JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new bill would give the OK for a study to revitalize and improve historic Durkeeville, one of the oldest African American communities in the city.
Doctor Stanley McAllister grew up in Historic Durkeeville and is the founder and president of the Durkeeville Neighborhood Association.
The group is on a mission to push for unfulfilled promises to improve the community.
“It would look like a thriving community, it would look like better infrastructure, it would look like us getting monies that historically were earmarked for Durkeeville that were placed other places and the fulfillment and the completion of the Hope Six Project,” McAllister said.
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Durkeeville could see the changes very soon if Bill 0253 is approved, as it would hire a consultant to create a plan to revitalize and develop Durkeeville.
Councilman Jimmy Peluso and Council President Ron Salem co-introduced the bill.
The study would:
- Consider a plan for vacant lots owned by Jacksonville Housing Authority in Durkeeville
- Determine other services to revitalize the area such as a grocery store
- Hear from the community
There currently is some redevelopment happening in historic Durkeeville, for instance, the remodeling of a baseball field now known as Henry L. Aaron Field after legandary baseball player Hank Aaron. Major league-level lights and artificial tuff are currently being installed, and it will be used by high school and college sports teams.
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In addition, the current museum will also be expanded and upgraded. The entire project will cost $10 million.
This could be another step in the right direction to give funding to Durkeeville, which was promised a decade ago ― funding that would preserve its history and future.
The council will decide to approve or deny the study and its funding on April 23.
President Salem said the council is covering a similar study for more communities in need.