$750, 000 for Downtown revitalization projects

[Bill Hoff]

Sat in on the DIA meeting last night where this was discussed: http://m.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2013/12/18/city-takes-step-toward-paying-for.html

On average, most vacant spaces Downtown require about $50 sq/ft in basic improvements needed for occupancy. So the $750, 000 would assist 15 businesses, more or less.

[tufsu1]

It is a great first step, and apparently comparable to what many other cities offer

[CityLife]

Agreed. Step in the right direction. I bet the city will get a lot of bang for its buck on that $750k.

[Kay]

What was said about the Landing project?  I'm so hoping the DIA thinks it needs revision.

[Bill Hoff]

Basically that a revised design needs to be created before numbers can be discussed. Ms. Bishop will be assisting with this. 

[ChriswUfGator]

They've needed to do direct incentives for forever, this a great first step.

[BoldBoyOfTheSouth]

I hope that the retail establishments coming soon with request to replace all of those retail storefront windows made with reflective glass.  People go downtown to people watch, look into placed for visual interests.  As much as people like looking at themselves, they also like to look into stores and restaurants while they are strolling down the street.

[ronchamblin]

Great News !!

This is the kind of assistance Iv'e been encouraging for the projects downtown, for the "small" businesses that are struggling to make their projects work in the low foot traffic environment. 

I could certainly use some assistance on the upcoming 225 Laura Street renovation project, which I will begin as soon as Gus's moves in early January from their current location to their new space on Adams.

It would be great for any business in the core to get some solid assistance as they attempt to engage the current relatively low foot traffic in the core.  We've certainly appreciated the "only" assistance received so far over the seven years of our presence in the core.  It amounted to about $9,000 or so, via the DVI budget, and was for the facade improvements on the front of the bookstore/cafe.

As it is, I am set to attempt borrowing about $700,000 to renovate the 225 Laura Street building, which will include placing six residential apartments on the second and third floors of the building, and a restaurant (unless another option is taken) on the first floor. 

It would be helpful to get some relief on this thing, as I'm still in debt from the original loans for bookstore/cafe building (and its renovation), and for the purchase of the 225 building.  I've been paying on the loans gradually, and of course, paying the full, increasing "property tax" on the buildings.  But its been rather difficult in this economy.  Now you know why I work seven days a week, year after year ...  as many others do during these trying times.  Its called being in debt. 

It still amazes me that there has been absolutely no property tax abatement for anyone, (except maybe for the big guys) making solid investments in the city core... a core somewhat difficult to "make it" in simply because of the low foot traffic in these early stages of the "expected" revitalization.  If my business had not been supported by my other "suburban" retail operation, I would not have been able to survive in the core as long as I have.  Even a small property tax shift to assist the hard working core investors would be a way of forcing the outlying areas to "assist" those attempting to build the city core up to full vibrancy and infill. 

Oh well.... if no assistance is forthcoming, I will simply have to continue dealing in drugs to make it all go.

[Bolles_Bull]

Random question, what kind of civic organizations would you guys recommend if I wanted to join in and advocate for these kinds of intiatives?  The only one I really know of is the Chamber of Commerce, but I really think these smaller efforts that help the small businesses in the core are the way to go if we want to start grassroots resurgence in the core.

What do you guys think?

[IrvAdams]

Yes, I echo that question. What is the most DT-oriented political body in this city (probably MetroJax, right?). Actually, I do think the Chamber is DT-focused, being as their HQ is downtown, etc.

[edjax]

Is the Chamber really that downtown focused?  I mean yea they may talk it but what about their actions?  I mean they are led by Davis who was a cheerleader for extension of the Mobility Fee being shelved which is not real urban core friendly needless to say. 

[CityLife]

DIA and DVI

[IrvAdams]

I've heard a lot about DVI lately. Do these two agencies have some real power for change?

[CityLife]

DVI has a staff of around 8 employees, manages Art Walk, Laura Street Façade Program, the DT Ambassador program, does a lot of marketing, and a lot of other stuff. DIA has a highly paid director, will be getting 2 professional staffers, and should have TIF money to play with in the future, along with money for projects like this.

They can definitely make things happen DT. Obviously big political players like the Chamber and Civic Council can as well.

[ProjectMaximus]

Yes, I echo that question. What is the most DT-oriented political body in this city (probably MetroJax, right?). Actually, I do think the Chamber is DT-focused, being as their HQ is downtown, etc.

I definitely don't think they are. They represent the entire city and are led by a suburban-minded businessman.