Jazz Festival Logistics Badly Planned for Downtown Merchants and Residents?

[tufsu1]

wow...#1 (cut taxes) and #7 (move all social service agencies)....how do those go together?

And how about this...."government should mind its own business"...but also #8 (require all shows to start after 8:15pm).

Obviously you have some conflicting priorities...so I'm not sure how the City (or anyone else) could cater to your needs.

[Jerry Moran]

wow...#1 (cut taxes) and #7 (move all social service agencies)....how do those go together?

And how about this...."government should mind its own business"...but also #8 (require all shows to start after 8:15pm).

Obviously you have some conflicting priorities...so I'm not sure how the City (or anyone else) could cater to your needs.

You just don't get it, do you?

[tufsu1]

guess not....please enlighten me (and the rest of us)

[comncense]

Does anyone know if the street closures started today? I'm wondering if I'm going to have an unexpected adventure on how to get back to the Carling when I get off of work at 5pm.

[Charles Hunter]

From the T-U:

Here's the list of streets closing for this weekend's Jacksonville Jazz Festival. All are scheduled to reopen midnight Sunday:

WEDNESDAY

- Forsyth Street from Main Street to Laura Street closed 6 p.m.

THURSDAY

- Laura Street from Duval Street to Adams Street closed 8 a.m.

- Laura Street from Adams Street to Independent Drive (leaving one lane open from Bay Street to Laura Street for access to the Modis Building) closed 6 p.m.

- Duval Street from Laura Street to Hogan Street closed 7 p.m.

- Adams Street from Main Street to Hogan Street closed 7 a.m.

- Forsyth Street from Laura Street to Hogan Street closed 6 p.m.

- Hogan Street from Water Street to the river closed 8 a.m.

- Sister Cities from Hogan Street to the cul-de-sac closed 8 a.m.

FRIDAY

- Monroe Street from Main Street to Laura Street closed 9 a.m.

- Monroe Street from Laura Street to Hogan Street closed 9 a.m.

- Bay Street from Main Street to Hogan Street (leaving one lane open from Bay Street to Laura Street for access to the Modis Building) closed noon.

- Independent Drive from Laura Street to Hogan Street closed 8 a.m.

[CrysG]

I wish I had known about all of this prior to volunteering downtown. I have no idea how to get to a garage to park. This will be the last time I offer to volunteer. 

[comncense]

With how it's been raining downtown the past few days, I wonder if they really expect people to come out for the festival. I'm a huge jazz fan and I live in the Carling. However, I won't even bother walking downstairs to stand out in the rain to listen to the music. I wonder if it was too late to reschedule the event. Seems like it's going to be disappointing on the number of people who will attend.

[copperfiend]

I don't see how much of anything can be done because of the rain. This is the worst rain I've seen here in years.

[Coolyfett]

Is it really wrong for a business owner to first think about his business?  I don't know the particular issues, but my first thought is how do other cities do it?  We are not the only big city to do this, and most have a lot more merchants to deal with.  If we are doing the same things other cities do, then so be it.  However, if not, then perhaps they have a legit gripe.

Jazz fest should be in the heart of the city. That is where they should be. It should not move around very often either, IF it is in Hemming Plaza then that is perfect!! Owners of business should ALWAYS be made aware of special events in the area and should do biz accordingly. What Jacksonville is doing this year is what Atlanta did last year where it was held in the same type of location as Hemming Plaza, It was packed and all the places were packed. I went via train with some friends. Looks like Jax also can go via train this year. Should not be any parking issues. Just use the Skyway and enjoy the party.

[tufsu1]

I wish I had known about all of this prior to volunteering downtown. I have no idea how to get to a garage to park. This will be the last time I offer to volunteer. 

um...try the courthouse garage...or the one at thye Omni...they should be rteally easy to get to

[CrysG]

I was thinking along those lines until my husband pointed out I'd be walking about 10 blocks alone at 9 a night.

[Steve]

Not sure how it would be 10 - the length of the event is 5 (Hemming to Landing)

[CrysG]

I never said I'd be volunteering with the Jazz Fest.

[BridgeTroll]

You can park at the prime osborne and use the skyway.  Or try the kings avenue parking garage and skyway

[Lunican]

The public library garage is only half a block from Hemming Plaza.