A Park or Apartments?

WELCOME to the North Jacksonville Beaches and Mayport Blog!

This blog is intended to inform citizens about ways we can support and grow active recreational opportunites for the families of our area. By 'active' recreation, we mean public playing fields, play equipment, and community center programs for the families in our area. Mayport and North Beaches have wonderful 'passive' parks - Dutton Island, Hanna, and the Little Jetties - but we do not have adequate basketball or tennis courts, baseball or soccer fields, recreation programs, or community center for our population.

On Saturday, September 6, more than 20 residents of The Courtyards in Mayport came to a meeting to discuss the City's proposed land use amendment and zoning change for a Recreation and Open Space parcel of land that adjoins The Courtyards and Hanna Park. The City proposes to change this 9 acre parcel to medium-density residential land use. Last fall, a proposal submitted by Vestcor for 80 + apartments was chosen by the city. This proposal will be presented to the Planning Dept. and the public at a Workshop on Sept. 15, at the Courthouse Annex in Jacksonville. The workshop is open to the public. Anyone interested in learning more about what the city is proposing, PLEASE come to this meeting and learn more about the development plans. Plan for a late evening since this amendment is 11th on the agenda.

Residents are also invited to attend the Arlington CPAC meeting on Sept 8 at Regency Center. If you would like to speak to the importance of developing this land for a park, please plan to attend.

Petitions are being circulated by residents for adults and children who support the land use zoning for recreation of this parcel. please take a moment to sign. Or better yet, pick up a couple petitions and get others to support our cause for recreation and parks in Mayport. Comments are welcome here, but it is important that we have original copies of names and addresses to submit.