Brentwood Community Protests Morgue Construction

News Summary

Residents of the Brentwood neighborhood in Jacksonville are actively protesting against the construction of a new five-county morgue and medical examiner’s office. Community leaders, including Lydia Bell, are advocating for a different facility to promote public health instead. Legal actions have been initiated due to perceived violations of the neighborhood’s rights, stirring tensions about the project’s potential impact on local property values and community well-being. As of now, the city remains silent on the ongoing controversy surrounding the construction slated for completion by spring 2025.

Brentwood Stands United Against Morgue Construction

In the heart of Jacksonville, the Brentwood neighborhood is buzzing with voices raised in protest against the construction of a new five-county morgue and medical examiner’s office. This facility, located conveniently off I-95 and Golfair Boulevard, is pushing toward completion, but local residents are making their feelings known loud and clear.

Community Leaders Rallying the Troops

Leading the charge is Lydia Bell, the president of the Metro Gardens Neighborhood Association. Bell is demanding answers and alternatives for this contentious construction project. With the community’s best interests at heart, she has been vocal about her vision for a more beneficial development in the area. Instead of a morgue, Bell believes that a community resource like an urgent care center or similar facility would better serve the neighborhood, providing much-needed health services rather than the bleak reality of a morgue.

Legal Action and Community Concerns

The tension escalated earlier this summer when residents took legal action against the city. Back in June, they filed a lawsuit claiming that the city violated the neighborhood’s bill of rights by neglecting to inform them about the application for the medical examiner’s office. This legal battle, which consists of an extensive 17-page document, highlights a lack of community involvement in what residents see as a project that could significantly harm property values in Brentwood.

In the lawsuit, residents express their grievances not only about the legality of the zoning but also underscore their belief that a facility like this is simply inappropriate so close to homes and schools. As children play and learn day in and day out nearby, residents fear the potential disturbance and trauma that could arise from the frequent transport of deceased individuals to the new site.

Voices of Concern Echo in Brentwood

The sentiment against the morgue is palpable among residents. Community members describe the construction plan as outright “insanity,” pointing out that major urban developments like this should be placed in locations away from families and children. Many residents have taken to making their opinions clear with eye-catching signs during their demonstrations, proclaiming that “Death is not welcome in Brentwood.”

As part of their push for change, residents have proposed a different vision for the facility. Their ideas include converting the building into a health center, computer lab, or training facility—far more community-friendly options that could uplift the area and provide vital services to the neighborhood.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Brentwood?

Despite the pushback from the Brentwood community, the city of Jacksonville has remained tight-lipped, choosing not to comment publicly due to the ongoing litigation. The timeline for the construction indicates that the facility is expected to be ready for use by spring 2025, as the city has stated that the previous morgue was too small to meet current needs.

As tensions simmer in Brentwood, local residents are left to wonder about the future of their neighborhood. Will their voices be heard? Or will the construction continue as planned, overshadowing the hopes and dreams of a community striving for a safer, more prosperous environment for all citizens, young and old?

One thing is clear: the Brentwood neighborhood is coming together, united and determined to reshape the vision of their community for the better.

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Additional Resources

• Action News Jax: Community Protests Morgue Construction
• First Coast News: Controversy in Brentwood
• News4Jax: Lawsuit Against City Over Morgue
• Wikipedia: Jacksonville
• First Coast News: Residents Demand Change