Q: What is the latest information you have to share [as of interview date of Nov. 19] regarding the Orange Picker Road / dog park project?
A: The rerouting of Orange Picker Road is completed now. Most recently, I’ve been working with the Parks and Recreation Department to lay out the proposed small and large dog parks. The plan is for the grassy treed area next to the parking lot along Orange Picker Road to become the new playground area. The dog park will be off Brady Road, behind the tennis courts in the former playground area. There will be two defined areas here for the dog parks, one for small dogs and one for large dogs — so that the smaller dogs can have their own separate space.
Q: Will parking change or be impacted?
A: We will see some more parking spaces, as we are trying to get cars (except handicap spaces) off Brady Road. We plan to take advantage of increased parking spaces now available on the south and north ends of the park. We will be hosting a Town Hall meeting in late November for public feedback.
Q: What is happening with the sidewalk extension along Mandarin Road?
A: A letter was sent from JTA to all affected neighbors along Mandarin Road in late October. It’s important to note that the survey company working now is merely cataloging trees. It is a high priority of everyone to preserve as many as possible to preserve the beauty of the area. Once this has been completed, we will have a Town Hall meeting at the Mandarin Community Club, likely after the first of next year, to share our findings.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 6?
A: First, the yard waste issue is finally settling down and we seem to be on a case-by-case basis at this point. I’d like to commend Waste Pro for being so attentive and the City of Jacksonville for sending one of its claw trucks to Mandarin to assist with pickup. In hindsight, the city would have probably been wise to contract with an outside vendor from the outset.
Secondly, I was happy to attend a couple of events on Sunday, Nov. 17. I was honored to present to the pastor and congregation of Mandarin United Methodist Church a resolution approved by the City Council recognizing the 150th anniversary of the church. I also participated in the unveiling of the Harriet Beecher Stowe statue at Walter Jones Historical Park. Sculpted by Brenda Councill, this life-sized bronze statue is interactive in that you can sit next to the statue and view her teaching writing to two young boys who likely worked on her farm.
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.
