Andy Allen, CEO of Corner Lot Development Group, resigned from the JEA board of directors after serving less than six months of a four-year term.
Allen emailed his resignation letter to Mayor Lenny Curry on Dec. 2, citing “increasing demands” from family and business responsibilities. Curry appointed Allen to the JEA board June 25.
The email, provided Dec. 10 by JEA Media Relations Manager Gina Kyle, states:
“Dear Mayor Curry,
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the city as a member of the JEA Board of Directors during the last year. It has been an honor to be part of this board at such an important time for JEA and our city. The management and board members in place are a talented group of individuals that put the needs of ratepayers and taxpayers first. Unfortunately, there has been increasing demands on my time from my family and business responsibilities that must take precedence over my continued service on the board.”
His resignation was effective immediately.
Corner Lot Development Group, based in the San Marco area, is working with Harbert Realty Services of Birmingham, Alabama, to develop the estimated $30 million Park Place at San Marco.
The proposed development comprises 141 apartments and a 302-space, three-floor parking garage on property to the north and east of South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church.
Allen’s resignation comes as JEA receives increasing criticism from the public and some City Council members in its push toward a possible sale. The public utility is negotiating with nine private companies interested in buying some or all of its assets.
JEA Board Chair April Green was the first board member to speak publicly to Council members about the utility’s invitation to negotiate. On Dec. 9, she called for the Council to “hit the reset button” on JEA’s strategic planning process.
Allen did not immediately return a phone call for comment on his resignation from JEA.