Urban/Jax Advocacy Group?

[Bridges]

Did anything ever come from the movement for a unified group in the Post-Mobility Fee Compromise discussion?  I've been away for a while, and can't seem to find the thread where all the discussion was taking place. 

There were great suggestions and calls for organization, but was anything decided?  Was it a rebirth of Transform Jax?

With the Brooklyn Redevelopment Fuqua Parking Lot Expansion, the on going Hemming Plaza meetings, the Parador Parking, the no doubt coming fight over Mobility Fees again, Skyway expansion, and 2015 council campaigns beginning, now seems like the time to get something going.   

[tufsu1]

TransForm Jax has not been reborn (at least not yet)

[John P]

Having a coalition of areas interested in issues or policy impacting the urban core and the communities around it would be a smart idea for better results in city hall

[urbaknight]

We have discussed the idea of participating in a fellowship kind of organization.

I guess we should identify the 'urban core areas' that should be represented.

We have reps from Springfield and Downtown.

Do we have reps from Riverside Avondale?

San Marco

St Nicholas

Murray Hill

Durkeeville

East Jacksonville?

And by 'reps' I just mean people who live or have businesses in those areas that are familiar with the needs of their neighborhood and can be counted on to disperse information and encourage people to participate.

Obviously we could actually have such an organization take place in the format of an online forum here on metrojacksonville if people liked.  That way all communication would be open to any interested parties.

We could choose voting members when the consensus of the organization is beneficial in the form of a resolution.

It would stay separate from Metrojacksonville, structurally of course and free to make its own rules of engagement.

As Metrojacksonville we would simply provide the format for transparency and communication.

I'd Love it if such a thing could happen. I live in Murray Hill and have a big problem right down my street. if such a group can be assembled, Count me in! I think we should exclude St Nicholas though, they're trying to shut down Met Park; those people would just be counterproductive.

[Bill Hoff]

Having a coalition of areas interested in issues or policy impacting the urban core and the communities around it would be a smart idea for better results in city hall

The two historic districts have worked on, and continue to work on, certian policy & advocacy issues together. Also, representatives from SMPS, SPAR, & RAP met recently to brainstorm projects.

We'll see what develops.

[Bridges]

There are a lot of groups in those neighborhoods that do advocate already.  In the other thread we talked about building around certain core ideas, building a vision and going from there.  One thing the Moratorium battle showed us was the power of a clear line of command for the other side.  Doug (there were two others too) became the de facto head of our opposition movement.  And while he performed well, he is only one man.  The Bike Advocacy coalition demonstrated the power of a strong lead with social media and activism.  And they actually got noticed for it. 

I went to the council meetings not representing any group, armed only with the knowledge provided in articles here on MetroJacksonville.  There are a lot of people like me.  Take the DDRB meeting and Fuqua development.  I don't think we were able to get anyone to speak against it at the meeting, but there are people like me willing to go to those meetings if we are prepared with some facts and knowledge. 

We'll also need a way to identify and support those movers and shakers in our community with vision.  Especially for the 2015 elections.

Just some ideas.

[dougskiles]

TransForm Jax has not been reborn (at least not yet)

I didn't know that it died.

[Cheshire Cat]

I will be happy to chime in online on issues and help in that way whenever input or some guidance is needed.  I just cannot promise to make city meetings etc due to ongoing unpredictable health issues.   Fortunately this has not impacted my ability to think and type. 

[sheclown]

Fellowship of the Things.

[tufsu1]

TransForm Jax has not been reborn (at least not yet)

I didn't know that it died.

good point...in fact TJ was well represented last night at the Historical Society awards....but there has been some talk in the group of tightening our focus and/or doing something different over the next year.....this is still being fleshed out so stay tuned!

[sheclown]

Urban core CPAC meets this Monday at 5:30 first floor Ed Ball building.

Each month there are guest speaker(s) who cover a wide range of urban core issues.  There are reports from various departments of the city and the state to answer questions -- parks, code enforcement, a mayor's rep, JSO.  Time is available for questions.

This month's speaker is Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Vitti.