Figured I'd formally introduce myself now that I live in 32202.
18 years in a Chicago suburb, 5 in New Orleans, 1 in Pensacola. Been here since Fall 2012. Active duty Navy.
Got interested in urban issues relatively young after spending far too many hours playing Sim City. Was lucky enough to travel quite a bit in high school including an extended trip to Europe. Read the Infrastructurist blog religiously when it was active, now a fan of the Atlantic Cities. Not much formal training besides a class in college on urban economics and an intro to urban studies class (service project was to survey residents and gather GIS data post-Katrina for Jim Crow-era black middle class subdevelopment).
It's probably evident from my posts how frustrating I find Jacksonville to be. That originates from seeing how much unique, tangible history the city has lost, how much potential it still has, and just how much there is to be done. If the Navy takes me somewhere else after this tour, I will almost certainly not return to settle here (even New Orleans is too small a city for me). While I am living here, however, why not learn and try to improve what I see around me? Plus, after having purchased a purely income property in OP, I'm on the hunt for a place that will be not only enjoyable to live in for my remaining time here (Riverside/Avondale/San Marco or bust) but good for my checkbook as well. Perhaps it's a bit Machiavellian, but what's good for Jacksonville is good for me.
Greetings to all.
Welcome, JFman00. I also enjoy Atlantic Cities and spent a lot of playing Sim City as a kid. I had totally forgotten about Sim City until a childhood friend who lives in Orange Park mentioned it, in regards to me being a planner now.
Welcome to the 'hood, JFman00! The best 32202 tip I have for you is Mark's happy hour.