Jacksonville’s City Council will review a proposed $200,000 budget to enhance Five Points’ safety and upkeep, aiming to boost area businesses.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A push to make big improvements in Jacksonville’s Five Points neighborhood is moving forward. Last year, City Council created the Business Improvement District there after hearing complaints over graffiti, landscaping and safety. Next week, a proposed $200,000 budget for the improvement district will go before the council.

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The money would come from Councilman Jimmy Peluso’s District 7 share of the Community Benefits Agreement tied to the EverBank Stadium renovation. City Council must approve the allocation before the money can be distributed.

Of the proposed budget, $100,000 would go toward security, lighting and neighborhood ambassadors. Potential uses include substance abuse street intervention teams and outreach workers who could assist visitors and connect people experiencing homelessness with available resources.

Ahmiyah Speight, who has worked at a Five Points streetwear store, APB, for a little over a year, said additional investment in safety would be welcome.

“We had a break-in a few years ago, so it would be nice to have some more safety measures,” Speight said.

Another $60,000 would fund landscaping, street sweeping and irrigation. Speight said she has noticed areas that could benefit from additional maintenance.

She also identified graffiti as an ongoing concern.

“I see it all the time; it’s on the poles. It would be nice to be cleaned up for sure,” Speight said.

The Five Points Merchants Association has worked to improve the neighborhood since its revival in August 2023. However, voluntary contributions have made it difficult to maintain improvements such as signage, waste receptacles and landscaping. The BID was established to provide a more reliable funding source.

The proposed budget includes $30,000 for administration, legal services and website creation, along with $10,000 for marketing and promotional campaigns.

Community member Michelle Claudio said improvements could help keep people coming to Five Points to support local businesses.

“I think it would be great, because I think Five Points is an area a lot of people like to come and support local businesses, and I feel like local businesses leave because of the homelessness or the crime,” Claudio said.

City Council’s decision next week will determine whether the proposed funding can move forward