Group denied on appeals, takes restaurant debate to Tallahassee
Dissatisfied with a second ruling by a judge in the 4th Circuit Court, members of a Riverside neighborhood group opposed to having a restaurant put in at the location of a former dry cleaner near their homes is appealing to a higher court in Tallahassee. Almost a year after City Council enacted a bill that […]
Local preservation society donates funds to illuminate park
Although some Ortega residents were in the dark about new lights being installed in Cortez Park, the illumination project, which was partially funded by the Ortega Preservation Society, has received mostly positive reviews by the community. While objections came from a few residents who stated anonymously they preferred the “passive” nature of the park and […]
Neighbors spearhead Largo Well Park makeover
San Marco’s 92-year-old Largo Well Park, home to many a neighborhood Easter egg hunt and other informal community gatherings over the years, is in dire need of a makeover. Plants in the park are overgrown and scraggly. The irrigation system is on the fritz and the artesian well, which sits in the center of the […]
San Marco residents preview Jackson Square plans
Parking, security, and the density of the as-yet unplanned second phase of a new Jackson Square development were a few of the concerns posed by San Marco residents during a town hall meeting May 22 at Preservation Hall. Chance Partners Judd Bobilin of Orlando and Jeff Rosen of San Jose were on hand to answer […]
Developer appeals Historic Preservation Commission ruling
Builder/remodeler John Wells, owner of Classic American Building and Remodeling, Inc. is appealing a March 22 decision by the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission to save a house at 1423 Rensselaer Ave. in Avondale from demolition. After the Planning and Development Department denied John Wells’ request to demolish the (at minimum) 86-year-old, 477-square-foot house, the builder/remodeler […]
New playground coming for Murray Hill children
Thanks to the efforts of a few Murray Hill residents who petitioned District 14 Councilman Jim Love for “equal time” when it comes to playgrounds, parents with young children will now have a safe, close place to take their youngsters. For the past 10 years, Nathan and Candace White have lived a block from Four […]
Former Riverside grammar school sold for taxes again
Once again, the Annie Lytle Elementary School on Gilmore and Chelsea Streets has been acquired in a tax certificate auction. The building was purchased for $106,800 in back taxes, according to the Duval County Clerk of the Courts, who was not able to divulge the name of the buyer. The historic school, which is surrounded […]
Handling of JSYO business leaves donors, students puzzled
For more than two decades, Scott Gregg, 51, has lifted the baton for thousands of young musicians – 2,250 to be exact – as principal conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. Despite accolades from his students, Maestro Gregg, as he is called, was notified of his release from the JSYO just prior to his […]
