JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso is proposing a one-time $200,000 investment to improve safety, security, and cleanliness in Five Points.
The proposal would also include lighting improvements. If approved, the funding would come through a special assessment connected to the business improvement district.
Jamee Pittman, owner of Bark, has operated a pet grooming and daycare business in Five Points for 17 years. As the area has grown, she has seen changes and growing concerns about cleanliness and safety.
“Property that’s been stolen, cars have been broken into, people just sleeping in front of our storefront,” Pittman said.
“This area is my heart. This business is my heart. I support everyone in the Five Points district,” she said.
Peluso said cups and trash left on the ground on Saturday mornings are among the issues the money would help address.
Resident Kayla Hauser said improved lighting could help.
“Better lighting would obviously prevent more things from happening that aren’t supposed to,” Hauser said.
Tattoo artist Devin Lipp also supported the proposed improvements.
“You want to keep everybody safe that steps through the doors,” Lipp said.
Matt Pittman, an owner of Bark, said city support could help people feel more comfortable shopping, walking and spending time in the area late at night.
“It’s truly important. I mean this neighborhood is, it always thrived and I think with that money it would even thrive more,” Jamee Pittman said.
The proposed funding still needs City Council approval. If approved, Peluso said the funds would be available by mid-November.
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