A proposed land swap deal between the city and Chase Properties Inc. that would add 52 acres to Goodbys Creek Preserve and open a parcel for retail development along San Jose Boulevard is headed to City Council.
Council President Scott Wilson filed Ordinance 2020-0148 on Feb 19 at the request of Mayor Lenny Curry.
The bill would exchange 2.3 acres of city-owned preserve on San Jose Boulevard for two adjacent Chase-owned parcels to the east that CEO Mike Balanky said Feb. 10 interview is undevelopable wetlands.
The city property is south of the Starling at San Jose assisted living facility and east of Beauclerc Road. The Chase land would be incorporated into Goodbys Creek Preserve.
City Chief Administrative Officer Brian Hughes said Feb. 10 that a small portion of land near the creek would be used to add parking for the John T. Lowe Boat Ramp at Goodbys Lake.
Daryl Joseph, director of the city Parks Recreation and Community Service Department, said the additional land would allow for a future trail system.
“(The land) serves as a buffer for the boat ramp and potential trails within that area,” Joseph said. “With that buffer property, we won’t have to worry about that being developed right next to our boat ramp.”
The Mayor’s Budget Review Committee chaired by Hughes voted unanimously Feb. 10 to send the deal to Council.
Goodbys Creek is a tributary of the St. Johns River.
Balanky said a preliminary plan for the San Jose Boulevard parcel incorporates a retail concept. A detailed proposal should be ready by early April, he said.
According to a legislative fact sheet and a Public Works memo, the city-owned property has an existing conservation easement and has been appraised at $470. The 52 acres is valued at $15,483, according to the Duval County Property Appraiser.
Hughes said Chase Properties has not asked for city-backed incentives beyond the land swap. According to city documents, no money would change hands in the deal.