Jacksonville City Council Division One Town Hall – October 28, 2026

The City Council Division One, led by Councilmember Mero, held a town hall meeting on October 28, 2026, at Blue Cypress Park to bring city services to the community. Presentations were given on senior services, street drainage, code enforcement, and historic preservation, followed by extensive public comments and discussion on neighborhood issues including a proposed zoning change for a batting cage facility, sidewalk needs, and code enforcement challenges.

Presentations

• Digital Seeker Services (Senior Programs): A representative described free programs for adults aged 60 and older, including nutrition, wellness, and recreational activities at 16 senior centers across Jacksonville. Services include in-home care, respite for caregivers, transportation to centers, and large annual events such as the holiday party (December 4, 2026, at the Prime Osborne Center, $10 tickets) and senior games. The program requires an assessment but is free and aims to help seniors age in place. The River City Senior newsletter and website (Jacksonville.gov/seniors) provide additional information.
• Street Drainage Division (James Carroll): Carroll reported that the division is complaint-driven, with a citywide backlog of 3,323 complaints and 11 active issues in District One. He highlighted recent resurfacing dollars ($11 million additional), sidewalk repair ($4 million additional), and $1.5 million for drainage rehab. Completed projects include the Lone Star Road connection. He noted obstacles like weather, equipment breakdowns, and staffing. Residents were encouraged to report issues via 630-CITY.
• Code Enforcement (Robert): Robert explained that his department handles zoning (Chapter 656), property safety (Chapter 518), signs (Chapter 741), and addressing (Chapter 745). He noted the office currently has five officers (soon to be six) and completed nearly 12,000 inspections last fiscal year. Complaints require a name and address. He discussed procedures for violations, including citations, special magistrate hearings, and daily fines for non-compliance. The city is working on major corridor overlays, particularly on Arlington roads.
• Old Arlington Ink (Trish Plitska and Steve Hatchett): Plitska reported the fall home tour set a record attendance of 800 despite stormy weather, with over 50% first-time visitors. The next OAI meeting is November 19, 2026, at JU with Dr. Wayne Wood. Hatchett then detailed a controversial PUD request for a batting cage site on Fort Caroline Road. The current owner seeks to expand the use to include beer/wine and food service, with up to 173 seats and a focus on corporate outings, on a one-acre site with only eight parking spaces. Hatchett explained the original PUD (30 years ago) was a covenant limiting the operation to a residential-scale youth activity, with no alcohol and early hours. The property also has a Recreation and Open Space zoning designation to prevent commercial expansion. Six public hearings have been held, and the item is deferred to the next Land Use and Zoning (LUZ) committee meeting on November 5, 2026 (Wednesday after election day). Residents were urged to attend and write to LUZ members opposing the change.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Residents raised concerns about the lack of sidewalks on Mill Creek Road, especially for children walking to school, and questioned the city's priorities when installing sidewalks on Townsend Boulevard instead. Carroll noted challenges with the box culvert width and engineering studies.
• Questions about paving on Lone Star Road near Strawberry Creek and pothole reporting: Carroll advised using 630-CITY for multiple tickets and noted the division targets repairs based on priority.
• A resident asked about a malfunctioning traffic light at Lone Star and Mill Creek; Carroll said he would follow up with Traffic Engineering.
• Concerns about a boarded-up Walgreens property attracting illegal activity, and the city's code enforcement process for neglected commercial properties. Robert explained the citation and fine process, and that the property owner is responsible.
• Discussion about an extended-stay hotel built at Fort Caroline and 295, which residents felt was out of scale with the residential neighborhood. Councilmember Mero explained it was built by right on commercially zoned land and noted efforts to require branded hotels in other areas.
• A resident highlighted that the batting cage PUD applicant has rarely appeared at hearings, and community members expressed strong opposition, emphasizing the need to protect the residential character.
• A resident requested a full presentation on the city's proposed text amendment regarding urban infill corridors (specifically University Boulevard), which the councilmember agreed to schedule for a future town hall.
• Updates on the College Park church property sale: an agreement for 21 single-family homes (R-60, 6,000 sq ft lots) was reached after earlier opposition to townhomes. Infrastructure concerns were raised.
• Discussion about the city's planned improvements to University Boulevard (Matthews Bridge to the Navy roundabout) – two of four public meetings held, with design starting in early 2027.
• A resident urged the community to submit ideas for a transformative initiative for District One.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken as this was a town hall meeting.
• Directives: Councilmember Mero directed code enforcement to remain vigilant about the Walgreens property and surrounding area. He also committed to scheduling a presentation on the corridor text amendment.
• Next Steps: The next town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026, at the University Park Branch Library, adjusted due to the holiday schedule.
• Action Item: Residents were encouraged to attend the LUZ committee meeting on November 5, 2026, to oppose the batting cage PUD request, and to contact councilmembers.
• Follow-up: Carroll will look into the traffic light and sidewalk requests on Mill Creek. Code enforcement will continue to monitor reported violations.