Live Blogging from City Council: Mobility Fee Moratorium

[JeffreyS]

A lot of cards in support but no speaker.  Hmmm.

Speaker fraud!

Current Speaker: The moratorium is a form of crony capitalism that moves against free market capitalism. You will not be able to get people to stay here if you do not build up the infrastructure that people expect for a good quality of life.

Well said Cat.

[Cheshire Cat]

That's Clark's thing.  I once showed up at a council meeting with T.V. news camera's en tow to challenge another one of his schemes.  He ran to the Green Room when I stood to speak and the media crew followed him.

[JeffreyS]

Just to keep score, there are over two dozen organizations (ranging from citizen planning councils, neighborhood organizations, health organizations, merchant associations, city commissions and transportation advocacy organizations) that have come out against the moratorium. 

But, that's all 'noise'.

Let's hope they bring some leverage Mike.  When the community groups of Jax call on the council to act in the community's best interest they should be listened to.

[fieldafm]

That's Clark's thing.  I once showed up at a council meeting with T.V. news camera's en tow to challenge another one of his schemes.  He ran to the Green Room when I stood to speak and the media crew followed him.

In his defense, it's pretty difficult to offer a rebuttal when your campaign contributors aren't their to spoon feed you answers.  Being a politician is tough nowadays, what with having to have your own rational thoughts and all...

[Cheshire Cat]

The council knows it's not "noise" and those who oppose Clark's bill have been doing a great job.  A decade ago we would not have seen this much positive involvement on an issue such as this.  If everyone keeps up the pressure and mailing emails, the bill will be defeated. 

[TheCat]

Current Speaker: Builders don't need another incentive to build. The fee structure to the MP is the incentive. Builders can remove their fees by building inwards. Stresses the incentive is incorporated into the MP. Moratorium is not necessary for a building incentive.

Debbie T: Mobility plan without the moratorium is a jobs bill. It creates all kinds of jobs...construction, transportation...etc. She made a lot of good points. 

[thelakelander]

Does Tom Ingram spend much time in Riverside and RAP meetings?  I don't think the neighbors of King Street would agree that there are no transportation impacts from more development.

[Bridges]

Cut my speech shorter than i wanted.  But hopefully it helps. I can't make the DIA, but will be at the others next week.

The NEFBA was very active the whole meeting planning. The committees are their plans of attack. 

[TheCat]

Current speaker: for the moratorium. mentions that Kickback's new restaurant would have paid $194,000 and they are in a high density place. Mentions an ATM that would have cost $15k to place. Says, let's look at bicyclist and see how to improve it.

Lumb is speaking and he says "a lot the fees to the MP do not make sense."

[TheCat]

Lumb is throwing soft ball questions a the current speaker. Sorry, I missed the name.


Wyatt: for the moratorium. the amount of the fees waived were 3.5 million. The amount of projects completed were worth $85. He says that $3 million that was waived will be paid back in 4 years from the taxes that will come in perpetuity.

[JeffreyS]

Cut my speech shorter than i wanted.  But hopefully it helps. I can't make the DIA, but will be at the others next week.

The NEFBA was very active the whole meeting planning. The committees are their plans of attack. 

Thanks Bridges.

[TheCat]

Joost: the moratorium didn't work last time. If it doesn't work this time you'll ask for another extension and you won't take us seriously. Is there a compromise somewhere?

Mike H.: All parties did recognize that we are still in a financially dire situation. He says lenders are asking him "why is Jacksonville so far behind in recovery?" 33% of the mobility fees go to widening three roads. Please support the mobility plan.

[thelakelander]

Lumb is throwing soft ball questions a the current speaker. Sorry, I missed the name.


Wyatt: for the moratorium. the amount of the fees waived were 3.5 million. The amount of projects completed were worth $85. He says that $3 million that was waived will be paid back in 4 years from the taxes that will come in perpetuity.

That speaker is Toi on the forum.  He gave Councilman Lumb some inaccurate information.  I emailed the Councilman and said I'd be willing to meet with him and answer or explain any questions he may have.  Do you think I'll get a response?  Btw, that 33% on three roadways is off-base too.

[thelakelander]

I got a response!  I'm going to call his aide in the morning.

[tufsu1]

Wow...that is surprising....I had counted Lumb on the other side from the start