Q: How did you spend your recent three weeks of council recess?
A: The break gave me the opportunity to enjoy family time and the holidays, like many others; however, it didn’t preclude us from responding to individual constituents’ concerns.
Q: What can you share about the stages and general status of projects in progress in Mandarin?
A: There are three different stages for projects (for instance public works projects): planning, design, and construction. I have learned to not commit to specific timelines for these projects, as there are many possibilities for delay in the procurement process, interaction with utilities etc. For example, the Burnett Park Road drainage project to replace damaged drainage pipes and regrade drainage ditches has been delayed and the scope of work has increased significantly. It is one of eight projects that have already gone through committee for reassessment with additional funding and the full council is expected to approve it at its meeting on Jan. 14.
Q: Are there any updates on Mandarin parks [as of interview date of Jan. 13]?
A: I recently met with Daryl Joseph, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, to talk about several projects, including the new playground at Tommy Hazouri Park. He also plans to provide a timeline for the improvements to Alberts Field to include parking on the north side of the park and the new dog park.
Q: With the recent redistricting, have you had occasion to meet with your new constituents along Bartram Park Boulevard?
A: Starting with the last election, District 6 now extends nearly all the way to Interstate 95, including almost all Bartram Park communities. I recently had an interesting meeting with representatives from a homeowners association along Bartram Park Boulevard and am looking forward to a future Town Hall meeting (date/time to be determined) with residents in this area. I’d ask anyone living in this area to please reach out to our office with any questions or concerns.
Q: What’s the latest on strategic planning for Mandarin?
A: Previously, I shared plans to spend the $200,000 earmarked from council for Mandarin to try to establish a type of preservation society along the lines of the San Marco Preservation Society. There has been a decrease in the amount of money available, now down to $150,000, and while I’m still hopeful at some point for a preservation society, right now I’m hoping to retain consultants who can facilitate hosting meetings of citizens to help us implement strategies to maintain the character and quality of main arteries in Mandarin. I’m talking about roads like Old St. Augustine Road, San Jose Boulevard, Julington Creek Road, Hartley Road, and Bartram Park Boulevard, among others. We’d like to preserve these areas with things like maintenance and the quality of landscaping of both residential areas and businesses. I hope to introduce an ordinance to council to create an RFP sometime in February.
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.
