News Summary
Residents of Brentwood, Jacksonville, are protesting against a city decision to convert a community property into a business hub. The community feels blindsided after initial promises for development. Advocates, led by local leaders, are calling for a larger community center instead. Concerns regarding other nearby constructions have also emerged. A rally is scheduled for March 29, 2025, to ensure residents’ voices are heard regarding the future of the property and their community needs.
Brentwood Residents Stand Up for Community Space
In the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, a lively debate is brewing among residents of Brentwood over the future of a property that’s stirred up quite a bit of local emotion. This property, initially slated for a liquor store, has now become the center of contention after the city made a bold move to transform it into a business hub.
A History of Community Discontent
For years now, the people living in Brentwood have voiced their discontent about the idea of a liquor store being so close to the KIPP school. Parents and community members rallied together, hoping that their voices would steer the city council away from decisions they felt would negatively impact their neighborhood. Their hopes seemed to have caught the ear of the city, as in 2023, the property was purchased by the city, with promises that residents would have a say in its future use.
The Promise of Change
Mayor Donna Deegan made a commitment to the community: they would have the opportunity to decide how the property would be used. This promise brought a sense of hope among residents, who envisioned a bustling community center that would foster connections, activities, and much-needed resources for families in the area.
However, just two years later, things took an unexpected turn. The city issued a permit for Warden Contracting Corporation to transform this property into the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development Center. Many Brentwood residents were blindsided, claiming that they were not properly informed about the decision or the plans for the transformation.
Residents Voice Their Concerns
The residents are rallying behind Lydia Bell, the president of the Metro Gardens Neighborhood Association, who has been vocal about the necessity of community discussions concerning the property’s purpose. They argue that the small size of the building—less than 3,000 square feet—falls significantly short of what they believe a community center should be, which they feel should ideally be at least 15,000 square feet to adequately serve the neighborhood.
Adding to the tension is the existence of the Brentwood Library, located just under a mile away, which the mayor’s office pointed out can provide free meeting space for community groups. Nevertheless, residents insist that this does not negate their desire for a dedicated community center on the property in question.
Protests and the Fight for Community Rights
As the decision to convert the site progresses, local advocates have ramped up their efforts. Kathleen Murry, a dedicated advocate in the area, has called upon the mayor to fulfill her commitment to the community. In addition to the center’s plans, residents are also taking issue with the ongoing construction of a morgue and forensic lab near the school. Many residents claim they found out about this project only after construction commenced, further aggravating community tensions.
In light of these various concerns, residents have organized a rally scheduled for March 29, 2025. This gathering is set to be a platform for the community to express their frustrations, not just regarding the business center but also about the morgue and forensic lab. The goal is clear: to ensure their voices are heard and that the future of the property aligns with the community’s needs.
The Road Ahead
As the protest day approaches, the Brentwood residents stand united in their fight for a community space that reflects their aspirations for growth, connection, and support. The decisions made about this property will certainly have lasting effects on the neighborhood, and the outcome of the residents’ efforts may very well pave the way for what Brentwood will look like in years to come. Whether they can shift the city’s direction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this community is determined not to stay silent.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville Property to Become Workforce Development Center
Jacksonville Unveils New Youth Golf Development Center
Brentwood Community Protests Morgue Construction
Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Brentwood Residents Demand Answers
- GlobeNewswire: Regency Centers Acquires Brentwood Place
- Cap Times: Madison’s Brentwood Neighborhood Community Center
- Burnaby Now: Community Centre Approval
- Newsday: Islip Town Brentwood Recreation Center
