Jazz Festival Changes being discussed

[dganson]

In a phone call today it was revealed to me that the city is planning major changes in venue for the Jazz Festival in spite of it being one of the best planned and organized events that the city has ever managed. Teresa Price notified the Jacksonville Landing that it would not be a venue this year due to the Laura Street construction. Rather than shift the event west to Hogan Street, which is the obvious change to make and keep everything great, exactly the same as last year, the city plans to close Main Street and put the main stage in the pocket park across from the library. By shifting to Hogan street instead it makes logistics much easier to access parking garages on Main street, as well as tie directly into the Riverfront on Hogan street. And with the Landing as a venue you have shelter from the elements and restrooms. The Skyway would also offer relief from the elements for vendors along Hogan street.. And most importantly it helps revive and bring people into the Core of Downtown. The decision to move it to Main Street ignores everything that the City should be doing to better Downtown. I just don't get what they are thinking. I am biased as I am a tenant at the Landing, but it still makes no sense at all. What do many of you think?

[vicupstate]

You make a strong case, IMO.  A key by-product of this event should be to bring business and exposure to the DT businesses.

There are virtually no businesses facing Main Street, which is a real downside, IMO.  Granted Hogan isn't much better, in terms of that, but it is still a better choice  than Main in that regard.

Hogan also leads directly to the Riverwalk.  Plus there is a lot more traffic that has to be re-directed on Main, which is a US highway.

There may be upsides to going with Main, but I would like to hear them, because they don't come right to mind. 

[urbanlibertarian]

Maybe they are trying to get the emerging Bay street bar scene involved by moving east.

[dganson]

Another option that would better showcase our assets would be on Independent Drive and Coastline Drive, from the CSX Bldg to The Landing. This brings the river and riverwalk into play.  Using The Landing stage would help reduce expenses and certainlty The Landing could offer financial support.

[thelakelander]

I'd close Bay Street down before Main.  The festival should be on a street that puts the most pedestrian traffic in front of downtown businesses.

[Ocklawaha]

We can't use HOGAN! OMG! Then people "might" use the Skyway... exactly what their expecting us to do!

OCKLAWAHA

[tufsu1]

In a phone call today it was revealed to me that the city is planning major changes in venue for the Jazz Festival in spite of it being one of the best planned and organized events that the city has ever managed. Teresa Price notified the Jacksonville Landing that it would not be a venue this year due to the Laura Street construction.

Guess they changed their mind

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/music/2010-03-31/story/jacksonville-jazz-festival-set-memorial-day-weekend