Jacksonville Beach CRA Discusses New Development Ownership and Staffing

Overview: The Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently focused on changes concerning the city’s ownership of a development project and discussions around the addition of new positions to manage capital projects and downtown maintenance. The city will now own a development project outright, which includes being responsible for leasing retail spaces, a substantial shift from previous plans. This development led to in-depth conversations about the financial and logistical implications, and how the CRA would handle project management. Furthermore, the agency deliberated on staffing needs, debating the introduction of a construction project superintendent position and a dedicated downtown maintenance person to support the city’s growth and maintain its quality.

Jacksonville Beach Board of Adjustment Grapples with Variance Requests

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Jacksonville Beach Board of Adjustment deliberated on several variance requests that sparked debate over neighborhood impact and property development norms. The most contentious item on the agenda involved a request by Rick Johnson for setback relief and lot coverage variance on Ocean Drive. Johnson aimed to replace an existing rundown house with a new single-family residence, citing the lot’s irregular shape as a rationale for the request. The request was consistent with prior variances in the area, according to the applicant’s presentation.

Jacksonville Beach Council Approves Redevelopment Zoning District

Overview: During the recent Jacksonville Beach City Council meeting, the council voted to approve an ordinance establishing a Redevelopment District (RD) zoning district within the city. The approved ordinance, which will allow for the expansion and redevelopment of properties in the downtown commercial core, was among the most significant items on the council’s agenda.

Jacksonville Beach CRA Debates Mangoes Expansion and Zoning Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) confronted redevelopment plans, zoning concerns, and procedural debates. One notable issue was a proposed renovation and expansion of the Mangoes property on First Street North, which sparked substantial discourse over its impact on the area’s residential character and compliance with the city’s long-term planning goals.

Jacksonville Beach Commission Approves Mixed-Use Development

Overview: In a recent Jacksonville Beach Planning Commission meeting, a significant rezoning request for the property at 602 1st Street North, along with 123, 129, and 135 5th Avenue North, was discussed at length and ultimately approved. The request to rezone from Central Business District and Redevelopment District to solely Redevelopment District aimed to enable the transformation of the property into a mixed-use commercial development. This development is set to include the expansion of an existing restaurant and the creation of new commercial and residential spaces. The application’s approval was in alignment with the comprehensive plan and was recommended by the staff and the Community Redevelopment Agency, conditional upon enhancing the pedestrian-friendly nature of the property.