Mayor Peyton's Last 18 Months. The Bucket List. Part 1

[urbanlibertarian]

Just because you're a cynic, it doesn't mean that everyone isn't really corrupt and power hungry. 

[CS Foltz]

Why should we be cynical? Just because we have been bleached tattooed and hung out to dry and got the joy of paying for every high dollar mistake this Administration has made to this point.........I am, for one, past the cynical point............I am more to the point of, I can't wait till the Administration changes! Why should we have to put up with amateurs and rookies with no concept of professionalism? Good bye , good riddance and don't let the door hit you on the way out! Period!

[Keith-N-Jax]

Its the Jacksonville way get use to it.

[Bostech]

No,its a Peyton's way.

[Keith-N-Jax]

Sorry but this has been going on for decades.

[JeffreyS]

Its the Jacksonville way get use to it.

Never get used to it the times they are a changin.

[buckethead]

Thanks for the shot of optimism, Jeffrey!

I hope you're right. The interwebs allow even dimwits like me access to real information.

[stjr]

I think Mayor Peyton speaks well and comes across as thoughtful in these interview sessions.  Kudos for his taking the time to talk with the MetroJax audience.  

As always, though, the trick is execution.  We need a thoughtful, holistic plan for Downtown, not piecemeal projects, and I am concerned we are still far short of that.  And, we need a LONG-term, CONSISTENT focus and adherence to the plan to instill confidence in it and so people of all stripes can actually make plans around it and not wonder if they are rolling the dice completely.

And, while I agree housing is essential, I didn't hear much about my concerns addressing widely desired residential community amenities that Downtown is woefully short of:  schools, recreational areas, connectivity (especially in Downtown where cars should be taboo), and everyday retail stores and service.  How does one create a modern successful residential environment without these basic desires being addressed?

Based on Mayor's comments about moving the convention center from the Prime Osborne to make way for intermodal transit, I am hoping he shares our concerns that the current JTA plan is a fiasco and needs to be redone from the get-go.  That would be wonderful news by itself.  

[thelakelander]

Personally, I believe "connectivity" should be the top priority for downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Nevertheless, Peyton has addressed "recreation" with the Friendship Fountain/Park, Southbank Riverwalk and Metropolitan Park projects.  The Metropolitan Park plan basically brings large greenspace to that area that can be used as a playing field and for special events.  Unfortunately, without "connectivity" its too isolated from the real downtown core.