I believe it is high time that The Downtown Vision Incorporated either be replaced or restructured.
The reasons are abundant and obvious to any who have followed this process over the past two years.
Facts like the complete failure to install wayfaring signage and proper lighting despite guaranteeing their installation throughout the downtown nearly two years ago, Actively sabotaging attempts on the parts of the merchants and residents of downtown to reform the obsolete and destructive parking policies, Attempting to squelch and silence the very same residents and merchants on the issue of increased security and out of control vagrants, and failing to take initiative on the rerouting of traffic patterns during special events and church hours that have strangled downtown during such times.
While the Artwalk and the Ambassador Programs are worthwhile endeavors and should be maintained, the actual results produced by DVI do not justify the money and weight they are given for governing downtown affairs.
Terri Lorrince is a very nice woman, and should be retained by the city in some capacity, it would be a shame to lose someone of such obvious charm and intelligence, but many feel that DVI is simply unable to deliver on any of its basic functions as noted above, perhaps due to an overactive mission to control all the politics and dialogue of the alleged end users.
And this is not to say that Downtown doesnt need an organization looking after its affairs, merely that DVI has not risen to the challenge.
The B.I.D is a voluntary tax self imposed by the landowners of the affected area, but DVI obtains a portion of its funding from the Council as well. The Downtown "Stakeholders" are certainly welcome to do whatever they please with the money allocated by themselves from themselves for themselves, but it is time that the city examined its own role in funding the organization.
I agree 120% with you stephendare...how can i help?
I don't think they need to be dissovled, but the priorities definately need to be reevaluated. I find it hard to believe that something as simple as wayfaring signage can't be easily funded and installed in a short amount of time if it were a real priority. I also think we need some entity that should be able to go out and aggressively recruit businesses to the downtown core. Right now we don't have anybody but DVI seems like the logical entity to run with this.
Nope. Be gone with the DVI. I've just not heard any good DVI has done for Jacksonville other then the occasional flower bed perhaps and a few "ambassadors?" I think the ambassadors are in with parking control and that's how DVI is funded.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 31, 2007, 10:39:46 PM
I don't think they need to be dissolved, but the priorities definately need to be reevaluated. I find it hard to believe that something as simple as wayfaring signage can't be easily funded and installed in a short amount of time if it were a real priority. I also think we need some entity that should be able to go out and aggressively recruit businesses to the downtown core. Right now we don't have anybody but DVI seems like the logical entity to run with this.
I agree. I think the problem is that due to the funding situation, DVI can't follow the direction of the merchant/resident stakeholders, but instead must be an 'arm' of the city government. Needless to say, DT is not a priority with the city.
Because no vision is still vision. What is DVI's long-term goal or vision. Vision Statement. Oh I guess this is it?
Quote
Also established in 2000 was Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI), a not-for-profit organization designed to bolster the downtown community and promote it as an ideal venue for business and tourism. Its initiatives include programs to make the downtown area clean and safe, to market the area through television programs, radio spots, and publications, to tackle transportation and parking issues, and retain and attract business. In 2003 DVI launched a Downtown Image campaign that included a new logo and tagline: Downtown Jacksonvilleâ€"Not Your Ordinary Neighborhood.
Let's see where do they get their funding. Oh that's from the Better Jacksonville Plan approved by voters in 2000. So, there's somebody giving DVI money to operate. Bet $50 there's strings attached. Why wouldn't there be. Anybody want to guess what the strings are? Cut cost, streamline comes to mind. Look at the list of directors. They've had years of experience in cutting cost and streamlining for the betterment of the shareholders. And the shareholders here are? The people who fund DVI? The tax payers.
Letting DVI be responsible for the promotion of downtown is a recipe for disaster. DVI isn't working for downtown Jacksonville. Downtown Jacksonville should be working for downtown Jacksonville and I don't see that happening since most downtown jacksonville is a church with no interest in supporting downtown and surface level parking for the people that zip in and zip out monday thru friday.
DVI should respond. If you are an organization dedicated to bolstering downtown your reading this site.
Quote from: JeffreyS on January 01, 2008, 12:55:11 PM
DVI should respond. If you are an organization dedicated to bolstering downtown your reading this site.
They won’t respond. The probably have a "process" in place to respond regarding issues like this. They'd have to have a meeting then formulate a response, review it then pass it to their attorneys for their approval then up to the board for a proper sign off. And this "process" is also preventing them from getting any work done which is part of the problem with organizations like DVI.
What will guarantee DVI will be better the second time around?
Also, if you kill DVI the city may not want to fund the new DVI. Then you're left with a bunch of people with no money. We already have that.
Good point Lunican. We already got a bunch of people with no money thanks to DVI. We also have talented people with no money that could get things done if DVI wasn't in the way.
DVI should definitely have a list of available properties for businesses interested in leasing space downtown. Maybe they have this already, I don't know.
Here is a list of their current projects and activities:
http://downtownjacksonville.org/content/?page_id=49
I agree with lakelander and lunican. Don't give the city anymore reason to pull out of developing downtown. Doing away with DVI would definitely do that, but something has to be done. I'm all for the restructure.
Change their funding. If you yank their budget they'll listen. Have their budget based on growth not shrinkage.
They have no vision statement stephen. Yes, they have a mission interpreted: make the core city so freaking miserable by managing the cost of maintaining downtown.
I got their vision statement: Become the best marionette puppets in the entire world!
Regarding the Downtown Information
Quote from: stephendare on January 02, 2008, 04:39:47 PM
Lunican, Im glad you provided the link.
It kind of proves my point.
Here is a list, point by point of what DVI claims are its programs and achievements.
Its a sad list.
Downtown Ambassadors
Ready to give directions, answer questions, provide assistance, or walk you to your destination, the Downtown Ambassadors are Jacksonville’s Downtown hospitality and information team. Easily identified in their bright orange shirts and recognizable pith helmets, the Ambassadors are available to assist you seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
One of the two actual success stories of DVI
Downtown Information & Safety Network
At the request of Downtown property owners and building managers, DVI has developed the Downtown Information & Safety Network to more effectively keep our stakeholders informed about downtown issues. The network is managed through timely email updates about street and bridge closures, building evacuations, safety concerns, construction projects, special events, and emergencies impacting the Downtown area. Currently subscribed to by over 300 Downtown businesses, the Downtown Information & Safety Network has kept stakeholders informed about over 520 high-impact items.
like?
I'm on this email list. Here's an example of what I recieved today:
DVI Meeting Reminders
Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming Downtown meetings:
Downtown Retail Meeting
Date: Monday, January 7, 2008
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Ed Ball Building (214 N. Hogan St.)
Room: First Floor Training Room (located next to the escalators at the Adams St. entrance)
Topic: To discuss ways to cross-promote Downtown businesses and opportunities to participate in other special events Downtown
Downtown Operations Meeting
Date: January 9, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Main Library
Room: Multi-purpose Room 1
Topic: To discuss issues of concern to Downtown stakeholders, including cleanliness, safety and parking
Downtown Stakeholder Meeting with U.S. Postal Service
Date: January 14, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: City Hall at St. James (117 W. Duval St.)
Room: Renaissance Room, 1st floor
Topic: To discuss Downtown business concerns about mail pickup and delivery
Downtown Stakeholder Meeting with Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC)
Date: February 27
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Ed Ball Building (214 N. Hogan St.)
Room: First Floor Training Room (located next to the escalators at the Adams St. entrance)
Topic: Overview of the JEDC Downtown Action Plan Speaker: Ron Barton, Executive Director, JEDC
If you are interested in attending any of these meetings, please RSVP to our Finance & HR Director, Debbie Gierke, at (904) 634-0303 x 221 or reply to this email. QuoteMarketing Initiatives
Downtown Image Campaign
Downtown Jacksonville is the center of arts, culture, sports and business for the Northeast Florida area, and marketing our attributes is a top priority for Downtown Vision. In February 2003, DVI launched a Downtown image and branding campaign, complete with a new logo and tagline for the region’s only urban area.
2003? holy ancient history batman.
What's the status of this campaign? This campaign is something that should have included wayfaring signage as a form of image enhancements and branding.
QuoteDowntown Now
This program, produced by DVI and WJCT, highlights the best of Downtown and is aired on Comcast several times a month, as well as being available in on the in-room channel in Jacksonville hotels.
isnt this defunct??
The money set aside for this rarely seen show should go into a pot towards business recruitment.
QuoteDowntown Guide
DVI produces an updated Downtown Guide twice a year, which lists all accommodations, services, restaurants and entertainment options in Downtown for the Northbank and Southbank. The guide includes a map, parking information and transit options, as well.
this is a lie
Is this a brochure? If so, it should be made available in downtown hotels, skyway stations, businesses, cultural destinations, restaurants and the CVB's visitor's kiosks.
QuoteParking & Transportation Initiatives
Transportation Management Organization (TMO)
The TMO’s services are free of charge, and include offering Park n’ Ride solutions for Downtown employers, as well as providing an overview of alternative parking solutions, available commuter programs and tax benefits for using transit options. In 2003, the TMO arranged for peripheral parking for over 1,300 employees.
what part did DVI have in this, and in my humble opinion, considering the kill and destroy state of parking enforcement in 2003-2004, DVI should be distancing itself as hard as possible from this nightmare
Park Smart
This new parking initiative eases the hassles of parking in the urban core at lunchtime and for events. Over 30 Downtown parking lots and garages, identified by new Park Smart signage, are offering discounted rates for parking during specific times. Click here for more information on Park Smart.
park smart signage? this is a pure fabrication.
Implementing 2001 Parking Task Force Recommendations
Recommendations range from increased parking enforcement and expired meter fines to working with the City, DDA and JTA in determining the most effective management structure for our public parking resources. Integration of transit systems and new parking lot landscaping requirements are also included in the report.
um....yeah...see the entry below.
Improving Public Parking Options
DVI recently completed a report on interim steps needed to improve Downtown parking. Estimate the City (taxpayers) would enjoy a net gain of $250,000/year minimum, and up to $750,000/year with no additional cost or policy changes by applying basic management and cash control procedures outlined in the report.
Um seriously....is this the corrupt little 'report' prepared by the guy running the parking garages downtown that resulted in draconian increases in parking enforcement in an order to force all parkers to use his facilities....nice one.....
Still waiting for someone to put up decent public parking signage. It can't be that difficult to put up a "P" sign on public parking garages.
QuoteIncreasing Use of Mass Transit
DVI is working with JTA and GSA to establish Federal funded subsidy program that will allow over 2,000 Federal employees to utilize ASE and other transit options, thereby freeing up core parking spaces. Program has been formally approved by IRS and FDOT, start up is scheduled for June 1.
this program is run by Princess Sparklepony, and was instituted in the year 20??....wtf?!?!?....
Downtown directories (a form of wayfaring signage) on the sidewalks would help encourage the use of mass transit by showing pedestrians how mass transit would connect them to various destinations in the core.
QuoteBeautification Initiatives
Vining Initiatives
In an ongoing demonstration program, DVI has worked closely with Greenscape to plant vines on the Water Street garage and the back of the AmSouth building. Other buildings are being examined as possible additions to the program.
are you freaking serious?
There's nothing more beautiful in a downtown then occupied storefronts. Plants are nice, but lets identify some funding for business recruitment, small business loans and facade grants.
QuoteMain Street Bridge Exit Improvements
Downtown Vision commissioned a landscape architect to recommend improvements for the area around the Main Street Bridge exit on the Southbank. Legislation has been submitted requesting $225,000 to fund these improvements. Work may not begin until after the Super Bowl.
how old is this list of DVI 'programs'?
Has any work been put into securing some money to fix the fountain's pumps? A working fountain would do the area more justice than additional palm trees. Also, what about public/private partnerships with the downtown business community? In several of our peer cities, their public spaces are partially funded by local corporations who have pride in their community.
QuotePlace-making
DVI has submitted offers to work with an architect on new landscaping and place-making plans for Treaty Oak Park and Friendship Fountain to make them more pedestrian friendly and to enliven the Southbank.
on offer to work with an architect? this is a 'program"?
These spaces will only be lively if there are businesses/residences or cultural attractions opening up to them. I would not say this is a program, but if an architect is involved, hopefully they are putting more effort in studying how the surroundings impact the park. On DVI's end, they could be the entity that visits these neighbors and works with them to develop their buildings in a fashion that encourages connectivity with their surroundings.
QuoteDowntown Development Map
Distributed to investors and other interested parties, this map contains up-to-date information on Downtown’s several development projects.
bullshit. the merchants have been trying to get one together for at least a year. an up to date one does not exist.
This has been on their website for quite sometime now. What's really needed is a database giving perspective downtown residents and business owners a list of available properties, their square footages and lease rates and a point of contact for further information.
QuoteOne Stop Shop
DVI has focused on becoming a one-stop shop for Downtown information, for everything from events and developments to demographic information and parking rates. Most information is available on DVI’s website; however, special packages of information have been created specifically for those looking to invest in Downtown.
how exactly? especially when the website referred to obviously hasnt been updated since 2004 (see entry below)
This is what DVI should strive to achieve. Right now, maybe because of funding, its not there yet.
QuoteThe Downtown Experience
First Wednesday Art Walk
This program is an ongoing partnership between Downtown Vision and several cultural and business locations to create a monthly art show in various Downtown venues, including venues on the Northbank and Southbank.
already stated as a worthwhile program
Hemming Plaza City Market
With a primary location adjacent in Hemming Plaza, this market features the best fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and more, and attracts over 700 visitors weekly.
decent program...is it still going?
Maybe this should be switched to Saturday? People are already there on the weekdays. Downtown needs something to pull in visitors during times when office hours are closed. This is why many of us wanted DVI and the JEDC to push for the relocation of the Beaver Street farmer's market to downtown last year. They pull in their large crowds on the weekends, during the same time period where downtown resembles a seen from "I am Legend".
QuoteBusiness Retention & Growth
New Business Welcome Packages and Visitation
DVI has begun a new business retention program, with a focus on welcome letters and packages for new businesses and a regular visitation program. While focused on the BID, the program also extends to Riverside Avenue and LaVilla businesses.
a welcome letter? this is a 'program"?
Downtown Investors' Prospectus
DVI, with the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) and Cornerstone, has published a Downtown Investor's Prospectus.
how much participation did DVI have in this 'prospectus' ?
State of the Downtown Report
DVI has recently completed the 2004 State of Downtown report.
seriously....2004?
how exactly do these three programs contribute to business retention and growth??
Priorities need to be shifted here. Business recruitment should be added as well. Someone should be on staff with the sole purpose of recruiting and catering to the downtown business owners.
I still favor restructuring DVI, as opposed to eliminating them outright.
Quote from: stephendare on January 02, 2008, 06:17:46 PM
I still favor restructuring DVI, as opposed to eliminating them outright.
why? I can understand it on the basis of Pancakes fear that it would simply give city hall another reason to pull out of downtown, but if the million plus allocated for the institution doesnt provide some actual result, its also giving the illusion that something is happening when in fact (as evidenced by the above) nothing is.
My main fear is the same as Pancake's. Its already set up with dedicated funding in place. Restructuring, shifting priorities or even changing a few role players would be much easier than outright eliminating and start over.
I guess the first step would be Downtown business owners represented by DVI, go to DVI and let them know what the downtown community considers priorities. If that does not work, the message needs to be taken to the Council/city and state and demand for restructuring and change. If the downtown community is in agreement and makes their concerns made known to DVI and the city, like JTA and their idea of turning Adams into a busways, they'll probably listen. If its two or three isolated business owners, then things will remain the same.
Nothing happens overnight. You fight and you fight until someone gives. In the case last year, the merchants gave and left downtown. If DVI continues to refuse to represent the merchants go over their head, just like we've been doing with JTA. Study and publicly present how money is being wasted and what could be done with the same amount of funds to truly improve downtown. Get enough people involved & outraged and things will change.
Yes, I remember someone saying something like that. They also mentioned that although money had been set aside, they could not move forward until a design for the signs had been done. The money must have been moved to another project, because it shouldn't take years to get something so simple up on the streets.
Should a task force be assembled to study whether or not restructuring is necessary? :)
Quote from: Jason on January 03, 2008, 04:08:41 PM
Should a task force be assembled to study whether or not restructuring is necessary? :)
Sorry guys, DVI doesn't work. If it did we wouldn't be having this discussion. If you can't dissolve or restructure them, go after their funding. Take that away and see if the organization is really working on their mission. I mean after all, they'd find a way to meet their goals without tax dollars right? If they we for real that is.
Does downtown have a merchant's association?
Maybe its time to form one, without the help of DVI? If they ask, just politely decline.
Is there a city manager responsible for growth of the city? Where the f is this person?
It does not matter what they offer if they are set up to give priority to property owners and governmental entities first. The merchants, even if it has to start off with two or three, need something to represent their own interests.
Nice job taking DVI apart, Stephen. I am in complete agreement with your analysis.
For some time now, I have observed DVI to be out of touch with the true condition of downtown, while it feigns progress with inconsequential meetings, fact finding trips, and mostly ineffective promotions. The street level merchant's mantra has been "Safety, Order, Cleanliness", but DVI has failed to advocate for these fundamentals in favor of portraying downtown Jacksonville as a residential, entertainment and cultural Mecca, which it is certainly not. Filthy streets, poor lighting, public drinking, unguarded public urination and defecation by vagrants, and hyper-aggressive panhandling is still the norm. Nocturnal gunplay has entered into the picture, and become frequent. Believing that colorful brochures and splashy promotions will make these conditions invisible to visitors lured downtown by such hype is ludicrous. They come once, get a genuine taste of downtown, and never come back. This young lady, who is a concierge at the Hyatt, sums it up nicely:
http://www.esnips.com/doc/2d07e9de-8bd1-4552-ba61-0ffa47949b40/concierge010408 (http://www.esnips.com/doc/2d07e9de-8bd1-4552-ba61-0ffa47949b40/concierge010408)
My friends from Cleveland, who visit me at the end of every year, chose to stay at the Ritz-Carlton this time, instead of the Hyatt or Omni as in years past. Reason? “Downtown Jacksonville is too creepy.†they said. I didn’t have a suitable reply to offer.
It is wrong for DVI to aggressively promote downtown in the city’s current state, a condition that DVI has had close to 8 years to correct. I have been on Laura Street since 2000, and have noted the dynamics of the area have not significantly changed in that time. It would be far better to first put downtown in order, and then promote it. We’ve all heard this before: “Haircut, shave, shower, deodorant,
before asking for a date.â€
As a merchant, I resent having to pay a special property tax assessment (via increased rent) to fund an ineffective organization. Stephen got it right here:
Quote…the actual results produced by DVI do not justify the money and weight they are given for governing downtown affairs
. If DVI were dissolved, I would agree to maintaining the special assessment, provided it would be awarded to the JSO, specifically to furnish the core with 24/7 beat patrol officers.
On a personal level, I like the folks at DVI too, but the organization is impotent, and a waste of money. I say de-fund and dissolve now. Let’s see if the Sheriff would be willing to dedicate an around the clock force to the BID.
By the way, I am the new chairman of the Sheriff’s Advisory Council (ShAdCo) for Zone 1, Section A. That area is generally anything south of State Street, between I-95 and the Shipyards. Susanne Marino of the Shugar Shack on Adams and Vicki Wilkins of the UPS Store on Hogan have agreed to be co-chairs. We will have our first meeting of the year within 2 weeks or so. I will advise of the time and place, ShAdCo offers citizens a opportunity to meet directly with JSO personnel and voice their concerns and ideas.
Who is in charge of setting up DVI's priorites? How many seats do regular merchants have on the DVI board?
Quote from: stephendare on January 05, 2008, 02:14:40 PM
Lake, what specific steps would you take to reform the organization?
Disbanding and starting over is most likely a long and time consuming process, so my first attempt would be to work within the system.
It seems the major problem is a lack of inclusion of real downtown merchants on DVI's board. The people currently in place may mean good, but if they are operating retail shops, restaurants, etc., they're most likely ignorant of the day-to-day needs to make these types of businesses ultimately successful.
I guess my first step would be to put together a sound factual argument on why changes are needed and how the current setup is highly ineffective. Then I'd take that argument to DVI, City Hall, the media and the community. While DVI would probably ignore the message, as the fight goes on they would begin to feel a lot of pressure to implement change, once that message hits the air waves and print of the local media, city hall offices and the public community. I'd also suggest a potential alternative way of how the money currently being used to fund DVI's priorities could be put to a better use for the benefit of the downtown community.
The goal of this would be to get a certain percentage of the board seats to represented by independent retail merchants. This would allow the current priorities of DVI to change under the current system, without going through the disbanding process and potentially losing funding already in place.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 05, 2008, 01:24:44 PM
It does not matter what they offer if they are set up to give priority to property owners and governmental entities first. The merchants, even if it has to start off with two or three, need something to represent their own interests.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't The Shoppes at Avondale, San Marco, Five Points ALL have private Merchant Associations with no operating funds coming from the city ? Just about any successful commercial area does.
I say it long overdue for DT.
Yes, they all do. Springfield has one as well. Regardless of gaining seats on the DVI Board or working to change their priorities, the Downtown businesses should still form their own merchants associations.
DVI is hosting a gathering wednesday to discussissuea of concern to downtown stakeholders including cleanliness, safety and parking. The meeting will be held in multi-purpose room 1 at the main street library's conference center. For more info, call 634-0303 ext. 221
Tried to link this to the calender but I think Stephen would have to do it because he started the post.
QuoteJeff, I dont think that DVI appreciates 'non' stakeholders at these meetings.
Could that be why the meeting is being held at 1pm? I don't own a retail business or restaurant, but it would seem that this would be a time, I'd most likely be at my establishment trying to pay my bills off the lunch crowd.
The merchants need to band together and form their own association and then take a unified fight to DVI and the city, ASAP.
How depressing. :'(
Cut and Paste from the DVI Meeting Reminder Email:
Downtown Operations Meeting
Date: January 9, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Main Library
Room: Multi-purpose Room 1
Topic: To discuss issues of concern to Downtown stakeholders, including cleanliness, safety and parking
QuoteYou know this past year Downtown was absolutely dull at Christmas, not one decoration was installed by the City. It seems to me that this is something DVI should have stepped in and taken care of. I mean if you want people to come Downtown to shop, dine, etc. at least make it look festive during the Christmas season for crying out loud.
I really didn't notice this until I took that roadtrip last month. Every downtown I went through (and I went through a lot of them) had Christmas decorations and a tree in their public square. Also, it seemed that cities both large and small tended to do a 100% better job in marketing their core areas. Just about any tourism brochure promoting the cities attractions mainly catered around their downtowns. I know the excuse would be that we are spread out, but we're no more spread out than most major metropolitan areas when you look at the actual census statistics. To me this really drove home the point that downtown revitalization is not really as big of a priority locally as it should be.
City Manager! City Manager. This is what the city manager got done for Austin Tx. 1) the light up Zelkner Park. Each year thousands and thousands of lights go into the park where Austin City Limits takes place. The walk is between Dec. 15 and Dec 25. They pull the plug after that. Then there was the New Years Eve parade and the ball drop. I think Jacksonville did Fireworks, but I agree with you guys, doesn't look like the city did much except those fireworks for New Years. I'm sure that brought in a lot of people...who wrote the check for that?
Where's Don Redman? I haven't heard anything with downtown and his name in the same sentence since he got elected.
Sounds like nobody is focusing on a vision for downtown Jacksonville. Sorry waste your time with such an obvious statement. You need to get somebody's whose job is to unit all the areas in a common vision for downtown. That's what Austin has, that's what Savannah, Ventura, apparently every city in the nation except Jacksonville? Maybe that's why the taxes are so low in Jacksonville to the determent of any growth; nobody is promoting a better connection between land use and transportation, and protecting the environment. Gezz, that's a vision.
A vision would be nice. If one were in place, we would easily get more done quicker with less public investment.
Delaney was light years ahead of Peyton's administration. They had a vision, but did not spend as much time on coordinating the products of that vision to create critical mass and synergy with the existing built environment.
For example, take a look at the Library and Courthouse projects. The Library should have been built on one of the surface parking lots on Main as opposed to ripping down the loft district and the Rhodes Building. With the new library next door, the Rhodes Building would have been viable for a loft conversion and the loft district businesses would have still been in place. The courthouse could have easily been designed without tearing down a perfectly fine Southern Bell building. If it was originally designed to go vertical, we would not be looking at an six block moonscape today.
Imagine if the ballpark would have been built in LaVilla or a portion of the Brooklyn Park site, instead of where it sits today. You would have a park with a view of the skyline in the background located in areas with existing buildings that could have became spots for restaurants and sports bars.
So, there was definately vision, it just lacked the vision of placement. This means although we have seen significant investment in the core, it hasn't paid off by attracting the amount of supporting development it could have. This is the main thing that has separated our core from peer cities like Indianapolis, Charlotte and San Deigo.
I believe that in a general sense, retail does follow rooftops. However, the "rooftops" were there and we tore them down and continue to tear them down. Those rooftops are the little old 80 year old brick buildings that once had residences above street retail. Its these little structures, not The Shipyards, that make it feasible for urban pioneers to populate the area. The big time developers and the chains come once the vibe has been created.
Its a simple successful process that has been repeated hundreds of thousands of times across the country. Yet for some reason, there seems to be a belief here that we can skip that process and truck in the Landmars and Cameron Kuhns of the development industry to save the day.
True. I don't know what the deal with that is. Other than the abassador program, its hard not to image downtown being any different without them.
I take that back. If they were not in existance, their corner office space would probably be a functional storefront.
How secure is DVI funding in the next round of city budget cuts? Would it be one of the first to go?
If the tax cuts are passed, I would expect DVI to be goners. If they survive, it would probably have to be as some sort of public-private partnership. Given that it services downtown, I wouldn't be surprised to see it absorbed into the JEDC somehow.
Of course, I could be totally wrong. :)
If the constitutional amendment passes at the state level, the Mayor has been quoted as saying that drastic measures would have to be taken at the local level due to the severe cuts in monies from property taxes that would be available to make up the City's budget.
I just don't see how DVI, or even many of the non-profits, will survive another round of cuts....unless it can be shown that they are essential services. We've already seen the city encouraging public/private partnerships....most recently the Tony Boselli/Simonds Johnson Park project.
Probably the best that can be hoped for if the constitutional amendment passes is that the downtown businesses step up to the plate and form a public/private partnership. One good thing that could come out of that is that the downtown businesses would have more say in DVI, its mission, and its services. So even if it doesn't pass, the downtown business owners may want to consider such a partnership regardless.
I was under the impression that the City also budgeted some matching monies to supplement the business owners funding of the BID....and that's how the tax cuts could affect the City, and subsequently DVI.
I didn't see anything in the proposed constitutional amendment that looked like it would affect BIDs. However, you might want to contact someone in the Vote Yes on Amendment 1 office to get some peace of mind on the issue....here's the link with a form you can fill out with your question. http://www.yeson1florida.com/contact.php They also have a phone number listed on the form.
I checked City Council legislation, Stephen. The City is providing money to DVI to the tune of about $300,000 in 2005, with the City determining the appropriate funding amount in each of the next 6 years.
In 2005, a little over a quarter of a million dollars was budgeted by the City to go to community enhancements; $50,000 was budgeted to go to certain marketing services.
The legislation was passed in 2005. Here's a link to the ordinance:
http://citycirc.coj.net/coj/COJbillDetail.asp?F=2005-0785\Current%20Text
I just had a quick question.. Does the DVI get any private funds or donations? And what exactly is it that they do?
Why not restructure it into something like the Downtown Detroit Partnership
http://www.downtowndetroit.org
They sponsor things like this:
The NEXT Detroit: Clean Downtown initiative has been launched to help keep downtown Detroit clean and inviting. The project aims to maintain a “Super Bowl quality†downtown environment for the city of Detroit.
The program will provide daily cleanup in an area bounded by Jefferson, Adams, Beaubien, and Cass. A crew of nearly forty uniformed workers from Goodwill Industries will clean streets from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and for four hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Their duties will include sweeping and power-washing sidewalks, clearing trash and removing graffiti.
Six trucks loaned by the Penske Corporation are outfitted with power washing equipment and will carry various tools such as brooms, rakes and shovels. These trucks will also be used to deploy workers and will allow them to perform their jobs conveniently and efficiently. Three street sweeper machines will be used as part of the program.
The project, which is funded by the private sector and foundations, has a budget of $1.2 million for the balance of 2006, and $1.5 million for 2007.
They managed to scrape together over 1 million dollars a year for TWO years running, just to CLEAN UP DOWNTOWN DETROIT.
Do we even have anything like this?
http://www.degc.org -- The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
This site is the place to start if you’re interested in doing development in Detroit, locating your business here, or being part of the revitalization. Feel free to explore our site to discover the wealth of opportunity that exists in Detroit. Some of the resources we provide are maps of downtown Detroit and the surrounding region, new project RFPs, information about available financing and incentives, and a listing of currently available sites & buildings. Please contact us for more information and to find out what the DEGC can do for you.
Even as the economy in Michigan continues to crumble, with the highest unemployment in the nation, Downtown Detroit is gaining business, not losing it. Downtown has scored a renovated Sheraton Detroit Ponchartrain (The old Crowne Plaza Ponchartrain), A new headquarters building for Quicken Loans (that was stolen, I repeat, STOLEN, from a SUBURBAN DETROIT location).. Yes, can you believe it? A company moved from Suburbia to Downtown. A returned Grand Prix race circuit on Belle Isle, and a recently announced $150,000,000 complex called Cadillac Centre, right in the heart of downtown, financed SOLELY by private money!
So, now that I firmly believe that Jacksonville is light years behind, and in the shadow of, the United States' "most dangerous" city, I must ask again, what in the hell does DVI do besides have a pretty website?
Quotenew project RFPs, information about available financing and incentives, and a listing of currently available sites & buildings.
This would be a nice thing to have that doesn't make much, if any, money to pull together. A while back there was a discussion of running downtown like a mall. We'll if I want to contact Ben Carter to lease space at SJTC, I could have this information emailed to me in no time with leasing rates listed for the available spaces. At a minimum DVI or any merchant's association should be able to pull this off. This alone will make it much easier to keep and recruit businesses to downtown.
Maybe they fear what will happen if they don't meet them?
or bring in fresh blood.....
Downtown Vision Inkspots
A Monthly Update on Downtown Vision & Downtown Jacksonville January 31, 2008
In This Issue
Downtown Vision 2007 Annual Report
Light Up Downtown
Are You Part of the HITZ Program?
Get a Deal on Downtown Parking!
Downtown Vision Staff Changes
Dalton Agency Relocates to Larger Downtown Space
Congratulations to Downtown Award Winners
Taking out the Trash
Retail News
Art in the HeART of Downtown
Upcoming Downtown Meetings
This message from Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI) is intended to provide you with interesting and helpful information on activities occurring in Downtown Jacksonville. Filled with the latest updates on Downtown trends and issues, we hope our Downtown stakeholders, employees and residents find the information useful. Please feel free to forward this message to others who may be interested in Downtown's ongoing revitalization, or click here to subscribe.
Downtown Vision 2007 Annual Report http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/pdf/Annual%20Report_v4.pdf
The past year has been a busy one for Downtown Vision. Our top accomplishments include reorganizing our staff to be more accountable to our Downtown stakeholders, refocusing our Downtown Ambassador program to address increased nuisance activity Downtown, and creating activities and events to bring more people Downtown. We are pleased to be an advocate for Downtown businesses, property owners, stakeholders and residents, and serve as the "go-to" organization for information on all things Downtown.
Please click here for a full copy of our 2007 Annual Report. We look forward to working with you this year as we continue to build Downtown Jacksonville into a vibrant and exciting neighborhood.
Light Up Downtown
Downtown Vision recently conducted an evening walk with the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, Public Works, JEA and Downtown stakeholders to examine lighting levels in the core of Downtown. During the next few months, we will be conducting a Phase I lighting assessment on major pedestrian streets in the Downtown core, and making recommendations to improve both public and private lighting on poorly-lit streets and properties.
As part of this program, we will also be approaching individual property owners about improving lighting along building facades and in entryways.
If you have any questions about this project, please contact our Executive Director, Terry Lorince, at (904) 634-0303 x 223, or via email.
Are You Part of the HITZ Program?
Downtown Vision, in partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO), the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, and Downtown property owners, is working to reduce chronic trespassing through the High Intensity Trespassing Zone (HITZ) program. The program requires community involvement and utilizes existing laws to minimize trespassing by allowing JSO to enforce trespassing laws in a property or business owner's absence.
To date, more than 50 properties are participating in the program, with demonstrable success. Our goal is to have 100% participation in the program by Downtown property owners and street level businesses.
If you would like more information on this program, please contact our Director of District Services, Amy Harrell, at (904) 634-0303 x 224 or via email.
Get a Deal on Downtown Parking!
Looking for inexpensive hourly or daily parking in Downtown for your customers or for yourself? Metropolitan Parking Solutions has announced the following Downtown parking deals:
Downtown Garage (entrance on Clay St. between Forsyth St. and Adams St.)
Rates: $1 per hour with a daily maximum of $5. First hour of parking is free. Enter before 9:00 a.m. and stay until 2:00 p.m. for the early bird special rate of $3 for the day.
Jacksonville Landing Parking Lot (entrance on Independent Dr., east of The Jacksonville Landing)
Rates: $1 per hour with a daily maximum of $10 on Monday-Friday if you enter between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or $1 per hour with a $5 daily maximum if you enter after 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday or on weekends or holidays.
Sports Complex Garage (Located on Duval St. near A. Philip Randolph Blvd.)
Rates: $.50 all day parking Monday-Friday during hours of trolley operation)
Downtown Vision Staff Changes
It is with regret that we announce that two of our staff will be leaving us in February. Both Debbie Gierke, our Director of Finance & Human Resources, and Liz Byrd, our Ambassador Program Manager, have accepted positions with other companies. We appreciate their dedication and wish them well!
We are seeking to hire replacements for both positions, which are posted in detail at www.jaxjobs.com. Please direct resumes for the Office Manager position to Debbie Gierke, and resumes for the Ambassador Program Manager position to Amy Harrell.
Dalton Agency Relocates to Larger Downtown Space
More than 70 Dalton Agency employees started the new year in their new Downtown digs, located at 140 W. Monroe St., across the street from Hemming Plaza. The agency, which purchased the building last year, is in the final stage of renovations to this key Downtown building.
Welcome to the Northbank of Downtown!
Congratulations to Downtown Award Winners
Downtown restaurants topped the list in Jacksonville Magazine's "The Best of Jacksonville" December issue.
Best View - Ruth's Chris Steak House
Best Bar - Morton's, The Steakhouse
Best Courthouse Lunch Special - Plaza III, The Steakhouse
Best Happy Hour - The Twisted Martini
Best Outdoor Dining - River City Brewing Company
Jacksonville Magazine's Top 25 Restaurants included three Downtown favorites:
bb's
River City Brewing Company
Wine Cellar
Jacksonville Magazine's January issue touted the philanthropic contributions of the top 25 Companies that Care for 2008. The following companies have locations in Downtown Jacksonville:
Bank of America
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
Burdette Ketchum
CSX Corporation
Fidelity National
JEA
Omni Jacksonville Hotel
Prudential Financial
Wachovia Bank
Winn-Dixie Stores
Taking out the Trash
Special thanks to eight volunteers from First United Methodist Church who volunteered to help us clean up Downtown! Volunteers spend a couple of hours each month picking up litter in Downtown. In January, the group removed more than 18 bags of litter from a vacant Downtown lot.
Retail News
Downtown Vision would like to welcome Downtown's newest retailers!
AMG Uptown Salon
525 W. Bay St.
904.356.1081
Two shops in one location! A salon on one side and a barber shop on the other. The full-service salon includes hair cuts, color, nails, and much more.
Jax City Café
100 E. Forsyth St.
904.633.9028
Formerly known as Jax City Subs, Jax City Café presents an expanded menu offering with a French flair! In addition to the classic subs, the cafe menu includes fresh baked croissants, pastries, and paninis.
Lucky's Classic Cuts
31 W. Adams St.
904.798.8529
The new owners of the shop in The Carling have redecorated and re-opened the shop for all hairstyles and offer waxing and brow shaping.
Ortho Shoe Service
223 N. Hogan St.
904.301.1424
An experienced therapeutic shoe fitter offering specialized shoe inserts and devices to alleviate foot pain. Services include individual shoe modification and corrections and general shoe repair service.
Sake House
1478 Riverplace Blvd., located in San Marco Place
904.306.2188
A culinary delight serving up sushi and hibachi grilled meals. It's just one more fabulous reason to dine Downtown.
Now Delivering!
Quizno's Subs
224 N. Hogan St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
904.798.8889
www.quiznos.com
Looking for a great lunch delivered to your desk? Order in from Quizno's! Quizno's is now delivering from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Quizno's will deliver any order over $8, with a $2 delivery charge.
Art in the HeART of Downtown
Highlights for the February Art Walk include:
· London Bridge Pub, Poppy Love Smoke and Legit Recording Studios are throwing an old-fashioned block party at Ocean and Adams Streets. Funky original artwork will be on display.
· Gold's Gym is hosting the Clara White Mission's drive for toiletry items. Participating patrons receive a free ticket to the Jacksonville Home and Patio Show. Art on display includes body sculptures, photography and oil paintings.
· Hemming Plaza will be filled with art and antique cars that will be at the upcoming Jacksonville International Car and Truck Show.
· Residences at City Place will showcase acrylics on canvas by Gala Dugan with refreshments provided by City Place Café. Decorated models will be open for viewing.
Upcoming Downtown Meetings
Mark your calendars for the following Downtown meetings:
Downtown Retail Meeting
Date: February 18, 2008
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Ed Ball Building (214 N. Hogan St.)
Room: First Floor Training Room (located next to the escalators at the Adams St. entrance)
Topic: Make your business more efficient and successful! The UNF Small Business Development Center will be presenting an overview of available services to retailers and restaurants, including accounting, finance, hiring, supply management, and more!
Downtown Stakeholder Meeting with Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC)
Date: February 27, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Ed Ball Building (214 N. Hogan St.)
Room: First Floor Training Room (located next to the escalators at the Adams St. entrance)
Topic: Overview of the JEDC Downtown Action Plan
Speaker: Ron Barton, Executive Director, JEDC
If you are interested in attending any of these meetings, please RSVP to our Director of District Services, Amy Harrell, at (904) 634-0303 x 224 or via email.
If you're surfing the web for information about Downtown, look no further than the Downtown website. Our website includes comprehensive information on Downtown parking, dining, events, living and much more!
Downtown Vision, Inc. is Downtown Jacksonville's neighborhood improvement and advocacy organization.
Downtown Vision, Inc.
email: info@downtownjacksonville.org
phone: (904) 634.0303
web: http://www.DowntownJacksonville.org
and how many others have opened or are opening soon?
Mark's/DiveBar/TSI have opened at night, when the metermaids have gone home, and aren't there to bother patrons, and have done fairly well.
Chew has opened as well, and the owner has openly told me that none of the city organizations have been any help whatsoever, and he has quickly learned that the best way to operate is to assume zero assistance from them.
La Cena has opened as well (2001), and if it weren't for Jerry Moran spending his days fighting for things and fighting with DVI and the City, he would probably be closed.
Burrito Gallery has done well, maily because of a heavy lunch rush and nightime stuff. It also helps that the principals of the project are fairly well versed in the ins and out of the city red tape.
London Bridge got it's start in 2002 from the 11E crowd, and if it weren't for that, I don't know if it would have survived.
Casa Dora on Forsyth does a great Lunch Business, and does well at night during Florida Theatre Events (remember that connectivity thing we've been talking about for over two years).
As far as sit down restaraunts not attached to the Landing or a Hotel, I think I've covered them all.
I don't cound anything that is "opening soon". If I were to count planned stuff, I'd be wondering what the tenants of Kuhn's Riverwatch would be hanging in their windows or what the courthouse would look like at lunchtime.
I might be considered the perfect type of person to have stumbled upon this thread ... many of my head scratchin' questions have been answered.
I'm relatively new to the area (moved from northeast PA in July), and I've been thrilled that access to downtown is so easy for me. Most of my trips have been to high-profile events such as the Art Walks, the fireworks after Thanksgiving, Prime Osborn, Times-Union performances, Gator Bowl parade, etc. Love these things, love mingling with the crowds, love the vibrance of urban life --- except I found it doesn't exist if there's no highly attended event! I got "smacked" when I came into the city just before Christmas on a Saturday with the intent to shop -- had my mouth watering for a tidbit from the Shugar Shack as just one of my destinations. Drove into downtown and thought it odd that my car was basically the only one on Forsyth. Easily found a place to park on Adams. Walked to the Shugar Shack and it, like just about everything else, was closed up tighter than a drum! Our downtown shopping 'experience' was relegated to the few shops at the Landing where we mingled with a mere handful of other shoppers.
What the heck??!!
I had also noticed that the only Christmas decorations to be found downtown were the tree displays inside the library. Even the teeny tiny town I came from in PA had street decorations, but Jacksonville had none??!? Oh wait, I did see the tree at the Landing.
I've driven downtown many, many times, but I'm still learning the lay of the land. I don't mind one-way streets, but for some reason I just can't seem to remember what streets go which way except for Forsyth and Bay and Ocean and Main. I still have to pay strict attention while traveling along Forsyth because one of the traffic lights is not an overhead one, and I almost go through it every single time since all the others are thankfully in-my-face. As for finding the Landing or the Times-Union from Forsyth, well, the little purple signs are lost on me.
Ambassadors in orange shirts? Never seen them.
As I meet more and more people here in NEFL I find that I've been into downtown more in the past seven months than some long-time residents. I don't understand that - well, I didn't until I read the seven pages of this thread and learned about the parking nazis, the panhandlers, the lack of communication, lots of talk from city hall and the likes but no action on their parts, etc etc etc.
Jacksonville is a beautiful city and really has so much to offer. I marvel at how easy it is for me to get there - a 30-minute straight shot up Rt. 17 ... does anyone realize the aggravations and frustrations of those who drive into Philly or Boston or Atlanta or NYC? Granted, Jacksonville is not a clone of these cities, nor should it ever be in my book, but it is a city that should not roll up its sidewalks at 6 pm when the business crowd goes home.
I'm still learning the ins and outs of the politics here -- ooowweeee. Just this thread alone made my head spin --- but I'm very glad to be dizzy because I've learned so much.
And I'm beginning to ask some questions. Such as: who was responsible for making the Shugar Shack close its doors during this week's Art Walk???? Rumor is that the paperwork and liabilities to be an official Walk participant is too difficult or restricting or ?? I also noticed there were far less vendors in Hemming Plaza this time. Is the Art Walk heading in a not-so-nice direction?
I'm still lost as to why a downtown business should have to close its doors during Art Walk if they are not an official participant. Imo, taking advantage of the foot traffic on the sidewalks is twice as much important as being on DVI's glossy postcard map. If it were me, I'd have my shop open, displays in the window and be offering free samples of my product to get people inside my doors and exposed to my merchandise. Map or no map.
I don't see why the Shugar Shack would have been closed during Art Walk, she is usually open. I agree with the Christmas decorations and the whole Downtown experience at Christmas. At a time when Downtown should be lit up and at least look vibrant, our City does its best to make it look as dead as possible, except for the fireworks at Thanksgiving. I did call the City and complained about not having any decorations up this year. More people should make their voices heard on this subject, or Downtown will look the same this year at Christmas.
Sounds like a good initiative for First Baptist.
what about the other Downtown churches?? FBC had decorations up.
I mean First Baptist should lobby or contribute funds for downtown decorations.
Quote from: fsujax on February 11, 2008, 08:27:24 AM
I don't see why the Shugar Shack would have been closed during Art Walk, she is usually open. I agree with the Christmas decorations and the whole Downtown experience at Christmas. At a time when Downtown should be lit up and at least look vibrant, our City does its best to make it look as dead as possible, except for the fireworks at Thanksgiving. I did call the City and complained about not having any decorations up this year. More people should make their voices heard on this subject, or Downtown will look the same this year at Christmas.
Wait wait wait, how is that possible? How can the people that run the Art Walk tell a business that they MUST shutdown?
Did she just stay closed on her own accord?
Quote from: DetroitInJAX on February 11, 2008, 10:14:44 AM
Wait wait wait, how is that possible? How can the people that run the Art Walk tell a business that they MUST shutdown?
Did she just stay closed on her own accord?
The simple answer is they can't....I guess some shop owners just don't want to open up on those evenings...as for the Sugar Shack, she had told me she planned on taking a vaction sometime early this year....so maybe she was just away...albeit odd w/ Valentines Day coming up
Shugar Shack was open during Art Walk. Susann called it a day around 8 PM.
The reason many businesses are not in the DVI program is because they will not, or cannot meet DVI's coinsurance requirement, which, as previously discussed, is absurd.
DVI has no power over any downtown merchant, and cannot tell them when to open / close etc. DVI could no more tell a merchant they could not be open during Art Walk than I could legally reserve parking spaces on Laura St. by the placement of cones. That's only allowed on Adams St. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Quote from: Jerry Moran on February 11, 2008, 11:37:48 AMThat's only allowed on Adams St. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Funny...
Quote from: thelakelander on February 09, 2008, 09:07:45 AM
I'm still lost as to why a downtown business should have to close its doors during Art Walk if they are not an official participant. Imo, taking advantage of the foot traffic on the sidewalks is twice as much important as being on DVI's glossy postcard map. If it were me, I'd have my shop open, displays in the window and be offering free samples of my product to get people inside my doors and exposed to my merchandise. Map or no map.
Totally with you - in fact, if the insurance problem truly is a problem, then do this: Announce Art Walk will be the featured venue, list the stuff in Hemming Plaza, and then produce a list of DOWNTOWN RETAILERS, not ART WALK PARTICIPANTS. Thus, they are not "participating" in Art Walk, but they will get the same experience.
Thanks for clarifying that, folks... I couldn't believe that the government in this city was, although stupid, THAT stupid.
If it's a non-profit then isn't there some "ratio" of what's spent to salaries to be a 5013Cwhat-ever? I wonder what that ratio is for DVI. Does anybody know? I think < 10% of the total budget should go to salaries what do you think? Thank the Spoof in the Sky for Google:
A public charity with more than $25,000 in revenue is required to file a 990 tax form with the IRS. Most can be viewed at guidestar.org, and a public charity is required to send its 990 to anyone upon written request.
Thank god for free speech and the fact that some people are not in charge of our city. For all the hooping and hollering, some people cannot even manage to move their business to a new location and run the business without having controversy follow them where ever they go. Perhaps this person is just a lightening rod for this activity.
DVI does an excellent job at promoting downtown activities and events. For those of you who doubt it, go inside their offices and pick up some of the items from there. If you are still not impressed, go see John Reyes at 550 Water Street and ask him where downtown hotels would be without DVI and their enthusiasm.
Quote from: mtraininjax on February 29, 2008, 02:13:18 AM
Thank god for free speech and the fact that some people are not in charge of our city. For all the hooping and hollering, some people cannot even manage to move their business to a new location and run the business without having controversy follow them where ever they go. Perhaps this person is just a lightening rod for this activity.
DVI does an excellent job at promoting downtown activities and events. For those of you who doubt it, go inside their offices and pick up some of the items from there. If you are still not impressed, go see John Reyes at 550 Water Street and ask him where downtown hotels would be without DVI and their enthusiasm.
I'm not going to get into the "this person" nonsense. You guys fight that out. I will say however, that Boomtown closed because the building was sold to the Dalton Agency (notice their headquarters and office where Boomtown used to be).
To be honest, I'm a bit sick and tired myself of listening to the "downtown is great" crap from DVI. Screw that - that gets someone downtown ONCE. They see what it's really like, and leave. Quickly. Apparently Knothead didn't really take a crap at 3:30 in the afternoon on a Friday on Laura Street. Jerry Moran must have made that up.
I remember one meeting in the lobby at 11 East, when residents and business owners were talking about car break ins and other crimes that have occurred downtown. DVI acted shocked. This is absolutely unacceptable. DVI should know about crime the next morning, because they should be getting the blotter of crime in their area.
While I have no problems with the downtown hotels, I don't think that we should be using hotels in a non-tourist, office-oriented downtown as a mark of DVI's success. By and large, business travelers HAVE to be there. I look at the small business, grould level retail owners, and by and large, they are struggling, many of them with the same issues that Downtown was facing eight years ago.
I've heard the rumor that Tiara, the women's shoe store on Laura St is closing. That's a damn shame. She had good stuff (my fiance loved the store), but probably couldn't deal with the same problems that we have been screaming about for YEARS. Case in point, on street parking. How hard is it really to increase on-street parking on Monroe St, adjancent to hemming plaza. You would think that one side of the street at least would have parking. Nah, not in our perfect downtown. You would think that they would look at other cities and see they have smart meters that accept credit cards. Nah, downtown is fine. You would think that they would see the other cities wayfaring signage. Nah, downtown is fine without it.
Next time I'm downtown, I'd be happy to stop into DVI's offices. I'll bang on the door and have them buzz me in. On the other hand, the Center City Development Corporation (DVI's equivalent in San Diego), has a very open, welcoming information center in downtown that has maps, transit information, and people that are there to help out the passerby. In addition, their offices are separate, not on the ground floor at the corner of two very busy streets taking up a retail space with an office use.
were any of you downtown tonight...the whole place was hopping for ArtWalk....I realize this is only once a month, but its a great event that DVI organizes (and I don't care that it may have been started by other folks).
the fact is, there are pros and cons to opening a business and/or living downtown....sure we can make it better, but that doesn''t mean businesses aren't still going to close...that happens everywhere and even more so in this economy!
as for Boomtown, I find it interesting that they lasted in downtown longer than their other 3 locations!
Quotewere any of you downtown tonight...the whole place was hopping for ArtWalk
I really wanted to make it tonight to take a tour on the water taxis, but I had a previous engagement. I'm glad to hear it was well supported this evening.
Quote from: stephendare on March 05, 2008, 05:42:08 PM
mtrain. I assume you are referring to boomtown, and let me make a challenge to ya, hotshot.
When you open up a shop or restaurant in either downtown or springfield, let me know how it goes.....
just try it on for size for 18 months......dare ya.
Just curious. Would mtrain get to use only his money in this bet, or could he finance this a la van horn?
What is the downtown action committee is it for residents or business owners"
Let me give you a consumer's perspective about downtown. During the day the office workers park on the street to save money, since the garages’ can cost a TON. This leaves me two choices, I can walk downtown, but with small children this really isn't too much of an option as they are too big for strollers and too small to walk down and back or I can drive. If I drive I have to park so far out that I might as well walk because I am dealing with the same issue. If I am lucky enough to find street parking I have to deal with the meters which will ONLY take quarters! Then I get to wade through a mass of panhandlers who are not as picky as to what type of coinage I give them. (Women with small children are prime targets, we usually give in throw some money at them to get them away from our children).Then if I am there for more than an hour I have to make the trip back to the car and go through all of the above again. If any of us need to use the bathroom, it becomes a TRUE nightmare. Thank goodness Shelby's is open in the library now as that is the cleanest most centralized bathroom downtown, but it is locked and you got to buy something. If I forget what days a certain business is open and/or closed I may have wasted half a day doing all the above only to find out the business I was most looking forward to visiting is closed, or has gone out of business. I will say at night the parking is much better, but then again there aren’t too many places to go, especially with children and the safety factor (with kids) becomes a little sketchier. It is unfortunate, as part of living in the urban core with children is to expose them to more art, different views, cultures, foods, etc.... but what I am finding in Jacksonville is the urban core itself, while complaining about the suburbanites, also contributes to the formation of such people by not encompassing children and their needs. If we want our next generation to grow up with a different perspective, I don’t maybe be more sympathetic to homelessness, or more in tuned to art, or understand different perspectives then make it a little easier (just a little) to immerse them in the urban landscape.
Polly Anna I guess….
Quote from: gatorback on December 31, 2007, 11:03:20 PM
Nope. Be gone with the DVI. I've just not heard any good DVI has done for Jacksonville other then the occasional flower bed perhaps and a few "ambassadors?" I think the ambassadors are in with parking control and that's how DVI is funded.
I agree Gatorback, especially if they've been given ample opportunity to do their job and do it right, and there have been no successful or plausible results; then the thing to do is to replace them.
Heights Unknown
Quote from: stephendare on December 31, 2007, 04:38:41 PM
I believe it is high time that The Downtown Vision Incorporated either be replaced or restructured.
The reasons are abundant and obvious to any who have followed this process over the past two years.
Facts like the complete failure to install wayfaring signage and proper lighting despite guaranteeing their installation throughout the downtown nearly two years ago, Actively sabotaging attempts on the parts of the merchants and residents of downtown to reform the obsolete and destructive parking policies, Attempting to squelch and silence the very same residents and merchants on the issue of increased security and out of control vagrants, and failing to take initiative on the rerouting of traffic patterns during special events and church hours that have strangled downtown during such times.
While the Artwalk and the Ambassador Programs are worthwhile endeavors and should be maintained, the actual results produced by DVI do not justify the money and weight they are given for governing downtown affairs.
Terri Lorrince is a very nice woman, and should be retained by the city in some capacity, it would be a shame to lose someone of such obvious charm and intelligence, but many feel that DVI is simply unable to deliver on any of its basic functions as noted above, perhaps due to an overactive mission to control all the politics and dialogue of the alleged end users.
And this is not to say that Downtown doesnt need an organization looking after its affairs, merely that DVI has not risen to the challenge.
The B.I.D is a voluntary tax self imposed by the landowners of the affected area, but DVI obtains a portion of its funding from the Council as well. The Downtown "Stakeholders" are certainly welcome to do whatever they please with the money allocated by themselves from themselves for themselves, but it is time that the city examined its own role in funding the organization.
It is possible that DVI is guided and directed, behind the scenes, by Petyon and his thugs in the City Government? It just seems strange and out of character that important issues are either quashed or ignored.
Heights Unknown
Quote from: Jerry Moran on February 11, 2008, 11:37:48 AM
Shugar Shack was open during Art Walk. Susann called it a day around 8 PM.
The reason many businesses are not in the DVI program is because they will not, or cannot meet DVI's coinsurance requirement, which, as previously discussed, is absurd.
DVI has no power over any downtown merchant, and cannot tell them when to open / close etc. DVI could no more tell a merchant they could not be open during Art Walk than I could legally reserve parking spaces on Laura St. by the placement of cones. That's only allowed on Adams St. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Shugar Shack is now permanently closed.
• If you haven’t been past The Carling on Adams Street in a while then you haven’t noticed that Shugar Shack owner Suzanne Marino has cleaned out the shop and closed.http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/citynotes.php
That is our cities best window display gone.
Clustering is very important. Its tough for little businesses like that to survive on their own.
QuoteClustering is very important. Its tough for little businesses like that to survive on their own.
All the more reasoning that the old Library is in trouble if it goes ahead and pursues expansion at a time when the DVI and all of downtown is hurting and operating without a vision.