Questions for mayoral candidates on growth management, environment

[AbelH]

I'm one of the panelists for tomorrow's mayoral forum on growth management and the environment and I would welcome input from MetroJacksonville members. Post your suggestions here or feel free to e-mail me at abel.harding@jacksonville.com.

The debate will air live on WJCT-TV at 8 p.m.

[JeffreyS]

You can ask Mr. Hogan if he feels it is important for candidates to be properly vetted and answer questions openly for the public. (sorry couldn't resist)

Do they think significant progress can be made downtown in their first term?

[Noone]

Abel,
Thank you for reaching out. Growth management and the environment.

1. Will a 501-c label automatically carry the qualification certificate to participate in economic opportunity on taxpayer subsidised property more then a non 501-c?

For example. The new floating dock at RAM. Will it only be allowed to be accessed when this 501-c is opened. If you don't know the answer that is OK.

So then the question becomes should the Promised 680'Downtown Public Pier that was promised as part of the failed Shipyards/Landmar project be used in a growth management piece of a puzzle that would allow it to grow and thrive outside the control of a 501-c and specialized created zone?

[thelakelander]

Here are my questions:

1. How will the candidates utilize the mobility plan and fee to stimulate economic development?

2. What does each candidate believe is the best short term solutions (achievable goals within the first two years of office) for creating vibrancy in the downtown core?

3. What are the candidate's general ideas on mass transit, its impact on sustainable economic development growth and what do they believe, should be done to improve Jacksonville's network during the next four years?

[letters and numbers]

oh man theres got to be a question about the mobility plan because its the only hope to curb sprawl I think you know!

[tufsu1]

Here are my two:

1. How do crime and education relate to growth management...how can we improve our inner core neighborhoods such that they can compete with the suburbs?

2. How can we tie these communities together through transportation?

[wsansewjs]

Abel, thank you so much for coming out and ask us. Everyone has proved really good questions, so I will post one interesting question...

Would you support a third party source such as architecture students from Savannah College of Art and Design to design a development concept for the Downtown Piers?


Best regards,
-Josh

[fsujax]

1. To create a more sustainable, vibrant Downtown one has to think of the core as a neighborhood. Riverside, San Marco and Springfield need to be connected to Downtown as well as to each other. How would you go about making this happen?
2. How would you go about attracting and retaining employers in Downtown?

[Dashing Dan]

Riverside Avondale is a Great Neighborhood.  Downtown is not.  Given that the same city leaders and laws have controlled both places over the years, what accounts for the difference?

[urbaknight]

Would you be willing to fire all of JTA management and replace them with young, competent and forward thinking people?

Are you in favor of killing the BRT plan and replacing it with streetcar and/or LRT?

Will you work hard to move the convention center and return Amtrack service to the Downtown station?

[fieldafm]

Here are my questions:

1. How will the candidates utilize the mobility plan and fee to stimulate economic development?

2. What does each candidate believe is the best short term solutions (achievable goals within the first two years of office) for creating vibrancy in the downtown core?

3. What are the candidate's general ideas on mass transit, its impact on sustainable economic development growth and what do they believe, should be done to improve Jacksonville's network during the next four years?

Here are my two:

1. How do crime and education relate to growth management...how can we improve our inner core neighborhoods such that they can compete with the suburbs?

2. How can we tie these communities together through transportation?

Great questions.  The Mobility Plan is quite simply a city planner's dream and as such should be integrated into the public discussion.  I also like the short term solution question.  There are simple, effective and inexpensive solutions out there.. let's see who has grasped these concepts... those that don't, simply don't have the experience or vision to lead this city.

And has said time and time again, connecting the urban neighborhoods to the core is paramount.  They were disconnected by manmade reasons, they need to be reconnected by manmade means.

Education is quite simply the biggest long term solution to establishing a sustainable community, both economically and from a quality of life perspective.

Abel, I really hope you integrate these questions someway!

[north miami]

Excellent effort Abel-

Forum Question:

Do you support the continued existence of State Growth Management oversight by Department of Community Affairs?
(ABEL-Please note candidates will likely respond with reference to local/regional efforts-basically self regulation-be ready to focus on the elements of State/DCA role and specific plus and minus-as perceived)

[urbaknight]

What do you think should be done with Berkman II?

Is it to just sit there for another four years?

Will it be torn down? Will it ever be finished?

How about the empty buildings that are in disrepair in LaVilla?

Why have they not yet been converted into apartments?

Don't you think fixing up these buildings would be a positive step forward for the area?

[lowlyplanner]

What changes if any does Jacksonville need to make to the way it approaches development, redevelopment, and the build environment?

Do you intend to keep current Planning Director Bill Killingsworth?  Replace him with someone local?  Or replace him with someone through a national search?

What lessons do you take from the consequences of the housing boom and bust?

[AbelH]

Thanks, everyone! Appreciate the feedback.