Item 8DAGENDA ITEM # 8D
FEBRUARY 9, 2009
STAFF REPORT
City of Atlantic Beach
Commission Meeting
AGENDA ITEM: Mayport Road Update
DATE: February 3, 2009
SUBMITTED BY: Dale Hatfield, Community Redevelopment Director
David E. Thompson, Asst. City Manager
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this staff report is to provide an update to the City
Commission relative to the initiatives implemented in the Mayport Road Corridor.
Policing
Crime Statistics -The city has recorded a reduction in violent crime of 41.38% and a reduction of
traffic crashes along the Mayport Corridor of 12.58% over the last year. The crime reductions are
an overall team effort of the police department, and can be specifically attributed to work
performed by the Community Oriented Policing Strategy (COPS) team and the Crime
Suppression Unit (CSU). The installations of the medians are the major factor in the reduction of
traffic crashes.
COPS Unit -The COPS Unit performs a vital role in the community; they are involved
with various community groups, after school programs for children and helping citizens
address quality-of--life issues in the community. Over the last few months the unit has
also focused on handling prostitution and transient issues along the corridor. They have
worked closely with the Sulzbacher Center providing services to homeless persons in the
area. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office dedicated two full time COPs officers to work in
conjunction with our COPS unit.
Crime Suppression Unit -This unit conducts monthly details concerning narcotics,
prostitution and underage drinking. They work in collaboration with the Jacksonville
Sheriff's Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Florida Division of
Alcohol and Tobacco. Additionally the unit handles all investigations involving firearms.
Code Enforcement
Atlantic Beach identified 277 violations of the International Property Maintenance Code. A11277
violations were addressed as courtesy notices.
201 violations have come into compliance as of 1/28/2009
Duval County Code Compliance filed 432 violation cases in reference to the Mayport Corridor.
399 cases have come into compliance as of 1/28/2009
The "Mayport overlay" Ordinance was passed in Duval County in late 2008. Citing violations
along Mayport Corridor with a stricter standard of review should start within the near future.
AGENDA. ITEM # 8D
FEBRUARY 9, 2009
Building Department
Buildings at 6 sites were demolished under the Building Abatement Program for a total of
30 structures removed. The building department is currently working with owners of two
sites to sell or renovate existing structures.
Rental inspection program
A complaint driven rental inspection program was implemented in December 2008.
Training was conducted with city staff concerning the intake and handling of
complainants. Training for landlords and tenants regarding the laws and rights of rental
property will be provided for citizens starting February 10~', 2009 and will continue at
various venues throughout the city.
Medians
Median /Resurfacing Project on Mayport Road is `essentially complete', the final walkthrough
correction check is in progress. The start for the Signalization Upgrade project was January 20~',
2009 and should be completed in late summer 2009.
Fairway villas fence
Due to scheduling conflicts (with 27 households) a certified letter is being sent to the
residents of Fairway Villas that contain the city's desire to paint their portion of the fence
that is adjacent to Mayport Rd. A color sample will be included in the letter with a
deadline for the residents to respond to the city's offer.
Events
Numerous events are planned throughout the Mayport Corridor for this year. Below is a
partial list:
Teen Council Geo-Caching event will be held in March
The Mayport Unity Festival will be held in Donner Park on May 9`~, 2009
The west 1S` Street Festival will be held at Veterans Park on June 20`x, 2009
Movies in the park will start this summer
Fall Festival will be held in October
Organizations
Volunteers - A volunteer signup sheet is placed at every event we hold in the corridor for
citizens to sign up. Currently we have 15 volunteers. We have used volunteers twice to
help elderly residents, who had received violation notices and were unable to correct
violations themselves to bring their property up to code. The volunteers will play a lazge
part in the upcoming festival's and sports events.
Neighborhood Watch - We currently have 5 neighborhood watch programs within the
Mayport Corridor (900 Plaza Sea Oats Apartments, Paradise Court, Forsyth Court, 300-
AGENDA ITEM # 8D
FEBRUARY 9, 2009
600 Block of Main Street and Paradise Preserve). The watch programs meet once a
month to discuss issues concerning their neighborhood. COPS unit officers attend these
meetings on a regulaz basis to provide support and direction.
Mayport Business Association -Businesses along Mayport Road meet once a month to
discuss issues relevant to improving the business atmosphere along the Mayport corridor.
The Redevelopment Coordinator and the COPS Unit met with the group on a regulaz
basis to provide training and assistance as needed. In February we aze bringing in training
on small size businesses conducting business with the U.S. Navy.
Church Groans -Church groups within the corridor have been contacted to help build a
sense of community and pride in the area. We aze working with each church
representative so they can build relationships with other groups within the community.
Community Leaders - We are currently seeking residents in the Mayport Corridor to fill
leadership roles within the community. Qualified individuals will be identified and
receive training in leadership and community building. These leaders will take active
roles within the community and will be able to empower various groups in the
community to address residents concerns over quality of life issues.
U. S. Navy
Naval Station Mayport has been selected to be home port to a Nucleaz Aircraft Carrier.
The carrier is not scheduled to arrive unti12014. The economic impact will be a
substantial benefit to the azea from new jobs and infrastructure upgrades to over 6000
new Navy personnel stationed at the base.
BUDGET: None specific to this report
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
ATTACHMENTS: None
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
AGEND EM NUMBER: