The Creation of Transform Jax
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1298970863_2RtZgtt-L.jpg)
A common desire between a group of urban core planners to continue the effort to make innovative urban core revitalization concepts discussed throughout the community a reality, has resulted in the creation of "Transform Jax."
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-may-the-creation-of-transform-jax
So who are the Five Guys (not the burger chain)?
Sounds great. Best of luck.
The five guys appear to be Jeremy Hubsch, Ennis Davis, James Boyle, Wiatt Bowers and Aaron Glick.
Because Transform Jax appears to be an advocacy group for the entire urban core, might I suggest that you coordinate a meeting with the urban core neighborhood groups. Sort of like a 'summit' meeting, if you will.
I look forward to working with you on this and am excited to find out what SMPS can do to be a part of it.
This is a wonderful initiative. Good luck to those involved. It appears you're off on the right foot with much of the hard organizational work completed.
I'm especially glad that the group includes the concept of economic diversity among its list of issues of concern.
Quote from: stephendare on May 20, 2011, 07:18:49 AM
Quote from: dougskiles on May 20, 2011, 07:07:54 AM
Because Transform Jax appears to be an advocacy group for the entire urban core, might I suggest that you coordinate a meeting with the urban core neighborhood groups. Sort of like a 'summit' meeting, if you will.
I look forward to working with you on this and am excited to find out what SMPS can do to be a part of it.
Lake or Tufsu.
Is the membership still open? How can people interact with TJ?
I am about to head out of town....so I may not be able to answer many questions this weekend.
but the general answer is yes...we intend to have several committees (and maybe even subcommittees) as time goes on...one of those will be a neighborhoods council with representation from all the intown neighborhoods.
Any more questions, feel free to pm me or send an email to the group at info@transformjax.org and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Finally, thanks to MetroJacksonville for posting our introductory article...we felt this was the place to make our group public!
This all sounds great but if you use the same people that have been making the decisions in the past again...nothing will change.
Quote from: Garden guy on May 20, 2011, 08:10:26 AM
This all sounds great but if you use the same people that have been making the decisions in the past again...nothing will change.
This is the truth right here.
The list of "five guys" posted earlier in the thread aren't the same old people. They are innovative thinkers not tied to the bad decisions of the past. And a whole host of new folks will be coming in with Alvin Brown who are open to new ideas.
I think the timing is perfect for such a resident-led advocacy group to launch.
Sounds good. I'd like to participate but in order to do so I need to pick my favorite 501-c?
Jeremy and Ennis have but Wiatt, James and Aaron if you guys would like to paddle Hogans Creek I'd love to show you. Its only an hour trip. Call me 904-721-3321-home
In my last two trips I saw a manatee at the Maxwell House plant and a couple of gators. I'd love to be part of something that is Making it Happen.
"Timing is everything", so this just might work. Hope so. Good luck.
Quote from: Garden guy on May 20, 2011, 08:10:26 AM
This all sounds great but if you use the same people that have been making the decisions in the past again...nothing will change.
Perhaps you should volunteer your services...
Interesting, how does one contact this organization?
Quote from: mind ski arch r+d on May 20, 2011, 09:21:16 AM
Interesting, how does one contact this organization?
info@transformjax.org
thanks.
This is great. Does Transform Jax have a website?
Looks like not yet, no website.
How many of these proposals overlap ideas posted in the articles here on MJ? It seems like there is plenty of good direction here that only needs the right set of ears and attention from city leadership.
Like Doug suggests, the existing neighborhood groups need to be a part of this. This new group needs to respect and understand that organizations such as RAP already exist for Riverside Avondale. Do we understand that we are part of a larger whole of the urban core? Yes. Do we want greater connectivity, etc.? Yes. RAP is working on a longterm parking and transportation master plan for our distraict. We certainly do not want something you are doing to be in conflict with what we want to do, for example. So make sure we are all included.
Also, why not identify who is part of this group so far?
This is a great time to get that momentum going. Good luck!
Quote from: Kay on May 20, 2011, 09:39:21 AM
Also, why not identify who is part of this group so far?
Quote from: Miss Fixit on May 20, 2011, 06:50:25 AM
The five guys appear to be Jeremy Hubsch, Ennis Davis, James Boyle, Wiatt Bowers and Aaron Glick.
I saw that. The "appear to be" had me asking for confirmation.
Quote from: Kay on May 20, 2011, 09:38:09 AM
Like Doug suggests, the existing neighborhood groups need to be a part of this. This new group needs to respect and understand that organizations such as RAP already exist for Riverside Avondale. Do we understand that we are part of a larger whole of the urban core? Yes. Do we want greater connectivity, etc.? Yes. RAP is working on a longterm parking and transportation master plan for our distraict. We certainly do not want something you are doing to be in conflict with what we want to do, for example. So make sure we are all included.
Kay, the group plans on having a neighborhoods committee comprised of leaders from Jacksonville's urban core neighborhoods. We are huge supporters of the existing neighborhood organizations. We just want to be able to bring them all together and utilize their knowledge/expertise in our decision making process. We will definitely be in touch with RAP and the other organizations when we start to form that committee.
Quote from: Shwaz on May 20, 2011, 09:36:59 AM
How many of these proposals overlap ideas posted in the articles here on MJ? It seems like there is plenty of good direction here that only needs the right set of ears and attention from city leadership.
IMO this site is a place to explore and vet ideas. While their are editorial opinions here for the most part this is not a direct advocacy group. Transform Jax seems like that is the path they intend to go down.
Well keep doing what your (we are) doing cause I love this place.
And don't forget the Car Wash and Improper Pizza service actions we are famous for.
Quote from: stephendare on May 20, 2011, 10:16:16 AM
and this particular group emerged from a thread on Metro that asked people to get organized for an action group.
Just to touch on this point. This group was first discussed back in December and the wheels were in motion prior to Moran losing and that thread.
We'll definitely be keeping MJ posters in the loop about the group and opportunities to get involved.
QuoteRAP is working on a longterm parking and transportation master plan for our distraict.
When will this be completed? Can you give any details about it right now? What public input opportunities do you have for this plan?
Quote from: CityLife on May 20, 2011, 10:39:44 AM
We'll definitely be keeping MJ posters in the loop about the group and opportunities to get involved.
Thanks! We'll be looking forward to it!
Quote from: Miss Fixit on May 20, 2011, 06:50:25 AM
The five guys appear to be Jeremy Hubsch, Ennis Davis, James Boyle, Wiatt Bowers and Aaron Glick.
Where is the woman touch? If we want diversity........
Quote from: Kay on May 20, 2011, 09:38:09 AM
Like Doug suggests, the existing neighborhood groups need to be a part of this. This new group needs to respect and understand that organizations such as RAP already exist for Riverside Avondale. Do we understand that we are part of a larger whole of the urban core? Yes. Do we want greater connectivity, etc.? Yes. RAP is working on a longterm parking and transportation master plan for our distraict. We certainly do not want something you are doing to be in conflict with what we want to do, for example. So make sure we are all included.
Kay - any details on RAP's plans for transportation improvements?
Quote from: FayeforCure on May 20, 2011, 10:53:39 AM
Quote from: Miss Fixit on May 20, 2011, 06:50:25 AM
The five guys appear to be Jeremy Hubsch, Ennis Davis, James Boyle, Wiatt Bowers and Aaron Glick.
Where is the woman touch? If we want diversity........
That was one of my reactions, too, Faye! I don't know all five of the "five guys" but my impression is that there is not a lot of diversity of age and experience, either.
That said, I admire what they hope to accomplish and the guys I do know have a lot of good ideas. And I think they will eventually involve a few older and more experienced folks (male and female), at least on their committees. I qualify as older and female and one of the guys has reached out to me for input! :)
Quote from: Miss Fixit on May 20, 2011, 11:00:09 AM
Quote from: FayeforCure on May 20, 2011, 10:53:39 AM
Quote from: Miss Fixit on May 20, 2011, 06:50:25 AM
The five guys appear to be Jeremy Hubsch, Ennis Davis, James Boyle, Wiatt Bowers and Aaron Glick.
Where is the woman touch? If we want diversity........
That was one of my reactions, too, Faye! I don't know all five of the "five guys" but my impression is that there is not a lot of diversity of age and experience, either.
That said, I admire what they hope to accomplish and the guys I do know have a lot of good ideas. And I think they will eventually involve a few older and more experienced folks (male and female), at least on their committees. I qualify as older and female and one of the guys has reached out to me for input! :)
Thanks Miss Fixit for sharing input to the group. Transforming Jax is just as important to us suburbanites as it is to the urban core. If they want input from an enlightened suburbanite, who happens to be female and might be just a little out of their age range ;), I will be glad to help too.
Quote from: Shwaz on May 20, 2011, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Kay on May 20, 2011, 09:38:09 AM
Like Doug suggests, the existing neighborhood groups need to be a part of this. This new group needs to respect and understand that organizations such as RAP already exist for Riverside Avondale. Do we understand that we are part of a larger whole of the urban core? Yes. Do we want greater connectivity, etc.? Yes. RAP is working on a longterm parking and transportation master plan for our distraict. We certainly do not want something you are doing to be in conflict with what we want to do, for example. So make sure we are all included.
Kay - any details on RAP's plans for transportation improvements?
Not yet. We've got the guiding principles. Our priorities in order are pedestrians, bikers, mass transit and automobiles last. We want people to be able to get around safely without a car whether internal or coming from outside. There are other things like mitigating the noise from highway, etc. We'll need an expert to help us figure out what that means has to change. We worked with Ennis when he was putting together the Mobility Plan. We intend to do the same with the context sensitive street design. We'll want to tie in and/or influence what's going on with other organizations that impact us. We want to come up with and codify policies so that whenever the City or JTA or whomever wants to do something it has to comply with the established policies.
Quote from: Kay on May 20, 2011, 11:44:29 AM
Quote from: Shwaz on May 20, 2011, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: Kay on May 20, 2011, 09:38:09 AM
Like Doug suggests, the existing neighborhood groups need to be a part of this. This new group needs to respect and understand that organizations such as RAP already exist for Riverside Avondale. Do we understand that we are part of a larger whole of the urban core? Yes. Do we want greater connectivity, etc.? Yes. RAP is working on a longterm parking and transportation master plan for our distraict. We certainly do not want something you are doing to be in conflict with what we want to do, for example. So make sure we are all included.
Kay - any details on RAP's plans for transportation improvements?
Not yet. We've got the guiding principles. Our priorities in order are pedestrians, bikers, mass transit and automobiles last. We want people to be able to get around safely without a car whether internal or coming from outside. There are other things like mitigating the noise from highway, etc. We'll need an expert to help us figure out what that means has to change. We worked with Ennis when he was putting together the Mobility Plan. We intend to do the same with the context sensitive street design. We'll want to tie in and/or influence what's going on with other organizations that impact us. We want to come up with and codify policies so that whenever the City or JTA or whomever wants to do something it has to comply with the established policies.
Any immediate plans to extend the trolley hours Fri / Sat / Sun to promote connectivity with the entertainments districts of Riverside / Avondale & Downtown?
I don't know. Carmen and others have been working directly with JTA regarding the trolley. Mike Blaylock did tell me he'd like to meet with us to coordinate our longer term efforts which is a good sign.
This being only an advocacy group, it won't cost tax payers anything. Now those anti DT people can't say a thing about wastefull spending DT. This is a great idea and I want to join too. I have a few great ideas myself. And if I can present them to everyone willing to listen, they may happen. Count me in!
Look for one of my ideas on the Southbank Riverwalk improvements, I think it's there, It went a little bit off topic but you can see on the thread how it got that way.
Sending my email right now. Count me in...
I sent my email in as well. I think we should all participate.
QuoteAny immediate plans to extend the trolley hours Fri / Sat / Sun to promote connectivity with the entertainments districts of Riverside / Avondale & Downtown
No. Which is why you need to contact JTA and continue to beat that drum, loudly.
Quote from: fieldafm on May 20, 2011, 01:45:56 PM
QuoteAny immediate plans to extend the trolley hours Fri / Sat / Sun to promote connectivity with the entertainments districts of Riverside / Avondale & Downtown
No. Which is why you need to contact JTA and continue to beat that drum, loudly.
Will do. I'm surprised... they run the late trolley successfully in Jax beach but ignore the core.
Quote from: cline on May 20, 2011, 10:44:21 AM
QuoteRAP is working on a longterm parking and transportation master plan for our distraict.
When will this be completed? Can you give any details about it right now? What public input opportunities do you have for this plan?
We plan to hold community meetings to gather input for what the plan should be. When you are working with volunteers things take longer. It would be nice to have it done within a year.
Why not present your ideas to the Urban Core CPAC?
Some advice: Try to be as inclusive and transparent as possible. There is a great opportunity here to come together and accomplish real and significant progress in the Urban Core; however, this will only occur if everyone has a seat at the table.
The LAST thing the UC needs is another group with secrets whispered to only a chosen few.
^^^
+1
Looks like a lot of these sorts of groups are forming right now. I've seen it happening over the past couple of years. People in Jacksonville are hungry for something better and willing to work for it.
Another new effort is called One Spark - http://www.beonespark.com/
http://vimeo.com/24464667
Sounds pretty good and great video. For those interested in learning more about One Spark, information will be available tonight at Art Walk:
5 West Forsyth
June 1, 2011
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Quote from: Jimmy on June 01, 2011, 08:15:38 AM
Looks like a lot of these sorts of groups are forming right now. I've seen it happening over the past couple of years. People in Jacksonville are hungry for something better and willing to work for it.
Another new effort is called One Spark - http://www.beonespark.com/
http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=24464667&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00adef&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0
This looks really interesting. I am going to head down tonight to listen to what they are saying.
Quote from: thelakelander on June 01, 2011, 08:38:22 AM
Sounds pretty good and great video. For those interested in learning more about One Spark, information will be available tonight at Art Walk:
5 West Forsyth
June 1, 2011
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Is that the office furniture store?
I believe so
Share what you find out!
A great time for a renassiance -- we are fortunate to be here, now.
How did it go? When is the next meeting?
I stopped by around 6:30. They were setup in the entrance of the building and had some buttons to give away and a projected logo on the wall.
It wasn't anything formal, they just answered questions from the group of people there. From what I got out of it, they are trying to help people start up businesses. They have already done the networking and have pulled together the resources one would need to get a project going. They were saying that they have already met with people who provide capital, and they also have people to help with accounting and law issues. They also have media contacts to help spread the word.
Right now they want to get the word out and start having people contact them that they can help.
I stopped by around 7:15 and got the same impression
Do you still have to be a 501-c for top priority to participate?
Who else of the five guys wants to paddle Hogans Creek? I'm serious.
Kiva's wife here.Having trouble with my own acct. The Hogans Creek task force has recently been very active recently in trying to get the Greenway built as soon as possible. Also have some other cool things happening for the parks along the emerald necklace, bathroom renovations, a new playground. This is a dynamic group and hopefully we will see much done.