DIA debates what to do with $9 million for downtown

[thelakelander]

The Downtown Investment Authority seems split on what to do with the $9 million provided by Mayor Alvin Brown to assist in the revitalization of downtown. Should it be used only in the heart of the Northbank or should it be accessible to all downtown business owners?  If it were up to you, what would you do and why?

Downtown Investment Authority debates core responsibilities

full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/2013/03/downtown-investment-authority-debates.html

[Tacachale]

I say it ought to be focused on the Northbank as I don't think it does us much good to spread projects all over the place (like the Southbank or Brooklyn, say). I don't know how focused it needs to be within the Northbank.

[duvaldude08]

I agree. The northbank is where it needs to be used.

[edjax]

75% to Northbank and perhaps 25% to Brooklyn. Do not feel warranted for Southbank as this area is far and away ahead of the other areas.

[Ocklawaha]

If they want to double their money they'll use it for a starter streetcar line:

Kenosha, Wisconsin, The total cost was just $4 million, or $2 million per mile, including five restored PCC streetcars.

Portland, Oregon, the only line using modern streetcars. The 4.6 mile loop line was constructed for $12.4 million per mile, including seven new streetcars, built in the Czech Republic.

Tampa, Florida, a 2.3 mile line built for $13.7 million per mile including eight Heritage streetcars. The cars themselves, replicas of 1920’s Birney streetcars, cost $600,000 each (compared to up to $3 million for a modern Light Rail Vehicle).

Little Rock, Arkansas, a 2.1 mile line built for $7.1 million per mile, including three streetcars.

San Pedro, California, a 1.5 mile line that recreates the old Pacific Electric “Red Cars” for $4 million per mile, including three streetcars, one Vintage and two Heritage.


Using the same model that Dallas and Kenosha used, we could build AND EQUIP a starter streetcar line 2.72 miles in length. The tracks would stretch from A.P. Randolph @ Beaver, west on Beaver (including the wooded portion where there is no roadway) to Newnan, hence south on Newnan to Independence, Independence to Water and on water all the way to Lee Street, hence south on Lee/Park Street to Forest, east on Forest to Riverside. Carbarn could be in a relocated Fire Station Number 5 (moved across the street).



Equipment? Currently a mint condition 4 wheel Birney for sale in Dallas (running every day), A double ended PCC car (several for sale) and a classic Peter Witt Car complete with Trailer Car for 'game days.'

With a return on investment nationally somewhere between $2.50 - $5.00 to one.  This would set off a building boom and the mobility plan could take care of extensions through the historic areas northside and Riverside.

[urbaknight]

I think that the money should be used to enhance walkability Downtown or fix up at least one building. My third idea would be the easiest to do, since no building renovation would be needed; We could use the money to re-locate our social services back Downtown. I'm thinking of Social Security, DCF, The Division Of Blind Services, as well as any and all services to the disabled.

And not all people that use these social services are, poor, derelict, criminals, or undesirables in general. Many of them WILL spend money Downtown. The counselors and social workers that work in these services certainly will. (especially at lunch time)

Most of the people that use these services DO NOT drive, yet these services are scattered all over the un-walkable parts of town. Instead of finishing your appointment only to sit or stand at a bus stop for an hour and ten minuets because there's NOTHING in walking distance; Being Downtown, you still might wait a while for a bus. But at least Downtown, you have options while you wait. There's the library, many places to eat, lots and lots of pocket parks that nobody goes to, a couple of museums, the river I could go on but I think made my point.

[GoldenEst82]

I sat at the same table as Mr. Barakat, at the last Jax2025 meeting.
I hope he was listening when I said the only reason I can't move to ACTUAL downtown is because they just haven't built anything big enough for my family- unless I could afford upwards of 1500 a month. I wish I could, because I would. Alas, I must be contented with a skyline view.

Some of the money should be used to incentivize the renovation/re-purposing of what we have sitting empty downtown. Once it isn't so empty (in a slightly menacing way) in the eyes of the visitor, they will feel comfortable wandering about. This will allow storefronts to receive foot traffic- and make viable the idea of a small business owner moving his shop there.

  I also love Urbaknight's suggestion of moving the major social services back to the city center. It gives long term incentive to add mass transit, and centralizes services for a demographic with a high probability of having some sort of mobility issue. It also would see more people with a purpose downtown. Mayor Payton once said to me, "The only reason the vagrants are so noticeable, is because they are the only ones there." (sigh)

I would want it all to stay on the northbank. I believe Brooklyn, Springfield, Durkeeville, New Town, all the outliers; would benefit from a strong, populated northbank.

Hurrah for forward momentum!