One of the most important issues in the mayors race is the development of downtown. No where block per block can contribute to the city's tax base more than downtown. The benefits of a vibrant downtown is the money and jobs it generates for the entire city. It is also such an important sales tool in attracting new business and jobs to Jacksonville. We can no longer afford to ignore downtown. While it is difficult from a perception point of view to rank this as our most important issue, there is no doubt that cities like Charlotte, indianapolis, Greenville, ashville, ECt.. Will credit their success as a city as a whole to the success of their downtown district. It's way past time for Jacksonville to do the same. That is why Audrey commitment to downtown and her plan to bring back an authority on downtown is so important. There is no extra cost here. A carving out of the jedc as I have stated before. The positive ripples to an emerging downtown will go out for years, or maybe better stated, generations!! She is the only candidate with a solid commitment to downtown redevelopment and connecting to the surrounding neighborhoods. Downtown truly can become a destination for our citizens. Even if not everyone wants to visit a vibrant downtown, they will begin to appreciate the benefits. I hope this tuesday becomes jacksonville's turning point by electing Audrey Moran. Matt Carlucci sr
Matt, I couldn't agree more. The sad thing is most citizens of Jacksonville do not understand this.
Matt, and others, you need to see and promote a series running on WJCT by American Public Television (and with support of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy) called "Making Sense of Place".
This apparently ongoing series of in-depth documentaries is devoted exclusively to complex urban development issues and how cities are trying to deal with them. I just saw the one on Cleveland (the others, for now, are on Portland and Phoenix) and the amazing wealth of challenges, experiences, and creative ideas they have and or are having that parallel so well what is happening, or needs to happen, here in Jax. Every local person interested in our urban fabric renewal should see these shows (you can also purchase them). See this link: http://www.makingsenseofplacefilms.com/index.html or to buy: QuoteSHOP
Individual programs from this series is available on VHS or DVD for $20.00 each, plus shipping and handling.; the complete two-part series is available on on VHS or DVD for $30.00, plus shipping and handling. To order, call 800-526-3873 or email makingsenseofplace@lincolninst.edu.