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Proposal for new development at St. Johns Town Center cause for concern for some residents

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Some neighbors are worried the Town Center is about to get even busier.

While some are excited about new development, others worry it will make traffic even worse.

It's now just a rendering. But someday, it could be where thousands of people stay, work and play.

Expansion plans for the Town Center filed with the city show four phases, one near Nordstrom and three in the southeast corner that is now a parking lot and grassy area.

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"I think it would be great," said Deborah Johnson.

"I don't care for it. I'd rather go to the mall," said Eldon Green.

New development could include a luxury theater, a hotel, a bowling alley and additional retail space.

People who live in the area applaud the city's development, but not if it means more traffic on the roadway.

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"I think the bowling alley would be great. It would bring in a whole new little clique over there," said Johnson.

"By taking away any parking, they're making a mistake. The traffic is so bad out there. They need to do something with the traffic. They need to do something with the parking. They need more disabled parking," Green explained.

Sources told Action News Jax that in its 2018 annual report, the Town Center was almost 99.9% leased.

We contacted Simon Group, the developer of the Town Center, but it did not want to give a comment at this time.