Arlington residents rally against proposed townhome development citing traffic and environmental concerns

Concerns over proposed development in Arlington dominated the City of Jacksonville Council meeting on December 10, 2024, as residents voiced strong opposition to a rezoning request for 23 townhomes. Commander Wayne Van Doren, a local resident, passionately argued against the project, emphasizing the need to protect Arlington's green spaces from overdevelopment. "We don't need more development. We need to redevelop places like the Regency Mall," he stated, highlighting the importance of preserving local wildlife habitats.

Cecil Curry echoed these sentiments, citing safety concerns related to increased traffic at a notoriously dangerous intersection where the new townhomes would be built. He reported five accidents in the past six months at that location, warning that adding more homes would only exacerbate the risk.

Lonnie Veal raised additional objections, referencing the Greater Arlington Beaches Vision Plan, which he argued the proposed development contradicts. He pointed out that the new construction would clash with the existing single-family homes in the area, calling it "incompatible" and "not similar" to the neighborhood's character.

The meeting also saw a shift in focus as community members addressed broader social issues, including calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Leah Grady, representing the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, urged the council to divest from investments in Israel, citing human rights violations and the need for local leaders to take a stand.

As the council deliberates on the rezoning request, the voices of Arlington residents remain clear: they are committed to preserving their community's character and safety against what they see as unnecessary development. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the future of Arlington and its green spaces.