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Westside Residents Oppose Road Closure

POSTED: Monday, September 22, 2008
UPDATED: 12:09 am EDT September 23, 2008

A proposed road closure that would force some Westside drivers to travel right by an apartment complex that's known for violent crime has some Westside residents speaking out.

On Tuesday, the Jacksonville City Council is scheduled to debate a proposed bill to close part of Woodcrest Road, between Labelle Street and Cassat Avenue, forcing a detour that would bring drivers right by the Eureka Gardens Apartments Complex.

Slayings and shootings and other violent crimes have become frighteningly frequent at the Westside apartment complex. Police said the latest shooting at Eureka Gardens happened a day ago.

Residents in the surrounding area said a sign that reads, "Notice, permanent closing of this right of way is being considered," was the first indication they may soon see some changes that would bring them closer to the complex.

An ordinance is in front of the City Council that if passed would permanently close a portion of Woodcrest Road.

"They don't need to close our road. There's no way they should get away with closing that," said Lynn Nettles.

"I don't think any of our roads should close off. I think our roads should be left open just like they are," said Randy Nettles.

The Nettles are brother and sister. They've lived on the Westside for more than 50 years, and they said if Woodcrest Road closes down, it would force them to either drive out of their way to get to Cassat Avenue or drive closer to Eureka Gardens Apartment complex.

"I don't want to go any closer to that apartment complex than I have to. Eureka Gardens -- everyone knows it's a hot bed of crime on this side of town," said Lynn Nettles.

Currently, people who live in the Nettles' neighborhood take Labelle Street to Woodcrest Road and turn right to get onto Cassat Avenue; but if the city closes Woodcrest Road, neighbors said they would have to go farther down Labelle Street to turn. That would take them closer to Eureka Gardens.

However, residents aren't the only ones who could be affected by the road closure. Westside Toyota is located on the corner on Woodcrest Road and Cassat Avenue. The business owners want the road closure because they said it would make coming in and out of their dealership safer for not only their customers, but also their employees.

A public hearing on the issue will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday in front of the full City Council at City Hall, where both sides will be heard.

"I do fear for my safety. There's not doubt about it. I'm not the only one," Lynn Nettles said.
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