Changing the Urban Landscape in 2013
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/2265337649_5GzSQ6h-M.jpg)
In 2012, we witnessed a renewed optimism for the future of downtown Jacksonville. Looking forward to 2013, here are five projects that have the potential to stimulate additional life in the urban core.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-jan-changing-the-urban-landscape-in-2013
Nice list. And our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative runs right through the middle of this new DIA/CRA in the USA.
The large mixed use development on the 1400 block of Main Street will also have final word in Fall of 2013.
My pet peeve with the upcoming BRT development is that it primarily runs along an area already served by the Skyway. Instead of complimenting existing downtown transit by extending out into populated areas, the city is opting to build a useless phase 1 project that will only add to traffic in the urban core. It will be interesting to watch this cluster play out.
^JTA also thinks it's a good idea to move forward with plans for BRT down Philips (Southeast Corridor) which would duplicate any future plans for Commuter Rail on that corridor.
^I'm slowing coming to the realization that the FEC commuter rail project should be put to death if BRT, Amtrak, and possibly AAF comes online by the end of the decade. What would be the point of investing in commuter rail along a corridor where three other modes pretty much provide transit service to every commuter rail stop outside of Nocatee? I'd rather see an investment on another corridor where such as service would not have to compete for transit riders.
I'm not as concerned about the downtown BRT project on the Northbank as I am on the Southbank. The upgrades to Jefferson and Broad should be a plus, although it's still foolish and shortsighted to rebuild those streets without adding bike infrastructure. The duplication of the Skyway on the Southbank and still not being able to tap into Baptist Medical and Aetna are challenges we'll have to overcome.
Btw, the original BRT worth pursuing is the leg to Arlington and Regency. Unfortunately, it's being treated as the 4th wheel.
I think the downtown BRT could become more useful if instead of the Acosta Bridge it utilized the Fuller Warren. The new route would incorporate Brocklyn park, unity park, 220 riverside, BCBS, FIS, LPS, riverside Everbank, Baptist Medical swing to San Marco Square and finish at Kings Ave Parking. The skyway and BRT could compliment one another.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 03, 2013, 10:18:06 AM
^I'm slowing coming to the realization that the FEC commuter rail project should be put to death if BRT, Amtrak, and possibly AAF comes online by the end of the decade. What would be the point of investing in commuter rail along a corridor where three other modes pretty much provide transit service to every commuter rail stop outside of Nocatee? I'd rather see an investment on another corridor where such as service would not have to compete for transit riders.
I would tend to agree. This corridor appears to be positioned to potentially be well served by transit. If we're dealing with limited Federal dollars, I would like to see it used on the Southwest corridor which, in my opinion, would be the most viable option for commuter rail in terms of potential ridership.
I would prefer the BRT on Phillips put to death so Amtrak, AAF and Commuter rail could share stations.
^That's probably not going to happen as it's already in design. It also not really BRT, it won't have a dedicated lane or anything. It will just have nicer shelters and intersection improvements. Oh and those awesome bus shelter pads that connect to nothing.
If that is the case then we can do that and move the shelters and BRT route later if the other rail modes prove successful and we and to add some commuter service. Move the BRT to a feeder line coming from the beach.
Quote from: thelakelander on January 03, 2013, 10:18:06 AM
I'm not as concerned about the downtown BRT project on the Northbank as I am on the Southbank. The upgrades to Jefferson and Broad should be a plus, although it's still foolish and shortsighted to rebuild those streets without adding bike infrastructure. The duplication of the Skyway on the Southbank and still not being able to tap into Baptist Medical and Aetna are challenges we'll have to overcome.
Agreed. That corridor would be much better served by running down San Marco Blvd to the Square and then a future extension down Hendricks/San Jose.
I've long been a proponent of BRT on San Marco/San Jose, the area is a rich mix of residential, restaurant, retail and office space that could be nicely stitched together with a BRT system.
There is simply no reason to move forward with BRT on Riverplace, Kings, Philips, when it is directly under the Skyway for the entire urbanized portion of the route. There is nothing on Philips which with the exception of a scattering of tacky industries and 24 hour, adult only hotels, has absolutely nothing to dictate a end run between Downtown and The Avenues. As far as proof of demand, Philips doesn't even have an end to end bus route on it today, sound's like rich ground for 10 minute headways!
The Philips BRT route is not only bad, it is counter productive to future mass transit in the city. It takes momentum away from better choices like the Arlington Expressway, San Jose, Beach and/or Butler. It has none of the synergies that will become apparent in the north BRT route. It will be a poor performer which will keep future funds out of the hands of those who appear to, 'not know what the hell they are doing.' It could do irreparable damage to the Skyway, and as Lake has pointed out, damage commuter rail prospects. This is another classic case of Jacksonville charging right off the cliff armed with just enough information to completely screw the pooch.
JTA? TIME TO PULL YOUR HEADS OUT!
BRT? Really? If you look at the list of cities that use bus transportation systems, you get cities like Louisville and Birmingham. The future of transit is rail. Just look what Charlotte has done with their new light rail. Why not instead of spending all this money on bus rapid transit, lets invest in cleaner, safer, more efficient light rail like the Skyway, which has much more potential.
Welcome to the Fray Todd. We advocate for rail and the prosperity it brings. Search the site and you will find a seemingly endless supply of articles for the advancement of fixed transit here in Jax.
Quote from: Toddhigginbotham on January 04, 2013, 06:28:16 PM
BRT? Really? If you look at the list of cities that use bus transportation systems, you get cities like Louisville and Birmingham. The future of transit is rail. Just look what Charlotte has done with their new light rail. Why not instead of spending all this money on bus rapid transit, lets invest in cleaner, safer, more efficient light rail like the Skyway, which has much more potential.
^You'll find no argument here about the benefit of rail. Most here, understand that what JTA is calling BRT is simply reliable regular bus service in major cities (although good bus service is needed too).
I'm also a proponent of modifying a few existing bus lines to BRT style service without spending the big bucks or asking for additional federal help. Go to the federal well for more impactful rail projects such as streetcar or commuter rail to feed riders into the skyway since it doesn't have the capacity to become a citywide circulator. However, they've already received funding for the downtown BRT lines. It's unrealistic to think that we'll be returning the cash.