Beachwood Civic Association

Foster Boys Home in Beachwood

Dec 08, 2005

Earlier this summer, Chrisma New Horizons Boys Homes, Inc. established a foster home at 11703 Starfish Avenue. This home was located at a property owned by Arnulfo Velasco, who serves as landlord and rents out several properties in the Beachwood subdivision. Chrisma is headed by Cyclyn Smith-Mobley, President and CEO. Her phone number is (904) 724-1381 and her email address is lin1mobley@aol.com. Chrisma does not have a known web site (no listings per www.google.com).

Chrisma?’s charter is to provide for state-funded housing and supervision for teenage boys, ages 12-17. They are admitted into the home by the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, when there is not a suitable family living alternative available to these kids. They must attend school while a resident in the home. Once the teens reach the age of 18 and/or graduate from high school, they can no longer live at the home. An adult supervisor must be on the property 24 hours a day, which means there are three shift changes every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday.

This home has been investigated through the offices of Richard Clark, City Councilman, District 3 (phone 630-1386); the Department of Children and Families; and the City of Jacksonville Zoning Enforcement Agency (Sandy Donahue, 630-4621). According to these checks, there are no zoning violations and the foster home is within code and up the State standards. Community residential homes are permitted in this zoning district. This means that up to six residents are permitted in one dwelling.
Some of the neighbors on Starfish have been concerned as to the future impact these types of homes may have on the neighborhood. Will they adversely affect property values; result in greater noise and higher crime? There are no statistics that point to this being the case with only one such home known to exist in Beachwood. In response to these concerns, Councilman Clark conferred with Mr. Velasco, who decided not to rent another property located at 11687 Starfish Avenue to Chrisma.

There have been several instances when police have been summoned to the home. And several cases of vandalism have been reported, although none are directly attributed to the foster home.
If you have any feelings or concerns on this subject, you are invited to share them with Councilman Clark or with Mr. Velasco (4248 Stratford Way; Jacksonville, FL 32225) and with other owners who may be planning to rent properties in the Beachwood subdivision.