Why Monroe Street Should Not be Rebuilt

[ronchamblin]

Okay Lake.  So I'm an idiot.  Thanks.  I forgot that Laura will be two way, and this will solve our problem.  First mistake I've ever made. 

[Charles Hunter]

The lead editorial in today's TU endorses the MetroJacksonville position, "Monroe Street: Two Urban Wrongs" and even cites Ennis Davis.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2011-02-20/story/monroe-street-two-urban-wrongs

[thelakelander]

Nice!!!

[fsujax]

I agree this is the way to go! shout out to Lake! for the article!

[tufsu1]

looks like the personal tour Mr. Clark was given of the courthouse area was helpful

[TheProfessor]

Any update on what's going on with the road decision???

[thelakelander]

Monroe Street: yes or no?

He said the distance from the north edge of the proposed Monroe Street to the steps of the new Courthouse is less than 45 feet and the distance to Adams Street is less than 75 feet.

“It’s a common-sense issue. There’s not enough geography to drop a road in there,” said Barton.

Board member Andy Sikes responded after Barton’s presentation.

“If we put Monroe Street back, we’ll create the worst urban design disaster in history,” he said.

“Trying to squeeze Monroe Street back into this plan would be diabolical,” said board member Tim Miller.

When asked if there is any opposition to eliminating Monroe Street from the site plan, Barton said there is and that architect Ted Pappas is the most vocal opponent.

At that point, the board directed Barton to invite Pappas to attend its next meeting to present his views.

Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2011-02-25

[dougskiles]

This should make for some great entertainment.  Do you think he will accept the invitation?

DDRB meets at 2 p.m. March 31 in the JEDC board room at 1 W. Adams St.

[Ajax]

I just saw this on the T-U website by Paul Pinkham:

Chief Circuit Judge Donald Moran and Mayor John Peyton are planning to meet in the morning with City Council members for a look-see at the new Duval County Courthouse and its proximity to Monroe Street.

The group will gather at the Ed Ball Building at 10:30 then proceed to the construction site. The purpose of the meeting, according to the mayor's office, is "to examine the proximity of Monroe Street to the courthouse facility."

Whether to close Monroe Street has been a hot topic of debate. The new courthouse blocks the current route, but some on the council want to wind it around the building.

Here's the link: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/422234/paul-pinkham/2011-03-23/chief-judge-mayor-and-council-examine-proximity-new

[cityimrov]

I don't mine Monroe Street being rebuilt long as they make the portion that runs through the courthouse unappealing to car traffic.  

I'm thinking brick roads which make your car bounce, must yield to pedestrians signs everywhere, and basically do everything they can to make that road a hassle to drive through should someone really want to.  

[tufsu1]

Here's an update from yesterday's walking tour

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-03-25/story/jacksonville-mayor-pushes-monroe-street-closure-citing-safety-issues

[thelakelander]

Any idea why no one has mentioned the price tag associated with building a street verses not building one.

[Buckethead!]

Someone has asphalt to sell?

"Automotive traffic, meet pedestrian... Pedestrian; Automotive."

*"Pleased to make your acquaintance."*

[thelakelander]

The Council's Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee will be meeting at 2pm on Monday to decide on if they approve of closing Monroe Street in favor of a public square (#2011-164).  Looking at the agenda, I also noticed they will be holding a public hearing on the Concurrency/Mobility Plan Temporary Moratorium (#2011-237) as well.  The public will be able to make comments regarding both of these issues.

The meeting will be held at:

Council Chamber
First Floor, City Hall
117 W. Duval Street

Here is a link to the agenda: http://citycirc.coj.net/coj/CurrentYear/ttee/91-MAY-02-2011.htm

[tufsu1]

I encourage folks to attend Monday's TEU meeting...if that's not possible, please send an e-mail or call your council members by tomorrow morning...specifically Bishiop and Corrigan.