JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A proposal calling for the creation of a special district in Riverside’s 5 Points neighborhood is moving forward with the City Council after it was approved this week by the Finance Committee.
Known for its hip, eclectic, and laid-back vibe, 5 Points is a beloved neighborhood in Jacksonville’s Riverside area.
A bill, proposed by Councilman Jimmy Peluso, would create a special district for the area, meant to address community concerns and foster growth. It will have its third reading before the City Council during its next meeting on Tuesday.
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Peluso’s bill proposes the establishment of a “5 Points Dependent special district,” which would be overseen by a board of five members and three alternates.
The district’s primary goals include improving safety and enhancing the area’s appeal.
Peluso said the proposal is the result of two years of discussions with neighbors and business owners. The special district would assess properties.
“They’re going to come to City Hall for their first budget, make sure that it’s within the proper framework,” Peluso said. “There’s going to be different guidelines on what they can and can’t assess. We’re going to have assessments only on commercial properties, and then a few of the parking lots as well.”
The councilman said the dollars that are generated would then go toward things, including landscaping, banners, marketing, and safety.
Peluso said he’s had business owners tell him they’ve dealt with security issues over the years, and having these things in place would make a big difference.
“We need to make sure that we have a presence at all times,” Peluso stated. “It’s really going to start setting us apart as a commercial district, and really get people to say, ‘Oh, wow, I can go to 5 Points any time of the day and it’ll feel safe.’ That’s exactly what we want.”
If approved, the special district would begin assessing properties in November 2026.
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