JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new proposal calling for the creation of a special district in Riverside’s 5 Points neighborhood could get the green light next week and bring major changes to the area.
Known for its hip, eclectic, and laid-back vibe, 5 Points is a beloved neighborhood in Jacksonville’s Riverside area, but it has gone through a lot of changes over the last few years, with longtime businesses moving out, new ones coming in, and a noticeable change in crime.
Recently, several stores were hit by a string of break-ins, costing owners thousands in damages.
RELATED: 5 Points businesses on high alert after string of recent break ins; JSO investigating
Now, a proposal up for a city council vote would create a special business district that could bring more structure and security to the popular area -- at the expense of property owners.
The bill, proposed by City Councilmember Jimmy Peluso and approved last week by the Finance Committee, is expected to be up for a vote before the full Council on Tuesday, and Peluso said he’s optimistic he will get the Council’s support.
Peluso’s bill proposes the establishment of a “5 Points Dependent special district,” which would be a Business Improvement District overseen by a board of five members and three alternates.
It would charge commercial property owners a fee based on their property size and parking area, affecting more than 100 businesses.
That money would go toward improving landscaping, adding security staff separate from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and promoting 5 Points to attract more visitors.
Peluso previously said the proposal is the result of two years of discussions with neighbors and business owners.
Peluso was unavailable for comment on Friday, but he told News4JAX news partner the Jacksonville Daily Record that he believes the fees would start out at 20 cents to 25 cents per square foot, but could go up over time.
If approved, the fees would start in November 2026 to help fund upgrades designed to keep 5 Points safe and growing stronger for years to come.
“I’m very supportive of this ordinance. I think it’s the best solution for the merchants, the landowners, the neighbors, the community in Jacksonville, it’s a win-win,” said Cheryl Croft, owner of Edge City.
She added that the fees would be less than what she currently pays to advertise.
Bark on Park manager McKayla Pittman said the idea of added security is appealing.
“I’m definitely interested to learn more about it. I think improved security in the area is definitely not a bad idea,” Pittman said. “I’d like to see the cost breakdown and see exactly what that’s going to look like in 5 Points before we say yes.”
But not everyone is in favor of the change. Of 94 owners in the area, 11 are on record against the proposal, saying it will lead to the loss of small businesses in the area.
But according to what Peluso told the Daily Record, the goal is to keep revenue local and ensure that money collected stays in 5 Points, improving the look and safety of a neighborhood that continues to evolve.