The site in Brentwood that was initially going to be a liquor store will now be transformed into a small business support center, as reported by News4JAX’s news partner, The Jacksonville Daily Record. Mayor Donna Deegan made the announcement at a luncheon on Thursday, stating that the center will open in the early fall and will focus on workforce development and entrepreneurship.
After facing backlash from the Brentwood community, the city of Jacksonville purchased the property on Golfair Boulevard for $1.8 million last November. Community members objected to the liquor store due to its proximity to Kipp Voice Academy, leading to several protests. The mayor’s office plans to release more details about the support center at a later date.
In addition to the support center, a new medical examiner’s office is under construction next door, which has also been met with resistance from community members. News4JAX is investigating if there are any changes to the medical examiner’s office plan in light of the new business center.