Third time may be the charm for Commander/St. Johns Village
Calling it “Commander 3.0,” Jeff Graf said he had “lived through” two previous versions and hoped this would be the last of what could happen to the property on St. Johns Avenue known as St. Johns Village and Commander Tower Apartments. In a community meeting Aug. 29 at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, […]
Proposed restaurant in Avondale receives green light
Against the recommendation of the City of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department and despite passionate pleas from Avondale residents, businesses, and property owners, the Planning Commission voted 5-3 to approve a request for a 120-seat restaurant to move into the Shoppes of Avondale without having to provide any off-street parking. The applicant, property owner Thomas […]
Consultants update community on city bike-ped master study
Halfway during its 18-month Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Study, consultants hired by the City of Jacksonville were still seeking community input in order to find ways to transform Jacksonville into one of the best cities for walking and biking in the Southeast. In the first of two public meetings held Aug. 23 and Aug. […]
Development review board grants The District design authority
The Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) broke new ground Aug. 25 when it unanimously granted conceptual approval – with one abstention – for The District – Life Well Lived during a meeting at City Hall. Board member Bill Schilling abstained due to a conflict of interest. In what may be an example of unprecedented faith […]
Historic Life release arrives for newcomers, visitors alike
The Resident Community News Group’s annual Historic Life – Neighbors and Newcomers Guide is now available at hundreds of local businesses in the historic districts and select newsstand locations. The 100-page guide, which made its debut August 1, takes an in-depth look at each of the seven neighborhoods served by the local community newspaper group. […]
New City Council president sets goal to “be bold and dream big”
It was a family affair when Lori Boyer took the oath to become president of the Jacksonville City Council. Boyer’s son R. J. Nemeyer held the Bible while her husband, Judge Tyrie W. Boyer of the Fourth Circuit Court, administered the oath of office during an installation ceremony at the Ritz Theatre June 30. In […]
Boyer proposes changes to San Marco Overlay amendment
City Council President Lori Boyer no sooner filed an ordinance amending the San Marco Zoning Overlay when several in the development community suggested she consider amending her proposed amendment, particularly where it concerns certain areas of commercial development in San Marco. On May 18, Boyer had filed Ordinance 2016-367, which would prevent developers from applying […]
San Marco residents debate Flying Iguana parking concerns
It was standing room only, with 10 or more sitting on the floor in the center aisle of Preservation Hall, when Attorney Paul Harden of San Marco addressed the crowd at a Town Hall meeting July 14. The San Marco Preservation Society convened the meeting to discuss the parking plan if and when the Flying […]
