Residents rally against proposed townhomes and forensic lab in Arlington neighborhoods

In the heart of Jacksonville, the City Council meeting on December 10, 2024, became a battleground for community voices, echoing concerns over proposed developments that threaten the character of their neighborhoods. Residents gathered, their faces a mix of determination and anxiety, as they voiced their opposition to two significant projects: a rezoning request for townhomes in Colony Cove and the establishment of a forensic lab and morgue in Brentwood.

The evening began with a passionate plea from a Colony Cove Civic Association leader, who highlighted the community's long-standing opposition to the proposed 23 townhomes. "This is not consistent with the Greater Arlington and Beaches vision plan," he asserted, emphasizing that the multi-story structures would disrupt the harmony of single-family homes that define the area. He recalled a previous attempt to rezone the property for 24 townhomes, which had been defeated thanks to the efforts of local council members. The property, once zoned for larger lots, had recently been sold for a significant profit, raising suspicions about the motivations behind the new development push.

As the meeting progressed, Judy Crabtree, representing the Fort Caroline Hills Homeowners Association, echoed these sentiments, warning of increased traffic and safety hazards at the dangerous intersection of Fort Caroline and Townsend. "Adding new development will only exacerbate the issues we already face," she cautioned, painting a vivid picture of the chaos that could ensue.

The atmosphere shifted as residents from Brentwood took the floor, expressing their outrage over the proposed forensic lab and morgue. Amina Sharif passionately argued that such a facility was a violation of community rights, particularly given its proximity to homes and schools. "This would never be considered in a white neighborhood," she declared, highlighting the perceived inequities in how developments are approved in different areas of the city.

Lydia Bell, president of the Metro Gardens Neighborhood Association, joined the chorus of dissent, questioning the council's priorities and the impact of such developments on property values. "We are tired of being the Rodney Dangerfield of Jacksonville," she lamented, referencing a history of undesirable projects being placed in their community.

As the night wore on, the residents' concerns painted a stark picture of a community at a crossroads. With each testimony, the urgency of their pleas resonated through the council chambers, leaving city officials to grapple with the implications of their decisions. The meeting concluded with a sense of unresolved tension, as the future of these neighborhoods hangs in the balance, awaiting the council's next move.