Wife and I were strolling thru Downtown Jax an hour ago and it occurred to me that the Jacobs clock is still gone. I did some Googling and searched MetroJacksonville and all I learned was that the city owns the clock and can't come up with around $4k to fix it. From what I read, the owner of Jacobs Jewelers was willing to loan the city the cash, though a fund was set up at the time Jacobs transferred ownership of the clock to the city, to provide for future repairs. But the article I found that information in looks like it's over a year old. (http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2011-04-25)
So what's up? Anybody know? Seems kinda funny to have the plaque telling all about the clock, but no clock. In fact I don't even see a spot for it on the sidewalk.
Is it gone forever? My wife thinks the city sold it. She's not from here and I assured her that Jacksonville city officials would never do anything untoward or detrimental to downtown.
Quote from: Bativac on July 13, 2012, 11:52:07 PM
She's not from here and I assured her that Jacksonville city officials would never do anything untoward or detrimental to downtown.
Oh boy, get ready for the sarcastic 'Jax already torn down most of DT, why not some more' replies.
^LOL^
Well looks like we probably spent the money a long time ago on something else and dont wanna account for it. This is the type of stuff that has to stop. To make it even more funny, the city plays dumb.
^When it comes to dumb (or doing things half @$$ed or @$$ backwards) the city AINT PLAYING.
What clock? ::)
You know I thought the same thing when in DT yesterday.
Next time you will be asking what happened to the skyway and the city will say they sent it off to be repaired.
Actually, they've done this before, and the same way - they did store it offsite for safekeeping and cleaning, etc, and then returned it after work was done. What is laughable is that the City can't scrape up a measley $4,000 (would the historical society be able to help?), and what is sad is that the article said they are going to put an electronic mechanism in it - horrors!!! I hope that doesn't mean that a beautiful piece of art like that is going to have an ugly digital display? Please, say that ain't so.
Yeah if it does comeback it will look like a Rolex with a digital calculator watch face
WOW! I was Downtown the other day and was looking for the clock and had that same thought. I thought it was here.
You want to get fired up? look up 2012-202 and our city council took $9000 bucks from 4 separate accounts for free parking for city council members.
So $4000 is needed to fix the clock. Create an account by ordinance. Like 2009-442 The artificial reef trust fund. FIND out where it is being stored. Have a FOOD TRUCK rally and Field is just the man along with the MJ team, RAP, Downtown Vision, SPAR, Springfield, San Marco, you get the idea EVERYONE to immediately raise the 4k.
The clock is an iconic piece of Downtown Jacksonville history.
PUBLIC, PRIVATE, PARTNERSHIP? I'm All In.
Me, too. Let's do some fundraising. Otherwise, it will "disappear" like the lights on the Klutho bridges did. So many things are unaffordable to raise funds for. $4000 is so totally do-able. I like the food truck rally idea. A $5 donation for "admission" to go toward the clock restoration.
(http://www.c21capitalrealty.com/data/graphics/office/admin/Orlando/800px-Sanford_Downtown_Clock1.jpg)
Hell we can't even compete with downtown Sanford!
You mean vanish like the plaque on the old Lee Street Viaduct? Perhaps we could go down and steal the clock from Downtown Sanford. 'Jax already torn down most of DT, why not some more!'
Quote from: Ocklawaha on July 14, 2012, 10:28:27 AM
'Jax already torn down most of DT, why not some more!'
Damn I'm good! I should be a psychic.
^^^I'll conjure up something, don't worry.
Quote from: Debbie Thompson on July 14, 2012, 10:19:59 AM
Me, too. Let's do some fundraising. Otherwise, it will "disappear" like the lights on the Klutho bridges did. So many things are unaffordable to raise funds for. $4000 is so totally do-able. I like the food truck rally idea. A $5 donation for "admission" to go toward the clock restoration.
But according to the article in the original post, the owner of Jacobs Jewelers offered to front the city the money to get the repairs done.
This is frustrating because 1) The clock was still there before, at least, even if it did need repairs; 2) The original owners of the clock transferred ownership to the city under the belief that they would be good stewards of an historic artifact; 3) THE MONEY WAS THERE!!! 4) This isn't just Jacksonville history - this is one of only 10 or so of these clocks estimated to remain throughout the country.
It's like the city has some kind of grudge against anything historic downtown.
so is anyone sure it isn't coming back?
Its like the City has a grudge against anything Historic ANYWHERE in the City. :(
A fundraiser is a good idea. If we all chip in as little as $20 each, we could do wonders. I got $20 right here.
so the question is, where is our Clock? >:(
Why start donating money if the thing was melted down to pay for the rebuilding of Monroe St or something.
Why start fundraising when the city should have the money? Sounds like a little misappropriation happened...like mentioned above the money the Jacobs Jeweler guy set aside was probably used to pay for City Council member parking in that one bill.
It's the little details like this that make Jacksonville a complete and utter embarassment/failure. What's even more indicative of how sad the city is is that this clock has been missing for a long time and a) there hasn't been a news story about it since just that one in April in a small publication, and b) the most downtown passionate people site has just gotten around to posting about it months later, let alone any historic preservation society or general citizenry raise hell (hell will freeze over the day people in Jacksonville know anything or care about anything going on downtown or with the city's history).
99.999999% of people in Jax probably don't know the history of the clock and its relevance to the city, and certainly don't care. Probably 90% have no idea that it was even there. This is one of those small little landmarks that can help to give the city an identity and unique mark.
Proof again that we have the wrong management and government in place. Wonder who in the city could tell us what became of the Clock.
I certainly remember it.
Taking the clock away didn't even leave enough room for one parking space. Somebody slipped up. There must be a parking space created if anything is removed in this city!
I sent Don Redman an email on this since it's his district. I'll post here if I hear anything back. I'd like to know if anyone knows where the clock is. I'm sure there isn't money anywhere to fix it but if the thing is still in one piece, money can be found. If it's $4k we're talking about, surely that can be scraped together. We'll hold a bake sale or something.
Hopefully it's in a shed someplace and the city is claiming lack of funds. As long as it hasn't been sold or dumped in the trash. Both of those sound like absurd scenarios but this is Jacksonville we're talking about.
Quote from: Timkin on July 14, 2012, 10:37:18 PM
so the question is, where is our Clock? >:(
Excellent question. I want to visit it. We want to tell everyone to VISIT JACKSONVILLE!
VISIT the CLOCK.
Get your picture taken by the clock for a buck so it can be returned to its rightful place in Downtown Jacksonville history. Again set up an account for a specific purpose like what was done with 2009-442 as an example. Go to a city council meeting and during Public Comment you can then hand this weeks project donations to Kirk Sherman and it will be deposited into the appropriate account. That's it. Then see who crushes the Public Trustby taking it and using it for free parking for city council members.
You have just hit a single and you are on base. Springfield seems to have been hitting a lot of singles lately. Riverside and Avondale have been popping out with some deep shots to left. San Marco always in the playoffs.
Downtown has just never been in the game
FIND out where the clock is and I'll treat you to Robert's Eatery.
Quote from: Bativac on July 16, 2012, 01:12:02 AM
I sent Don Redman an email on this since it's his district. I'll post here if I hear anything back. I'd like to know if anyone knows where the clock is. I'm sure there isn't money anywhere to fix it but if the thing is still in one piece, money can be found. If it's $4k we're talking about, surely that can be scraped together. We'll hold a bake sale or something.
Hopefully it's in a shed someplace and the city is claiming lack of funds. As long as it hasn't been sold or dumped in the trash. Both of those sound like absurd scenarios but this is Jacksonville we're talking about.
Great Bativac, please let us know if you hear anything.
Good news, everyone! (in my best Hubert Farnsworth voice)
Don Redman's assistant Scott Wilson forwarded my email to Paul Crawford, who sent the following response:
QuoteSince the completion of the Laura Street project almost a year ago, I have been keenly engaged in ensuring the restoration and replacement of the Jacobs Jewelers clock. At the time this portion of the project was being completed, Public Works dedicated funding and went through the Procurement process to rehab and replace it. I recently inquired about its status. I was told that the complete restoration was 60 to 70 percent complete. I would expect its replacement in approximately 6 months. Should you have any additional questions or need additional detail, I have included Lloyd Fountain, Public Works Division Chief responsible for this project. He is very helpful.
Paul R. Crawford
Acting Executive Director
City of Jacksonville - Office of Economic Development
Looks like it should be back by the end of the year or beginning of next. Kudos for the quick response from all parties. Sometimes the city government acts like a city government.
Glad to see some in City Council respond. Thanks for following up on this.
aww yeah!
Very nice! Thanks!
Whew - glad I didn't mail my check yet....
This reminded me of a Saturday Night Live skit (?) where they parodied the movie "Alive" & started eating each other 5 minutes after the plane crashed......
;) Toldja! I've lived through 3 of these clock renovations and they've always put it back. (I know what you're saying, though - these days....)
Umm....does it really take 1-1/2 years to restore a clock? And that's from the END of the Laura St. project. It could have been restored DURING the project and been ready to go back at the end. Just sayin'
Good news!
Quote from: Debbie Thompson on July 16, 2012, 01:23:51 PM
Umm....does it really take 1-1/2 years to restore a clock? And that's from the END of the Laura St. project. It could have been restored DURING the project and been ready to go back at the end. Just sayin'
I tend to agree with you, but as long as it gets done and they put the thing back, then no harm, no foul.
This is good news. Glad to hear it!!!
#32: I hear you and understand your point (efficiency and better project management), but I have no idea what is involved in restoring an old clock - it seems like the first time they did this, they had to have the glass or some larger part re-made, so that took a little while. I would miss it if it weren't here. Like another Jacksonville landmark - for example, the real Big Jim steamwhistle. Even if it was a recording they used after they tore it down, it still sounded better than this scornful-sounding little toot they've got going on now at 7 am and 5 pm...it's pitiful!
We should rename Jacksonville , Demolition, Fl !
Quote from: Bativac on July 16, 2012, 03:08:43 PM
Quote from: Debbie Thompson on July 16, 2012, 01:23:51 PM
Umm....does it really take 1-1/2 years to restore a clock? And that's from the END of the Laura St. project. It could have been restored DURING the project and been ready to go back at the end. Just sayin'
I tend to agree with you, but as long as it gets done and they put the thing back, then no harm, no foul.p
So where is the clock? Over budget or under budget? Will it be the original face or a digital display?
That is good to hear. Now if only the city could get around to landscaping the median in front of Landing. It is small and probably the most visible median in the city. It has been bare for 6 months!!!
Quote from: Noone on July 17, 2012, 06:47:33 AM
Quote from: Bativac on July 16, 2012, 03:08:43 PM
Quote from: Debbie Thompson on July 16, 2012, 01:23:51 PM
Umm....does it really take 1-1/2 years to restore a clock? And that's from the END of the Laura St. project. It could have been restored DURING the project and been ready to go back at the end. Just sayin'
I tend to agree with you, but as long as it gets done and they put the thing back, then no harm, no foul.p
So where is the clock? Over budget or under budget? Will it be the original face or a digital display?
No idea about the budget, but I do know that the internal mechanics are being restored - not necessarily replaced.
I've found estimates online as to the cost, ranging from the $4,000 figure I mentioned in my initial post to $45,000 - quite a range. I imagine opening up the clock, removing the internal mechanics, cleaning them, replacing them, cleaning the outside, powder coating it, etc. is not a quick process.
As long as they do it right!
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-07-17
Good news. The median is now landscaped! Noticed last night on my way to the gym.
"new clock dials and hands " I hope they look like the originals.
Quote from: fsujax on July 17, 2012, 11:28:38 AM
Good news. The median is now landscaped! Noticed last night on my way to the gym.
that only took how long?
now, if they'd just replace the one decorative light pole that already got damaged on Laura at the roundabout
^^we might be wating another year for that one! remember maintenance is something COJ cant figure out.
Quote from: fsujax on July 17, 2012, 01:14:03 PM
^^we might be wating another year for that one! remember maintenance is something COJ cant figure out.
^ Didn't want to be the first to sound skeptical ;)
Quote from: Live_Oak on July 17, 2012, 11:20:33 AM
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-07-17
So there is a $51,094 dollar cap and the go ahead was given by the city April,30 and so we should have it within 90 days. What was the cost in 73 and 95? Just curious. The ones that did it in 73 and 95 still in business's?
The chamber trip is to Cincinnati and what a field trip for both cities to check out the status of the clock if it happens to work out.
Quote from: Live_Oak on July 17, 2012, 11:20:33 AM
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-07-17
I think they're quoting the same email Paul Crawford sent me. I feel like I'm right at the very edge of current events. I should email council members more often!
Just noticing it's been about 8 months since I emailed the City Council and I have yet to see the clock returned to its former location... but maybe I somehow missed it the other day. I better ask you guys before I make a fool of myself emailing the city council again. Is the clock back and I just need to have my eyes checked? Or is it still MIA?
Quote from: Bativac on July 18, 2012, 10:37:59 AM
Quote from: Live_Oak on July 17, 2012, 11:20:33 AM
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-07-17
I think they're quoting the same email Paul Crawford sent me. I feel like I'm right at the very edge of current events. I should email council members more often!
^
Just to help any and all reading this:
District 1: Clay Yarborough
Phone: (904) 630-1389
Email: Clay@coj.net
Assistant: BeLinda Peeples
District 2: William Bishop (council president)
Phone: (904) 630-1392
Email: WBishop@coj.net
Assistant: Suzanne Warren
District 3: Richard Clark
Phone: (904) 630-1386
Email: RClark@coj.net
Assistant: Sonia Johnson
District 4: Don Redman
Phone: (904) 630-1394
Email: Redman@coj.net
Assistant: Scott A. Wilson
District 5: Lori N. Boyer
Phone: (904) 630-1382
Email: LBoyer@coj.net
Assistant: James Nealis
District 6: Matt Schellenberg
Phone: (904) 630-1388
Email: MattS@coj.net
Assistant: Audrey Braman
District 7: Dr. Johnny Gaffney
Phone: (904) 630-1384
Email: Gaffney@coj.net
Assistant: Tiffani Dailey
District 8: E. Denise Lee
Phone: (904) 630-1385
Email: EDLee@coj.net
Assistant: Dan Macdonald
District 9: Warren A. Jones
Phone: (904) 630-1395
Email: WAJones@coj.net
Assistant: Rupel Wells
District 10: Reginald L. Brown
Phone: (904) 630-1684
Email: RBrown@coj.net
Assistant: Mercedes Parker
District 11: Ray Holt
Phone: (904) 630-1383
Email: Holt@coj.net
Assistant: Connie Holt
District 12: Doyle Carter
Phone: (904) 630-1380
Email: doylec@coj.net
Assistant: Rebekah Hagan
District 13: Bill Gulliford
Phone: (904) 630-1397
Email: Gulliford@coj.net
Assistant: Stan Johnson
District 14: Jim Love
Phone: (904) 630-1390
Email: JimLove@coj.net
Assistant: Kevin Kuzel
At-Large Council Members
Group 1: Kimberly Daniels
Phone: (904) 630-1393
Email: KimDaniels@coj.net
Assistant: Ricky Anderson
Group 2: John R. Crescimbeni
Phone: (904) 630-1381
Email: JRC@coj.net
Assistant: None
Group 3: Stephen C. Joost
Phone: (904) 630-1396
Email: Joost@coj.net
Assistant: Celeste Hicks
Group 4: Greg Anderson
Phone: (904) 630-1398
Email: GAnderson@coj.net
Assistant: Leeann Summerford
Group 5: Robin Lumb
Phone: (904) 630-1387
Email: RLumb@coj.net
Assistant: Donna Barrow
Also
MayorBrown@coj.net
To view the current district map, and detailed insets, visit this section of www.COJ.NET _
http://www.coj.net/city-council/council-district-maps.aspx
This is simply unacceptable. Going back to another discussion...the PEOPLE are really to blame! This clock is one of the *only* landmarks of the city, and it's been YEARS. I guess there aren't protests and parades of angry taxpayers beating down the hatches of City Hall.
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it. Here in SF there would be a vigil and a rally of 100,000 people if it were 1 friggin day late! Sadly, I just don't even think anyone in Jacksonville knows that it even EXISTS!
It's a people problem for sure.
Quote from: simms3 on February 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it.
WHATEVER
^hahaha
Quote from: simms3 on February 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
This is simply unacceptable. Going back to another discussion...the PEOPLE are really to blame! This clock is one of the *only* landmarks of the city, and it's been YEARS. I guess there aren't protests and parades of angry taxpayers beating down the hatches of City Hall.
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it. Here in SF there would be a vigil and a rally of 100,000 people if it were 1 friggin day late! Sadly, I just don't even think anyone in Jacksonville knows that it even EXISTS!
It's a people problem for sure.
It absolutely is a people problem. The email I got back 8 months ago was half full of politicking before getting around to the actual answer.
I've emailed the council again and will report back here once I get a reply (unless it ends up in the Business Journal again).
Quote from: stephendare on February 23, 2013, 08:18:32 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 23, 2013, 07:48:06 PM
Quote from: simms3 on February 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it.
WHATEVER
simms is quite correct
are you suggesting that Jacksonville doesn't have people that care or are passionate about issues?
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 24, 2013, 02:12:53 PM
Quote from: stephendare on February 23, 2013, 08:18:32 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 23, 2013, 07:48:06 PM
Quote from: simms3 on February 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it.
WHATEVER
simms is quite correct
are you suggesting that Jacksonville doesn't have people that care or are passionate about issues?
I think what he's saying is Jacksonville doesn't engender the kind of intense feelings of civic pride that other cities do that would cause people to get worked up over an issue like this. To my knowledge, nobody else has inquired about this clock, and the thing was a landmark downtown for decades. An historic object. The only logical conclusion is that nobody cares, or somebody would have asked about it. Of course there are people in Jax who are passionate about things. But outside of a small handful, nobody seems to mind at all if Jacksonville's history is torn out completely. As long as property taxes are low and there's a yogurt joint or something at the local strip mall.
It's a small thing, in the grand scheme of things, but for some reason that clock sticks out to me as an issue that shouldn't die. The clock was there - nothing was wrong with it - but the city hauled it off to supposedly have it restored, but given the city's absolutely terrible track record with restoring or maintaining anything AT ALL, the fact that the clock has not returned after this long does not bode well.
How much money was spent? How much was supposed to have been spent? How much was necessary to spend? Was it necessary to send this clock away for restoration when it had sat for so long?
I think the clock is gone, I think someone sold it, and I think the money set aside for its restoration has been pocketed by someone or spent on other items. I'll be surprised if that clock ever comes back. But nobody else will care, and the thing will slip into the collective memory of the handful of us who remember stuff like that.
Like I said. It's a small thing. Hopefully I'm wrong and I'm getting all worked up over nothing. I'm too young to be this jaded I think.
The clock is crated up, in a warehouse in the Talleyrand area. It hasn't been sold.
I wonder where the contract for the repair/reinstall is.
Quote from: simms3 on February 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
This is simply unacceptable. Going back to another discussion...the PEOPLE are really to blame! This clock is one of the *only* landmarks of the city, and it's been YEARS. I guess there aren't protests and parades of angry taxpayers beating down the hatches of City Hall.
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it. Here in SF there would be a vigil and a rally of 100,000 people if it were 1 friggin day late! Sadly, I just don't even think anyone in Jacksonville knows that it even EXISTS!
It's a people problem for sure.
sounds like people need a hobby.
From January 8, 2013:
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2013-01-08
QuoteLast April, the City awarded a $51,000 contract for the restoration of the clock to the I.T. Verdin Co, in Cincinnati. The work was completed and the restored clock was shipped back to Jacksonville in September. It has been stored in a City warehouse since.
"We are anxious to get the clock back. It only took six weeks in 1973 when it was in 200 pieces after the bus ran over it," said Thomas.
Scott Wilson, executive assistant to City Council member Don Redman, whose district includes Downtown, said the clock is ready to be re-installed as soon as the City awards a bid for a concrete base for the clock.
Public Works Department Chief of Engineering and Construction Management Bill Joyce estimated it will be another 6-8 weeks before the final step of restoring the clock along Laura Street.
"We have received bids and are currently reviewing. Once we determine a low responsive bidder we will be formulating a recommendation to the awards committee. We should have a recommendation within the next couple of weeks," he said.
From April 25, 2011http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2011-04-25
QuoteThomas said he has a $4,000 estimate for the cost of replacing the movement with a new electronic version and he has requested an estimate for powder-coating the exterior, which would be more durable than paint.
Thomas also said he doesn’t know why the City claims to not have the money to rehabilitate the clock. He said in addition to transferring ownership of the historic landmark in 1995, his store and a local law firm partnered to present to the City a $6,500 trust fund designated to be used for future maintenance and repairs.
The principal, plus 16 years of accrued interest, should be more than enough to complete the work needed to return the clock to its place along the new and improved Laura Street in a timely fashion, he said.
Thomas said if there’s a government procedure needed to locate and release the funds, “I’ll pay for the work if they’ll reimburse me.”
A whole other discussion on the missing clock from a while back (a quick Google search reveals a few articles from The Daily Record and discussion from MetroJacksonville, but not much else.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=15585.0
Just trying to put into perspective the "little" issue of one of the city's main landmarks and oldest "structures" remaining in the city now missing. :)
^ really dude? I'm not going to bother egtting in a tit-for-tat with you today. Just take a look at Post #51 from simms...and yes, I was implying that lots of folks in Atlanta also could care less about what happens in the core....their downtown was largely ignored for the last 50+ years too!
Come on guys, less talk more clock. Bativac, any word from the council members?
Let's see...............the city has budget problems. City police and fire pension funds are coming up short because of the city's lack of money to honor past agreements. The city is cutting back on personnel. The city has to figure out how to pay for the court house. Some fire houses were closed. Some libraries were closed or reduced hours.
Then there is a clock that has been missing for a long time. An unnecessary clock since most people use a watch or their cell phone to tell time. You know I can't see the clock from my house or office or my construction project downtown. But I drive past two fire stations just about every day.
Do we really need every old thing restored at the speed of heat? .............(sorry old Mechanical Engineer saying) Do we really need every old thing restored right away?
^^^That's a good point, but perhaps the larger discussion should be based on priorities and revenue sources? I think you're saying that given the revenue sources, or lack thereof, the clock should continue to be further down the list than say police and fire fighters.
To that I agree...but maybe someone can step up and save the clock privately? Sounds like it's not a high $$ project bid.
I thought the whole point of low taxes was so that people could choose where they send their money for themselves and give to the appropriate charities/foundations/churches they deem fit rather than some bureaucracy take the money, pay some idiots to dole it out inappropriately, bla bla bla. Sadly, I don't see that much "giving" in lieu of taxes in Jax, but this could be a cheap and very visible way for someone to give back to the community and lift community spirits/civic pride?
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 25, 2013, 02:30:39 PM
^ really dude? I'm not going to bother egtting in a tit-for-tat with you today. Just take a look at Post #51 from simms...and yes, I was implying that lots of folks in Atlanta also could care less about what happens in the core....their downtown was largely ignored for the last 50+ years too!
You are so fascinatingly hung up on me...I barely even post any more and I tend to bring up a wide array of cities...I live in SF (which I mentioned in the same breath as my callout to Atlanta by the way...you conveniently ignore). The thing is I could now just simply compare Jax to SF all the time! That would be a great comparison...world-class old-world city to backwater FL sunbelt boomtown. LoL At least Jax and Atlanta have a lot of potential similarities and nothing I say is too off base. Now that I'm away from Atlanta I view it as skeptically if not more than I view Jax (I'm a hometown hero guy!...as long as I'm in the hometown :)). Even so, and as much as I actually have a love-HATE relationship with Atlanta, the city does very well for itself because it has quite an engaged and eager to improve population, especially in its local leadership and business community (less so in the general transient workforce).
I'm sure an iconic emblem of local history in Richmond or Charleston or Birmingham or Memphis would be just as easily forgotten as in Jax, so that obviously excuses the entire problem of people not caring.
Quote from: simms3 on February 25, 2013, 03:51:42 PM
Now that I'm away from Atlanta I view it as skeptically if not more than I view Jax (I'm a hometown hero guy!...as long as I'm in the hometown :))
glad to hear it...because at times, it seems from your writing that Atlanta is almost perfect
I sent an email this morning to Don Redman and Bill Bishop. Since then I have not heard from Mr Redman. But I have heard back in a chain of emails from Mr Bishop, Suzanne Warren and Paul Crawford that they are requesting answers and status on the issue.
I have a nice list of emails to Don that literally go back years with still no answers. Scott, you know it's true. The clock is at Talleyrand. What are the bids for the slab of concrete to reinstall this. Who will be the first news crew to go to Talleyrand and report that here is "The clock in the box"
Instead of a bid. Shouldn't this simply be a Public Works project?
Yes it should Noone.
Quote from: stephendare on February 25, 2013, 01:25:06 PM
Quote from: fsquid on February 25, 2013, 11:06:28 AM
Quote from: simms3 on February 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
This is simply unacceptable. Going back to another discussion...the PEOPLE are really to blame! This clock is one of the *only* landmarks of the city, and it's been YEARS. I guess there aren't protests and parades of angry taxpayers beating down the hatches of City Hall.
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it. Here in SF there would be a vigil and a rally of 100,000 people if it were 1 friggin day late! Sadly, I just don't even think anyone in Jacksonville knows that it even EXISTS!
It's a people problem for sure.
sounds like people need a hobby.
Yeah, like giving a shit about the city they live in.
Good, maybe that person should pay to fix the clock in a timely manner.
^So it's not even fixed yet? I guess that's better than if it was fixed and then just left sitting in storage.
Quote from: stephendare on February 26, 2013, 12:42:10 PM
Quote from: fsquid on February 26, 2013, 12:25:18 PM
Quote from: stephendare on February 25, 2013, 01:25:06 PM
Quote from: fsquid on February 25, 2013, 11:06:28 AM
Quote from: simms3 on February 23, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
This is simply unacceptable. Going back to another discussion...the PEOPLE are really to blame! This clock is one of the *only* landmarks of the city, and it's been YEARS. I guess there aren't protests and parades of angry taxpayers beating down the hatches of City Hall.
I can tell you in Atlanta that clock could go maybe 30-60 days behind schedule before it would be news and people would be all over it. Here in SF there would be a vigil and a rally of 100,000 people if it were 1 friggin day late! Sadly, I just don't even think anyone in Jacksonville knows that it even EXISTS!
It's a people problem for sure.
sounds like people need a hobby.
Yeah, like giving a shit about the city they live in.
Good, maybe that person should pay to fix the clock in a timely manner.
We did. And we do.
As it happens I heard from a fellow yesterday on this subject. He has invited us out to photograph the clock which is being held in storage until the bidding process is closed.
Glad you heard something. My email (sent on Sunday) went unanswered as yet.
I'll believe the clock still exists when I see it. I do not expect it will ever return to its former location.
Quote from: stephendare on February 26, 2013, 01:49:50 PM
Quote from: Tacachale on February 26, 2013, 01:42:34 PM
^So it's not even fixed yet? I guess that's better than if it was fixed and then just left sitting in storage.
Actually it has already been repaired and is just sitting in storage.
Gah. Of course it is.
As I understand it, the bid process is to install the clock
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 26, 2013, 02:27:34 PM
As I understand it, the bid process is to install the clock
We need a 6-month bid process to stick a pole in the ground and put the clock on top of it?
Seriously? WTF is wrong with this place.
LOL. I was thinking the same thing. I'm thinking they aren't making it a priority.
COJ Procurement is one of the most convoluted systems I've ever had to deal with.
Can we see these pictures of the clock? Stephen, have you laid eyes on it? I missed seeing it again at ArtWalk last night and until I see photos or you can confirm it exists, my assumption is that it's gone and they're waiting to see if we forget about it. I don't trust the city government or the city council. Not that I think all of them are lying, but many of them are dopey enough to believe what they're told without questioning it.
By the way: in case anybody is curious, there was no response to my email to the city.
It exists. We stopped by the warehouse and took some pics the other day:
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Other/Clock-Restored-and-Waiting/i-Wqrh2vn/0/M/IMG_9154-M.jpg)
Very nice.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on February 26, 2013, 02:36:44 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 26, 2013, 02:27:34 PM
As I understand it, the bid process is to install the clock
We need a 6-month bid process to stick a pole in the ground and put the clock on top of it?
Seriously? WTF is wrong with this place.
Classic!
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on February 26, 2013, 02:36:44 PM
Seriously? WTF is wrong with this place.
We're all trying to figure this one out.....
Quote from: thelakelander on March 08, 2013, 07:11:35 AM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on February 26, 2013, 02:36:44 PM
Seriously? WTF is wrong with this place.
We're all trying to figure this one out.....
If anyone does figure it out, kindly let me know, please.
Today is the day.
what time?