Downtown Investment Authority: Where do we start?

[thelakelander]

The DIA was assembled to lead Downtown Jacksonville revitalization efforts. According to their site ( http://imaginedtjax.mindmixer.com/revitalizing-downtown), they want to know where do you think they should begin.  Since conversation here typically results in a more in depth discussion and we have a wider reach, I figured it would be interesting to get our reader's opinion.

[Dog Walker]

Make all of the one-way streets back into two-way streets.  IMHO a lot of the other good things will flow from that.

[Dapperdan]

Update the signage  and get the signage lit up so it can be seen at night.

[jason_contentdg]

I'd like to see them as the liaison, or the creator of this arm,  between private businesses and the city. Be the entity that streamlines the process to make it easier for someone that wants to open up a business downtown.

[JayBird]

I can agree with changing most streets to two-way. I would also like to see some streets/blocks closed off to automotive or partially blocked and have outdoor seating/street performance/artist spaces. Such as Monroe from courthouse to Laura Street being converted open/pedestrian/park space. At Monroe and Julia they could put a space for a food truck(s) that allows access to fed courthouse garage and a space at Laura and Monroe specifically for food carts/trucks. I think something as simple as allowin lg restaurants to have outdoor/sidewalk seating generates more traffic as others see them and decide to join.

Also, I read in the Hemming Park thread that DIA has no say/control over parking downtown. That seems kind of strange for the primary agency planning downtown not to have management over probably the most visual and strongest impact to downtown.

[urbaknight]

I voted "other", meaning we need more residents Downtown. Why was that not on the list?! Guess there's no real intention to fix that problem, Way to go Jacksonville! Continue to ignore the real issues.

[GoldenEst82]

If you follow the link, and register- they do allow for discussion on far more topics. That site was but in place by the DIA to be able to open the conversation to people who maybe couldn't make the DIA meetings.

[thelakelander]

Yeah, I signed up last week and made a few comments.  I hope more people do the same.

[simms3]

*Those* are the only option?

I don't think the DIA can operate in a bubble.  The city as a whole needs policy/zoning changes and a directional shift in the job market that will put the focus back on downtown.

[thelakelander]

I voted for other. I'm of the belief that the first thing we need are zoning and policy changes.  However, given the choices, I'm assuming they want ideas of where to initially spend money and what to spend it on.

[CityLife]

I voted for other and frankly don't get a warm feeling from the options that are listed there.

[simms3]

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,20140.new.html#new