It is Time to Dissolve or Restructure DVI

[stephendare]

I believe it is high time that The Downtown Vision Incorporated either be replaced or restructured.

The reasons are abundant and obvious to any who have followed this process over the past two years.

Facts like the complete failure to install wayfaring signage and proper lighting despite guaranteeing their installation throughout the downtown nearly two years ago,  Actively sabotaging attempts on the parts of the merchants and residents of downtown to reform the obsolete and destructive parking policies, Attempting to squelch and silence the very same residents and merchants on the issue of increased security and out of control vagrants, and failing to take initiative on the rerouting of traffic patterns during special events and church hours that have strangled downtown during such times.

While the Artwalk and the Ambassador Programs are worthwhile endeavors and should be maintained, the actual results produced by DVI do not justify the money and weight they are given for governing downtown affairs.

Terri Lorrince is a very nice woman, and should be retained by the city in some capacity, it would be a shame to lose someone of such obvious charm and intelligence, but many feel that DVI is simply unable to deliver on any of its basic functions as noted above, perhaps due to an overactive mission to control all the politics and dialogue of the alleged end users.

And this is not to say that Downtown doesnt need an organization looking after its affairs, merely that DVI has not risen to the challenge.

The B.I.D is a voluntary tax self imposed by the landowners of the affected area, but DVI obtains a portion of its funding from the Council as well.  The Downtown "Stakeholders" are certainly welcome to do whatever they please with the money allocated by themselves from themselves for themselves, but it is time that the city examined its own role in funding the organization.

[gatorback]

I agree 120% with you stephendare...how can i help?

[thelakelander]

I don't think they need to be dissovled, but the priorities definately need to be reevaluated.  I find it hard to believe that something as simple as wayfaring signage can't be easily funded and installed in a short amount of time if it were a real priority.  I also think we need some entity that should be able to go out and aggressively recruit businesses to the downtown core.  Right now we don't have anybody but DVI seems like the logical entity to run with this. 

[gatorback]

Nope.  Be gone with the DVI.  I've just not heard any good DVI has done for Jacksonville other then the occasional flower bed perhaps and a few "ambassadors?"  I think the ambassadors are in with parking  control and that's how DVI is funded. 

[vicupstate]

I don't think they need to be dissolved, but the priorities definately need to be reevaluated.  I find it hard to believe that something as simple as wayfaring signage can't be easily funded and installed in a short amount of time if it were a real priority.  I also think we need some entity that should be able to go out and aggressively recruit businesses to the downtown core.  Right now we don't have anybody but DVI seems like the logical entity to run with this. 

I agree.  I think the problem is that due to the funding situation, DVI can't follow the direction of the merchant/resident stakeholders, but instead must be an 'arm' of the city government.  Needless to say, DT is not a priority with the city. 

[gatorback]

Because no vision is still vision. What is DVI's long-term goal or vision.  Vision Statement.  Oh I guess this is it?

Also established in 2000 was Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI), a not-for-profit organization designed to bolster the downtown community and promote it as an ideal venue for business and tourism. Its initiatives include programs to make the downtown area clean and safe, to market the area through television programs, radio spots, and publications, to tackle transportation and parking issues, and retain and attract business. In 2003 DVI launched a Downtown Image campaign that included a new logo and tagline: Downtown Jacksonvilleâ€"Not Your Ordinary Neighborhood.

Let's see where do they get their funding.  Oh that's from the Better Jacksonville Plan approved by voters in 2000.  So, there's somebody giving DVI money to operate.  Bet $50 there's strings attached.  Why wouldn't there be.  Anybody want to guess what the strings are?  Cut cost, streamline comes to mind.  Look at the list of directors.  They've had years of experience in cutting cost and streamlining for the betterment of the shareholders.  And the shareholders here are?  The people who fund DVI?  The tax payers.

Letting DVI be responsible for the promotion of downtown is a recipe for disaster.  DVI isn't working for downtown Jacksonville.  Downtown Jacksonville should be working for downtown Jacksonville and I don't see that happening since most downtown jacksonville is a church with no interest in supporting downtown and surface level parking for the people that zip in and zip out monday thru friday.

[JeffreyS]

DVI should respond. If you are an organization dedicated to bolstering downtown your reading this site.

[gatorback]

DVI should respond. If you are an organization dedicated to bolstering downtown your reading this site.

They won’t respond.  The probably have a "process" in place to respond regarding issues like this.  They'd have to have a meeting then formulate a response, review it then pass it to their attorneys for their approval then up to the board for a proper sign off.  And this "process" is also preventing them from getting any work done which is part of the problem with organizations like DVI.

[Lunican]

What will guarantee DVI will be better the second time around?

Also, if you kill DVI the city may not want to fund the new DVI. Then you're left with a bunch of people with no money. We already have that.

[gatorback]

Good point Lunican.  We already got a bunch of people with no money thanks to DVI.  We also have talented people with no money that could get things done if DVI wasn't in the way.

[Lunican]

DVI should definitely have a list of available properties for businesses interested in leasing space downtown. Maybe they have this already, I don't know.

Here is a list of their current projects and activities:
http://downtownjacksonville.org/content/?page_id=49

[second_pancake]

I agree with lakelander and lunican.  Don't give the city anymore reason to pull out of developing downtown.  Doing away with DVI would definitely do that, but something has to be done.  I'm all for the restructure.

[gatorback]

Change their funding.  If you yank their budget they'll listen.  Have their budget based on growth not shrinkage.

[gatorback]

They have no vision statement stephen.  Yes, they have a mission interpreted:  make the core city so freaking miserable by managing the cost of maintaining downtown.

I got their vision statement:   Become the best marionette puppets in the entire world!

[thelakelander]

Regarding the Downtown Information

Lunican, Im glad you provided the link.
It kind of proves my point.
Here is a list, point by point of what DVI claims are its programs and achievements.

Its a sad list.

Downtown Ambassadors
Ready to give directions, answer questions, provide assistance, or walk you to your destination, the Downtown Ambassadors are Jacksonville’s Downtown hospitality and information team.  Easily identified in their bright orange shirts and recognizable pith helmets, the Ambassadors are available to assist you seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
One of the two actual success stories of DVI

Downtown Information & Safety Network
At the request of Downtown property owners and building managers, DVI has developed the Downtown Information & Safety Network to more effectively keep our stakeholders informed about downtown issues.  The network is managed through timely email updates about street and bridge closures, building evacuations, safety concerns, construction projects, special events, and emergencies impacting the Downtown area.  Currently subscribed to by over 300 Downtown businesses, the Downtown Information & Safety Network has kept stakeholders informed about over 520 high-impact items.
like?

I'm on this email list.  Here's an example of what I recieved today:

DVI Meeting Reminders


Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming Downtown meetings:

Downtown Retail Meeting
Date: Monday, January 7, 2008
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Ed Ball Building (214 N. Hogan St.)
Room: First Floor Training Room (located next to the escalators at the Adams St. entrance)
Topic: To discuss ways to cross-promote Downtown businesses and opportunities to participate in other special events Downtown

Downtown Operations Meeting
Date: January 9, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Main Library
Room: Multi-purpose Room 1
Topic: To discuss issues of concern to Downtown stakeholders, including cleanliness, safety and parking

Downtown Stakeholder Meeting with U.S. Postal Service
Date: January 14, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: City Hall at St. James (117 W. Duval St.)
Room: Renaissance Room, 1st floor
Topic: To discuss Downtown business concerns about mail pickup and delivery

Downtown Stakeholder Meeting with Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC)
Date: February 27
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Ed Ball Building (214 N. Hogan St.)
Room: First Floor Training Room (located next to the escalators at the Adams St. entrance)
Topic: Overview of the JEDC Downtown Action Plan Speaker: Ron Barton, Executive Director, JEDC

If you are interested in attending any of these meetings, please RSVP to our Finance & HR Director, Debbie Gierke, at (904) 634-0303 x 221 or reply to this email.

Marketing Initiatives

Downtown Image Campaign
Downtown Jacksonville is the center of arts, culture, sports and business for the Northeast Florida area, and marketing our attributes is a top priority for Downtown Vision.  In February 2003, DVI launched a Downtown image and branding campaign, complete with a new logo and tagline for the region’s only urban area.
2003?   holy ancient history batman.

What's the status of this campaign?  This campaign is something that should have included wayfaring signage as a form of image enhancements and branding.

Downtown Now
This program, produced by DVI and WJCT, highlights the best of Downtown and is aired on Comcast several times a month, as well as being available in on the in-room channel in Jacksonville hotels.
isnt this defunct??

The money set aside for this rarely seen show should go into a pot towards business recruitment.

Downtown Guide
DVI produces an updated Downtown Guide twice a year, which lists all accommodations, services, restaurants and entertainment options in Downtown for the Northbank and Southbank.  The guide includes a map, parking information and transit options, as well.
this is a lie

Is this a brochure?  If so, it should be made available in downtown hotels, skyway stations, businesses, cultural destinations, restaurants and the CVB's visitor's kiosks.

Parking & Transportation Initiatives

Transportation Management Organization (TMO)
The TMO’s services are free of charge, and include offering Park n’ Ride solutions for Downtown employers, as well as providing an overview of alternative parking solutions, available commuter programs and tax benefits for using transit options.  In 2003, the TMO arranged for peripheral parking for over 1,300 employees.
what part did DVI have in this, and in my humble opinion, considering the kill and destroy state of parking enforcement in 2003-2004, DVI should be distancing itself as hard as possible from this nightmare

Park Smart
This new parking initiative eases the hassles of parking in the urban core at lunchtime and for events.  Over 30 Downtown parking lots and garages, identified by new Park Smart signage, are offering discounted rates for parking during specific times.  Click here for more information on Park Smart.
park smart signage?  this is a pure fabrication.

Implementing 2001 Parking Task Force Recommendations
Recommendations range from increased parking enforcement and expired meter fines to working with the City, DDA and JTA in determining the most effective management structure for our public parking resources. Integration of transit systems and new parking lot landscaping requirements are also included in the report.
um....yeah...see the entry below.

Improving Public Parking Options
DVI recently completed a report on interim steps needed to improve Downtown parking.  Estimate the City (taxpayers) would enjoy a net gain of $250,000/year minimum, and up to $750,000/year with no additional cost or policy changes by applying basic management and cash control procedures outlined in the report.
Um seriously....is this the corrupt little 'report' prepared by the guy running the parking garages downtown that resulted in draconian increases in parking enforcement in an order to force all parkers to use his facilities....nice one.....

Still waiting for someone to put up decent public parking signage.  It can't be that difficult to put up a "P" sign on public parking garages.

Increasing Use of Mass Transit
DVI is working with JTA and GSA to establish Federal funded subsidy program that will allow over 2,000 Federal employees to utilize ASE and other transit options, thereby freeing up core parking spaces.  Program has been formally approved by IRS and FDOT, start up is scheduled for June 1.
this program is run by Princess Sparklepony, and was instituted in the year 20??....wtf?!?!?....

Downtown directories (a form of wayfaring signage) on the sidewalks would help encourage the use of mass transit by showing pedestrians how mass transit would connect them to various destinations in the core.

Beautification Initiatives

Vining Initiatives
In an ongoing demonstration program, DVI has worked closely with Greenscape to plant vines on the Water Street garage and the back of the AmSouth building.  Other buildings are being examined as possible additions to the program.
are you freaking serious?

There's nothing more beautiful in a downtown then occupied storefronts.  Plants are nice, but lets identify some funding for business recruitment, small business loans and facade grants.

Main Street Bridge Exit Improvements
Downtown Vision commissioned a landscape architect to recommend improvements for the area around the Main Street Bridge exit on the Southbank.  Legislation has been submitted requesting $225,000 to fund these improvements.  Work may not begin until after the Super Bowl.
how old is this list of DVI 'programs'?

Has any work been put into securing some money to fix the fountain's pumps?  A working fountain would do the area more justice than additional palm trees.  Also, what about public/private partnerships with the downtown business community?  In several of our peer cities, their public spaces are partially funded by local corporations who have pride in their community.

Place-making
DVI has submitted offers to work with an architect on new landscaping and place-making plans for Treaty Oak Park and Friendship Fountain to make them more pedestrian friendly and to enliven the Southbank.
on offer to work with an architect?  this is a 'program"?

These spaces will only be lively if there are businesses/residences or cultural attractions opening up to them.  I would not say this is a program, but if an architect is involved, hopefully they are putting more effort in studying how the surroundings impact the park.  On DVI's end, they could be the entity that visits these neighbors and works with them to develop their buildings in a fashion that encourages connectivity with their surroundings.

Downtown Development Map
Distributed to investors and other interested parties, this map contains up-to-date information on Downtown’s several development projects.
bullshit.   the merchants have been trying to get one together for at least a year. an up to date one does not exist.

This has been on their website for quite sometime now.  What's really needed is a database giving perspective downtown residents and business owners a list of available properties, their square footages and lease rates and a point of contact for further information.

One Stop Shop
DVI has focused on becoming a one-stop shop for Downtown information, for everything from events and developments to demographic information and parking rates.  Most information is available on DVI’s website; however, special packages of information have been created specifically for those looking to invest in Downtown.
how exactly?  especially when the website referred to obviously hasnt been updated since 2004 (see entry below)

This is what DVI should strive to achieve.  Right now, maybe because of funding, its not there yet.

The Downtown Experience

First Wednesday Art Walk
This program is an ongoing partnership between Downtown Vision and several cultural and business locations to create a monthly art show in various Downtown venues, including venues on the Northbank and Southbank.
already stated as a worthwhile program

Hemming Plaza City Market
With a primary location adjacent in Hemming Plaza, this market features the best fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and more, and attracts over 700 visitors weekly.
decent program...is it still going?

Maybe this should be switched to Saturday?  People are already there on the weekdays.  Downtown needs something to pull in visitors during times when office hours are closed.  This is why many of us wanted DVI and the JEDC to push for the relocation of the Beaver Street farmer's market to downtown last year.  They pull in their large crowds on the weekends, during the same time period where downtown resembles a seen from "I am Legend".

Business Retention & Growth

New Business Welcome Packages and Visitation
DVI has begun a new business retention program, with a focus on welcome letters and packages for new businesses and a regular visitation program.  While focused on the BID, the program also extends to Riverside Avenue and LaVilla businesses.

a welcome letter?  this is a 'program"?

Downtown Investors' Prospectus
DVI, with the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) and Cornerstone, has published a Downtown Investor's Prospectus.

how much participation did DVI have in this 'prospectus' ?
State of the Downtown Report
DVI has recently completed the 2004 State of Downtown report.

seriously....2004?

how exactly do these three programs contribute to business retention and growth??

Priorities need to be shifted here.  Business recruitment should be added as well.  Someone should be on staff with the sole purpose of recruiting and catering to the downtown business owners.

I still favor restructuring DVI, as opposed to eliminating them outright.