News Summary
Residents of Brentwood, Jacksonville are expressing outrage over the city’s decision to convert a local building into a Small Business Center. Initially proposed as a liquor store, the transformation has raised concerns among locals about their exclusion from the decision-making process. Mayor Donna Deegan had previously emphasized community involvement, but the recent purchase of the building without consultation has led to protests and questions about the center’s relevance to local needs. The official opening is set for May 2025, with residents planning further rallies.
Brentwood Community Unites Against Jacksonville’s New Business Plans
In the vibrant neighborhood of Brentwood in Jacksonville, Florida, residents are making their voices heard regarding city leaders’ recent decision to transform a local building into a new Small Business Center. What started as a proposal to convert the property on Golfair Blvd. into a liquor store has sparked outrage among the community, who feel sidelined in the decision-making process.
The Controversy Unfolds
Initially, back in early 2023, the community rallied against the liquor store proposal for the building located at 865 Golfair Blvd.. Residents united in protests, expressing concerns about the implications of having a liquor store in their neighborhood. The city assured residents that their input would be considered, indicating that the space could potentially serve as a community center instead.
Fast forward to August 2023, where Mayor Donna Deegan emphasized the importance of community involvement in discussions surrounding the future of the location. However, just three months later, the City of Jacksonville surprised many when it announced the purchase of the building for $1.8 million without consulting the residents. This move raised eyebrows among locals, who had hoped for a genuine partnership in shaping their community’s future.
Community Reaction
Recently, Brentwood residents gathered for a rally at the building to voice their frustration over the unexplained decision. The rally was organized by a dedicated leader from the community, aiming to convey that the building doesn’t belong to the city—it belongs to the people. Curiously, just two weeks prior, residents discovered that a construction company had received a permit to convert the building into a Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Center.
What’s Next for the Small Business Center?
The upcoming JSEB center is slated to provide free education and support for local small business owners and entrepreneurs. City officials noted that this location was chosen due to its proximity to a high number of small businesses, which they believe makes it ideal for workforce development. However, many in Brentwood are questioning whether this center will truly meet the community’s needs.
Size Matters: Concerns About the New Center
Interestingly, the building itself is quite cozy—at just 2,700 square feet—and smaller than the usual standards for a community center. Nearby, the Brentwood Branch Library already offers meeting spaces, leading some residents to wonder if a new small business center is necessary or if their initial dream of a true community center has been lost in the shuffle.
Feeling Excluded
Despite city officials claiming that they reached out to engage the community, many residents feel disregarded in the decision-making process. The announcement of the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Center has not only left them frustrated but also feeling overlooked. Their voices and opinions seemed to have been drowned out, prompting calls for continued action.
Looking Ahead
With the official opening of the new center set for May 2025, the Brentwood community isn’t done fighting for their voice. Additional rallies are on the horizon, with the next one scheduled for March 29 at 11 a.m. Locals are determined to stand up for their rights and ensure that their community’s wishes are finally recognized in any future endeavors.
This story remains one of uncertainty and the struggle for community engagement, as residents of Brentwood continue to demand respect and acknowledgement in shaping their neighborhood’s future. Only time will tell how this will all unfold as they push back against city plans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Brentwood Residents Stand Up for Community Space
Jacksonville Property to Become Workforce Development Center
Jacksonville Protests Against Trump Administration Policies
Jacksonville Unveils New Youth Golf Development Center
Brentwood Community Protests Morgue Construction
Westside High School Community Reacts to Shooting Incident
Westside High School Lockdown After Nearby Shooting Incident
Jacksonville Residents Shocked by Home Invasion Shooting
Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Brentwood Residents Demand Answers
- Hoodline: Brentwood Residents Confront Jacksonville Leaders
- Jax Daily Record: Build-Out Approved for Brentwood Building
- Florida Trend: Florida Offers a Great Climate for Women Entrepreneurs
- Jacksonville.com: Bank of America Funds 26 Jacksonville Area Nonprofits
- Wikipedia: Community Center
- Google Search: Brentwood Jacksonville
- Google Scholar: Small Business Centers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Center
- Google News: Brentwood Business Center
