Neighborhood News

All the latest news from the neighborhoods in our coverage areas.

Affair on the new square brings community together

By Lara Patangan Resident Community News The unveiling of San Marco Square took place last month as neighbors strolled through stunning Balis Park listening to a live band, the frolic of small children who enjoyed the expanded green space and the celebration of business owners who catered to eager shoppers with extended store hours. San […]

Balis Center gets reprieve, but future use depends on programming

By Lara Patangan Resident Community News The Balis Community Center got a new lease on life when it was spared from impending closure by City Council last month, and now is looking to neighborhood residents to determine how to revive programming at the underutilized facility. Balis Community Center, adjacent to the San Marco Library, is […]

Teaching restaurant to take over empty Papa Giorgio’s space

By Kate A. Hallock Resident Community News San Marco’s “restaurant district” will soon see a new kind of restaurant open its doors. Joining the likes of Bistro Aix, European Street Café, bb’s and The Wine Cellar at the north end of the San Marco dining experience, the Kitchen on San Marco may be open as […]

New owner for The Cove at St. Johns

Developer intends to finish condos By Kate A. Hallock Resident Community News If it’s true that “all good things come to those who wait,” then the waiting may be over for homeowners living in the shadow of the unfinished Cove at St. Johns on Goodby’s Creek. It was recently revealed that Prospect Property Group of […]

Street design ordinance calls for bicycle traffic accommodations

5 Points concept study could be the blueprint   By Stephen Kindland Resident Community News An ordinance championed by District 5 Councilwoman Lori Boyer should help to create safer travel for bicyclists living in a city that ranks among the nation’s worst for bicycle and pedestrian safety. The ordinance – passed by the city council […]

Ordinance calls for bicycle traffic accommodations

5 Points concept study could be the blueprint By Stephen Kindland Resident Community News An ordinance championed by District 5 Councilwoman Lori Boyer should help to create safer travel for bicyclists living in a city that ranks among the nation’s worst for bicycle and pedestrian safety. The ordinance – passed by the city council in […]

Balancing progress with historical preservation at “Miss Margie’s” house

Hallmark Partners’ Bishopgate Lane development under RAP’s scrutiny By Steve DiMattia Resident Community News How do you move forward without demolishing the past? That dilemma often sparks debate in historic districts and may face Hallmark Partners in their development of a notable Riverside street. Bishopgate Lane runs into the St. Johns River off Riverside Avenue […]

Trolley trial considered successful

By Kate A. Hallock Resident Community News Even as several concept studies are underway to address transportation and parking in the popular and crowded Historic District, some groups have taken the ball and run with it. Riverside Avondale Preservation sponsored a Trolley Night on Sept. 14, floating a trial balloon that would help the Jacksonville […]