Rules committee advances Northside development review board after months of public backing

The Rules Committee voted 4‑3 on March 17 to advance an ordinance creating a Northside Development Review Board intended to review rezonings and development proposals in a portion of north Jacksonville.

Dozens of residents and community leaders turned out during public comment to support the proposed board. Elizabeth Filippelli, speaking for Duval Audubon, said the measure would protect trees, birds and neighborhood character and praised the sponsoring council member for building “trust, transparency, and bridges.”

Other supporters described a steady pattern of development in the North Side that they said had outpaced infrastructure and community input. “I'm here for the creation of the Northside Development Review Board. I strongly, strongly, strongly support it,” said Larry Henderson, who said residents needed a forum “to be heard.”

Council members added an amendment in committee that will: change the initial terms for board members, place the board meeting location at city facilities (rather than require meetings in the neighborhood), and add a sunset provision so the council can reassess the board after an 18‑month trial period. Supporters said the changes were meant to lower administrative costs and to test the structure before expanding it to other parts of the city.

Opponents warned the board could duplicate the planning commission's role and create precedent for many neighborhood‑based planning bodies. Supporters and several committee members said the board is modeled on the Downtown Development Review Board and stressed it would replace — not add a layer to — existing review processes in the affected area.

The ordinance and the committee‑approved amendments now move to the full council.