Infrastructure Spending Could Soar to Highest in Years in Upcoming City Budget

[KenFSU]

Mayor Lenny Curry's office is planning to roll out a proposed budget for next year that will include one of the largest surges in infrastructure spending in years, laying the groundwork for what city officials hope will be increased private-sector interest in building out downtown.

Details: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2017-07-03/infrastructure-spending-could-surge-highest-years-upcoming-city-budget

Hmmmm, sounds a lot like a demolition to me for the old courthouse and annex.

I'd hope there would be an interested party lined up before we give anything the wrecking ball.

[thelakelander]

If demolition, it doesn't sound like a party would be given the chance to be interested. Instead, it would sound like reuse isn't a preferred option of the administration.

[remc86007]

"preparing the former county courthouse and City Hall Annex off Bay Street for development"

Is that a euphemistic way of saying knock them down? haha

I'd hate for them to be taken down before some plans are developed, but I can't say I'll miss seeing those buildings. The street facing side of the courthouse looks okay, but the river facing side is rather hideous.

[Noone]

Mayor Lenny Curry's office is planning to roll out a proposed budget for next year that will include one of the largest surges in infrastructure spending in years, laying the groundwork for what city officials hope will be increased private-sector interest in building out downtown.

Details: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2017-07-03/infrastructure-spending-could-surge-highest-years-upcoming-city-budget

Hmmmm, sounds a lot like a demolition to me for the old courthouse and annex.

I'd hope there would be an interested party lined up before we give anything the wrecking ball.

This is all DIA stuff.
Recall a DIA meeting catered by Burrito Gallery and it was all about this Infrastructure stuff.
Prior to Aundra Wallace. May want to check with Paul Crawford, Tony Allegretti and their quotes about this infrastructure stuff.
The Northbank TIF was negative. No money. So where is the TIF today?
New leadership on Finance. Big "YES" on infrastructure stuff.
Unity Plaza-It's not just a retention pond. Retention pond tax? "Yes" on infrastructure stuff.

[lastdaysoffla]

Mayor Lenny Curry's office is planning to roll out a proposed budget for next year that will include one of the largest surges in infrastructure spending in years, laying the groundwork for what city officials hope will be increased private-sector interest in building out downtown.

Details: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2017-07-03/infrastructure-spending-could-surge-highest-years-upcoming-city-budget

Hmmmm, sounds a lot like a demolition to me for the old courthouse and annex.

I'd hope there would be an interested party lined up before we give anything the wrecking ball.

I think both those buildings are quite nice to look at especially the one behind the Hyatt ( the Annex?)

[FlaBoy]

If demolition, it doesn't sound like a party would be given the chance to be interested. Instead, it would sound like reuse isn't a preferred option of the administration.

Well, in another Times Union article discussing the Mayor's interview with them, Curry allegedly told them that he had a convention center and additional hotel plans on his desk. He also seemed to allude there was some public-private partnerships in the works. I am sure there is some environmental remediation necessary of the old Courthouse especially.

I am guessing they will be going hard now that Renner is speaker on securing the funds over the next few years to get the Hart Expressway down.

[Gunnar]

If demolition, it doesn't sound like a party would be given the chance to be interested. Instead, it would sound like reuse isn't a preferred option of the administration.

Well, in another Times Union article discussing the Mayor's interview with them, Curry allegedly told them that he had a convention center and additional hotel plans on his desk. He also seemed to allude there was some public-private partnerships in the works. I am sure there is some environmental remediation necessary of the old Courthouse especially.

I am guessing they will be going hard now that Renner is speaker on securing the funds over the next few years to get the Hart Expressway down.

Hasn't that always been the case in Jacksonville - they tore buildings down because there were plans "on the desk" but they rarely materialized.

[FlaBoy]

If demolition, it doesn't sound like a party would be given the chance to be interested. Instead, it would sound like reuse isn't a preferred option of the administration.

Well, in another Times Union article discussing the Mayor's interview with them, Curry allegedly told them that he had a convention center and additional hotel plans on his desk. He also seemed to allude there was some public-private partnerships in the works. I am sure there is some environmental remediation necessary of the old Courthouse especially.

I am guessing they will be going hard now that Renner is speaker on securing the funds over the next few years to get the Hart Expressway down.

Hasn't that always been the case in Jacksonville - they tore buildings down because there were plans "on the desk" but they rarely materialized.

For sure. I would like to see the tower of the Annex remain due to its long time role and importance (IMO) to the skyline. However, if they are building a convention center, getting this off the ground is completely in the city's court, not just some private company.

[MusicMan]

Dredging the river and building a convention center, 2 bad ideas.