JEDC Downtown Development Brief - April 2008

[thelakelander]

Welcome to the first edition of the JEDC Downtown Development Brief, a concise overview of progress being made on the Downtown Action Plan efforts and Downtown development updates.

The Downtown Action Plan was developed through the efforts of the JEDC and City of Jacksonville staff, consultants and the commitment of valuable time and knowledge from numerous local professionals. It provides an action-oriented road map for achieving the shared vision that, "Downtown is the place to be." Four objectives are constant throughout the Downtown Action Plan that are: 1) To improve walkability 2) To make Downtown a destination 3) To make Downtown a neighborhood 4) To ensure a framework for sustainable success. The Plan details the 19 action steps necessary to achieve its objectives and vision. 

The Downtown Action Plan is the "playbook" that guides, not only the JEDC Downtown work plan, but the work plans of all Downtown partners and stakeholders, such as Downtown Vision Inc. (DVI), Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and various city departments. Some action steps are in motion and some have already been completed. This e-newsletter provides a monthly summary of these achievements.


Downtown Action Plan Progress

New and Improved Streetscaping

The Main Street streetscaping project, stretching from Forsyth to State Street, is nearing completion. The project added 30 Date Palms and pavers, beautifying one of Downtown’s major gateways. The final block from Forsyth to Adams will begin construction in late April after the city’s Public Works Department identifies construction challenges on the sidewalk.
Members of the Downtown events committee lit up Jessie B. Smith Park at the corner of Forsyth and Newnan Streets. The group hung twinkle lights (donated by Jacksonville Landing owner Toney Sleiman) throughout the trees in conjunction with the Jackson Browne concert to make the park more welcoming to visitors.

"HITZ" (High Intensity Trespassing Zone) Program Sign Up

DVI and the JEDC are working to sign up all property owners for the "HITZ" program. Participation in the "HITZ" program allows the JSO to enforce trespassing laws on participating properties, where the appropriate signage is posted, in the absence of the property owner. Sign up today! For more information, contact Karen Nasrallah at 630-2722 or karenn@coj.net.

New Trash Receptacles for Downtown

The JEDC and DVI are moving forward with the replacement of existing trash receptacles for the Downtown area. Design and location were finalized for 10 new receptacles to replace older concrete ones on Adams Street between Laura and Hogan Streets.

Doggie Station Installed in Main Street Park

The new pocket park at Adams and Main Streets was recently completed and has become quite popular with Downtown residents and their four-legged friends. As a result the JEDC, along with the city’s Parks Department, installed a doggie station for their convenience. 

Calendar of Downtown Events

The Downtown Events Committee, whose members include representatives from DVI, Visit Jacksonville and other organizations, is enhancing existing events and planning new events for Downtown including movies in Treaty Oak Park, an event designed to attract families and add nightlife to the Southbank. The group is working together to better coordinate events and to create a synergy throughout Downtown. There are over 100 events planned just for the month of April.


TCEA Update

The Southbank Area Transportation System Assessment for the Downtown Transportation Concurrency Exemption Area (TCEA) was recently completed and an RFP for the Northbank’s Area Transportation System Assessment work program has been issued. A consultant will be selected and work is anticipated to commence June 2008. TCEAs are designated areas within the state where exceptions are allowed to traditional transportation concurrency requirements. For our Downtown, this exception encourages walkability and mass transit rather than simply increasing the capacity of roadways through widening.


Downtown Retail Recruitment

The JEDC and city’s Procurement Department have issued two RFPs for city-owned property in the LaVilla area of Downtown. The RFPs are for LaVilla Blocks 9 & 10 (vacant land) and 816 West Union Street (currently a partially completed restaurant). Click here to view marketing flyers on the sites. Interested parties should contact Diane Farmer with the city's Procurement Department at 630-1168 or dfarmer@coj.net for more information.

JEDC representatives attended the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) North Florida Idea Exchange to promote Downtown retail opportunities. Executive Director Ron Barton and Business Development Chief Lindsey Ballas were both featured roundtable breakout leaders and spoke about "the Future of Downtown Development" and "Public/Private Partnerships" respectively.


Adding New Boat Slips in Downtown

Southshore Marina, located on the Southbank adjacent to the Aetna building, was recently approved by City Council to establish over 100 marina slips for both public and private use. The development also includes Riverwalk enhancements.


Other Downtown Development Updates

Downtown Jacksonville was selected as Downtown of the month by the International Downtown Association (IDA) that recognizes one Downtown organization that has demonstrated success. Downtown Vision, Inc.’s (DVI) significant contributions in creating four new events for Downtown led to Jacksonville’s selection as IDA’s Downtown of the Month.

Main Branch LLC, developers of 122 Ocean Street, came before the Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) last month. Their project is a proposed redevelopment of the existing building previously known as the Hayden Burns Public Library, containing approximately 47,186 SF of office space and approximately 52,975 SF of commercial/retail in four levels of the building, including basement development.

Bay Street Station is a proposed mixed-use, new development of the block bordered by Bay Street, Water Street, Jefferson Street, and Lee Street. The project proposes to develop the site with 115,000 SF of ground floor retail or restaurant, upper floors with a 250-room full service hotel, a 125-room limited service hotel, a 3,000 seat theatre, a 50,000 SF health club, a 250,000 SF office tower and 1,336 parking stalls.  The project was reviewed by DDRB last month and received conceptual approval.

Downtown’s Newest Retailers

Café Adora
301 W. Bay St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904- 353-0086
AT&T Tower, 2nd floor
Open: Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Flournoy's Grill
301 W. Bay St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-358-9006
AT&T Tower, 2nd Floor
Open: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Healthy Way Café
109 W. Forsyth St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-798-8440
Located inside Gold's Gym
Open: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Sideline Deli
1 West Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-350-1900
Located inside the Police and Fire Pension Building
Open: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Step Shoe Store
203 N. Laura Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-359-9483
Open: Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.


The News Café
116 E. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904-353-1006
Open: Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

[Jason]

What about wayfinding signage?

[jeh1980]

What about wayfinding signage?

I'm sure they are thinking about it .