Riverside Avondale Preservation celebrates the reopening of Lomax Street with Councilwoman Randy DeFoor and small businesses
Shannon Blankinship, Executive Director, RAP (904) 614-6570
Brooks Dame, Legislative Aid, Councilwoman Randy DeFoor’s Office (904) 673-3357
FIVE POINTS, JACKSONVILLE, FL, July 2, 2021 – Riverside Avondale Preservation is celebrating the reopening of a critical connection to Five Points today: Lomax Street. This major infrastructure project strengthens our community and the businesses helping our neighborhood to thrive. Now is the time to support the merchants that have been affected by construction amid the COVID crisis and show community support. Thank you to IBERIABANK First Horizon for investing in Five Points improvements that complement the major COJ infrastructure project.
In the last two weeks, crews with JEA and FDOT have completed paving and allowed parking and vehicle traffic to once again access Lomax Street. Three years after project conception and nearly 11 months of ongoing construction and parking obstacles, businesses are ready to welcome crowds.
The Lomax Street roadway project serves to create a more pedestrian-friendly experience for shoppers and patrons in Five Points. Sidewalks have been widened to accommodate outdoor dining and retail enhancements helping businesses along Lomax Street.
While the transportation work was being done, JEA worked to replace a failing sanitary sewer manhole and adjacent sewer lines that will help increase the reliability of the sewer system. Sewer back-ups are more than smelly. They cause environmental harm, roadway issues, and can hinder the success of nearby restaurants and businesses.
“I am committed to helping our small businesses succeed by improving our neighborhood. Walkability is a key feature of Riverside and this project will be transformative in helping Five Points to have outdoor dining and host outdoor events that bring people to Jacksonville” said Councilwoman Randy DeFoor.
First Fridays are back! First Friday is a social hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation that connects members, friends, and neighbors in the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods. Each event features a different small business host and is open to the community. All are welcome and encouraged to attend to unwind and learn more about the mission and upcoming events hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation.
After nearly a year’s hiatus we are back with a Block Party! The businesses of Lomax Street will be stepping outside onto the new sidewalk and inviting people to learn more about their food, goods, and services.
“For over a year people haven’t felt safe being together, meeting new people, or interacting in groups. This outdoor block party will bring back a RAP tradition that helps neighbors connect and supporting our merchants”, said Shannon Blankinship, Executive Director of Riverside Avondale Preservation.
While Lomax Street just got a major facelift, Five Points itself needed some attention as well. IBERIABANK First Horizon donated $10,000 towards the beautification and maintenance efforts in the Five Points area. This investment complimented the City of Jacksonville’s major infrastructure project on Lomax Street and funded power washing of the sidewalks from Post Street to Park Street, as well as light-landscaping. More landscaping throughout Five Points is planned for this fall, along with new trashcans, signage and repairs on the light poles.
“As part of our mission to improve the well-being of our neighbors and support organizations creating a more sustainable future for our communities, we are thrilled to support the efforts of Riverside Avondale Preservation in the beautification of our neighborhood,” said Abel Harding, North Florida Market President IBERIABANK First Horizon. “Living in Five Points, this project is close to home. I appreciate the hard work our city has put into improving infrastructure and accessibility for both its residents and local businesses.”
