Jacksonville Property to Become Workforce Development Center

News Summary

In a positive development for Jacksonville’s Brentwood community, a property originally intended for a liquor store will be transformed into a workforce development center. The decision came after significant community opposition to the liquor store proposal, particularly due to its proximity to a school. The city has committed around $90,567 for the renovation, aiming to support local small businesses and entrepreneurship, reflecting a community-focused approach to development.

Jacksonville Property Gets New Life as Workforce Development Center

In an exciting turn of events for the Brentwood community in Jacksonville, a property once slated for a drive-thru liquor store will soon transform into a vibrant workforce development center. This shift comes after a significant pushback from local residents concerned about the appropriateness of a liquor store near a school.

Transformation Underway

On March 14, the city of Jacksonville issued a permit to Warden Contracting Corp. to start the much-anticipated conversion of the 2,630-square-foot building at 865 Golfair Blvd. The project, which will cost approximately $90,567, reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing community resources rather than promoting alcohol sales in the area.

The building, originally constructed in 1963, sits on a 0.38-acre lot. It has a history—it was previously owned by Exxon Corp. and served as an automobile service station before being sold in 1995. The property changed hands to SBPS #3 JI LLC of Saint Johns for a mere $150,000 in 2019. However, in November 2023, the Jacksonville City Council approved the acquisition of the property for $1.8 million, aiming to breathe new life into it as a community and resource center.

Community Support Drives Change

Mayor Donna Deegan announced the decision to convert the property into the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Entrepreneurship & Workforce Development Center just after community objections to the liquor store plan became overwhelmingly clear. The property is located directly across from KIPP Voice Academy K-7, intensifying the neighborhood’s concerns about having a liquor store close to children and families.

For months, local residents voiced their opposition, arguing that a liquor store in that particular location was not in line with the community’s values. Their voices carried weight, culminating in the city’s decision to prioritize community needs over profit—something that seems to have struck a positive chord with local residents.

A Focus on Support and Development

The mission of the new center will be to maximize procurement opportunities for certified Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses. This initiative supports the local economy by providing essential resources, mentoring, and opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This aligns seamlessly with ongoing city initiatives aimed at uplifting neighborhoods and creating sustainable growth in the community.

Additionally, the Jacksonville City Council has plans to allocate significant funding toward various community initiatives, thanks to a potential $150 million community benefits agreement tied to a renovation deal with the Jaguars. This funding aims to support local neighborhoods and encourage workforce development.

Future Prospects

The conversion of this property not only enhances local resources but also aligns with a broader vision of fostering a supportive environment for small businesses in Jacksonville. By prioritizing workforce development, the city hopes to encourage entrepreneurship—an essential step towards economic growth.

As construction ramps up, the residents of Brentwood are optimistic about this positive change, seeing a future filled with opportunity rather than alcohol sales. The workforce development center is poised to provide a nurturing space for entrepreneurs to thrive and for the community to come together. It’s an exciting time for Jacksonville as it continues to grow and shape its future for the better.

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Additional Resources

• Jacksonville Free Press: Perry Moore Group Donates New To You Suits Workforce Development
• Jacksonville.com: Eastside Workforce Development Center of Community Benefits Agreement
• Florida Politics: Personnel Note – Jennifer Peterson Joins TSG Advisors Education
• Jax Daily Record: FSCJ Receives State Workforce Development Grant
• First Coast News: City Council Expected to Vote on $94 Million Fund for Jacksonville’s Eastside
• Wikipedia: Workforce Development
• Google Search: Jacksonville Economic Development
• Google Scholar: Workforce Development
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce
• Google News: Jacksonville Workforce Development