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Public meeting held to discuss rezoning of over 1,000 acres for Southside Jacksonville development

A brand new community could soon be built on 1,063 acres on Jacksonville’s Southside, but first, the property  the property at the Southeast Quadrant on I-295 east and JTB has to be rezoned.

Action News Jax  report Courtney Cole explains what the area would include and speaks to neighbors about their concerns.

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"I know a lot of people are afraid of development," neighbor Franklin Ayetin said.

But he's not.

He told Cole he’s lived on Jacksonville's Southside for six years.

Now, he said, he’s looking forward to the idea of the new development  to come to I-295 east and JTB.

The developer’s vision includes: a walkable space that would be made up of different little neighborhoods—ultimately including homes, restaurants and businesses plus parks, playgrounds and community gardens.

Conservation areas will be preserved to help connect different neighborhoods.

"I think it's a sign that Jacksonville is up-and-coming -- more opportunities for jobs, more opportunities for people that live here. I think, overall, it's going to help the economy and property values in this area,” said Ayetin.

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Kathryn Kerly told Action News Jax she's lived in the area for the last seven years and she knew the development was coming sooner or later.

"It's a hot area to live—there's newer schools, newer housing around here. It's always going to be [more] coming down the line,” Kerly told Cole.

If rezoning for the 1,063 acres of land is approved, the project will also include the extension of Kernan Boulevard south of JTB, which will connect Baymeadows Road East and Gate Parkway.

Tonight, Councilman Danny Becton is holding a public workshop with the developer to get feedback from residents.

It’s from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Southeast Regional Library on Deerwood Park Blvd.