Urban Construction Update: October 2010

[Metro Jacksonville]

Urban Construction Update: October 2010



A look at the status of various projects under construction in and around Downtown Jacksonville during the month of September.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-oct-urban-construction-update-october-2010

[Noone]

Great pics.
Urban Core Construction.
Urban Core Streetcar?
I'm just left with the empty feeling that so many of you have for better transportation and the Q&A with mayoral candidate Jim Bailey last night and seeing these pics my question to Lake and Ock is. Where is the streetcar going?
Did anyone see 60 minutes recently and the lost footage of a streetcar in San Francisco before the earthquake?
The point is that with the Prime Osborn being considered for a return to a rail transportation hub the thought of a streetcar line going from there and straight down Bay street all the way to the stadium. But now that straight shot will be altered with the statue Of Andrew Jackson sitting in the middle of a roundabout in front of the Landing.

Would the streetcar start east of the statue and thus take out the state roads that could complicate the permitting process?

What are the corridors or other areas that the streetcar would work. Its a city council and mayoral campaign issue and this is the time for the COJ to identify and also elect candidates that want this to happen. I know there are more threads on this issue. What does JTA say for best location?

[thelakelander]

Great pics.
Urban Core Construction.
Urban Core Streetcar?
I'm just left with the empty feeling that so many of you have for better transportation and the Q&A with mayoral candidate Jim Bailey last night and seeing these pics my question to Lake and Ock is. Where is the streetcar going?

The initial streetcar line will most likely run from Five Points to Downtown via Riverside Avenue/Forest St/Park St/Water Street/Newnan Street.  This corridor is included in COJ's 2030 Mobility Plan, North Florida TPOs 2035 LRTP and JTA's prefeasibility study.  The potential Mobility Plan/Fee even has things set up to distribute money its way for future funding.  To really get things going, what is really needs is a mayor to step up and be a cheerleader for it.

But now that straight shot will be altered with the statue Of Andrew Jackson sitting in the middle of a roundabout in front of the Landing.

Would the streetcar start east of the statue and thus take out the state roads that could complicate the permitting process?

That puney little Jackson statue won't stop anything.  Tracks can be put in right around it.  Now a lack a vision by city officials could certainly delay things.  The stars are being aligned to move such a project forward.  It would be a shame if we don't take advantage because of officials having a lack of knowledge towards fixed mass transit and its impact on economic development, job creation and downtown revitalization.

What are the corridors or other areas that the streetcar would work. Its a city council and mayoral campaign issue and this is the time for the COJ to identify and also elect candidates that want this to happen. I know there are more threads on this issue. What does JTA say for best location?

A plan is in place.  As I mentioned earlier, its now a part of the 2030 Mobility Plan and North Florida TPO's 2035 LRTP.  What we really need is our leaders to pick up those plans and start reading them.

[Noone]

Thanks for the explanation.

[vicupstate]

What is going into the 5th & LIberty building?

Is the 200 Riverside project just the hotel or is it the Law office building that has been proposed for eons too?

[thelakelander]

5th & Liberty is a residential loft conversion. 200 Riverside's first phase includes the office building and hotel.

[tufsu1]

another way to parttially fund the streetcar would be to use downtown TIF funds....apparently they have been running around $10 million a year, which has primarily been used for riverwalk and streetscape projects.

[thelakelander]

^That's a pretty good option.  As Philip Randolph Boulevard and Main Street has proven, Streetscapes can only get you so far when done alone.  It may be time to use such a resource, along with others, to get a true economic revitalization and stimulating project off the ground.

[Dapperdan]

What are they doing at Treaty Oak Park?

[JeffreyS]

another way to parttially fund the streetcar would be to use downtown TIF funds....apparently they have been running around $10 million a year, which has primarily been used for riverwalk and streetscape projects.

What dose TIF stand for?

[thelakelander]

Tax Increment Financing Fund

You can learn more about it by clicking on this link and scrolling down to page 141 (section 10.5.4).

http://www.coj.net/NR/rdonlyres/ecj5k7tvfi4vknrrzebqchtvky6nc3h4bmulm3v6sqoincv7wvvc3mz66sh2sjyjwqiofoqwj23ts6wvl2k6nunxy2g/TCEA+Implementation+Plan.pdf

[BridgeTroll]

Next month should include the expansion of Casbah in Avondale.

[Jason]

I'm always waiting impatiently for these updates!

Can't wait to see some serious movement on the 200 Riverside project.  Also, looks like the Wolfson's tower should start to go vertical soon.

[Captain Zissou]

This update was a bit more lively than the last few.  There was also a nice balance between all of the core neighborhoods.  The San Marco streetscape is taking forever.  I guarantee at least 3 people will hurt themselves while trying to climb AJ this weekend. 

Can't wait for Mojo's, Hurricanes, Pulp, and Friendship Fountain to be up and running.  Also, great news about the Casbah expansion, that's been in the works for about a year.

[TheProfessor]

Any update on what the city will do with the land in front of the new courthouse?  Are they taking out the curved road and putting in a park???