Bay Street / Laura Street Streetscape Update

[thelakelander]

The article also mentions the consideration of a Day Center to help move the homeless out of Hemming Plaza.

At least two busy Downtown thoroughfares will be converted from one-way traffic to two-way traffic this year, including Bay Street between Ocean and Newnan as soon as April. That was the report from Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Deputy Executive Director Paul Crawford at Wednesday’s quarterly meeting of Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI).

“We recognize that one-way streets can make Downtown confusing so we’re taking a methodical approach to changing some traffic patterns,” he said.

Along with Bay Street, Independent Drive from Laura to Newnan Streets will also be switched to two-way traffic in 2009.

Crawford also presented an update on the Laura Street renovation project and said funds were appropriated at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that created a budget of more than $2 million for the project, and the money came from excess funds previously appropriated for other street projects.

He explained the work that has been going on along Laura Street and said, “The engineers you are seeing on the site haven’t begun the project yet â€" that are locating underground vaults and utilities. We plan to have the plans compete by the end of May and expect construction to begin by October, but people need to understand the project will take longer than usual because it will be planned in a way that the construction won’t restrict access to the businesses along Laura Street.”

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=51631

[TPC]

Hemming plaza would be really nice without all the homeless there. I've been yelled at by security when I've skateboarded and biked trough there. But the 2 times I was threatened by some homeless guys, where was the security?

I mean what's worse some kids skating or riding bikes, or some bums sleeping on the benches pan handeling? The city really needs to do something about the homeless problem downtown.

[Bewler]

That is incredibly discouraging to hear. Where are you supposed to bike then? In the street? Yeah that sounds much safer.

As for why there are so many homeless at Hemming Plaza, that's a question I would really like to know the answer to. There are park benches throughout the city, all along the river walk, and the south bank. While I know there are homeless people in those places too, what I don't understand is why there's such a strong conglomeration at Hemming.

[JaxNative68]

The best place to hang out if you homeless is in front of City Hall.  It makes a better statement.

[ProjectMaximus]

I'm not actually familiar with this stuff, but it's been said many times on this site that the homeless gather where their social services (nighttime homeless shelters, food kitchen, etc) are located, and that is all in that vicinity.

[urbanlibertarian]

Just feed the homeless to the hungry.  Two birds with one stone.

Just kidding!

[downtownjag]

I actually asked a Downtown ambassador what he thought about the problem earlier today while walking to the library and he said what we all already know, they aren't breaking the law.  In my opinion, change the law.  One such simple change would be to prohibit duffle bags and backpacks, which could be validated as a security reason.  There are a lot of people that hang out down there that I don't think are actually homeless, either.  They play chess and some younger ones look to be skipping school.  I suppose I am rambling at this point though.
In regards to the other part of the original post, about changing traffic patterns, GREAT!  I really am encouraged to see that kind of change, it is a huge step in the right direction.  Eliminate the freeways downtown and it will stimulate retail, which we all know is desperately needed.

[ProjectMaximus]

Score a few points for Metrojax!

[copperfiend]

I actually asked a Downtown ambassador what he thought about the problem earlier today while walking to the library and he said what we all already know, they aren't breaking the law.  In my opinion, change the law.  One such simple change would be to prohibit duffle bags and backpacks, which could be validated as a security reason.  There are a lot of people that hang out down there that I don't think are actually homeless, either.  They play chess and some younger ones look to be skipping school.  I suppose I am rambling at this point though.
In regards to the other part of the original post, about changing traffic patterns, GREAT!  I really am encouraged to see that kind of change, it is a huge step in the right direction.  Eliminate the freeways downtown and it will stimulate retail, which we all know is desperately needed.

I am going to rent some buses. Let's load up all of the homeless people and bus them over to the St Johns Town Center.

[BridgeTroll]

All cities have this problem.  Having visited many and lived in a few large cities across the country... this problem is pervasive.  Jacksonvilles problems dealing with them are not unique.

[Doctor_K]

Just feed the homeless to the hungry.  Two birds with one stone.

Just kidding!

LOL.  How very 'Jonathan Swift' of you!

[Charles Hunter]

I didn't see it in the article, but isn't a roundabout planned at the intersection of Laura and Independent - in front of the Landing?   Seems I remember reading that in another thread here awhile back.

[urbanlibertarian]

I hope they rethink the roundabout.  As a driver I like them.  As a pedestrian, not so much.  If traffic doesn't have to stop for a signal it won't stop for pedestrians.

[Charles Hunter]

If I remember the other thread (my search skillz suck) correctly, the roundabout is the focus of the whole project - including moving the Andy Jackson statue from the side of the Landing to the middle of the round-about.

[Seraphs]

The best place to hang out if you homeless is in front of City Hall.  It makes a better statement.

Funny, at first I thought this was sarcasm.  Then I realized is actually true!