JTA making progress on transportation center

[thelakelander]

More reason for redesign.  I like what sounds to be a holistic approach to DT revitalization coming out of Alvin Brown's mouth:

Says the TU: Brown spokesman Abel Harding said there were too many questions over how much it would cost to build and maintain the transportation center, as well as uncertainty over how the structure would fit in with Brown's plan to revitalize the downtown.

It will be interesting to see what JTA comes up with.  Whatever it is, I think it is imperative that the plan be urban and pedestrian scale, as well as illustrate how potential TOD on surrounding properties would integrate with it.

[fsujax]

i dont care what they do with it. I just want Amtrak back Downtown. that doesnt require any land swap. I have never understood why Jacksonville will not follow the model set forth by Denver and the redevelopment of their historic Union Station.

[thelakelander]

That's a pretty good model to follow.  Such a model would also put Jax in better position to land things like TIGER grants when they come along.  Now is a great time to reconsider what's on the table.

[fsujax]

exactly. they had their act together. Buy in from everyone. right now we do not have JTA, COJ, FDOT, TPO, etc on the same page.

[wsansewjs]

I honestly want to KILL JTA as an agency. Completely ensured they would never exist again, then start with a new agency that can really FOCUS ON public transportation, not some friggin' highway, bridges, even sidewalk projects, like New York City's Metro.

-Josh

[jcjohnpaint]

The TU is reporting that Mayor Brown is opposed at this time to giving the additional 9 blocks to JTA for the transit center.

Says the TU: Brown spokesman Abel Harding said there were too many questions over how much it would cost to build and maintain the transportation center, as well as uncertainty over how the structure would fit in with Brown's plan to revitalize the downtown.

Harding said the mayor fears the transportation center could turn into a situation like the new Duval County courthouse, which was originally expected to cost $190 million and is now at $350 million.

If JTA can come up with a detailed plan for how the facility would work, Brown is willing to consider supporting it. But he needs a lot more information, Harding said.

More at the source: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400669/larry-hannan/2011-07-12/mayor-alvin-brown-opposes-transferring-more-land-jta

I agree and a real good start!

[Tacachale]

I'll be more confident about Brown's vision for downtown once we see how he does balancing the budget.

[duvaldude08]

I'll be more confident about Brown's vision for downtown once we see how he does balancing the budget.

I am sure anybody can do better than Peyton. Peyton way of balancing the budget was spend spend spend, oh and lets keep spending until were in the hole. Im confident he will do fine all the way around.

[Jaxson]

Well, for one thing, Mayor Brown has made good on his promise to seek public--private partnerships to carry out his agenda.

[Tacachale]

Oh, it could get so much worse than Peyton. Remember, we almost got Hogan.

I want Brown to succeed. But the budget is daunting, and he has to have it submitted by the 15th. I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic until then, with my sentiment taking a strong turn towards either caution or optimism depending on the result.

That will be a good gauge regarding his plans for the transport center and downtown in general.

[duvaldude08]

Oh, it could get so much worse than Peyton. Remember, we almost got Hogan.

I want Brown to succeed. But the budget is daunting, and he has to have it submitted by the 15th. I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic until then, with my sentiment taking a strong turn towards either caution or optimism depending on the result.

Well there are steep cuts that have to be made, and he is not Whodini.  So I will be grateful with whatever he can accomplish for THIS budget year. I dont think by any means he can get us out of a 60 million dollar hole in one swoop, but I think he will over time. We shall see...

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

The sad thing about his term and his budget is that he was elected on the premise of no new taxes.  The easiest way out of the hole is by increasing the millage rate.  Most wouldn't even know the difference with a few % change due to the property values plummeting. 

If they increased the tax base gradually, 1/2% - 1 1/2% per year, once things turned around and property values started rising again, it means everything around is getting better and we still wouldn't notice the extra tax burden.

Hell, after 4 years we might even have a surplus (god forbid).

[duvaldude08]

The sad thing about his term and his budget is that he was elected on the premise of no new taxes.  The easiest way out of the hole is by increasing the millage rate.  Most wouldn't even know the difference with a few % change due to the property values plummeting. 

If they increased the tax base gradually, 1/2% - 1 1/2% per year, once things turned around and property values started rising again, it means everything around is getting better and we still wouldn't notice the extra tax burden.

Hell, after 4 years we might even have a surplus (god forbid).

Well we(citizens) has screamed for him not to raise taxes so........

[Tacachale]

Duvaldude, he has exactly three days to come up with a balanced budget, so he doesn't have a lot of time.

Non-Redneck, I agree entirely on the tax revenues. But he, and we the electorate, made our own bed with that one.

[duvaldude08]

Duvaldude, he has exactly three days to come up with a balanced budget, so he doesn't have a lot of time.

Non-Redneck, I agree entirely on the tax revenues. But he, and we the electorate, made our own bed with that one.

Yeah I know, but hey. If its not what we want, cant cry over spilled milk. We sure didnt when Peyton screwed us for eight years. But We'll see what happens. I hope to hear good news.