Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, joined by City Council member Matt Carlucci, signed bill 2020-0024 Wednesday, which will offer property tax rebates an effort to supplement the renovation of Valencia Way, among other local housing properties.
The signing took place at City Hall and offered the rebates to Millennia Properties, which owns Valencia Way as well as Florida properties Calloway Cove, Palmetto Glen and the Weldon apartment communities.
Valencia Way, formerly known as Eureka Gardens has been plagued with several issues over the years, with electricity, water and other utilities being cut off for extended periods of time. Recent renovations also resulted in residents being forced to use portable showers and bathrooms.
City of Jacksonville Council Member Garrett Dennis released the following statement:
"After years of working with multiple owners, the residents, and organizations supporting the residents of Valencia Way (formerly Eureka Gardens), I want to thank the new ownership group for their commitment to the residents and to the City of Jacksonville. The Millennia Companies said they would provide the basic human living conditions my District 9 constituents deserved and they backed up their commitment with action. This week, my colleagues joined me in supporting legislation to reduce ad valorem taxes for the property owners and, with active involvement of the new owners and the positive feedback of the residents, I was proud to support the legislation as a stronger sign of partnership with Millennia Companies.
I also want to thank the tenants’ association for their tireless efforts to hold the ownership groups accountable and represent the entire Valencia Way community.
Most importantly, I commend the Valencia Way residents for their patience through the improvement process. They have lived through years of inhumane living conditions and poor management, years of repeated gas leaks, weeks of no hot water during the renovations, and the disruption of the improvement process.
As the Millennia Companies knows, I will continue to hold them accountable to the basic needs of my constituents and I thank them for their continued efforts to providing safe and decent housing."
RELATED: Jacksonville apartment residents describe conditions as 'third world' at Valencia Way apartments
RELATED: Families forced to use portable showers, bathrooms in apartment parking lot at former Eureka Gardens