RAP Hosts District 14 Candidate Forum

[Kay]

Wouldn't it be interesting if the push for Consolidation (dating back to the 1920's.....) had not ocurred,and the "City" of "Jacksonville" evolved within tighter city limits?

I think about this often and wonder the same thing.  The problem I have with it is how it has affected us politically.  The strong political influence from the outer areas has made it very difficult for the inner areas to have equal representation.  The spoke pattern of the council districts makes this even worse.

I believe consolidation has not been all that for our older neighborhoods.  We have one district council person and need 10 votes.  It is tough.  And I think all of the money goes to new development because we all know it doesn't pay for itself.  There is little if any investment in older neighborhoods.  The Town Center initiative did target older neighborhoods and Riverside Avondale benefitted from four projects worth probably less than $2 million.  Doug, San Marco always seems to get quite a bit of investment, i.e. the current $12 million (is that the right number) San Marco Blvd. project.  Ditto Hendricks Ave.  How do you guys do it?

[thelakelander]

In the meantime, $40 million overpasses (not even including the road expansion costs) are no problem for burbs.  Nevertheless, I don't know if we can hold consolidation responsible for this.  Places like Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Columbus, Louisville, Nashville and Indianapolis are consolidated or cover a large amount of territory and still have found a way to have vibrant cores.  So the true issue must be deeper than city/county consolidation at face value.

[Kay]

In the meantime, $40 million overpasses (not even including the road expansion costs) are no problem for burbs.  Nevertheless, I don't know if we can hold consolidation responsible for this.  Places like Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Columbus, Louisville, Nashville and Indianapolis are consolidated or cover a large amount of territory and still have found a way to have vibrant cores.  So the true issue must be deeper than city/county consolidation at face value.

That the few who control the city are real estate developers and road builders?  That the belief among those in power is that we must have new development to survive?

[cline]

In the meantime, $40 million overpasses (not even including the road expansion costs) are no problem for burbs.  Nevertheless, I don't know if we can hold consolidation responsible for this.  Places like Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Columbus, Louisville, Nashville and Indianapolis are consolidated or cover a large amount of territory and still have found a way to have vibrant cores.  So the true issue must be deeper than city/county consolidation at face value.

That the few who control the city are real estate developers and road builders?  That the belief among those in power is that we must have new development to survive?

That's pretty much the mentality of the leaders of the state of Florida, not just Jax.  It will only get worse with our new govenor.  It is not sustainable and the sooner those in power realize this, the better.

[dougskiles]

I was talking to a large residential developer recently.  I was trying to explain to him that development patterns are changing, and that generations behind us aren't as keen on living so far away as the older generations have been.  They aren't as fascinated with long commutes and don't want to contribute to the environmental impact of that lifestyle.  He looked at me incredulously and chuckled, "well wait until they start having kids".  Then he told me they haven't sold anything in a long time.

So, what I'm wondering is - how long will it take for the market to correct this issue for us?  Or will we continue to force a bad growth plan until the city collapses on itself?

[mtraininjax]

What the hell does Riverside/Avondale have in common with the argyle forest sprawl?

Well for one thing, not a single TV station knows where the Westside of Jacksonville is located so everything in District 14 is considered "Westside".

[north miami]

I attended the RAP candidate forum.The candidate hailing from Argyle is,according to my own discernment,of a decidedly different outlook than those long oriented, engaged and living within the RAP area.
The Argyle candidate in fact at one time lived in the RAP area.

On the Fishweir Creek(s) restoration question every response was as shallow as a Fishweir sediment puddle.

Since obviously nobody knows much about Fishweir current events and such a task should not rest on a single citizen's shoulders I have asked the Florida Times Union to update their coverage.

I overheard one of the candidates at the RAP Forum was escorted by armed security.

Thank you RAP for this fine event.

[grimss]

/\ Wish I could have made it. How many people were there?

[grimss]

Well, I will certainly have to pass the compliments on to Kay and Carmen (not to mention Chrissy, who really is wonderful). For some reason, my son's soccer coach refused to respect the weather and insisted on having soccer practice tonight during the time I'd allocated to the forum. Glad to hear it was a good turnout.

[Kay]

/\ Wish I could have made it. How many people were there?

Cummer had 175 chairs set up and I'm told most were occupied.  I was sitting in the front of the room so didn't have a good look.  I was pleased with the turnout. 

[urbaknight]

Okay, so who were the good guys and who should we avoid voting for? I couldn't make it either. I wasn't going to stand in the rain and wait for a bus. However, I regret that choice big time.