Recently, even Cracker Barrel realized that an unnecessary rebrand was alienating its community. They listened, reversed course, and saved their brand. The lesson is simple: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

This wisdom applies directly to the proposed Mandarin Road sidewalk extension. JTA continues to claim that “the people wanted this,” but that is a total mischaracterization . In the 2016 meeting, the majority of Mandarin residents  opposed the sidewalk . And most recently, at the May 14, 2025 Mandarin Community Club meeting, the overwhelming majority once again voiced clear opposition. Stop distorting the will of the community JTA !!! In addition JTA refused to answer questions directly to the people who took their time to join the meeting . 

The cherished Mandarin Community Club has now gone on record as unanimously opposed to the sidewalk from Red Cypress to Walter Jones. Over 2,300 petition signers have said the same thing: NO.

Mandarin residents understand that this extension will damage the character of our scenic, historic corridor. We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and we’ve been saying so for nearly a decade.

JTA, City Council — the message is clear: STOP trying to “fix” what isn’t broken. Respect the will of the community and end this project now.