Residents oppose rezoning of 5355 Pickettville Road citing pollution and traffic issues

Concerns over rezoning and its impact on local communities dominated the City of Jacksonville Council meeting on April 8, 2025. Residents voiced strong objections to the proposed rezoning of 5355 Pickettville Road, citing significant negative effects on their quality of life.

Stephanie Acton, a local resident, passionately expressed her disapproval, detailing firsthand experiences with the adverse consequences of nearby industrial operations. She highlighted issues such as flooding due to improper drainage, noise pollution from heavy machinery, and air quality deterioration from truck emissions. Acton emphasized the loss of privacy and the increase in traffic, which has led to littering along the road. "All of these issues have come with just one side of us being rezoned, so I can't imagine how much worse it will be with another business," she stated.

Kevin Pickett, another resident, echoed these concerns, sharing his family's long-standing ties to the area. He described the historical significance of their neighborhood and the potential disruption that further industrialization could bring. "We share a private driveway with this property, and our neighborhood has been here since the mid-1800s," he noted, underscoring the community's deep roots and the threat posed by the proposed changes.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing tension between development and community well-being in Jacksonville. As residents rally against the rezoning, city officials are faced with the challenge of balancing economic growth with the needs and concerns of local families. The outcome of this rezoning proposal could set a precedent for future developments in the area, making it a critical issue for both the council and the community.