Jacksonville Mayor Signs $200K Bill for Durkeeville Revitalization Study
Mayor Donna Deegan signed into law a bill authorizing $200,000 to fund a study to explore how best to invest in Durkeeville’s development and revitalization.
For many years, Pastor Lee Harris of Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church has served as a community leader in Durkeeville, having witnessed the historic district’s highs and lows.
Former congresswoman Corrinne Brown and council members encircled Deegan on Monday at his church as she signed Ordinance 2021-0253, which will finance studies to revive Historic Durkeeville.
“I simply anticipate a fresh start, as the task that was initiated more than three decades ago remains unfinished,” Harris remarked.
To comprehend Durkeeville in the present, one must return to 1996. While some of the neighborhood’s initial ideas were finished, others were never finished.
One of the many promises that have been realized is the playground in the Oaks of Durkeeville, but there are still many more to come.
“The town of Durkeeville has several needs. In addition to being a food desert, this region also lacks pharmacies and prescription drugs, has poor living conditions, needs sidewalks, and still has septic tanks nearby, according to Harris.
Ennis Davis will manage the Miracle on Myrtle research, which combines a 1996 study with current needs.
He has conducted research in East Gainsville and other African-American neighborhoods, including New Orleans.
“The study will primarily concentrate on gathering those resources, so although we acknowledge the need for additional funding, there is also funding available that has previously been used in a manner that has not helped the community. Thus, in actuality, it’s directing things appropriately,” Davis remarked.
This is a long-term project that will take nine to ten months to complete, and changes in the neighborhood will be noticeable within the following year.
African American communities in Jacksonville were promised financial support when the city and Duval County were combined, but this was frequently not fulfilled.
“A plan for steering the revitalization of an economically challenged, historically redlined section of the city’s urban core will be developed by the Miracle on Myrtle study,” according to Deegan.
Founded shortly after the Civil War, the neighborhood was a place where many African Americans established their first residences.
According to Harris, this 5,000-person community is prepared to prosper like it did some decades ago.
Harris stated, “I think it’s important for the community to understand that we want the best life possible, just like everyone else.” “We are members of this community; we are somebody.”
The S-Line Urban Greenway, Kings Road, and Myrtle Avenue are all included in the study area.