Jacksonville residents oppose Oceanway housing development project
Share this @internewscast.com

The plan calls for dozens of duplexes and townhomes packed into a space of less than 10 acres.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A proposed housing development in Jacksonville’s Oceanway neighborhood is facing growing opposition.

Some residents say the plan to build 62 homes on less than ten acres will overwhelm the community and clog already congested roads.

A rezoning plan proposes transforming rural residential land around Starratt and Yellow Bluff roads into a planned unit development with single-family homes and duplexes. However, many local residents argue that the high-density project is too massive for the area.

“They want to squeeze in 31 duplexes, totaling 62 homes, on just over nine acres,” said Jason Rife, a resident since 2007. “While we understand that development is inevitable, this plan exceeds the desires of our community.”

Nearby residents also worry about safety at the intersection of Starratt and Yellow Bluff, which is already packed with traffic.

“I sat here between 4 and 6 p.m. the other day and counted 2,480 cars going through,” neighbor Jim Droste said. “There were a lot of close calls.”

Rife expressed worries about the absence of crosswalks and the potential hazards for children crossing busy streets. In addition to traffic issues, locals voiced concerns about overburdened wells and septic systems, flood risks, and a development that would disrupt the rural essence of the neighborhood.

“We lived in Cape Coral for 12 years, but it became overcrowded,” Droste mentioned. “We discovered this lovely sanctuary with nearby woods and waterways, which drew us here.”

John and Shirley Spurgeon, who built their home themselves, echoing that message.

“This is our home, this is our forever place,” they said.

They’re leading an effort that has now gathered over 1,000 signatures on a petition opposing the project.

Signs around the community convey a simple message to city leaders: “This isn’t the city. This is rural country.”

Jacksonville City Council member Mike Gay supports the community’s activism. He confirmed that there are presently no plans to broaden Starratt or Yellow Bluff roads, although a $15 million traffic study has been commissioned for the region.

If the proposed city budget passes, Gay said over $6 million could be allocated to start much-needed intersection improvements.

Neighbors continue to urge city officials and developers to reconsider the project.

“Drive through and see what we’re trying to safeguard,” Droste urged. “The city may approve development from a distance, but it’s crucial to be accountable when such decisions impact people’s homes and safety.”

The next Jacksonville City Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9, with a final vote on the development expected Oct. 14.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas mom on '40 Under 40' list arrested for leaving baby on Florida beach

Texas Mom Featured in ’40 Under 40′ Arrested After Incident Involving Baby on Florida Beach

A promising figure in the Texas healthcare scene, recently recognized on a…
'21st Century Digital Watergate': Another GOP Senator’s Phone Records Were Targeted by Biden’s DOJ

Biden’s DOJ Under Fire: Allegations of Targeting GOP Senator’s Phone Records in ‘Digital Watergate’ Scandal

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has reportedly had his phone records subpoenaed…
Man arrested, accused of trying to smuggle drugs into Ware County Jail

Attempted Drug Smuggling Foiled at Ware County Jail: Suspect in Custody

In a bold and unusual attempt to smuggle drugs into a correctional…
'Tragedy averted' at Atlanta Airport as police arrest man with AR-15 allegedly threatening to 'shoot it up'

Swift Police Action Foils Potential AR-15 Attack at Atlanta Airport: Tragedy Averted

A Georgia man was apprehended on Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International…
Newborn found with umbilical cord attached in Penn Station, police hunt for parents

Abandoned Newborn Discovered in Penn Station: Police Seek Parents

The New York Police Department is actively searching for the parents of…
Jasper Nathaniel Shares Harrowing Attack by Israeli Settlers

Jasper Nathaniel Recounts Disturbing Encounter with Israeli Settlers: A Firsthand Account

An American journalist recently endured a harrowing attack by Israeli settlers while…
Alleged stalker detained then released after girls’ hit-and-run deaths, arrested days later: officials

Shocking Twist: Teen Suspect Linked to Fatal Hit-and-Run Allegedly Swatted Victim’s Home Weeks Prior

A 17-year-old male, suspected of a fatal hit-and-run involving two teenage girls,…
Missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard spotted earlier this month, mom not cooperating: Sheriff

Sheriff: Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard Recently Sighted; Mother Uncooperative in Investigation

In California, authorities are diligently searching for Melodee Buzzard, a 9-year-old girl…
One of the world's rarest whales that makes the Atlantic its home grows in population

Atlantic’s Rare Right Whale Population Sees Promising Growth: A Conservation Success

PORTLAND, Maine — In an optimistic turn for marine conservation, one of…
Palatka student arrested for written death threats

Palatka Student Faces Arrest Over Alleged Threatening Messages

A 12-year-old from Palatka Junior-Senior High School is now facing serious legal…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discuses budget plan, lawsuit against President Donald Trump

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Outlines Budget Strategy and Addresses Lawsuit Against Former President Donald Trump

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a $16.6 billion budget…
American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dead at 29

Tragic Passing: Chess Prodigy Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29

Daniel Naroditsky, a revered figure in the chess world who transformed himself…