A New Look For San Marco Boulevard

[Metro Jacksonville]

A New Look For San Marco Boulevard



In the upcoming months, San Marco Boulevard will be reconstructed to enhance walkability between one of Jacksonville's densest neighborhoods and the Downtown Southbank.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-nov-a-new-look-for-san-marco-boulevard

[vicupstate]

I didn't know this was in the works.  Extending the pedestrian-friendly environment to I-95 is a great idea.  I doubt that it could be successfully extended to the Southbank Riverwalk though.   Good time to take and post some 'before' pictures. 

[reednavy]

One question. Why are they going to landscape by 95 when that is going to be ripped up for the new Overland Bridge project?

[Ocklawaha]

One of only two possible streetcar routes on the Southbank and it looks like we're about to slam the lid on it. While I agree that the Skyway is a superior tool in this area as it travels not only over the narrow street but also OVER THE FEC tracks. Taking the Skyway from Kings Avenue to Atlantic on the West side of the FEC, would give us access 24/7/365. Something South Jacksonville has begged for since at least 1923. The rebuilt street would be very cool with vintage "Heritage Bus" as the circulate in this neighborhood. Any streetcar idea would have to cross the river either at or just west of the Acosta Bridge, or north of the Fuller Warren, squeeze between buildings and head into San Marco avoiding the busy FEC tracks.

OCKLAWAHA

[sandyshoes]

Please indulge me, as I am obviously not privy to how our City government runs - but, how is it that there is money to make all these improvements in the Mayor's neighborhood?  Surely there are other projects needing to be done, with the "need" emphasized.   

[Cliffs_Daughter]

Reednavy: One question. Why are they going to landscape by 95 when that is going to be ripped up for the new Overland Bridge project?


Right-hand, left-hand dude...
And they don't really care to compare schedules, as I'm sure it's 'not their job'.

[hightowerlover]

we have got to be one of the largest purchasers of palm trees in this recession.  is this a case of a budget needing to be spent before the year runs out? 

[Ocklawaha]

Please indulge me, as I am obviously not privy to how our City government runs - but, how is it that there is money to make all these improvements in the Mayor's neighborhood?  Surely there are other projects needing to be done, with the "need" emphasized.   

This sort of project was probably funded several years ago. When the grants come in it's a use it or lose it proposition.

Reednavy: One question. Why are they going to landscape by 95 when that is going to be ripped up for the new Overland Bridge project?

The I-95 project shouldn't interfere with this project on San Marco, in fact the contracts might even being done in concert with eachother. Whatever they do to 95, it will continue of fly over San Marco.

we have got to be one of the largest purchasers of palm trees in this recession.  is this a case of a budget needing to be spent before the year runs out? 

GREAT hightowerlover, as you can see, they have been our "trademark" since at least 1911. A salute to our historic roads and appearances is long overdue.

OCKLAWAHA

[reednavy]

we have got to be one of the largest purchasers of palm trees in this recession.  is this a case of a budget needing to be spent before the year runs out? 

They have a seperate fund specifically for trees, shrubs, etc. to be used during the year. I believe it is about a half million per year.

Even if we are in a recession, it is very wise to invest in landscaping to improve the city.

[finehoe]

Has anyone heard anything about a Lethal Yellowing-type disease that effects Sabel Palms?

[stjr]

Am I missing something, or is the parking plan shown in front of European Street in Panel Two slanted the wrong way, against traffic?

[Captain Zissou]

^ I noticed that too.  I even made awkward hand gestures of imaginary traffic flow to confirm that they are in fact the wrong direction..   Maybe the spaces are designed to be backed into....?

[stjr]

Maybe the COJ is "formalizing" its a*s backwards planning policies?!

[thelakelander]

Those are back-in parking spaces.

[stjr]

LOL.  That should be fun to watch.  People can't park straight going forwards... they are sure to hit cars backing in!  How proven is this "new idea" to Jax?  What's motivating this change?