Jacksonville residents rally against townhome development citing traffic and safety concerns

Concerns over a proposed rezoning for 23 townhomes in Jacksonville dominated the City Council meeting on December 10, 2024, as residents voiced strong opposition citing safety and community integrity.

Cecil Curry, a local resident, highlighted the dangers of the intersection where the development is planned, referencing five accidents in the past six months. He argued that adding more homes would exacerbate traffic issues in an already hazardous area. Lonnie Veal echoed these sentiments, criticizing the proposed development as incompatible with the existing single-family homes in the neighborhood. He emphasized that the project contradicts the Greater Arlington Beaches vision plan, which aims to enhance community character and safety.

Juliana Brazil passionately urged council members to listen to their constituents, expressing frustration over perceived indifference to community concerns. Leah Grady, representing the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, called for the council to rescind a previous resolution supporting Israel, linking it to broader human rights issues and urging a ceasefire.

The meeting also featured Nelson France from the Jewish Federation Foundation, who introduced a new program aimed at fostering understanding between Jewish and non-Jewish students, emphasizing the importance of combating antisemitism through education.

As residents rallied against the townhome project, the council faced pressure to consider the implications of their decisions on community safety and cohesion. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the future of the Arlington neighborhood and its residents' quality of life.