Council approves expanding entertainment distrcit !

[duvaldude08]

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2011-09-15

[Tacachale]

Awesome! About time.

[acme54321]

Good news, but they should have gone ahead and extended it to all of downtown.

[duvaldude08]

Good news, but they should have gone ahead and extended it to all of downtown.

Well they only approved what was proposed. Sooo......

[peestandingup]

"E-Town Zone" Ugh. Oh well, the important thing is the extension. Good news!

[Captain Zissou]

2 things.  First, the ordinance is custom fitted to serve only existing bars and restaurants.  Nothing new in a different part of downtown will benefit.  2nd, they excluded Laura street......??

[Charles Hunter]

2 things.  First, the ordinance is custom fitted to serve only existing bars and restaurants.  Nothing new in a different part of downtown will benefit. 

Are new establishments within the Zone allowed?  Or is it specifically to existing businesses?

2nd, they excluded Laura street......??

Could Laura - even south of Hemming Park - be too close to FBC?

Wait a few months, to prove it doesn't cause the End-Of-The-World, go back to Council and get the zone expanded.

[Captain Zissou]

2 things.  First, the ordinance is custom fitted to serve only existing bars and restaurants.  Nothing new in a different part of downtown will benefit. 

Are new establishments within the Zone allowed?  Or is it specifically to existing businesses?

2nd, they excluded Laura street......??

Could Laura - even south of Hemming Park - be too close to FBC?

Wait a few months, to prove it doesn't cause the End-Of-The-World, go back to Council and get the zone expanded.

I'm sure new venues would be able to have outdoor seating.  It is frustrating that this has to be such a stepwise process to get our city council to see what other cities think is a no brainer.  Maybe in 3 months they'll add another block, or relax the signage ordinance in E-town zone, but they're never going to do anything progressive or innovative without constant prodding from people like us..

[duvaldude08]

Now lets see how the proposal to change the last call for alcohol to 3 AM will go over. That will be the real test. lol

[jcjohnpaint]

Well having it in one area might force these types of businesses to cluster and actually create a lively district. 

[Kiva]

I agree that it is frustrating that this only applies to a small area. However, it is a step in the right direction, after years of no progress at all!