The Mobility Plan: A Vision for Jacksonville
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/2135521935_SHz7HFg-M.jpg)
With the Jacksonville City Council possibly considering extending the mobility fee moratorium, Metro Jacksonville shares a presentation that providing data suggesting that the moratorium has been a floundering failure, in regards to creating job growth and economic development in Jacksonville.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-oct-the-mobility-plan-a-vision-for-jacksonville
This presentation is factual, informative and concise. It is like God showing up in Saul's life by literally slapping him down with lightning and speaking "I do exist, now follow me". Saul took him up on that. If this presentation is made to CC, figuratively slapping them down with lightning and saying "I am the friggin' light, there is only one choice and it is obvious", and they STILL do not sunset the moratorium, an investigation NEEDS to be made. People have to literally be bribed to keep the moratorium in effect because the facts are CLEAR as day that the moratorium does absolutely nothing (and proves that simple fee-based development ala Toney Sleiman is essentially development for nothing, no market support, etc, just freebies for tenants and fees for Sleiman).
The development around SJTC, still paying fees, is happening for a reason...the fundamentals are fucking there. In fact, why isn't Toney Sleiman there? His business model isn't based off of legitimate fundamentals like other developers!! It's based off of handouts and a lack of regulation!
This presentation has been made to many council members and several others already. Now it's time to expose it to the rest of the community. Everybody wanted to see statistics. Here are a few that have been tracked over the last year and they strongly indicate the moratorium has been a failure and extending it will only extend the failure. On the other hand, where is the data to suggest that the moratorium has been a success? If it has not been, why even consider extending it and placing more of a burden on the average taxpayer?
Well done Lake and MJ.
San Marco Preservation Society voted to support ending the Mobility Fee moratorium.
I think this decision puts us at a cross-roads, either we invest in ourselves and pull equal or ahead of our peers or we don't and fall to the position of 'The New Biloxi.' We could use more space adding page after page of success stories where cities invested in balanced mobility, but we've already been there, we know it works. This plan could do wonders, but if it never sees the light of day because someone values campaign contributions more then quality of life, we're so screwed. It's time for the bold leadership to step up to the plate and make us that 'Bold New City of The South,' once again.
^If you can't attend tonight, consider taking a moment to send an email to council members mentioning the point you raise.
QuoteEverybody wanted to see statistics. Here are a few that have been tracked over the last year and they strongly indicate the moratorium has been a failure and extending it will only extend the failure. On the other hand, where is the data to suggest that the moratorium has been a success? If it has not been, why even consider extending it and placing more of a burden on the average taxpayer?
In speaking with City Council members and at the CPACs... it's clear that the individuals looking to extend the moratorium simply don't have any factual counters to any of the data presented. However, many decision makers are going down the path of extending the moratorium. YOUR VOICE is needed now more than ever.
Please consider coming to Council tonight, if only to fill out a speaker card on the issue. As Stephen mentioned, simply filling out a speaker card puts you on record as being against this tax increase being extended on to you and your friends, family and neighbors.
Quote from: fieldafm on October 09, 2012, 09:29:35 AM
In speaking with City Council members and at the CPACs... it's clear that the individuals looking to extend the moratorium simply don't have any factual counters to any of the data presented. However, many decision makers are going down the path of extending the moratorium. YOUR VOICE is needed now more than ever.
I think the decision makers have shown that they don't require factual counters to make a decision. That's why we have to be the ones to force their hand.
Is the agenda for tonight online? I didn't see anything regarding it on coj.net.
I expect we'll see a number of council members who claimed to know business better than the business community on the HRO, but who will now kowtow to "job creators" on extending this moratorium.
It's very important for all those who want to see this ended to voice their opinions today. Even if we don't get the result we want, it's important our leaders hear it.
From Ron Littlepage yesteday:
Quote
The rumor around City Hall is that when the City Council meets Tuesday evening, there will be a push to continue waiving the mobility fees developers pay for transportation improvements.
The council waived the fees last year for one year, and that year runs out this month.
The agenda for Tuesday's meeting does not include an ordinance to extend the waiver.
But such an ordinance could be introduced at the last minute as an emergency if two-thirds of the council members present agree to take it up.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/406107/ron-littlepage/2012-10-08/possible-sneak-attack-developers-and-their-allies-jax
"But such an ordinance could be introduced at the last minute as an emergency if two-thirds of the council members present agree to take it up."
Looks like we need to stay as long as possible, and be vigilant, huh? On the agenda or not, it can come up.
Yes, or immediately as the meeting starts, before everyone has their heads together.
The message needs to be very strong, we will not support those council members who do not represent the interests and desires of the people of this great city.
Sunset it now!
I told the council that last year Ock and they told me to cool it with the saber rattling. I was just a big bully picking on those poor developers who need their handouts.