickups and 26 recycling pickups per year for a total of 130 points of service. Even at the new rate of $324, that amounts to $2.49 per service. Those on fixed or limited income should look at the back of the letter as there is an opportunity for some relief.
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.
