Like many other cities in the United States, Jacksonville, Florida is no stranger to budgetary struggles. Recently, the proposed sale of some of the town’s property to a motorcycle group, however, has raised the question of just how desperate the municipality is when it comes to doing what needs to be done to keep city services running.

The city is in desperate need, for example, to repair its watershed dam. Still, one former councilwoman is devoted to keeping Jacksonville from becoming what she calls a “center for motorcycle activities.”

Other residents are opposed to the sale, not because it is a sale to a motorcycle group but rather because the town is selling the land at all. These folks see the land as an asset that can’t be given up.

Back in November, a town hall meeting was held to discuss the issue. Another is planned for February. A group opposed to the sale of the property, known as the Watershed Stakeholders, is protesting the move.

The group wanting to buy the parcel of land is the Motorcycle Riders Association. MRA already owns land adjoining  the parcel of land on both sides.

Another possible solution is to swap that parcel of land for another parcel in the upper watershed area that is owned by the MRA. That parcel has been developed for parking, and is right next to the 880 acres of the Forest Park, owned by the city.

The MRA has, to this point, been flexible with the various proposals. They’re looking for ground to ride. They’ve had their eye on the watershed land for some time, and the city’s need for money was a good opportunity to put forth their proposal.

Several of the opponents of the sale have met with one Jacksonville councilman. They hope to be able to come up with a plan that can have a broad support base, including support from the MRA. The hope is that the parties involved will be able to find a balance between the MRA and the city that will allow the city to meet its state and insurance obligations in regard to the dam.

Still, one former councilwoman is vocally opposed to the move. She’s concerned that motorcycles would bring pollution and noise into the city, and that the city’s primary objective should be to keep itself from becoming a center of motorcycle activity.

Photo via Capture Queen