What To Do With The Shipyards?

[fieldafm]

By now, I think everyone on this board knows I am a STRONG supporter of Audrey Moran.  I'm a registered Republican and probably as fiscally conservative as it gets.

But, John Nooney is an outstanding human being and true asset to Jacksonville.  He is at EVERY city council meeting and most Waterways meetings.  He does what he says he is going to do, and I am often in awe of his devotion to the issues he finds important.  Please remember that and be respectful to hime when you disagree with his choice for mayor.

[Charles Hunter]

I did not intend any disrespect to Noone (I did intend it to Hogan).  Just trying to point out a (to me) logical outcome if Hogan is elected Mayor.  The Public Pier that Noone so passionately (and properly - it is a great public asset) has been working for will be sold off - and as stjr points out, probably to Sleiman.

I apologize for any disrespect I have directed at Noone.

[dougskiles]

By now, I think everyone on this board knows I am a STRONG supporter of Audrey Moran.  I'm a registered Republican and probably as fiscally conservative as it gets.

But, John Nooney is an outstanding human being and true asset to Jacksonville.  He is at EVERY city council meeting and most Waterways meetings.  He does what he says he is going to do, and I am often in awe of his devotion to the issues he finds important.  Please remember that and be respectful to hime when you disagree with his choice for mayor.

+1

I enjoyed seeing Noone at the dumpster today after several hours of clean up proudly wearing his Mike Hogan for Mayor tee-shirt.  I confess, I couldn't help but throw out a barb to him for supporting Hogan, but I hope John knows how much I respect him, his work for Jacksonville and his opinion.

Sorry guys that I didn't make it in time for the cleanup.  It looks like you had a great day.  We paddled from River Oaks Road in San Marco through downtown and into the creek.  The tide was coming in pretty strong so it made for pretty hard paddling (at least for an old man and a young boy).  The trip back was awesome!  We went under the railroad bridge just as three locomotives were passing above.  For all of the noise those things make on land, I was shocked at how quiet it was underneath.

Great to see everyone back at RAM.  We spend a lot of time looking for ways to improve Jacksonville and often get frustrated for the slow progress.  Today was a great reminder of how amazing our city is!  RAM was alive with energy and optimism for another wonderful spring and summer.

[Jdog]

Everytime I read about prospective businesses moving to, or expanding in, Jacksonville, it seems as though a corporate representative visits Everbank Field.  What if the Shipyards property had been a beautiful and green park, exemplifying our fine quality of life for the past ten or fifteen years? 

[stjr]

Everytime I read about prospective businesses moving to, or expanding in, Jacksonville, it seems as though a corporate representative visits Everbank Field.  What if the Shipyards property had been a beautiful and green park, exemplifying our fine quality of life for the past ten or fifteen years? 

We agree.  I have posted on MJ numerous times in support of this and even started a thread in support of it.  The Shipyards would make a splendid signature green space for downtown Jax.  Now just imagine if the Shipyard park on the Northbank was mirrored by an equally great park on the Southbank at the JEA property.  What a boost for downtown and attracting economic development, great festivals and events, and more residents!

[CS Foltz]

I concur stjr! One of many concepts proposed, but someone in the City government thinks that property would be a developers dream and more! I have not seen or heard from any of the Mayoral candidates regarding just what any of them have in mind! Something for all one could hope!

[dougskiles]

I've long wanted to see a park on the southbank JEA site.  One with soccer fields, baseball fields, a running track - all outdoor-recreation based.  Imagine the draw that would create for the area with all of the families coming on the weekends and evenings when the area is the most 'dead'.

[stjr]

I've long wanted to see a park on the southbank JEA site.  One with soccer fields, baseball fields, a running track - all outdoor-recreation based.  Imagine the draw that would create for the area with all of the families coming on the weekends and evenings when the area is the most 'dead'.

I concur stjr! One of many concepts proposed, but someone in the City government thinks that property would be a developers dream and more! I have not seen or heard from any of the Mayoral candidates regarding just what any of them have in mind! Something for all one could hope!

If you want to revisit this discussion or keep the pump primed regarding these two "parks", please review the prior discussion and add your thoughts and support at this existing MJ thread: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php/topic,4434.0.html

[CS Foltz]

Have allready had a discussion regarding that situation with Ms Michelle (at large 5) Do not believe we need to be selling our waterfront off for just plain dollars! Need a vision and a plan, not to mention some dollars to do it with!

[tufsu1]

Noone, has Hogan promised to construct the pier?  

No. I didn't ask. But he did say that after March 22 we will paddle Hogans Creek.  

I agree with stjr...Hogan will liekly sell the entire Shipyards property (including the pier)...along with many of the preservation lands acquired over the last decade

[fieldafm]

The most important thing with the Shipyards property is keeping the pier seperate from the rest of the property.  Once that is complete... the only way Bay Street Pier Park will become a reality(no matter who is in office) is through a public private partnership, IMO.  

That being said, there are many opportunities to obtain that funding.  But first, the pier parcel must be made seperate... and that costs the city nothing(I have offered a free survey to accomplish this).

[fieldafm]

The trip back was awesome!  We went under the railroad bridge just as three locomotives were passing above.  For all of the noise those things make on land, I was shocked at how quiet it was underneath.

Great to see everyone back at RAM.  We spend a lot of time looking for ways to improve Jacksonville and often get frustrated for the slow progress.  Today was a great reminder of how amazing our city is!  RAM was alive with energy and optimism for another wonderful spring and summer.

Doug set out 5 minutes before I left Hogans.  I left in my car, parked in the YMCA and walked to RAM via the Riverwalk.  Doug and Jacob made it to RAM by kayak from Hogans before I did by car/short walk.

If that's not a metaphor for something, then I don't know what is.

[Jdog]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't public money invested in the Shipyards property already for purposes of public park space?  If so, did the city ever receive any federal matching money?

   

[thelakelander]

^No.  I'm not sure the city ever applied for federal matching money.  Even if they decided to, they would need an actual plan first.

[Noone]

By now, I think everyone on this board knows I am a STRONG supporter of Audrey Moran.  I'm a registered Republican and probably as fiscally conservative as it gets.

But, John Nooney is an outstanding human being and true asset to Jacksonville.  He is at EVERY city council meeting and most Waterways meetings.  He does what he says he is going to do, and I am often in awe of his devotion to the issues he finds important.  Please remember that and be respectful to hime when you disagree with his choice for mayor.

Field, Thanks for the kind words and it is truly reciprocated. Charles and everybody else it's a big decision coming up and just an update I spoke with Pearl and I've got my order of Chickin Nuts in and the last time I stopped by Roberts Eatery with Jill Dame's campaign sign hanging on his tent he asked me to remind her that when she wins that he can't wait to cook for her. His story is 2010-856 the transient vendor ban and wanting to participate.

What to do with the Shipyards and why I'm voting for Hogan. I'll go back 10 years along with everyone else in this city when our St. Johns River an American Heritage River was given that designation. I think about it every day and how special it is. I was there at the River summit and listened to Christopher Brown Chief of the National Designation Division who was the keynote speaker and told of a story about paddling on a river covering 50 miles and then camping  under a bridge. Well yesterday Doug Skiles and his son Jacob in my opinion just demonstrated that to our entire city by paddling from San Marco up to Hogans Creek then over to RAM and then back to San Marco. That is a River Celebration.  

I've got tremendous concerns and I don't think that we will be getting more access but less. I'm believing that there is more of a conpiracy to restrict economic opportunity in what is perceived as a well intended collaboration that does the opposite unless you have been the benificiary of our hard earned taxpayer dollars.

Case in point. 2010-675 the USS Adams. One finance amendment that allows for a potential taxpayer bailout.

1. The Jacksonville Civic Council Recommendation of a new Authority.

2. Another group that is excited about the Jacksonville Civic Council Recommendation of a new Authority.

3. A soon to be released JCCI study Recession, Recovery, and Beyond after the elections that who knows may also be excited about a new Authority.

So right now the USS Adams on the Southbank to move forward needs about $10,000,000 but if the current structure and implimentation of the new Authority remains that financial obligation of the 501-c goes away if they move to the Northbank and could then be obsorbed as a taxpayer obligation.

Another concern. FIND The Florida Inland Navigation District representing the East Coast of the state of Florida. Two years ago and counting I went to my first meeting. Susan Grandin was there with the Tust for Public Lands. I asked about a pocket pier for Duval county. The support was awesome. That first meeting I was told that you need a sponsor ( a city council member ) two years later and counting and don't have one.

Another side note. At the last two Jacksonville Waterways Commission meetings the FIND updates haven't been given. Does anybody care?

Another side note. In December I traveled to Palatka and became aware of a potential statewide designation of our St. Johns River our American Heritage River as a paddling trail. Good stuff. I asked the other counties about our pending legislation 2010-856 and a 1 mile ban of a transient vendor. How will that play in to future River Celebrations?

The bottom line is that the pier needs to be separate. 2010-604. Redman has dropped the ball on this. Gaffney has also dropped the ball on this. The Governor is aware of the issue and the other 66 counties will learn of this crushing opportunity to Public Access and economic opportunity. Its still a local issue.

No I don't know what Hogans plan is for Shipyards. I met the man once. But what has been outlined above is not connected with Hogan.
But I do know this. Its no longer hearing from a politician over the years and that common response. Nooney if there was just someone else besides yourself showing up then just maybe we can do something. And they are right.

Yesterday at the Hogans Creek cleanup it was special for so many reasons. It was truly a gathering of purpose. Each of you are unique and determined. Did I feel a little bit of the tension in the air as we were getting started and at the end. A little bit. Doug, you are an inspiration and what you did yesterday and to share it with your son just highlighted your passion how we need to use and open the river.

Field, what has been inspiring with you is your relentless persuit of Bay St. Pier Park. I'll read your posts and I'm like that is so true. You have the survey covered. There are companies that will immediately jump on board. And you can't leave out the Springfield residents.

What I'm trying to say is that its no longer one person. Regardless of who wins people are listening.

So who's next for Hogans Creek?

Circumnavigational tours of our Downtown in the height of River traffic and going against the current contact the Skiles team.