If You Were Jacksonville's Mayor, What Would You Do to Improve the City?

[heights unknown]

O.K. all; all of us have expressed our dismay, anger, frustration, and disappointment with the current leadership of great Jacksonville; that being said, if you were Mayor Peyton, what would you do to improve the City, what approach you would take, and what would be your top priorities for improvement?

HEIGHTS UNKNOWN - I would pitch Jacksonville, promo and market wise, nationwide and international in order to bring in more big business, that is, more fortune 500 companies and top tier international companies around the world; I would also lure more business downtown not only from other parts of the city but also from the county and the entire metropolitan area.  Creating, enticing, and promoting the cruise ship industry (companies) to steam out of Jacksonville would also be another priority. 

I would also seek to improve all of the districts relative to enticing more businesses like retail, commercial, etc., and improve the streets and landscaping to make those areas more liveable and to lure more residents from around Florida and the Country to Jacksonville...this includes downtown.  Downtown would be a priority but I would also make all districts within Jacksonville a top priority as a whole; if downtown is being improved, the city as a whole, all districts, should also reap in those improvement blessings!

Lastly, being that Jacksonville's history is tied to the U.S. Military, primarily the U.S. Navy, I would work hard to not only make the town Navy/Military friendly and enticing, but I would also work to keep all Military installations and ships in our area and also work to bring more military industry and navy commands to the area as well...more navy/military, more money being pumped into the economy!

Heights Unknown

[thelakelander]

My number one priority would be to find a way to develop a mass transit system that could become a viable alternative for residents to move around town and a catalyst for economic redvelopment in areas with adaquate infrastructure already in place.

[JeffreyS]

In order.

1 Make education the top priority.  I believe this is the key to long term success.
2 Hire enough police to make our city equivalent per capita to other cities roughly our size.
3 Fight to keep our river healthy. Our quality of life,  economic life and city identity are here.
4 Go mass transit far beyond our needs.

[Ocklawaha]

If I were Mayor:

We'd go green. The City would build in incentives to promote major changes in energy use. Programs to induce solar power in energy and industrial complexes. Further changes with Methane, advanced gases,  or garbage, wind and hydro-electric. Shooting for Number one Metro in the green world, it would no longer be a question of who could afford it, rather who couldn't afford it!

Law Enforcement: We'd have a love fest with the Sheriff and discuss anyone held on simple pot charges, arrest for possession of small amounts would no longer be a threat. We would work with faith-based and other groups dealing with victims to put more victim officers on the street and Prostitute arrest and follow up would take on a whole new pattern...Arrest-Cleanup-housing-schooling-job. Gangs would be issued a warning that officers will out gun you, and will shoot to kill. New Jail and Criminal Justice/Police Center out of City Center. We will invest in research and give our uniformed services a TRUE TROPICAL uniform for the summer months in Jacksonville. Police force would be distributed around the City in local stations and offices, each able to function as EMS centers, and fully independent operations under seige conditions. Jail would be moved with serious study given islands in the St. Johns River.

Veterans, VETS at 50% or higher, service connected disability, would access all city parks, beaches and facilities for free. Concessions would be purchased with a JAXVET CARD which would offer discounts from vendors as well as freebies from sponsors. A major Veterans Hospital would be built by the City of Jacksonville for the Florida Veterans... (see medical)

UTILITYS: Utility surcharges would be tacked onto all bills (LEND A HAND PROGRAM for AFDC) according to taxable value or apartment or home rents. A group of 7 districts would be identified, everyone would fall into one through 7, depending on income and residence. A person living in high income area's might be in zone 7 (for example) each zone 7 bill would have an extra $20.00 monthly tacked onto the bill. Zone 6 - $15.00, Zone 5 - $10.00, Zone 4 - $5.00, Zone 3  a 5% discount, Zone 2 a 10% discount, Zone 1 a 20% discount.

TAX DISTRICTS: taxes would hold steady, with no increase in property or income taxes. With few changes as follows: Historic property home/business/restaurant/hotel would have a set of guidelines and restoration timetables, following such guides and times would reduce tax to zero during the reconstruction years.

WORKFARE: The City would employ large numbers of homeless and those needing jobs and homes in programs such as Work Force Florida and Job Corps. City divisions would be created to handle large labor intensive projects such as clearing waterways (example Pottsburg Creek Canoe Trail), building hiking trails and trestles, rest stations, transit facilities, picinic grounds, marinas,hospital and medical centers etc.

MEDICAL: (see VA) (see Workfare) The City would build a new teaching hospital with input from Shands and the Mayo Clinic, a deal with JU, UF and UNF could be cut to allow for extensive research and teaching. This one-of-a-kind facility would be loaned or given to the VA Medical Center at Jacksonville. Not your typical VA hospital, this donated facility would be cutting edge in research, all North Florida-South Georgia Veterans would have access to this facility. Due to manditory city tax on Workfare benefits, and Utility Bills, EVERY citizen of Duval County would have (HMOJAX) access to emergency medical care, and children would have access to the pre-natal, infant, childhood injections, emergency services and severe dental corrections.

ARTS: City would join the big leagues in sponsorship of major world art competitions, all categorys of arts, paintings, deco, and sculpture would be encouraged. Winners would have the opportunity to unveil on the Riverwalk, City Parks and Doorways as well as cash a generous Check.  

MUSIC: Again, the City would join the big league is in pushing sponsorship of major world competitions, all manner of music, street parties, festivals, concerts, and constant dancing in the streets.

SPORTS: Give us the NBA, MISL or MIFL... National cow chip throw etc...

HIGHWAYS: Several undone roads would be finished with keystone block sheer walls allowing for many lanes in a very narrow space:

Emerson EXPRESSWAY, would connect Cessery and I-95 and Phillips Highway South.

Commodore Point EXPRESSWAY, would cross Beach, follow Hogan to Gate, Follow Gate to JTB with access roads and LIGHTS.

20Th Street EXPRESSWAY, would join the MLK and the infamous corner would become a east-west route between Talleyrand and NW Jax. The MLK a north-south route between Trout River at US 17, Panama Park and Line up with the current road at the "corner". Study a tunnel under the river to Arlington.

Beach, the center 4 lanes would be EXPRESSWAY between the Commodore Point and Southside Bl.

Old Kings Road, would have a bridge or tunnel under the NS/CSX rail yards and reopen as a through route

Outter Beltway would be routed to follow the NS from Jax to Columbus, GA.  as a turnpike, with an ultimate hookup with the new interstate from KC, MO - Springfield, Mo - Memphis, Tn - Birmingham, AL - Columbus, GA

RAIL:

The City would be involved in a joint partnership with the Shortline operators, FEC and NS, to construct a BLOUNT ISLAND CORRIDOR project that would tie the island terminals to all carriers, Pipeline, electric, utility, and TRUCK roadway (toll) would be available as well.  Possible routes would include a new crossing of the Trout River at the site of the former ACL Railroad Bridge and hence via Springfield and the rebuilt "S" line. Also a possible "BELT RAILWAY" from Simpson Yard in NW Jax, Northward, turning East on the edge of Airport Property, crossing CSX and Main Street, entering the terminals from the North, Northwest.

COMMUTER/RAIL/AMTRAK/Skyway:

PRT Commuter system within the Gate Pkwy/Town Center/Baymeadows/Deerwood area's. These circulators would serve base transit systems such as limited BRT on JTB and Electric Commuter EMU South of Baymeadows.

SKYWAY: Extensions to Stadium, Francis Lytle, Atlantic in San Marco, Station Platforms Union Station

AMTRAK: Major promotion and civic/State/National lobby effort to reinstate
THE CHAMPION (Jax-NYC-TPA)
THE MIAMIAN (Jax - NYC - MIA)
THE FLORIDA SPECIAL {Seasonal} (Jax - NYC - ORL - TPA - MIA)
THE PALMETTO (Jax - NYC)
THE GULF WIND  {replacement for SUNSET LIMITED} (Jax - Tallahassee - Pensacola - Mobile - New Orleans)
THE CITY OF MIAMI {replacement for the Floridian} (Jax - Chicago - Memphis - Birmingham - Miami - Tampa)
THE ROYAL PALM {2nd replacement for the Floridian) (Jax - Chicago - Cleveland - Detroit - Clevelend - Atlanta - Macon - JAX - Miami - Tampa)

Commuter Rail on Southside line of FEC, Union Station - Avenues - Bayard - Nocatee - St. Augustine
Commuter Rail on Northside line of CSX, Union Station - Shands - Zoo - Bush - Airport
Commuter Rail on Southwest line of CSX, Union Station - Murray Hill - Roosevelt - Yukon/NAS - Orange Park - Green Cove Springs

EMU Commuter Rail on Southside Line of FEC, Union Station to Baymeadows, hence east to Kernan, North to between Beach and Atlantic, East to Beaches, branch to Mayport.

STREETCAR:

(St. Vincents) via King to Park to Water to Independence to Newnan to Beaver to Randolph to Duval to Lee return to Water and Park.

(Shands/VAMC) via Blvd to 8Th to Main to 1St to Newnan and Beaver.

Beaver and Terminal Warehouse, to North along old F&J RR, to 21St and CSX, to Gateway Mall at Norwood

UNION STATION: replace all buildings in the Transportation Center project with the 1919 union station and a portion of the new Prime Osbourne expansions as Multi-Modal center for ALL transit.

AIRPORT:

Focus on a true international hub airport using South America and Jacksonvilles central location between Atlanta/Charlotte/Birmingham and Miami/Orlando/Tampa/Ft. Lauderdale and incremental reduced fees

Work for develop a true commuter terminal at the airport and encourage commuter expansion through incentives.

WATER:

Promotion of a true day + overnight cruise line between Jacksonville - Palatka and Sanford
More water taxi variety

PARKS:

expansion of gyms, water parks, indoor pools

build an undersea naval museum/aquarium downtown

expand on friendship fountain and surround it with interactive sprays.

ATTRACTIONS:

Recruit more cruise business and theme the Mayport Terminal

Offer huge tax incentives for theme park development

Mini railway in wetland jungle train route.

Authentic Trolley mueum with complete car builders shop within, memberships available

Authentic Trolley Park similar to Dixieland, or Oriental Gardens, Glen Echo or Coney Island

Bring ZEPPELIN aircraft to the City.

More lakes, canoe trails, landings, sail and paddle zones etc...



IS THAT ALL? AVE MARIA PUES! OCK FOR MAYOR and DER BERGERMIESTER!

OCKLAWAHA

[WitchDoctor]

Ocklawaha for president! If he can do all of that on a local level, this country needs him in DC.

I almost bailed when I got to the utilities section. Then I figured out that the people that are getting a break on their utilities would also be automagically enrolled in the workfare program.

[heights unknown]

Ditto here for "OCKLAWAHA" for President.  It seems that you didn't miss anything and if you can do all of that for the City, I am sure you can do that and more for the nation!

Someone mentioned education; yeah, one of the finest, top tier education systems in the nation also has to be a top priority; dumb kids means a dumb future for out City!

Heights Unknown

[Ocklawaha]

It's sort of a "Given" that education would be a huge part of my imagined rebuild of the City. I would work toward a (Clinton?) idea of allowing young students to aim for excellence in certain job markets. High Schools, while still offering a "General" diploma, would also focus on degrees in job fields. For example, High School + certified Librarian, High School + Certified Auto/Diesel Mechanic, High School + Certified computer tech... etc... Students who have no plan could attend discovery centers, and clubs such as explorers... Police/High School explorers, Community Serivce Worker/High School, Medical/High School,..

Programs of excellence such as JU Nursing, Business and arts, UNF Transportation Logistics and railroad tech, would be pushed to national spotlight,

marriages made in heaven would bridge the gap between things like an empty airport and a transportation student crop that leads the nation! We would bust our butts to expand UNF, JU, the LAW school, Ed Waters etc... and attract UF, FAU, FA&M, FSU branch campuses.

EVERYTHING WITH THE FOCUS OF WIN ONE FOR OLD HICKORYS TOWN!

Ocklawaha

[thelakelander]

We had a chance to land a branch campus of the FSU Medical School about two years ago.  Unfortunately, some how they ended up in Daytona.

[JeffreyS]

A university campus downtown would be great for the city.

Grade school is our urban infill problem.  I am sure other things affect sprawl but grade school is the main reason  for people moving out to the surrounding counties.

Improving education in this town isn't a "given" Ock. Education does not spark much conversation on this board.

[heights unknown]

A university campus downtown would be great for the city.

Grade school is our urban infill problem.  I am sure other things affect sprawl but grade school is the main reason  for people moving out to the surrounding counties.

Improving education in this town isn't a "given" Ock. Education does not spark much conversation on this board.

Speaking of urban infill problems relative to education, it's a shame that Jax lost almost all of its inner city schools; when I was a toddler living in LaVilla, I attended A. L. Lewis Elementary School which was near where the Post Office is off of Beaver.......and of course there was Stanton High and Bethune Cookman which was also a High School back then. 

I am sure the reason for the loss of the inner city schools was the loss of population as evidenced by the razing of LaVilla, the deterioration of Brooklyn, and the extreme loss of population elsewhere in those areas close to downtown (including Springfield); hopefully this will change in the future as population is revived downtown and in other areas close by and will justify once again building and/or reviving the need for inner city elementary, middle or high schools.

Heights Unknown

[Charles Hunter]

I'm pretty sure the schools follow the population, not the other way around.  An area has to have so many homes - and prospective students - before they build a school (unless it is a condition of a development, which is rare); and in the other direction, when the population and students leave an area, the school is closed.

All great ideas for improving Jacksonville.  (any ideas on how to pay for it?)

[JeffreyS]

I am not talking about the schools being open it is about the education the kids receive from the areas they live.  People using public school systems now prefer St. Johns and Clay over Duval.  Families want to live near good schools.

[Charles Hunter]

ahhh, thanks for the clarification
Of course, as the SJ and Clay systems get crowded and tax-strapped, their quality will go down, too - but if you can get your kid graduated before then - good for you! - then those SJ and Clay residents without kids in school (because they've graduated), can bitch about the high school taxes.

Yes, I AM a cynic.

[Jason]

If I were Mayor? 

I would immediately add Ock and Lakelander to my staff and sit back and collect all the glory for their ingenious ideas.   

[JeffreyS]

ahhh, thanks for the clarification
Of course, as the SJ and Clay systems get crowded and tax-strapped, their quality will go down, too - but if you can get your kid graduated before then - good for you! - then those SJ and Clay residents without kids in school (because they've graduated), can bitch about the high school taxes.

Yes, I AM a cynic.

I do not think that is too cynical IMO it is accurate that may lead to more sprawl in the future unless Duval turns things around.   The Duval school system has some great ideas and is willing to try different programs. Education has just not been a priority in funding to the local politicians. While our state is happy to rank 50th in terms of percentage of income spent on education.