JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Homeowners on the Southside are teaming up to stop the potential development of more apartments.
Those who live on Hodges Boulevard near J. Turner Butler Boulevard are worried about a potential new development of almost 50 acres that has its sights set on a wooded area across from the Windsor Commons shopping center.
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The city is reviewing a rezoning application that would turn it into a mixed-use development, including more than 900 apartment units.
Jacksonville Golf and Country Club homeowner Ron Kuruvilla isn’t happy about the idea.
“Our biggest concern was about traffic and the schools. Chets Creek which is over there is already majorly overcrowded,” said Kuruvilla.
And he isn’t alone. Nearly 400 people have already signed an “opposition to change of zoning” petition on Change.org.
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Neighbors are also worried about the possible use of Glen Kernan Parkway to access the new development.
“Just the three years I’ve been living in the neighborhood it takes longer and longer to go to and from -- to the school, to the Publix,” said Kuruvilla.
On Monday, City Council President Aaron Bowman will host a public meeting to discuss the potential rezoning of the property.
Kuruvilla said the message from the residents is being heard loud and clear.
“What we need to do is make sure that any area is planned properly, and we don’t end up causing a place that is nice to be overcrowded,” said Kuruvilla.
The meeting will be held Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Chets Creek Elementary School.