Council member previews West Side road, sidewalk and placemaking projects; Jaguars community benefits funds could back initiatives

A City Council member outlined multiple West Side infrastructure projects and a placemaking proposal tied to the Jacksonville Jaguars community benefits agreement during a community meeting, saying several projects are already under way or scheduled and that district-level benefit dollars are expected to be available Oct. 1.

The council member said Old Middleburg Road widening is in progress, with phase 1 (100 Third Street to Parman) nearing completion and phase 2 (Parman to Argyle Forest Boulevard) under parcel acquisition; the project should finish no later than the first quarter of 2028. The council member said Schindler Road widening is in preconstruction and is expected to coincide with Old Middleburg work around 2028.

"We had to find some money and fill some holes," the council member said, referring to cost overruns on Old Middleburg Road, but added the work is proceeding and will be completed by the projected date. The council member also announced a contractor road closure for the Ortega Farms Boulevard Sewer Improvement Project on Aug. 15 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The council member said Collins Road sidewalks (including drainage work) are planned and that a design plan should be available for public review by the fourth quarter of this year. The council member said capital improvement program (CIP) dollars are available for Collins Road, meaning the project would not require a new budget fight.

The meeting also included an update on a placemaking proposal the council member called the "Wonderland Corridor," a targeted business and façade improvement effort intended to spur development and business compatibility along a stretch between 100 Third Street and Old Middleburg Road. The council member described one funding scenario that would use district allocations from the Jaguars community benefits agreement to "front-load" placemaking investments and said a district survey to solicit resident priorities will be launched in the coming days.

On the Jaguars community benefits agreement, the council member said the deal would return $300 million to the city (a $150 million city contribution matched by $150 million from the Jaguars). "As a part of that, $14,000,000 will go to each council district," the council member said, and the funds are proposed to be split among categories such as homelessness, workforce development and business development. The council member said the district expects to receive community-benefits dollars beginning Oct. 1 and that site-specific proposals will be developed with public input.

The council member asked residents to participate in an upcoming digital survey and said the administration's project portal (announced at the meeting) will list district projects going forward.

Next steps: the council member said design and acquisition work will continue on the road projects, Collins Road plans will be shared when ready, and a district survey and additional community meetings will guide how community benefits funds are spent.