Residents Protest Against New Medical Examiner’s Office in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The construction of a new medical examination office is stirring controversy in the Brentwood neighborhood as local residents voice strong opposition. This facility is being built just off I-95 and Golfair Boulevard, but many residents, including community member Lydia Bell, deem its location inappropriate.
Who is Involved?
Local residents, led by Lydia Bell and supported by others like Todd Wells, are actively protesting the new building. Bell speaks for many in the community who feel their concerns are being overlooked by city officials. “Being three feet from someone’s home and 32 feet from children’s schools is alarming,” stated Bell, emphasizing the community’s right to participate in decisions that impact their neighborhood.
What is Happening?
The construction near Golfair Boulevard has almost reached completion, but that hasn’t stopped Bell and her neighbors from fighting against it. Wells raised concerns about the potential decrease in property value, stating, “Who’s going to buy a house next to a morgue?” He visualizes a scenario where the medical examiner’s office sits adjacent to residential homes, exacerbating fears regarding the facility’s impact on their community.
Where and When?
The medical examination office is situated at a prominent spot off I-95 and Golfair Boulevard, placing it in the vicinity of several homes and schools. The residents are mobilizing against the facility even as construction continues to progress. Their protests have taken shape over recent months, demonstrating a sustained effort to articulate community sentiments.
Why the Protests?
The protests stem from a broader frustration among Brentwood residents who believe their neighborhood has been disregarded in the planning process. In June, the Metro Gardens Neighborhood Association filed a lawsuit against the city of Jacksonville, alleging a violation of the neighborhood bill of rights. According to the residents, they were not made aware of the submission of an application for the medical examination office nor were they included in any discussions about its implications in their area.
Bell and other residents express their dissatisfaction with the city’s lack of transparency. “They say they had 38 different sites; we say, ‘Can we see those sites?’ They gave us a list of 26. Well, where are the other 12? We never got that information out of those 26, and most were located in light and industrial areas,” added Bell, indicating a demand for more engagement from city officials.
City’s Response
First Coast News has sought a comment from city officials regarding the ongoing protests and the allegations surrounding the new medical examiner’s office. As of now, responses are pending, and the residents continue to await more clarity on their concerns.
Conclusion
As the new medical examination office draws closer to completion, the Brentwood community remains divided. The residents’ ongoing concerns reflect a strong desire for community involvement in local developments. Bell and her neighbors promise to work vigorously to ensure their voices are heard, advocating for their rights and quality of life in the neighborhood.
