Q: Do you have any advice for residents with drainage concerns following all the wet weather in September?
A: Obviously, we had an unprecedented amount of rain and so standing water is to be expected in Mandarin. While we are happy to assist residents with their drainage complaints, contacting our office actually elongates the process. It’s best to call the city’s customer support at (904) 630-CITY (2489) or fill out a ticket at www.MyJax.com to create a service request, after which the Public Works department is notified and dispatched accordingly.
Q: Can you give an update on your Town Hall meeting in late August?
A: The attendance at this Town Hall meeting was light and I’m not sure if it was a result of timing (the meeting was held the Thursday prior to Labor Day weekend). Representatives from JSO, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works were all in attendance and we had a great conversation. We plan to host another Town Hall meeting in mid-November.
Q: Are there any rezoning items to discuss [as of interview date of Sept. 17]?
A: Pulte Homes will be submitting an application to develop the property east of Aladdin Road and north of Julington Creek Road. Others who submitted applications to develop this property were not well received by the community mostly due to access problems. The difference this time is that access to the property will be different and we have helped Pulte Homes arrange for a Community Meeting to be held on Sept. 25 so neighbors can learn what is proposed. My office will keep you informed as this application moves through the process.
Q: What is the status of the Orange Picker Road/Brady Road/Alberts Field project?
A: The road is fully completed and by the beginning of October, they should be close to finishing paving the parking lot at Alberts Field, leaving only landscaping and other beautification efforts to be done. I’ll be meeting with representatives from Parks and Recreation to identify the location of the dog park with the effort to maximize space for the dog park. The challenge is that when we have finite space for a heavily used facility — especially youth sports — compromises have to be made sometimes so it can be as safe, convenient and as impactful as possible.
Q: Do you have anything to share about the city’s Parks Master Recreation Improvement Plan?
A: The Parks and Rec Department held a council workshop to provide an update on the Parks Master Recreation Improvement Plan, and the presentation was focused on the results of their statistically valid survey. I’d encourage Mandarin residents to take the survey and read the plan online (www.imaginejaxparks.com). Additionally, I’m working with Parks and Rec to identify some smaller neighborhood parks in Mandarin. Residents can mark their calendars for the Southeast Citizens Political Action Committee (CPAC) meeting on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mandarin Senior Center, where the Parks and Rec representatives will make a presentation covering the 10 year master plan. The meeting is open to the public.
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.
