PROTECT MANDARIN ROAD — IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

PROTECT MANDARIN ROAD — IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS

For everyone following our effort to protect Mandarin Road, I want to make you aware of two upcoming Scenic Jacksonville events where Mandarin’s scenic character, preservation and future will be discussed.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 — TROLLEY TOUR

9:30–11:00 AM

The trolley will travel along Mandarin Road, Orange Picker Road and Brady Road, as well as other parts of Mandarin.

Scenic Jacksonville describes Mandarin Road as “one of Jacksonville’s last remaining scenic corridors” and recognizes the importance of its live-oak canopy to Mandarin’s character.

Importantly, this is more than a sightseeing tour. Scenic Jacksonville says the trolley program will include:

“The Future — a group discussion en route through Beauclerc and Scott Mill on the scenic character and challenges of the corridor, and why things like signage compliance, tree canopy, landscaping ordinance, and public spaces are important for neighborhoods.”

Notice the reference to “signage compliance.”

Look at what has already happened at Loretto Road and Mandarin Road. Multiple bright lime-green pedestrian signs now stand along this beautiful, tree-canopied area. In my view, they are completely out of character with the historic and scenic appearance of Mandarin Road.

And there is a larger point: these pedestrian signs would not be necessary here if sidewalks were not being added where we believe they do not belong.

Mandarin Road was not designed as a pedestrian corridor. Adding sidewalks can bring additional pedestrian infrastructure and signage with them—changing the appearance and character of a road designated for its scenic and historic qualities.

Why transform a scenic road into a pedestrian corridor and then add more infrastructure to accommodate that transformation?

Preserve Mandarin Road as Mandarin Road.

If you are able, attend the October 24 trolley tour and join the discussion. See the corridor firsthand, listen to what is being discussed and respectfully make your views about protecting Mandarin’s scenic character known.

Trolley information and tickets:
https://www.scenicjax.org/scenic-visions-mandarin/

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 — “CONVERSATIONS AMONG THE OAKS”

6:00 PM — Mandarin Community Club

Scenic Jacksonville will also hold a panel discussion about Mandarin’s past, present and future, including historic preservation, environmental advocacy, development, planning and community engagement.

Please attend this discussion as well if you can. Listen, ask questions and participate in the conversation about what preservation should mean for Mandarin.

Panel information and tickets:
https://www.scenicjax.org/scenic-visions-mandarin/

More than 4,650 people have signed our petition opposing the proposed Mandarin Road sidewalk. Those voices matter.

Please stay informed. Please participate. Please continue making your voices heard.

Preservation should mean preservation.

PROTECT MANDARIN ROAD.