Action by committee

[Steve]

Ron Barton sees busier stores and restaurants, more pedestrians and bigger events happening Downtown. As executive director of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, he likely should. But Barton has new reason to be optimistic, following the recent formation of a committee charged with spurring public-private partnerships to implement many of the goals and initiatives defined in the JEDC’s Downtown Action Plan â€" a document more than a year in the making that compiles ideas from staff, consultants and various Downtown businesses, property owners and stakeholders.

JEDC’s 19-point Downtown Action Plan:

• Enhance the level of service for “clean and safe” programs

• Develop and implement a comprehensive streetscape plan

• Convert one-way streets to two-way streets

• Create a Riverwalk enhancement plan

• Improve Downtown connectivity by an enhanced trolley system and complementary Bus Rapid Transit system

• Enhance event programming

• Improve wayfarer signage

• Refine approval process and create one-stop shop approach

• Promote work force housing

• Implement innovative parking programs and parking management initiatives

• Update and implement stormwater manage ment plan

• Initiate a Downtown marketing strategy that emphasizes Downtown districts

• Engage in active, targeted retail recruitment

• Develop and enact a master plan for Metropolitan Park/Kids Kampus

• Redevelop the Friendship Fountain area

• Improve connections from the “emerald necklace” to the river and upland activity nodes

• Identify and facilitate large-scale, catalyst projects

• Create more marine-themed activities and improve marine linkage



http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=49609

[Steve]

This paragraph from the article proves that this administration just doesn't get it:

“He’s taken this group of ‘doers’ and asked them to address number six in our action plan â€" to enhance event programming for Downtown,” said Barton. “We want to raise the level of our current event activity, and then find the holes in our calender, both when there are no events and when there needs to be certain types of events, and leverage and market that activity.”

You can have all of the events in the world downtown, but that doesn't make a downtown.  If you have 15,000 people come for an event, but if all they do is come to the arena, sit in the building for three hours, then get in their car and leave, what good di the event have?  Events don't necessarily create connectivity.

[Jason]

Sounds like a plan to me.  Almost every single item has been a topic of discussion here and at MetJax.com.  Looks like they're listening. 

[Jason]

This paragraph from the article proves that this administration just doesn't get it:

“He’s taken this group of ‘doers’ and asked them to address number six in our action plan — to enhance event programming for Downtown,” said Barton. “We want to raise the level of our current event activity, and then find the holes in our calender, both when there are no events and when there needs to be certain types of events, and leverage and market that activity.”

You can have all of the events in the world downtown, but that doesn't make a downtown.  If you have 15,000 people come for an event, but if all they do is come to the arena, sit in the building for three hours, then get in their car and leave, what good di the event have?  Events don't necessarily create connectivity.

Yeah, but at least they draw people in.  Its up to the city and local buisnesses to figure out ways to make the most of the crowds and sell downtown as the place to be.

[thelakelander]

I agree with Steve in that it really matters "where" these events will be.  If we're talking about Hemming Plaza, Laura/Hogan Streets, Friendship Fountain, Klutho/Confederate Park or the Landing.....great.  If those events are going to be held at Metropolitan Park or the Sports District, then the benefit to downtown will not be that great. 

Personally, I'd like to see more events, both large and small, relocated to be held within a block or two of Laura Street and Hemming Plaza, in an effort to pull people from the Landing into the core area of downtown.

[Steve]

Yeah, but at least they draw people in.  Its up to the city and local buisnesses to figure out ways to make the most of the crowds and sell downtown as the place to be.

We already have plenty of events that draw people in - if we can't figure out how to benefit from the 1,000,000+ people that attend events downtown, will another 500,000 do the trick?

[Jason]

Another 500,000 wouldn't hurt.  Activity spawns more activity.  I agree that the locations of these events play a big role in their impact and that is where the city should be responsible for finding ways to make the most of the crowds. 

[Ocklawaha]

Oh Crap, can you just see what these yahoo's in the Mayors office will do with this list... Here are a few thoughts:

JEDC’s 19-point Downtown Action Plan:

• Enhance the level of service for “clean and safe” programs
Andy and Barney get a new set of bicycles

• Develop and implement a comprehensive streetscape plan
Planter's will come equiped with toilet seats

• Convert one-way streets to two-way streets
Without room for turn lanes, here comes grid-lock

• Create a Riverwalk enhancement plan
We'll paint it

• Improve Downtown connectivity by an enhanced trolley system and complementary Bus Rapid Transit system
More Potato Chip Trucks pretending to be transit, fueled by Gate.

• Enhance event programming
We'll have spelling bee's in the plaza

• Improve wayfarer signage
"Soup Kitchen...3 blocks"

• Refine approval process and create one-stop shop approach
One stop for study, One stop for Information, One stop for licence, One stop... etc...

• Promote work force housing
Another trailer park in Ocenway

• Implement innovative parking programs and parking management initiatives
Meters will take credit cards and Meter Enforcement will be issued brown shirts, red arm bands

• Update and implement stormwater manage ment plan
We'll create an urban beach out of Hogans Creek

• Initiate a Downtown marketing strategy that emphasizes Downtown districts
We'll publish flyers telling tourists to come ride the Trolleys and pray their too stupid to know the difference!

• Engage in active, targeted retail recruitment
Another Starbucks will open

• Develop and enact a master plan for Metropolitan Park/Kids Kampus
We'll move it next to the zoo, downtown needs flex-space

• Redevelop the Friendship Fountain area
The pumps are broke, but Bubba will hold the garden hose from 9am to 5pm.

• Improve connections from the “emerald necklace” to the river and upland activity nodes
Gondola or Swan boats will now ply the City wastewater treatment ponds bringing new meaning to Emerald...

• Identify and facilitate large-scale, catalyst projects
We'll take a page from mayor Jake and paint the streets again

• Create more marine-themed activities and improve marine linkage
Someone will open a canoe outfitter next to the single artist under the New Fuller Warren Bridge.

Ocklawaha

[Noone]

Stay positive.