Biz Journal critical of DVI: Revise the vision staff editorial

[thelakelander]

Friday, April 4, 2008
Editorial

Revise the vision
Jacksonville Business Journal


Downtown Vision Inc.'s restructuring does not go far enough.

It's time to recast the nonprofit organization or cast it aside all together. Property owners have generously contributed to the group and deserve more for their support than incremental improvements.

With the economy slowing, and additional expenses like the city's stormwater fees forcing up operating costs in some cases, property owners cannot afford to spend money on all but the most essential purposes. Downtown Vision's focus on cleanliness, safety and events, while laudable, is not enough to justify the tax that property owners in the Downtown Jacksonville Improvement District pay.

Government's inability to provide adequate services in those areas drives the need for involvement by a group like Downtown Vision. But even with property reform and budget cuts, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and similar entities are better equipped to address problems.

Downtown Vision adds a layer of bureaucracy. Property owners would be better served if they contributed directly to providers and organizers of services and events.

Given that improvement district assessments accounted for 73 percent of Downtown Vision's $1.2 million budget for fiscal 2006-07, property owners would have ample funds to contribute directly to causes without Downtown Vision. The group is too small to make a big difference and the reduction of government funding because of property tax reform will only exacerbate the situation.

Some of Downtown Vision's biggest successes lie at the most local level and could be replicated by active neighbors. Downtown neighborhoods can stage their own festivals and events, perhaps generating as much business as First Wednesday Art Walk has done for the area's core.

Ironically, there is much more awareness of Downtown and the issues it faces, thanks partially to Downtown Vision's efforts. There is enough attention on matters and enough stakeholders to help the area move forward when the economy picks up.

Downtown Vision has done a lot of good work, and contributed greatly to the surge of development in recent years. Now it must find a new purpose or move on.

http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2008/04/07/editorial1.html

[Steve]

Well said.  It's been 8 years, and I've yet to see anything earthshattering come out of the office

[thelakelander]

It seems like a large percentage of DVI's budget is going to staff payroll.

Interesting that this staff editorial piece comes two days after downtown being awarded as "Downtown of the Month" by the IDA. 

[vicupstate]

Given that improvement district assessments accounted for 73 percent of Downtown Vision's $1.2 million budget for fiscal 2006-07, property owners would have ample funds to contribute directly to causes without Downtown Vision. The group is too small to make a big difference and the reduction of government funding because of property tax reform will only exacerbate the situation.

is this saying that 73 percent of their budget was spent on studies, survey and the like?

No. The TAX ASSESSMENTS (ie bills) that the property owners pay contributed 73% of their total budget.  At least that is my reading of it.

[tufsu1]

since you asked...

1. Since when does this board listen to editorials?  What if this came from the T-U (see outer beltway)?

2. Note the positive things said about DVI at the bottom of the editorial.

3. JEDC and Sheriff are local govt.  DVI is an independent non-profit, business-sponsored organization that complements these groups.  As the state continues to force local govt. to cut taxes, alternative revenue streams, including DVI, will become increasingly important.

4. As stated elsewhere on this ste, the IDA (the trade group for doiwntown organizations) just gave Jax and DVI props.

I worked as an intern at the downtown organization in Philly in the mid-90's....this organization had been around for over 30 years, yet its existence was questioned by many....now (in a slightly reconfigured version) it is the most successful and envied downwtown organization in the country.

[vicupstate]

It's not correct to say DVI is 'independent' or 'business-sponsored'.  It's primary source of funds is an added tax levied by the city.  Of course, many of those taxpayers are businesses, but your description gives the impression that it (DVI) answers to businesses that fund it.  The reality is it answers first and foremost to the city government that funds it. 

A Downtown Merchant's Association (simiiar to the Avondale and San Marco and Five Points Associatons) that is genuinely created, funded and supported as an independent, non-profit is what is sorely lacking IMO.

 

[vicupstate]

That would take some time, Vic.  DVI already has the information centrally organized and they have passively aggressively blocked the attempts to organize.

I have a hard time understanding how they can withold information gather by public funds from the public.  Get a group of five or so peole together, get the membership list from DVI and start making calls.  Find a volunteer to host the first meeting, send fliers/emails/phone calls to all the merchants you know. 

That's how it starts.

This is not the Solidarity union in communism Poland.