Any good news?

[Anti redneck]

Everytime I come on this site, I'm always hoping to find something about progress being made. I always hope to hear that the city has changed it's ways and will start doing things differently; things will be done to move forward. I know it's a long shot, but there's still that little hope that I have. But it's always the same old. If anything, it's just more bad news; whether it be another building demolished or whether it be something else that could actually bring vibrancy that the city says NO to. Mayor Brown has talked a lot on Downtown. Honestly, I wonder sometimes if he even has open ears to the public. I wonder if anything will even change during his term. Right now, I just don't see things getting better. I don't see Jacksonville becoming the city that all of us dream of it to be. We deserve to hear about progress being made. We deserve a better Jacksonville. It should be our time to see things be done. We want a city we can be proud of. Why do they want to keep that from us?

[duvaldude08]

Ya know buddy, Im not sure. I hope things change under this adminstration. I dont expect a complete turn around, but to be finally headed in the right direction. Our fight now is the idiots on the city council, not the mayor. Until we weed out these idiots, there wont be a complete turn around and I hate to say that. I was born and raised here and love my city dearly. I can only wish for the best. It does hurt to see how behind our downtown is. I mean really? I dont even go to public meetings. After reading the minutes from the Hemming plaza meeting, Ive been scared off. I am very passionate about this city. If I go to athose meetings, I will click on them and get put out. So I stay my ass on here and get the updates. LMAO I cant stand stupidity and plenty of it runs throughout this city.

PS. Did I say I was tipsy right now? 

[Timkin]

^^  Hope you are correct  Duval Dude.   Additionally, future administrations would have to be driven in the same direction.

I never want to say , It cannot get any worse.  I would no doubt be eating those words.


PS.... sleepy but not tipsy right now 

[Noone]

The good news is that Scott Wilson is noticing a meeting on the Shipyards/Landmar 680' Pier and he told me this on the phone yesterday afternoon about 3:30 12 hours ago. I'm wide awake and very shortly we will all know to tell the world

VISIT JACKSONVILLE
or
DON"T VISIT JACKSONVILLE

Any MJ'er especially anti-redpier (I'm kidding, little joke) give Scott a call 630-1377 and report back on this forum. You can ask for Don. Maybe you will actually speak with him and then report back on this forum with a statewide update if we will have access to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative. At the very least when will be the noticed meeting. Somebody else make a CALL. Please.

Don't sit on your hands having your own pity party. Participate in the legislative process. Definately want to hear from the Urban Core CPAC if anyone calls Scott and Don 630-1377 and ask when is the noticed meeting.

This is HUGE.

Also the good news is that free parking for city council members 2012-202 still pending active legislation will include an amendment to make it retroactive that the parking bennie will expand to all previous people who served on the city council and will extend to their heirs as well.

[Anti redneck]

Also the good news is that free parking for city council members 2012-202 still pending active legislation will include an amendment to make it retroactive that the parking bennie will expand to all previous people who served on the city council and will extend to their heirs as well.

How is this good?

[obie1]

"Also the good news is that free parking for city council members 2012-202 still pending active legislation will include an amendment to make it retroactive that the parking bennie will expand to all previous people who served on the city council and will extend to their heirs as well. "

Dude is this a real late April fools joke or what

[Timkin]

"Also the good news is that free parking for city council members 2012-202 still pending active legislation will include an amendment to make it retroactive that the parking bennie will expand to all previous people who served on the city council and will extend to their heirs as well. "

                                  This is good because........................................................?

[I-10east]

Any good news? No, because yall don't wanna hear any regardless.

Yall let the city's admin settle in a lil' before yall start rambling about complacent conservative politics. Alvin have not even been in there for a freaking year yet! The good news? Not to get too political, but how bout the recent TU positive approval ratings of the mayor, the sheriff, and even the Jags owner (BTW with both the resident democrats, and republicans)? How bout the million saved by cutting the new furniture in the 7th floor judges area of the new courthouse (they're getting the old furniture of the old courthouse)? How bout that new green company that came in town? There are some positive things in this city that goes unreported on MJ. Yall just like to unrealistically try to make Jax a two world city, the suburban world, and the urban world; IMO it's VERY silly to have the mindset of "anything that happens in the suburban world does not matter at all" because yall are in a very high minority in Jax that lives by that philosophy. In a recession laden era, new 50 story gleaming towers, and revitalized bustling DT parks don't grow overnight, these things take time; Right now this is a baby step approach you know the 'crawl before you walk' era because the COJ isn't exactly overflowing at the seams with money right now. Good news is what you make it to be, and if it isn't something significant to DT, yall totally turn a blind eye to it anyway.   

[Bill Hoff]

There's "good news" all around. In fact, from my perspective what's happening in Downtown and the surronding neighborhoods is mostly good news. All depends on how you look at it, I guess.

[Timkin]

Any good news? No, because yall don't wanna hear any regardless.

Yall let the city's admin settle in a lil' before yall start rambling about complacent conservative politics. Alvin have not even been in there for a freaking year yet! The good news? Not to get too political, but how bout the recent TU positive approval ratings of the mayor, the sheriff, and even the Jags owner (BTW with both the resident democrats, and republicans)? How bout the million saved by cutting the new furniture in the 7th floor judges area of the new courthouse (they're getting the old furniture of the old courthouse)? How bout that new green company that came in town? There are some positive things in this city that goes unreported on MJ. Yall just like to unrealistically try to make Jax a two world city, the suburban world, and the urban world; IMO it's VERY silly to have the mindset of "anything that happens in the suburban world does not matter at all" because yall are in a very high minority in Jax that lives by that philosophy. In a recession laden era, new 50 story gleaming towers, and revitalized bustling DT parks don't grow overnight, these things take time; Right now this is a baby step approach you know the 'crawl before you walk' era because the COJ isn't exactly overflowing at the seams with money right now. Good news is what you make it to be, and if it isn't something significant to DT, yall totally turn a blind eye to it anyway.   

"Yall"  does not turn a blind eye to everything.  Some of us "yall's"  grew up in this city and watched it go from thriving  (downtown)  to DEAD.  They saved a million by cutting out some new furniture expense in the Judges waiting area? Wonderful ( news to me ) .   They could have cut HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS by not building the stupid ugly Courthouse we did not need in the first place and investing that SIZEABLE amount into revitalizing our very hurting downtown.  Would have been far more wisely spent.  For a fraction they could have overhauled the existing building a floor at a time.

Please ...when you come on babbling about the miniscule changes that we do see, know that we appreciate any move forward.   So much STUPID mentality has been in motion for 5 decades costing probably billions of dollars, and what does our downtown have to show for it?

A few remaining buildings that are partially, at best , occupied.  Many modern buildings sitting empty, many historic buildings not only sitting empty but falling apart, a gung-ho mentality that these places must be destroyed .  A seemingly endless supply of money to bulldoze anything and everything ....but no money for anything else that would/could make sense,   A City Hall that represents one  restored  building in 40 years for it's own use, otherwise it too would probably have been bulldozed. ( You see we have practically nobody in downtown but WE NEED more empty lots and parking garages...this is a MUST ,  A new Federal Courthouse (Replacing Robert Meyer Hotel )  and that god awful monstrosity you are ranting about them saving 1 million on furniture on.. big deal ! WE the taxpayers will be paying for that building when the damn thing is torn down 100 years or less from now.   At this stage , that one Million could do about 100 useful projects around our downtown that would actually benefit people, but do you think that money will be applied to ANYTHING which could benefit us?  If I was a betting man , Id place this bet.  We see the changes.  Pointless creations such as our lovely new Courthouse , which not even open yet , is LEAKING.. do not benefit us at all.   Where you are correct , to an extent is , we have a fresh administration and even though I was among those that voted for them, I am not ready to say I think they are doing everything they COULD be doing .. perhaps they are and I just cannot see it yet.
For me, "Complacent Conservative Politics" was not even a factor.....The track record of the last 4 decades at least, plays a lot into my skepticism .  TU's mayoral approval rating of the Mayor and the Sheriff?  okay.. that and $4.00 will get you a cup of Starbucks coffee.   As to their approval rating of Mr Khan,  we do not need their approval rating , I believe most of us are glad and appreciative that Mr. Khan is in Jacksonville and we look forward to his contributions , for which I am sure  it goes without saying, will be stellar.

Your statement " Any good news? No , because yall don't want to hear any regardless"   is especially inaccurate.  WE ALL want and appreciate hearing good news.  We know downtown cannot and will not be transformed overnight.  We know one administration is not going to be capable of making all of the changes and choices we will need to make to make our downtown , viable again.

As the poster , Bill , stated  we see good news all around....and we are appreciative.

[Adam W]

Any good news? No, because yall don't wanna hear any regardless.

Yall let the city's admin settle in a lil' before yall start rambling about complacent conservative politics. Alvin have not even been in there for a freaking year yet! The good news? Not to get too political, but how bout the recent TU positive approval ratings of the mayor, the sheriff, and even the Jags owner (BTW with both the resident democrats, and republicans)? How bout the million saved by cutting the new furniture in the 7th floor judges area of the new courthouse (they're getting the old furniture of the old courthouse)? How bout that new green company that came in town? There are some positive things in this city that goes unreported on MJ. Yall just like to unrealistically try to make Jax a two world city, the suburban world, and the urban world; IMO it's VERY silly to have the mindset of "anything that happens in the suburban world does not matter at all" because yall are in a very high minority in Jax that lives by that philosophy. In a recession laden era, new 50 story gleaming towers, and revitalized bustling DT parks don't grow overnight, these things take time; Right now this is a baby step approach you know the 'crawl before you walk' era because the COJ isn't exactly overflowing at the seams with money right now. Good news is what you make it to be, and if it isn't something significant to DT, yall totally turn a blind eye to it anyway.   

"Yall"  does not turn a blind eye to everything.  Some of us "yall's"  grew up in this city and watched it go from thriving  (downtown)  to DEAD.  They saved a million by cutting out some new furniture expense in the Judges waiting area? Wonderful ( news to me ) .   They could have cut HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS by not building the stupid ugly Courthouse we did not need in the first place and investing that SIZEABLE amount into revitalizing our very hurting downtown.  Would have been far more wisely spent.  For a fraction they could have overhauled the existing building a floor at a time.

Please ...when you come on babbling about the miniscule changes that we do see, know that we appreciate any move forward.   So much STUPID mentality has been in motion for 5 decades costing probably billions of dollars, and what does our downtown have to show for it?

A few remaining buildings that are partially, at best , occupied.  Many modern buildings sitting empty, many historic buildings not only sitting empty but falling apart, a gung-ho mentality that these places must be destroyed .  A seemingly endless supply of money to bulldoze anything and everything ....but no money for anything else that would/could make sense,   A City Hall that represents one  restored  building in 40 years for it's own use, otherwise it too would probably have been bulldozed. ( You see we have practically nobody in downtown but WE NEED more empty lots and parking garages...this is a MUST ,  A new Federal Courthouse (Replacing Robert Meyer Hotel )  and that god awful monstrosity you are ranting about them saving 1 million on furniture on.. big deal ! WE the taxpayers will be paying for that building when the damn thing is torn down 100 years or less from now.   At this stage , that one Million could do about 100 useful projects around our downtown that would actually benefit people, but do you think that money will be applied to ANYTHING which could benefit us?  If I was a betting man , Id place this bet.  We see the changes.  Pointless creations such as our lovely new Courthouse , which not even open yet , is LEAKING.. do not benefit us at all.   Where you are correct , to an extent is , we have a fresh administration and even though I was among those that voted for them, I am not ready to say I think they are doing everything they COULD be doing .. perhaps they are and I just cannot see it yet.
For me, "Complacent Conservative Politics" was not even a factor.....The track record of the last 4 decades at least, plays a lot into my skepticism .  TU's mayoral approval rating of the Mayor and the Sheriff?  okay.. that and $4.00 will get you a cup of Starbucks coffee.   As to their approval rating of Mr Khan,  we do not need their approval rating , I believe most of us are glad and appreciative that Mr. Khan is in Jacksonville and we look forward to his contributions , for which I am sure  it goes without saying, will be stellar.

Your statement " Any good news? No , because yall don't want to hear any regardless"   is especially inaccurate.  WE ALL want and appreciate hearing good news.  We know downtown cannot and will not be transformed overnight.  We know one administration is not going to be capable of making all of the changes and choices we will need to make to make our downtown , viable again.

As the poster , Bill , stated  we see good news all around....and we are appreciative.

I moved to Jax in 1979 at the age of 7. In the very early 80s, we would go downtown and shop at Sears, May Cohen's and (I think) JC Penny. They were on their last legs. I've seen Downtown dwindle and die. I honestly didn't believe it could get any worse than it was when I was in College in the 90s. I honestly think things have gotten worse since getting a football team (aside from the new stadium, baseball park and arena... those and the surrounding areas are an improvement).

I am hopeful things will change and I see some real appetite for it. I think people seem to be having conversations they should've had a long time ago. But it's hard to be positive when people talk, but the city fathers don't do anything.

I come back home once a year and get the advantage of seeing the city in annual snapshots. The recession really hurt Jacksonville. Downtown Jacksonville looks like a ghost town full of empty lots and homeless people. It's really sad.

I think a lot of other cities would kill for some of the things we have (one being an amazing river running through the center of town). We have potential, but in large part it seems like wasted potential to me.

I love Jacksonville, but part of that love is being able to admit its failings and love it nevertheless.

[jerry cornwell]

Underbellys is opening a downtown rock club scheduled for Memorial day, at the old ivy bar. Theres several rock format clubs
downtown now. Culturally, between Riverside, Springfield, and Downtown, Jax is as hot as ever.
Renowned artist Jeff Whipple and his girlfriend Liz Gibson have opened Metacusp studios with live performances, and serious good events geared for May. Theyre located on roselle street in CoRK arts district. For some good news, lets check out Jeffs facebook and give him a like for support!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MetaCusp-Studios/293485430724198

[duvaldude08]

Any good news? No, because yall don't wanna hear any regardless.

Yall let the city's admin settle in a lil' before yall start rambling about complacent conservative politics. Alvin have not even been in there for a freaking year yet! The good news? Not to get too political, but how bout the recent TU positive approval ratings of the mayor, the sheriff, and even the Jags owner (BTW with both the resident democrats, and republicans)? How bout the million saved by cutting the new furniture in the 7th floor judges area of the new courthouse (they're getting the old furniture of the old courthouse)? How bout that new green company that came in town? There are some positive things in this city that goes unreported on MJ. Yall just like to unrealistically try to make Jax a two world city, the suburban world, and the urban world; IMO it's VERY silly to have the mindset of "anything that happens in the suburban world does not matter at all" because yall are in a very high minority in Jax that lives by that philosophy. In a recession laden era, new 50 story gleaming towers, and revitalized bustling DT parks don't grow overnight, these things take time; Right now this is a baby step approach you know the 'crawl before you walk' era because the COJ isn't exactly overflowing at the seams with money right now. Good news is what you make it to be, and if it isn't something significant to DT, yall totally turn a blind eye to it anyway.   

"Yall"  does not turn a blind eye to everything.  Some of us "yall's"  grew up in this city and watched it go from thriving  (downtown)  to DEAD.  They saved a million by cutting out some new furniture expense in the Judges waiting area? Wonderful ( news to me ) .   They could have cut HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS by not building the stupid ugly Courthouse we did not need in the first place and investing that SIZEABLE amount into revitalizing our very hurting downtown.  Would have been far more wisely spent.  For a fraction they could have overhauled the existing building a floor at a time.

Please ...when you come on babbling about the miniscule changes that we do see, know that we appreciate any move forward.   So much STUPID mentality has been in motion for 5 decades costing probably billions of dollars, and what does our downtown have to show for it?

A few remaining buildings that are partially, at best , occupied.  Many modern buildings sitting empty, many historic buildings not only sitting empty but falling apart, a gung-ho mentality that these places must be destroyed .  A seemingly endless supply of money to bulldoze anything and everything ....but no money for anything else that would/could make sense,   A City Hall that represents one  restored  building in 40 years for it's own use, otherwise it too would probably have been bulldozed. ( You see we have practically nobody in downtown but WE NEED more empty lots and parking garages...this is a MUST ,  A new Federal Courthouse (Replacing Robert Meyer Hotel )  and that god awful monstrosity you are ranting about them saving 1 million on furniture on.. big deal ! WE the taxpayers will be paying for that building when the damn thing is torn down 100 years or less from now.   At this stage , that one Million could do about 100 useful projects around our downtown that would actually benefit people, but do you think that money will be applied to ANYTHING which could benefit us?  If I was a betting man , Id place this bet.  We see the changes.  Pointless creations such as our lovely new Courthouse , which not even open yet , is LEAKING.. do not benefit us at all.   Where you are correct , to an extent is , we have a fresh administration and even though I was among those that voted for them, I am not ready to say I think they are doing everything they COULD be doing .. perhaps they are and I just cannot see it yet.
For me, "Complacent Conservative Politics" was not even a factor.....The track record of the last 4 decades at least, plays a lot into my skepticism .  TU's mayoral approval rating of the Mayor and the Sheriff?  okay.. that and $4.00 will get you a cup of Starbucks coffee.   As to their approval rating of Mr Khan,  we do not need their approval rating , I believe most of us are glad and appreciative that Mr. Khan is in Jacksonville and we look forward to his contributions , for which I am sure  it goes without saying, will be stellar.

Your statement " Any good news? No , because yall don't want to hear any regardless"   is especially inaccurate.  WE ALL want and appreciate hearing good news.  We know downtown cannot and will not be transformed overnight.  We know one administration is not going to be capable of making all of the changes and choices we will need to make to make our downtown , viable again.

As the poster , Bill , stated  we see good news all around....and we are appreciative.

I moved to Jax in 1979 at the age of 7. In the very early 80s, we would go downtown and shop at Sears, May Cohen's and (I think) JC Penny. They were on their last legs. I've seen Downtown dwindle and die. I honestly didn't believe it could get any worse than it was when I was in College in the 90s. I honestly think things have gotten worse since getting a football team (aside from the new stadium, baseball park and arena... those and the surrounding areas are an improvement).

I am hopeful things will change and I see some real appetite for it. I think people seem to be having conversations they should've had a long time ago. But it's hard to be positive when people talk, but the city fathers don't do anything.

I come back home once a year and get the advantage of seeing the city in annual snapshots. The recession really hurt Jacksonville. Downtown Jacksonville looks like a ghost town full of empty lots and homeless people. It's really sad.

I think a lot of other cities would kill for some of the things we have (one being an amazing river running through the center of town). We have potential, but in large part it seems like wasted potential to me.

I love Jacksonville, but part of that love is being able to admit its failings and love it nevertheless.

Jacksonville was actually doing extremely well when we got the Jaguars. The mid 90's- 2000's it really seemed like we were getting somewhere. After Delaneys tenure in office, everything stalled under peyton. He did ZERO for downtown but I say this much, the demolition craze was at least haulted during Peyton's tenure for the most part. Downtown is a mixed bag now. There are some really good things happening, ( Brooklyn park, Everbank and other smaller business moving downtown, a night life that is exploding at the seams, etc) Then there is the bad (Hemming Plaza circus, etc etc.)

[mtraininjax]

a night life that is exploding at the seams

Really? Besides the Irish bar at the Landing and 1904, what new scene is exploding off the map in downtown? Has the population grown for downtown living? Are there now 3,000 people living downtown? Anything larger than the Landing in terms of an area to hang out and enjoy a string of clubs and bars? Anyone take Mark's space yet?

Not that I am slamming on your statement, but I drive through on Adams and Forsyth every day and I don't see the resurrection of downtown night life. But please point it out to me. Poppy Loves Smoke closing as well, does not help.

Brooklyn, have they put a shovel in the ground yet? What new small businesses moving downtown? Anyone take the Chew space on Adams yet? It was nice that The Jacksonville Bank was able to get a tenant on their ground floor, but what else is really earth shattering?

[mtraininjax]

The good news? Not to get too political, but how bout the recent TU positive approval ratings of the mayor, the sheriff, and even the Jags owner (BTW with both the resident democrats, and republicans)?

Rah Rah Sis boom bam, give 'em hell Alvin, is the new warchant from West Duval Street these days. Its great to be a cheerleader, but he has put a LOT of faith in people back at City Hall who have had no prior mayoral experience. Time will tell if he makes the right decision, but cheerleading is NOT the same as Leading the city. He's already caught flack for his lack of detail in expenses in visiting other cities, anyone seen him go somewhere new lately, outside of town?

How bout the million saved by cutting the new furniture in the 7th floor judges area of the new courthouse (they're getting the old furniture of the old courthouse)?

Great, 1 million out of 350-400 million, in a budget of close to 1 billion. Great to see them saving money somewhere. What else can we cut and save in the city? Why stop here? Cut out Corey's bridge, don't cave to the judges with new requests, cause I am sure they are coming.

Right now this is a baby step approach you know the 'crawl before you walk' era because the COJ isn't exactly overflowing at the seams with money right now.

How much of an impact can the new DDA make in 3 years, the remaining term of Brown? He has to really light a fire under his good news crew so that he will have street cred ready to take him to a 2nd term. He really has not done anything under this last year, he moved a company from the suburbs to downtown, and shows up at every photo op, but really, is the city better off almost 1 year off, directly attributed to Brown? This all about Brown, is our great city better off almost 1 year later? Not are we moving in that direction or its a process, are we or are we not? I say we are status quo, and no better than we were in 2011.