So what's your vision of what Jacksonville could be?

[KenFSU]

We are all here because we all have one thing in common: we want to see Jacksonville reach its fullest potential. What would it take to get there?

A new population that may actually want a change.

Or, more specifically, mass migration of the young and educated into Jacksonville.

For better or worse, I'm of the strong opinion that Jacksonville will never reach its full potential with our current population. 95% of the city is just too apathetic, set in their ways, and irreversibly brainwashed/damaged into thinking that we have the city we deserve and that this is the way that "the arm pit of Florida" will always be.

Having spent time in both cities, I truly believe the only real difference between Charlotte and Jacksonville is that Charlotte's citizens genuinely believe that their city is on the rise, and are open and willing to do (and pay) what it takes to reach that next level. Jacksonville has long since accepted and even embraced mediocrity. Most residents seem to want little change, and are willing to pay for even less (I still have no idea how the city approved BJP).

I've never seen a city quite like ours. The inferiority/loser complex (further fueled by local media) permeates absolutely everything. Instead of taking pride in our local strengths, we seek validation through shallow milestones like "Cheesecake Factory comes to town," "7/11 is back!" and "Taylor Swift plays at the Arena." Even our NFL franchise, I hate to say, is something we have kind of used to backdoor our way into national notoriety without having to do the actual groundwork as a city to become relevant.

I've only been here myself since 2003, so I don't know if the shame stems from the paper mill stench, or the national media raking Jacksonville over the coals when we got the Jaguars, or what, but I do know that said inferiority complex runs deep, and it is -- in my opinion -- the number one obstacle standing in our way as a city. It's like the girl who gets abused for so long that she truly believes she doesn't deserve better. I don't know how you heal the damaged psyche of an entire city, but I do know that if the population as a whole doesn't believe that Jacksonville is capable and deserving of making that leap, it will never, ever happen.

With Jacksonville's prime location and stunning natural resources, it's actually a minor miracle that Jacksonville hasn't -- purely by accident -- become a top 15 city in the United States. Mother nature has dealt us such an incredible hand that it must have taken some serious work to fuck this thing up so badly.

My number one suggestion:

Jacksonville needs an influx of college-educated young professionals, particularly of the creative class.  I know people hate the "young professional" label, but it's that 18-34 demo with no responsibility and money to blow that drives the bars, and the restaurants, and the coffee shops, and the music venues. Fresh sets of eyes who haven't been corrupted by having already done their 25-to-life in the 904.

We need people here who have never felt embarrassed to be Jacksonville residents.

People who don't see the Skyway and automatically think failure, if that makes sense.

People who see downtown as a beautiful place to live and work, not as a graveyard that died with the department stores.

50 years of history says that Jacksonville isn't capable of changing from the inside alone.

We need some outside help that can further identify our strengths, take a long hard look at our weaknesses, and do whatever it takes to drag the set-in-their-way locals along kicking and screaming for the ride, especially when it comes to downtown revitalization (something so historically vital, yet something the majority of the city seems to view as unnecessary, doomed, and a waste of taxpayer dollars).

[Anti redneck]

If I was Mayor Brown or the city council, I would say "to hell with what those people think". I know it's bad, but there needs to be an override. Show these people with the inferior mentality that things can happen. You know what I mean? I believe that's how you change the mentality of the residents. If they start fighting, fight back. It can be done.

[Anti redneck]

I'd like to see streetcar's, commuter trains, and light-rail, in addition to bus, BRT and the monorail.

Of more immediate importance I'd like us to have a pro active leadership with regards to our place on the national rail map. We literally straddle EVERY railroad line to enter the state. Even trains coming in from the Pensacola and the west, MUST roll through town to get down into Central Florida.

The US Secretary of Transportation as openly stated he wants Amtrak service between Atlanta and Jacksonville, a city of our size should be able to lobby enough to make that happen. Including the existing system our passenger train network could be easily expanded into:

JAX - NYC via Columbia
JAX - NYC via Charleston
JAX - NYC via Charlotte
JAX - CHICAGO via Birmingham and Memphis
JAX - MIAMI via Orlando
JAX - MIAMI via Daytona Beach
JAX - TAMPA via Orlando
JAX - TAMPA via Ocala (Tampa trains could split with a through section running on to Fort Myers)
JAX - NEW ORLEANS
JAX - Cincinnati via Valdosta and Atlanta (trains could split at Cincinnati for Chicago-Indainapolis/Toledo-Detroit/Columbus-Cleveland)

We've never had a better opportunity then with the new FECI announcements. Obviously Scott is now willing to play trains, so let's get him to fill our wish list too.

Ock, you should seriously consider JTA ED.

[Anti redneck]

And to be more clear on my last post, I mean respond to these people who say, "Oh, we don't want this!" not with a "Too bad, you're getting it anyway," but with a "Yes you do, you just don't know it yet". With a response like that, you're more able to open up their eyes.

[nomeus]

18 replies and not one mention of jacksonville's glaring homeless problem? sorry but, if you dont start there, you cant build a solid foundation of anything.

[Noone]

Nomeus, A homeless person participated in the March 17 cleanup of Hogans Creek and we kayaked together. His story was fascinating. He wasn't one of the slackers. Field took some pics.

My vision is that everyone has an opportunity to follow their dream and if the powers that be put in legislative obstacles that only benefit a few especially as it relates to Public Access and Economic opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative then they are also part of the problem.

How would you like to kayak under the TU? See for yourself the rookery of McCoys Creek? The Hyatt parking lot? Under the Plaza at Berkman? 

Lets reclaim access and fun.

[Garden guy]

Our city could be tops...but the conservative republican leaders have voted time and time again to lower taxes on everything...now theres no money for anyting..but that fact is part of the republican plan..defund anything public..I would  love a jax without the...XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Moderator Note: This bias and discrimination against certain elements of our population will not be tolerated, continued abuse may result in banning. OCK!

[blandman]

Some great ideas!  Anti Redneck:  love the mini-hotel and pedestrian bridge connecting downtown/Southbank.  A lot of you guys on here talk about kayaking.  I've never understood why Jax does not promote/invest in recreational & outdoors-y improvements.  The setting (river & beach) and weather is perfect.  If you want to attract the 18-34 young professional set invest in bike lanes, jogging trails, simpler/better transit options.  Doesn't seem that hard (or expensive) if you start with simple stuff like bike lanes.  I've been downtown, and though the interstate gets jammed, outside of a Sunday afternoon on gameday, the surface streets are not that busy.  If Philadelphia can take away downtown car lanes, I know Jax can.  If you made it easy and enjoyable to get from Riverside/Avondale/Murray Hill & San Marco to downtown via bike or on foot those neighborhoods would be much more attractive than they already are.  I know there are probably people that already bike downtown, but it's got to be easier for the novice (i.e., bike lanes, maybe separated).  Everyone doesn't bike, I know.  I'm an extreme amateur...literally use a hybrid bike to commute only.  But just seeing streets that have dedicated bike lanes or wide sidewalks makes me happy.  I can't be the only one.

I don't understand why Ock's Amtrak ideas don't move forward.  Is this something that could happen with or without Jacksonville political support?  It seems like it would, given Jax's strategic location in terms of rail lines.

[Ocklawaha]

I don't understand why Ock's Amtrak ideas don't move forward.  Is this something that could happen with or without Jacksonville political support?  It seems like it would, given Jax's strategic location in terms of rail lines.

Hey blandman, Virtually everything you see happening on the new FECI and SE Florida corridor was born in those communities, primarily Stuart, Florida, and their Treasure Coast Planning Council. Dr. Delaney, literally got the attention of Amtrak, Washington DC, and in quick succession Miami, Orlando, Governor Scott and ultimately over 100 towns, cities and community groups, coordinated them into a powerful movement. In fact the Secretary of Transportation has stated there has NEVER been a rail passenger route with this much support in history.

Certainly any one of the prospective train routes I outlined could come about from Washington DC., but with a decidedly anti-rail crowd running congress, don't expect it. Imagine how much more effective we would be if Dr Delaney like focus and support was generated from our planning councils. Jacksonville is a big dog.

This brings me to what it would mean to Jacksonville. First, we would have to move rail operations back downtown and create a terminal with sufficient yard trackage to handle all of the switching that would result. Such a terminal hub would be a microcosm of Atlanta or Chicago's airports. Hundreds of direct and likely a thousand or more spin off permanent jobs would be created downtown.

You've no doubt seen the trucks that run food out to the aircraft at the airport? Consider on a train, all of that food is prepared to order and cooked on board. A dining car commissary, linen services, waste management, fuel, lubricants, floral, farm market, gifts, cleaning services, car wash... etc... etc... Championing a real national level campaign would guarantee that we are the long-distance railroad hub of the southeast.

So my vision would be a dynamic activity center running 24/7 anchoring the west side of downtown.  We COULD make it happen.

Take this to city hall? 

CHIRP

CHIRP

[Adam W]

Some great ideas!  Anti Redneck:  love the mini-hotel and pedestrian bridge connecting downtown/Southbank.  A lot of you guys on here talk about kayaking.  I've never understood why Jax does not promote/invest in recreational & outdoors-y improvements.  The setting (river & beach) and weather is perfect.

I agree. Jax is, or should be, a sportsman's paradise. There are so many options, especially where water is concerned.

I've always thought a pedestrian bridge across the river, linking San Marco and Riverside would be a great idea. Assuming it is feasible. I think developing some sort of comprehensive bike path system linking Riverside (and Avondale) through downtown and onto the southbank makes sense, too.

[Ocklawaha]

Fuller Warren anyone? Where are the jogging and bike clubs?

When City Hall and FDOT tells you "IT CAN'T BE DONE", show them this image of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in D.C., oh, and guess what? Yeah! It's on I-95!

[Adam W]

Fuller Warren anyone? Where are the jogging and bike clubs?

When City Hall and FDOT tells you "IT CAN'T BE DONE", show them this image of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in D.C., oh, and guess what? Yeah! It's on I-95!

+1

[WmNussbaum]

For better or worse, I'm of the strong opinion that Jacksonville will never reach its full potential with our current population. 95% of the city is just too apathetic, set in their ways, and irreversibly brainwashed/damaged into thinking that we have the city we deserve and that this is the way that "the arm pit of Florida" will always be.

... Jacksonville has long since accepted and even embraced mediocrity. Most residents seem to want little change, and are willing to pay for even less (I still have no idea how the city approved BJP).

I've never seen a city quite like ours. The inferiority/loser complex (further fueled by local media) permeates absolutely everything. Instead of taking pride in our local strengths, we seek validation through shallow milestones like "Cheesecake Factory comes to town," "7/11 is back!" and "Taylor Swift plays at the Arena." Even our NFL franchise, I hate to say, is something we have kind of used to backdoor our way into national notoriety without having to do the actual groundwork as a city to become relevant.

Amen to all that. In the same vein see the lead editorial in today's T-U about the needs of our library system and even the fairly new main library. I am in total agreement that it says a lot about the city when you see a so much hoopla about a convenience chain coming back to town. Oh yeah, that'll improve the quality of life here - like there are not enough Gates, Kangaroos, Dailey's, etc.

I'm not sure I totally agree with our having an inferiority complex or that we embrace mediocrity. What I do believe is probably close: Jacksonville has too small a base of wealth or near-wealth for a city it's size. There is too big a base of lower middle class and lower class for us to be able to afford what would improve our quality of life - like a really good public school system. Because of that, yes, taxes cannot be raised because doing so would really hurt too many residents. Others might grumble but can and would pay up. I hasten to add that being in the lower middle class or less is not shameful and anyone who wants to and does do their job well - even if it's sweeping streets - is well entitled to a sense of pride.

Think about it. Where in town, other than on or near the river, is there a sizable enclave of wealth or near-wealth? Not in Arlington which is a huge area; not on the westside, another huge area; not on the north side.  The population on or near the river just isn't that large compared to the whole.

(Thinking about taxes led me to think about "save our homes," portability and other tax breaks. Who benefit from that the most? The wealthy who have lived in expensive homes for years but pay taxes based on values many years past. The Property Appraiser doesn't even add the allowable 3% a year very often. I'm sure my real estate taxes are close to what is paid by riverfront homeowners close by.)

But the question was what is our vision. Mine is "status quo" unless we improve the school system and begin attracting businesses that will bring in higher paid employees with interests beyond rock concerts, watching cars drive fast and make left-hand turns, and so on. But too many of the powers that be prefer to lay a free almost $300K on one of their own than to make better use of that kind of money - like buying, say, 50,000 new books or computers for the libraries, sprucing up a park, decent lighting downtown, and so on.

I would like to see this group focus on one think in our city to improve and become an advocate for it. Moderator, come up with a list and take votes.

[Ocklawaha]

Estimated median household income in 2009: $46,312 (it was $40,316 in 2000)
Jacksonville:   $46,312
Florida:   $44,736


Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Jacksonville-Florida.html#ixzz1q9G6zkGK

It would appear that a citizen of Jacksonville is actually somewhat richer then in most Florida cities.

So why do we have so many tiny cracker box homes? Maybe because of our weather, backyards seem to be filled with campers, fancy BBQ pits, pools, or boats on trailers. You wouldn't see these things in such abundance in Omaha.

[ben says]

Estimated median household income in 2009: $46,312 (it was $40,316 in 2000)
Jacksonville:   $46,312
Florida:   $44,736


Read more: http://www.city-data.com/city/Jacksonville-Florida.html#ixzz1q9G6zkGK

It would appear that a citizen of Jacksonville is actually somewhat richer then in most Florida cities.

So why do we have so many tiny cracker box homes? Maybe because of our weather, backyards seem to be filled with campers, fancy BBQ pits, pools, or boats on trailers. You wouldn't see these things in such abundance in Omaha.

I agree with your sentiment re: cracker box homes and backyards. Take my father for example. Without sounding like a complete snob/asshole, the man makes over 2-3x what the Jacksonville median household income in. But, if you drove by his house, you'd think the man was was living in a 1 bedroom/$700 a month shotgun house. His rationale: he'd rather a backyard, deck, BBQ, fire pit, etc, where he can enjoy the Florida weather and friends/family than have a big and pretentious home. I can't blame him. You see this sentiment a lot at the Beaches, and to a certain extent, in Avondale...