Holland's plan to move elections office from Gateway could be a winner

[thelakelander]

At this point, I'm not in favor of the selected downtown site.  I wonder if thought is being given into how this plays into the larger vision of what downtown should be and how to best utilize our publicly owned land.  While I agree that a consolidated downtown location makes sense, shouldn't this be closer to the heart of the core instead of State Street and I-95?  Are there any existing vacant buildings that could be renovated for their use?  Furchgott's, old JEA Tower, old Monticello Drug Company, etc?  Should this new location be within immediate walking distance of the skyway, JRTC or Rosa Parks for better transit access? 

Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland has an idea to save taxpayer money that is gaining traction with some City Council members.

His office’s operations at Gateway Shopping Center are housed in a building that council members Bill Gulliford and Stephen Joost say is in deplorable condition.

Elevators don’t work. The air-conditioning system is screwy. There have been problems with rats.

Gulliford, who serves on the election canvassing board, said during a Finance Committee meeting this week that visitors to the building had better bring a jacket because the temperature is always 65 degrees.

Joost said he wouldn’t let his Firehouse Subs employees work in such conditions and city employees shouldn’t have to either.

Holland’s proposal is to build a new building in the downtown area that would consolidate the operations now at Gateway and at his Monroe Street office.

full article: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400601/ron-littlepage/2012-08-24/hollands-plan-move-elections-office-gateway-could-be

[dougskiles]

You beat me to it...

I'm reading this story about a new building downtown and can't help but think of all the empty ones.  If time is of the essence to beat the 2014 election rush, wouldn't it be far better to renovate a portion of the existing building stock downtown?  And what would be wrong with leasing space from a private building owner?

How much space do they need?

[jaxlore]

Grrr really again!?!?! He has court house fever. He wants to build another high school like building on the cheap just so he can have a new throne.

[CityLife]

I wonder what study the mayor is waiting on...IBM? Or is the other one happening too?

Hopefully in the future the DIA can take care of these things.

[Tacachale]

This is Union Street, right, not State? I don't know why they're not talking about rehabbing an existing building, but if they're wanting something with enough parking for visitors (ie voters), I'd rather it be away from the core of downtown than right in the middle. Enough empty lots already there.

Also, saving a bunch of money and getting city workers to a central location rather than that awful building at Gateway is a good thing, so props to Holland on that.

[fsujax]

well, it's better than the homeless camp that is there today. That stretch of Union St is terrible. I drive it everyday and it amazes me to see people literally camping on those vacant lots.

[jaxlore]

my letter his response:

Dear Mr. Holland

I am writing to express my dismay about your interest to build a new State Building. I am asking you to please consider the reuse of one of the many empty building downtown.

Right now the historic Bostwick Building is in danger of being torn down because of a delinquent owner, who would rather have an empty lot then put in some work to shore up the building. The historic value of our city is in great despair with parking and empty lots out numbering the foot print of buildings.

Please consider the use of an empty historic building downtown. This will not only save the state money, but will also add to the historic fabric of Jacksonville’s future.

Sincerely
Michael Virzera



Michael
I would welcome an existing building.  I need 65,000 square feet, with 2 loading docks 150 parking spaces, one story, on the city’s bus route.   I have looked but would welcome looking at any site you are aware of.  I did have the city’s real estate division also review all city own properties.  I will say as mentioned the site we are looking forward is city owned property.  Also, you called it a State Building, it would actually be a City Building.
Sincerely,
Jerry Holland

[fsujax]

wow. at least he responded to you.

[jaxlore]

yeah anybody got an suggestions, I am by know means and expert on the available buildings downtown.

[Tacachale]

Wow, what a pleasant response. Let's get cracking on finding existing buildings with those specifications.

I wonder if he/they would consider renting space in a parking garage if the building was otherwise suitable. Also it seems unusual he'd need it to be one story, as I don't think the Gateway site is.

[ben says]

Looking for a building that fits those specs as we speak

[duvaldude08]

well, it's better than the homeless camp that is there today. That stretch of Union St is terrible. I drive it everyday and it amazes me to see people literally camping on those vacant lots.

Aint that the truth. I think that is by far the worse spot in downtown. It kills me also. But with the homeless shelter almost right across the street, Im not surprised

[tufsu1]

I wonder what study the mayor is waiting on...IBM? Or is the other one happening too?

Hopefully in the future the DIA can take care of these things.

there will be a stretegic plan for downtown advertised soon...coinciding with the creation of the DIA

[Debbie Thompson]

I thought Jerry Holland was considering the EH Thompson Building.  Also near State, plenty of parking (there's a garage), loading dock, on multiple bus lines, great neighborhood.  Only thing missing...not one story.  Oh, wait.  That's right.  The owner wants the new people to clean up the environmental issues instead of him.  Maybe the City could work that out with him.

[dougskiles]

Michael
I would welcome an existing building.  I need 65,000 square feet, with 2 loading docks 150 parking spaces, one story, on the city’s bus route.   I have looked but would welcome looking at any site you are aware of.  I did have the city’s real estate division also review all city own properties.  I will say as mentioned the site we are looking forward is city owned property.  Also, you called it a State Building, it would actually be a City Building.
Sincerely,
Jerry Holland

Encouraging to see such a quick response.  I have two issues with his statement.

1) None of the other government facilities downtown have dedicated surface parking.  Not the Tax Collector on Forsyth, not City Hall or the City Hall Annex, not the Courthouse.  There is no reason they can't use the public parking garages or the on-street parking system - or encourage people to use public transportation.

2) Is there an ordinance that prohibits city departments from leasing space from private buildings?  I don't believe so, because otherwise we would not see so many Tax Collector's offices in shopping centers throughout town.

The old library has at least 65,000 sf, a loading dock and a parking garage across the street.