A.G. Gancarski
Former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown has received flak of late for his role in facilitating the finance deal behind Eureka Garden Apartments. On Thursday afternoon, Brown released a statement detailing his position, citing his commitment to disadvantaged communities, and urging Global Ministries Foundation to handle their business.
“What’s surfaced in recent weeks in the Eureka Garden community has been very disheartening, and I urge management to take whatever steps necessary to protect the safety and well-being of residents. My thoughts and prayers are with the families,” Brown said.
He continued:
During my time in office, it was a privilege to meet with residents in communities such as Eureka Garden and Washington Heights to learn more about the issues, concerns and challenges that had gone ignored for far too long. Through these discussions grew larger strategy to create lasting change, such as the Urban Parks Initiative to help keep young people off the streets and Community Empowerment Days to bring vital services directly to areas in need.
For much of my life, and especially within the past four years, I have worked tirelessly with faith-based organizations, the nonprofit community and local businesses to leverage our scarce resources to invest in low-income communities and a strong education system that will create systemic change in years to come.
When this agreement was created in 2012, it was privy to a formal process including a public hearing and the advice of city staff and attorneys. No objections regarding this project were ever brought to my attention. I encourage Global Ministries Foundation to finish the job it told this community it would do.
