JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A rezoning plan for Jacksonville’s southside stirred significant controversy, attracting a large turnout at Tuesday’s city council session.

Recently, the owner of Apna Bazar, a market specializing in South Asian goods, withdrew plans to include a meat processing facility in the development.

Nevertheless, local residents were surprised to discover that the owner intends to proceed with other aspects of a more expansive project.

During the Tuesday night meeting, the city council listened to feedback from concerned residents, project supporters, and the owner’s legal representative.

Residents rallied in red shirts, with some reading “cant comply” and “stop industrializing my neighborhood,” insisting the project does not belong in their neighborhood.

For months, neighbors living on the Southside near Beach boulevard and Cortez street have been fighting against rezoning this property.

Community members expressed their concerns about traffic, neighborhood quality of life and animal welfare.

“This is a residential neighborhood, and it shouldn’t be changed,” said one resident.

In August, the owner of Apna Bazar introduced his project to expand his meat market on beach boulevard; to include a meat processing facility, storage, a warehouse and retail.

But  last week, he removed his request to have the meat processing facility.

A social media post from council president Kevin Carrico announcing this made residents think nothing would be built.

However, they have since learned the rest of the project could still move forward.

“I thought I was presenting a win to the community by saying the slaughterhouse is removed so I apologize if that caused any confusion,” said Kevin Carrico, Council President.

“If they were putting it in a rural area and they were trying to keep it away from the water supplies and not near a school then maybe I could understand the approach,” said Wesley Hucker, community member. 

“While I am pro-business this is an issue,” said another resident, “it can diminish our quality of life and decrease our property value.”

Despite many in opposition, there were supporters, like longtime customer Ameera Sayeed.

“I have been a customer of Apna Bazar for 22 years,” said Sayeed.

She said others in favor of the project have been afraid to speak out publicly..

“This is precisely why nobody from the community or customers have come because of safety concerns,” she said.

Cyndy Trimmer, the attorney representing Apna Bazar argued that the site is the best location for this project.

“This is an urban area,” said Trimmer, “There’s a mix of commercial, industrial, residential all up and down this corridor.”

A unanimous vote from Council sent this entire bill back to the land use and zoning committee, so Apna bazar can make some recommended changes to their application. 

Next week, the land use and zoning committee will discuss the changes recommended Tuesday night.

Once an amended referral is adopted, then this process will start over from the beginning. With hearings and public meetings, before the bill makes its way back to city council for a vote.