Council approves $4M library landscaping project and $7.4M housing grant

The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee of the City of Jacksonville convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including funding allocations for community projects and updates on health initiatives.

The meeting began with a discussion on a significant project estimated at nearly $4 million. Councilman Carlucci highlighted that the project is currently at 70% design completion and emphasized the need to engage an operator for the final design of the interior spaces. The committee approved the project with a unanimous vote of 7 yeas and 0 nays.

Next, the committee addressed a new landscaping and irrigation project for the San Marco library, which is the only library in District 5. Councilman Miller clarified that this $40,000 project is separate from previous funding discussions and aims to improve the library's current barren landscape. The committee again voted unanimously to approve this funding.

The committee also reviewed the status of a special council contingency account, which currently has approximately $400,000 remaining. Council members discussed potential future allocations from this fund, with one member planning to request $100,000 for another project.

In addition, the committee approved a state entitlement grant known as SHIP, amounting to $7.4 million. This funding will primarily support down payment assistance, owner-occupied rehabilitation, and affordable housing development initiatives. The committee voted unanimously to approve this grant as well.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on health insurance issues within the group health fund, with Dr. Salem indicating that he had conducted extensive research and discussions with auditors regarding these matters.

Overall, the meeting was marked by collaborative efforts to enhance community services and address public health needs, with all discussed items receiving unanimous support from the committee members.