Peyton to focus on downtown

[Captain Zissou]

I agree that Peyton is mostly talk, but usually what he says isn't even that good.  At least this time he's saying the right things. 
If he could get the trio sold to a credible developer, get some plans rolling for a riverfront convention center, re-do the plans for the transit center, and make nice with Toney Sleiman before the end of his term, I'd be fairly pleased.

[tufsu1]

Agree that putting a stake in the ground on convention center begins to focus the conversation and the movement toward a new site.  Two pieces in today's speech that were not in T-U story, but are equally exciting are (1) the Mayor's focus on growing our biomedical presence...a great job engine for Jacksonville and Springfield (Shands/UF) and (2) an effort to create low-cost housing in small, vacant downtown buildings for use by artists and others looking to reduce their housing spend.  This may be a short-term way to get more people living downtown.  Mayor is pulling from his sister's experience in NYC's SoHo and Chelsea.

Adam....you and the Mayor deserve a lot of credit....having just read the entire speech, I am truly excited!

[copperfiend]

typical, short-sided responses by the T-U posters in the "comments" section

I wouldn't even waste my time.

[Wacca Pilatka]

Speaking of downtown buildings for artists' use, any news on Noli Novak's presence in Jacksonville lately?

[Springfield Girl]

This is very good news for Jacksonville. Any city that wants to be top tier needs a vibrant Downtown and Urban Core. I say better late than never.

[obie1]

better late than never as the saying goes

[mtraininjax]

you and the Mayor deserve a lot of credit....having just read the entire speech, I am truly excited!

Are you running for office?

You have to live in fantasyland if you think Peyton and his staff can do anything to turn Jacksonville into a biomedical presence. If anything is done, it will be done by Shands, not the Mayor's office. That is a BIG IF, as they still were not compensated by either the STATE or CITY for all the losses they have for indigent care. This is not charity, its still a business.

Last I checked, the mayor was doing a great job at lobbying folks and builders to come down and check out the half empty buildings for artists, yet there was $0 available for this pipe dream.

So just as the mayor started in 2003, he has the same going for him with 18 months remaining, lots of hope and optomism, but little to show for it.

[tufsu1]

mtrain...I'm just keeping an open mind...and was very impressed with what the Mayor said...no it is true that actions speak louder than words.

in almost every regard, the private sector is what will make things happen...but the City can lead the way!

[CS Foltz]

mtraininjax............I agree! The Mayor is talking once again, but as of yet nothing to show for it! The only good point is, he is discussing downtown now..........too bad it was not at the start of his Administration!

[vicupstate]

Positive action does not always require money or at least not large sums of it.  Artwalk, RAM & FRAM are examples of that.  Providing a bully pulpit and advocacy does matter.  No one was actively pursuing the artists residence issue.  Now the city is doing so.  Ideally, the PRIVATE sector will spend the money and the city will not need to.   That would be the ideal even if the city had the moeny to spend. 

I wish this would have occurred seven years ago too, but that is water under the bridge.  At least now we don't have to wait 18 months before these issues get addressed by a new mayor.  Hopefully, the new mayor will pick up where Peyton leaves off.  And there is time for that very question to be an issue in the campaign as well.   

BTW, I have been as critical of Peyton over the years as just about anyone, but nothing is gained by needless negative, the glass is half-empty thinking.  There is enough of that already.       

[CS Foltz]

vicupstate...........you do have a point! I am just so accustomed to pointing out our Administrations short comings it has become force of habit! I can change that, I just hope Johnny can finally produce something other than idea's and Fee's and taxes!

[Ocklawaha]

Yeah, i have gotten to the point where I do not even read those posters comments.

I jumped on and fired a broadside... Rather then bitch, why not all of us post on the TU and show Larry some "Readership" support. BTW, Larry is VERY pro rail and streetcar, so I for one, would love to see him stick around!

OCKLAWAHA

[Coolyfett]

I wonder if the moving of the Convention Center actually became a reality, would that cause more businesses to sprout up around the Bay Street area. Nothing against the Landing, but not everyone wants to eat at the eateries that are at the Landing. I'd love to see a diner open up downtown. Specifically one that would be open late.

With all the Stupid Waffle House jokes you hear about Jax, I am suprised the Landing does not have onelol