Council approves development at Broward Point despite growing neighborhood complaints

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville City Council has approved a new development at Broward Point Preserve despite growing opposition from residents already in the area.

The new 113-acre development would bring in 243 single-family homes, in addition to the 75 families who already live on the North Jacksonville peninsula.

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The preserve is currently owned by the Broward family and has been untouched for decades. Local residents said the area is home to many wildlife species, including endangered animals like manatees.

“There’s a number of endangered species and protected species that live on the peninsula,” Michael Celenza said. He’s a resident at Broward Point and is spearheading the charge against the new development. “They’re going to be bulldozed out of there.”

The city council passed the bill to rezone the area with a 10-to-8 vote.

Council Member Rory Diamond stated that the area is already zoned for 380 units, and 243 units is actually a down-zoning.

However, neighbors disagreed. Celenza said the rezoning will add more units to residents’ side of the peninsula and change from 90-foot to 50-foot lots, which they fear will increase the development’s density.

Council Member Danny Becton made that argument during the council meeting Tuesday.

“My problem is the flooding. They’re going to take all the sponge from the natural environment and take it all away,” Rose Bogan said. She moved in 16 years ago with hopes of making the neighborhood a place for retirement — now, she’s unsure.

The peninsula did flood during Hurricane Irma.

There’s also just one way in and out of Broward Point along Broward Road, which has a railroad crossing through it. Neighbors said they wait sometimes up to an hour on the side of the road when the train gets stuck.

“If the train is blocking the track and someone has a medical emergency, or their house is on fire? Emergency services can’t get in,” Celenza said. He’s concerned about what will happen with the additional neighbors and traffic a new development will bring.

The neighborhood currently has 30 days to appeal the council’s decision.

Action News Jax first reported in September when neighbors rallied against the plans when it moved through the Land Use and Zoning Committee.

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Neighbors worked to purchase the land and donate it to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

You can learn more about the preserve here.

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