Metro Jacksonville

I say yes. Rumor has it that the plan is to tear it down and not replace it.  So we are losing more Public Access and Economic Opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone.

If the wooden dock is structurally safe, we'd be better off leaving it instead of paying to tear it down and not replace it.  Is there enough land to place a more naturally sustainable path on land paralleling the river, since COJ can't afford to build an expensive concrete structure?

^Lake I would say that the short answer is yes.

I was there today and launched at the Tom Ingram Kayak launch that was a FIND recommendation during what use to be very open and Public opportunities for participation. This is next to the Southbank Riverwalk. When I arrived a guy named Scott was fishing from the Riverwalk and as I was getting ready to launch we were talking and I'm telling him to enjoy it because when those cranes and barges get down here your spot is gone forever. He even brought up the old Fuller Warren bridge not me and how the city missed an opportunity with that one. Was I tempted to tell him all about that one 2005-207.

City council tomorrow. DIA on Wend. On 2/28/14 is supposed to be another DIA meeting and a report on the Southbank Riverwalk project. DIA CEO Aundra Wallace is being made to be the fall guy for this. ( I feel so sorry for the man). This piece of Jacksonville history what remains of the wooden Southbank Riverwalk needs to happen immediately. CRA/DIA in the USA can have this included. That is a FACT.

I have been in touch with my elected Duval County School Board Representative and have spoken at one Duval County School Board meeting. Both have been very positive experiences.

As a community lets all know that this $15,000,000 Southbank Riverwalk Project has never been before Waterways. I have been completely and totally blown off by my elected district representative. not  just on this issue but so many others. I'll post more on another thread.

Duval County School Board/our River/ A teachable moment
OR
Visit Jacksonville! A F city

This poll is on fire. Thank you for voting.

A bunch of sparks flying on this poll.

Can we at least replace the boards with something that has a coefficient of friction greater than zero when wet?  :-\

I know that the extension from the Wyndham to the School Board Building was an alternate in the bid.  I guess that the price came in too high for the base package to add that segment.   This project was in planning way before Aundra Wallace came to Jacksonville, making him the fall guy for this is ridiculous. 

Spoke with Scott Wilson today and they are also not clear as to what is exactly being restored and where. Feel free to jump in here Scott. Scott mentioned that some of the wood needs to be replaced. So replace some of the wood.

What a joke if this is torn out. It is time sensitive and was there today with someone else and there are some positive benefits for saving this for the Public. We took a look at the cranes removing the pilings at the Main St. bridge and I mentioned to him that this issue will be discussed at a DIA meeting on 2/28/14.

Very nice response on the poll. Please vote.

This positive piece of Jacksonville history needs to be saved.

Quote from: Traveller on February 24, 2014, 11:00:04 AM
Can we at least replace the boards with something that has a coefficient of friction greater than zero when wet?  :-\

+1 And according to Scott Wilson and our phone call yesterday that is the primary issue. So let's just replace some boards. instead of this accelerated demolition. And believe it or not It could be saved and used if one person sends an email or just asks.

Quote from: carpnter on February 24, 2014, 11:38:13 AM
I know that the extension from the Wyndham to the School Board Building was an alternate in the bid.  I guess that the price came in too high for the base package to add that segment.   This project was in planning way before Aundra Wallace came to Jacksonville, making him the fall guy for this is ridiculous. 

Aundra Wallace is the new guy. I just feel sorry for people who when they come to our community brand spanking new and then are to be expected to have all the answers in a snap of there fingers.

So the extension from the Wyndham to the DCSB was an alternate bid? When did that happen? How much? Once this Public Access is ripped out its not coming back.

Was out there yesterday and the Riverwalk does appear rougher from the Wyndham down but drastically improves around the School Board.

What this community needs to know immediately is that a strong potential exists right now to incorporate the new CRA/BID that is going to be one document. And if you utilize TIF funds that are available right now it can be incorporated in the legislation that will be advanced to city council for approval. So the money is there to replace some wood.

What needs to happen today is the political will and courage of Mayor Brown, School Superintendent Vitti along with the DCSB, The DIA Board, Jacksonville city council.

Public, Private, Partnership

Continue to vote.

Continue to vote. Once it's ripped out its gone. Has one person reached out to anyone and can share an update?

Quote from: Noone on February 25, 2014, 07:54:15 AM

Quote from: carpnter on February 24, 2014, 11:38:13 AM
I know that the extension from the Wyndham to the School Board Building was an alternate in the bid.  I guess that the price came in too high for the base package to add that segment.   This project was in planning way before Aundra Wallace came to Jacksonville, making him the fall guy for this is ridiculous. 

Aundra Wallace is the new guy. I just feel sorry for people who when they come to our community brand spanking new and then are to be expected to have all the answers in a snap of there fingers.

So the extension from the Wyndham to the DCSB was an alternate bid? When did that happen? How much? Once this Public Access is ripped out its not coming back.

Was out there yesterday and the Riverwalk does appear rougher from the Wyndham down but drastically improves around the School Board.

What this community needs to know immediately is that a strong potential exists right now to incorporate the new CRA/BID that is going to be one document. And if you utilize TIF funds that are available right now it can be incorporated in the legislation that will be advanced to city council for approval. So the money is there to replace some wood.

What needs to happen today is the political will and courage of Mayor Brown, School Superintendent Vitti along with the DCSB, The DIA Board, Jacksonville city council.

Public, Private, Partnership

Continue to vote.

I don't know what the final cost was for that alternate (There were also at least 4 other alternates), but I do know for a fact that it was an alternate.  I would think that the pricing for the project and its alternates is public record. 

^Appreciate the response back. 15 days out from the next full meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. Who has the power to immediately put a moratorium on the Southbank Riverwalk demolition in front of the DCSB building so that it can be included in the CRA?

Mayor Brown where are you on this?

Jacksonville city council meeting just 1 1/2 hours out.

Keep voting. Sparks are flying.

Please Vote. Your VOTE represents a moral compass for you and a broken compass on Public Access to our St. Johns  River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted (Food Truck) DIA zone.

I attended the 2/26/14 DIA Special meeting at 10 am and for me and the city of Jacksonville it was worth waiting 5 hours and at the very end of the meeting during Public Comment to make a motion that "The DIA will seek to have the demolition of the Southbank Riverwalk stop at the Duval County Public Schools Building so that it can be immediately added to the CRA and use TIF Funds for the repairs that are needed to replace some wood according to Scott Wilson and Don Redman". The motion was rejected.

But super props to DIA Board chairman Oliver Barakat for entertaining such a motion and that only happened because right before me Agenda item V. New Business Jacksonville city council liaison Lori Boyer suggested to the Board that they take a position on Food Trucks. I'm not sure if the Board responded because this meeting ended up being catered or at the very end of the meeting the mention of Food Trucks but the gas kicked in and a motion was made and passed to support Food Trucks.

So here was the agenda
Members
Oliver Barakat- Chairman
James Bailey- Vice Chairman
Kay Harper Williams- Secretary
Tony Allegretti- Board member
Melody Bishop- Board member
Jack Meeks- Board member
Michael Saylor- Board member
No Shows- Craig Gibbs
                 Robert Clements

I. Call to order - Chairman Barakat
    Presentation of Mayor Brown's Retirement Reform Proposal, Chris Hand

II. Action Items
     Approval of the Dec. 18, 2013 DIA Regular Meeting minutes
     Approval of the Jan. 15, 2014 DIA Regular Meeting minutes

Public Comments on Action Items
     1. Resolution 2014-02-02- A resolution of the Downtown Investment Authority authorizing the approval of a grant up to $79,802 from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund for the facade and exterior rehabilitation, restoration and code improvements at 120 E. Forsyth
      2. Resolution 2014-02-03- A Resolution of the Downtown Investment Authority allocating $25,000 in event contribution funds to support One Spark
       3. resolution 2014-02-04 - A Resolution of the Downtown Investment AuthorityAuthorizing the Adoption of the Downtown Jacksonville Retail Enhancement Grant Program Guidelines

III. Information/Discusion Items
      Downtown Incentives; CRA Update; and the direction of the Business Investment and Development "BID" Plan

IV. Old Business

V. New Business

VI. Public Comments

VII. Adjournment

A New Authority
Embrace It
Or
It will Embrace Us

Duval County School Board meeting 5 days out.

Public, Private, Partnership

Duval County School Board/ Our River/ A teachable moment
Or
Visit Jacksonville- A F City

Thank You all for voting.

Where is the Riverkeeper?

Keep voting.

Mayor Brown- Please help.

Quote from: thelakelander on February 23, 2014, 06:57:31 PM
  Is there enough land to place a more naturally sustainable path on land paralleling the river, since COJ can't afford to build an expensive concrete structure?

Good observation.
Poke and peek around and under the various walkways,piers,overhanging structures (parking lots and condo base too!...) via the seat of a kayak and see spectacular ongoing degradation.

Quote from: Noone on February 27, 2014, 08:36:56 PM
Keep voting.

Mayor Brown- Please help.

you have yet to state what you would like to see done...should it be torn down, decking replaced with another material, decking replaced with new wood, leave as is?

Quote from: tufsu1 on February 27, 2014, 09:20:21 PM

Quote from: Noone on February 27, 2014, 08:36:56 PM
Keep voting.

Mayor Brown- Please help.

you have yet to state what you would like to see done...should it be torn down, decking replaced with another material, decking replaced with new wood, leave as is?

SAVE IT!!!!!
PUBLIC! PRIVATE! PARTNERSHIP!
According to Scott Wilson and Don Redman replace some of the wood. Scott feel free to jump in here at any time. Here is your chance again to jump in here and correct all the misinformation that you say is being posted.
Have numerous phone calls and emails in to you know who about you know what and not just this issue but also 2010-604 and will 2007-451 be amended. Kind of like what was supposed to happen with 2010-856. 2013-384- Give me something for a buck a year with Access to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted (Food Truck, Kayak,) DIA zone.
Governor Scott- Let's Get to work- Just not in Jacksonville.
RICCO guys snap out of it. Who is the RICCOKEEPER?
We are so LOST. What was this years 2014 FIND trick pony? It was contained in 2014-22 and the first Jacksonville city councilman that emails me back the answer I'll treat you to Chopstick Charley's and we'll use Uber

Quote from: tufsu1 on February 27, 2014, 09:20:21 PM

Quote from: Noone on February 27, 2014, 08:36:56 PM
Keep voting.

Mayor Brown- Please help.

you have yet to state what you would like to see done...should it be torn down, decking replaced with another material, decking replaced with new wood, leave as is?

Tufsu1, thanks for the reply back. There is a Duval County School Board meeting in 4 days. Where is the media on this issue?

Continue to vote. Please.

Once it is ripped out it is gone. We need an App for that.

Was down there again today. Continue to vote. Where is the media on this. Total Backroom deals?

What are we supposed to vote on?  Maybe you should contact the local news outlets to see where they are?

Should the dock remain. It is being torn out. But according To Scott and Don it's not being replaced. When did the plan change? So we will be getting less access to the River.  The same restrictions that this community is seeing with Food Trucks Downtown is also happening with the Waterways. That is a fact.

The media outlets are aware of the issue as well as the Riverkeeper.

Guys, this is JACKSONVILLE! Highly reliable data has shown that throughout a 24 hour period, there are generally less then 25 people along the South Bank Riverwalk. Using a transit crush load formula of 2' square feet per person, the Riverwalk system will immediately be reduced to 50' square feet TOTAL, and we'll keep being the lowest taxed 'ville' in the country.

Bill Bishop on Andy Johnson Show right now 1600 am. Councilman Redman, Where are you?

Please vote today 3/3/14 as we add more access to our St. Johns River an American Heritage River a FEDERA Initiative in the northern part of Duval county and at the same time restrict Public Access and Economic opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted (Food Truck, Kayak) DIA zone.

Mayor Brown- Where are you?
Duval County School Board meeting 3/4/14, DIA Downtown Experience subcommittee meeting 3/7/14, Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting 3/12/14 and a presentation on the $15,000,000 Southbank Riverwalk Project- Is that still true Scott Wilson?
Where is the Riverkeeper on this?
The cranes and the barges are in the River right now.
Public, Private, Partnership.

Mobro guys- Let's sing
No Shoes
No Shirt
No Money
No Problem
Visit Jacksonville!

After attending the 3/4/14 School Board meeting last night and sharing with Superintendent Vitti, Board members  and everyone else that once the Southbank Riverwalk is torn down behind the DCPS building and the new plan is not to bring it back. After Public Comment I spoke with a representative and the administration in our joint opinion is responsible for this significant reduction in Public Access and Economic opportunity to our St. johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted (Food Truck, Kayak) DIA zone.

Where is the Riverkeeper?
I used a JU scenario when sharing this news. Imagine the shock for Dr. White after all the years of anticipation. We are doing the Riverfront along JU. Then at the last minute. Oh by the way it will all terminate before the Marine Science Research Institute.
Has anyone thought about getting a thought from former Mayor Jake Godbold?

Mayor Brown can still save this.
This issue is supposed to be on the agenda for the 3/12/14 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting.
DIA subcommittee meeting of the Downtown Experience 3 days out. Where is the DIA on this? Scott Wilson and I were at a previous DIA meeting when Public Access and Economic opportunity was discussed in this new 3 mile restricted zone of Riverfront.

Please continue to vote.
The next level may not include you.

Please vote.
According to Scott Wilson and Don Redman the plans may be changing again. Scott, feel free to jump in here at any time.
Mayor Brown, Please help.

Thank you for voting. Very  positive.

Thank you for voting.
3 days out from the next full meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission and a presentation on the $15,000,000 Southbank Riverwalk Improvement project. Councilman Redman is it still on? Scott feel free to jump in here at any time. There is supposed to be one more Public  opportunity before the CRA/DIA in the USA is sent to the Jacksonville city council for approval. Anyone know the date for this last Public meeting?

Appreciate all who are voting.
This will be in Waterways in 3 days.

Thank you for voting. This will be in Waterways in less than 4 hours. More loss of active recreational access to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new super restricted (Food Truck, Kayak) DIA zone.
The total crushing of the Public Trust.

We don't need no Education. Pink Floyd

Mobro guys, Southbank Riverwalk song
No Shoes
No Shirt
No Money
No Problem
Visit Jacksonville!  Public, Private, Partnership. So much for the two permitted artificial reefs south of the Fuller Warren.

The 3/12/14 Full meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission had me sitting in the back row of council chambers listening to First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross 89.9 on the radio and her first guest Dr. Quinton White with JU who was just appointed to a task force to look at the dredging in the St. Johns River and then at the very same time a presentation is being given on Water Quality Trends in the St. Johns River Basin by John Hendrickson, Environmental Scientist St. Johns River Water Management District. Also missing this presentation was our Riverkeeper. Both arrived later.

Scheduling Issue?

Class was in full session for agenda item III.                 Tera Meeks, Chief of Waterfront
                                                                                 Management Programming
Presentation regarding the Southbank River Walk          Bill Joyce, Chief of Engineering &
Construction and Programming                                     Construction Management


We are so LOST.
Nobody knows what's going on.
Zero communication.
Total Backroom deals.
As one Jacksonville Waterway Commission member called it the Courthouse Pier in describing the cost overruns.
It was one of the hardest Waterway meetings to attend and witness.
This will now be scheduled for another presentation Tues. at RCD at 2pm
Congratulations to Andy Eckert the representative with DCPS that was there and to the entire Jacksonville Waterways Commission for taking a position to see that this will be a completed project that will allow everyone to engage, participate, celebrate, protect, and access our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted (Food Truck, Kayak) DIA zone.       

Thank you to all who voted.                           

Can you please summarize the results of the meeting in a coherent fashion?

As someone interested in the construction of the Riverwalk and its full completion I woul really appreciate the info.  However, what's posted is very difficult to understand.  It appears to me that everyone there wants to see the full project completed?  Yes, no?  What are the steps forward to making that happen?  If any?

QuoteMayor Brown where are you on this?

It is a well known fact that if a camera is pointed in his face, he is a ghost!

The issue as I hear it is MONEY, Peyton's administration set aside money to get the problem paid for and fixed, and Brown has been sitting on fixing this for X reason, like all the problems in the City, he only attempts to fix those with the most legal traction. So the fund has been there, but the cost of the project has grown every year of NON-Action. So now there is "apparently" not enough money to repair the entire project, so the city is looking to tear down parts and not rebuild them.

Nice, and where is our Mayor on this, well again, no cameras pointed in his direction, so he is yet again, silent!

It depends on the situation with the cameras - if they have reporters with questions, yes, a ghost - but if it is ribbon cutting or some celebrities are involved or a vague announcement about "the next level" - he is there if the cameras are.

The  FTU has an article on the Riverwalk this morning.
http://members.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2014-03-14/story/new-riverwalk-will-end-300-feet-short-old-one

^^this is a good thing. My guess is now the mayor will find some money.  So he tries to look like the hero again. 

Quote^^this is a good thing. My guess is now the mayor will find some money.  So he tries to look like the hero again.

Mayor Brown could not find his ass with both hands. He won't do anything, as is usual in his mayoral term.

Even you don't really believe that?  BOTH hands??

What is worse than not extending the southbank riverwalk past the Wyndham is that the portion along the Crown Plaza will be reconstructed exactly the way it is today (wood that will rot in a few years).  Crown Plaza is the only landowner along the riverwalk that won't sign construction agreements for the new concrete construction.  The original agreement only permitted maintenance and replacement of what exists now.

Very lame.

Apparently the City is unaware of "eminent domain" as a means to acquire the construction easements they need?

I this case I think if the Crown Plaza wants wood, they should make them responsible for maintaining that section. Just like a homeowner is responsible for a sidewalk across their front yard.  I bet they change their tune real quick.

Quote from: dougskiles on March 16, 2014, 07:05:29 PM
What is worse than not extending the southbank riverwalk past the Wyndham is that the portion along the Crown Plaza will be reconstructed exactly the way it is today (wood that will rot in a few years).  Crown Plaza is the only landowner along the riverwalk that won't sign construction agreements for the new concrete construction.  The original agreement only permitted maintenance and replacement of what exists now.

Very lame.

+1

Jim Bailey's opinion on this subject:

QuoteWe need to find the money to finally do the Southbank Riverwalk right — to make it as successful as the iconic Northbank Riverwalk.

For once, let's not fail to fulfill the possibilities of what the Southbank Riverwalk should be.

If we do, it is like designing a 10-story building but leaving off the final floor and roof.

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542482

Quote from: dougskiles on March 16, 2014, 07:05:29 PM
What is worse than not extending the southbank riverwalk past the Wyndham is that the portion along the Crown Plaza will be reconstructed exactly the way it is today (wood that will rot in a few years).  Crown Plaza is the only landowner along the riverwalk that won't sign construction agreements for the new concrete construction.  The original agreement only permitted maintenance and replacement of what exists now.

Very lame.

I don't think the people at the Crown Plaza actually understand the plans.  This isn't some soulless concrete deck.  There will be colored brick pavers installed on it that actually look much nicer than the old plain wood deck.

^ oh they understand it just fine.....they just don't want the noise and disruption behind their hotel.

And the wood decking will be painted....so it will match with the colored brick pavers being used on the rest of the riverwalk.

Continue to vote.
This will be in RCD tomorrow at 2pm in council chambers.
John Crescimbeni is the Chair
Don Redman is the Vice Chair
Both are on Waterways. Other members of RCD are council members Holt, Jones, Lee, Love, and Yarborough.

Quote from: acme54321 on March 14, 2014, 07:44:22 AM
It appears to me that everyone there wants to see the full project completed?  Yes, no?  What are the steps forward to making that happen?  If any?

Yes on a completed project. They need to come up with $2,000,000 to complete as one Waterways Commission member called it the Courthouse Pier. There are numerous Funding options available.
There will be a presentation at RCD today at 2pm. In council chambers.  Let's restore the Public Trust and Transparancy.

HUGE meeting of RCD today at 2pm in council chambers. Anyone going? Will there be anyone from the DIA there? Continue to vote. What is the position of the Riverkeeper? Restore the Public Trust.

Visit Jacksonville!

Ben- JCCI we need to kayak Downtown before 2020.

If a kayak / canoe launch point could be added that would be amazing.... Also voted.

Quote from: tufsu1 on March 17, 2014, 01:14:21 PM
^ oh they understand it just fine.....they just don't want the noise and disruption behind their hotel.

And the wood decking will be painted....so it will match with the colored brick pavers being used on the rest of the riverwalk.

Maybe they should take a look at themselves, for a bit of an upgrade. The rooms were a bit shabby 15 years ago.
As of late:   http://www.yelp.com/biz/crowne-plaza-jacksonville-3#query:Crown%20Plaza

2 hours out. Scott, sorry I missed your call. What station number is this meeting on Comcast? Somebody was asking me. Keep voting. This  is all positive.

Quote from: 02roadking on March 18, 2014, 11:27:12 AM

Quote from: tufsu1 on March 17, 2014, 01:14:21 PM
^ oh they understand it just fine.....they just don't want the noise and disruption behind their hotel.

And the wood decking will be painted....so it will match with the colored brick pavers being used on the rest of the riverwalk.

Maybe they should take a look at themselves, for a bit of an upgrade. The rooms were a bit shabby 15 years ago.
As of late:   http://www.yelp.com/biz/crowne-plaza-jacksonville-3#query:Crown%20Plaza

I've stayed there twice in the last 4 months and I can confirm that the interiors of the rooms are...dated (to put it nicely).  I was able to request a high floor with a walk-out balcony, and the views are amazing - that plus the Ruth's Chris downstairs are the only reasons I stayed there.  Another thing - they have two bars but both were closed at 10 pm on a Friday night.  I would have liked to have walked a short distance to another bar, but I don't think there are any nearby. 

Sorry for digressing - back to the topic at hand:

They probably don't care much about the Riverwalk because their hotel doesn't really interact with it.  I walked downstairs to their pool deck but I think we were still elevated and pretty far away from the Riverwalk.  You have to take some sketchy-looking stairs to get down there if I remember correctly.  I can't even remember if I could see that section of the Riverwalk from my room - it might be obscured by Ruth's Chris. 

And per Action News city council is drafting legislation to find the extra money to complete the entire length to include the school board building property.  Sounds like Mr Robinson is receiving  a work over from council. 

Quote from: 02roadking on March 18, 2014, 11:27:12 AM

Quote from: tufsu1 on March 17, 2014, 01:14:21 PM
^ oh they understand it just fine.....they just don't want the noise and disruption behind their hotel.

And the wood decking will be painted....so it will match with the colored brick pavers being used on the rest of the riverwalk.

Maybe they should take a look at themselves, for a bit of an upgrade. The rooms were a bit shabby 15 years ago.
As of late:   http://www.yelp.com/biz/crowne-plaza-jacksonville-3#query:Crown%20Plaza

Ouch!

Quote from: Ajax on March 18, 2014, 01:17:51 PM
They probably don't care much about the Riverwalk because their hotel doesn't really interact with it.  I walked downstairs to their pool deck but I think we were still elevated and pretty far away from the Riverwalk.  You have to take some sketchy-looking stairs to get down there if I remember correctly.  I can't even remember if I could see that section of the Riverwalk from my room - it might be obscured by Ruth's Chris.

That sums up the entire problem with the Southbank Riverwalk.  There is very little interaction between the adjacent properties and the river for the public to enjoy.  In fact, there will be no public access to the riverwalk from the Main Street Bridge on the south side.  A person will have to walk all the way down to the Strand/Peninsula opening for access.  And that portion isn't marked from the street as access (even though the "park" between those buildings was paid for with public money).

Quote from: jaxjaguar on March 18, 2014, 10:21:51 AM
If a kayak / canoe launch point could be added that would be amazing.... Also voted.

^Agree with you 100%. And as one DIA Board member mentioned during a Public meeting in the Sunshine that maybe a canoe, kayak, SUP Stand Up Paddleboard launch next to MOSH could happen. There is a special meeting of the DIA that will be a final look at the CRA today and all anyone has to do is show up and say HEY!

The 3/18/14 Recreation & Community Development Committee meeting had the 3 TV networks a number of Jacksonville Waterways Commission members didn't see the Riverkeeper showing up all in anticipation of a presentation by Jim Robinson a relatively new guy who is the Director of Public Works and a Riverwalk Update.

In attendance Councilmembers Crescimbeni, Redman, Holt, Jones, Lee, Love, Yarborough and also there was Boyer and Gulliford.

The presentation started from west Friendship Fountain and then headed east. It was after the presentation that the timeline of events started and I believe that Mr. Robinson is celebrating his two year anniversary as the Director of Public Works today. Congratulations to the relatively new guy.

Everyone had a suggestion, thought or a question.

As councilwoman Lee alluded to there was a tremendous breakdown in communication and the Backroom deals that are being cut just need to stop. Again Jim Robinson is the new guy and how stuff is being spun should give tremendous concern to the people of this community.

Councilman Love had some thoughts on the project itself and a positive suggestion for some bike racks and some questions on the wood that is going behind the Crowne Plaza.

Councilwoman Boyer always has some great introspective on the legislative process and the history of the numbers and how things should be working. She touched on 2011-406 and referenced the CIP and I didn't quite follow all of it but let's just say that she was doing her own demolition of the numbers and if you are in the audience your just thinking that somebody is screwing up big time. Who's getting promoted?

Councilman Jones mentioned that everything is OK in his District as far as this project is concerned and just felt sorry for councilman Redman and how his constituents are getting short changed in District 4. Councilman Jones also shared the economic benefit for all of Downtown with a completed Southbank Riverwalk.

Councilwoman Lee will be introducing emergency legislation that will come up with the $2,000,000 that will complete the project. One source of funding is the Riverwalk Development Project Fund.

A completed Southbank Riverwalk Project after a letter of support from Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Vitti will now tell the world to VISIT JACKSONVILLE as we all continue to promote, celebrate, protect, access our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAl Initiative in our new highly restricted (Food Truck, Kayak) DIA zone.

What time is the meeting? I feel like the vast majority of these occur when most of us are working.... :(

^This is a special CRA/DIA meeting and it's HUGE. It's at 4pm 1st floor city hall and it's open to the Public. Let's see who shows up. This is councilman Redman's district.

I would go, but i work until 6. So far the only big meeting I've been able to attend was the one regarding the Landing, because it was later in the day.

Council will find money to complete Southbank Riverwalk

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542495

Thanks to all who have voted. A completed Riverwalk.

As usual the City Council has to CLEAN up a Mayor Brown MESS.

I hope the I'm With Alvin fan club can see what a MESS Brown has become, deferring leadership to the council on every tough call.

^ dude...you do understand that Council is the one who voted originally on the $15 million budget....all the Mayor's team did is scope the project to fit within that budget. 

and last night, that same Council voted down the Emergency measure 10-8 (Brown was excused)...meaning the additional work must go through the typical committee process before it is voted on by the full council.

Quote from: tufsu1 on March 26, 2014, 08:52:45 AM
^ dude...you do understand that Council is the one who voted originally on the $15 million budget....all the Mayor's team did is scope the project to fit within that budget. 

and last night, that same Council voted down the Emergency measure 10-8 (Brown was excused)...meaning the additional work must go through the typical committee process before it is voted on by the full council.

Peyton put aside $15mm to finish the entire Southbank Riverwalk (as well as setting aside money for the refresh of Friendship Fountain). This latest scope was 'scaled down' after the administration change.

Hardly a Peyton cheerleader myself. But let's call a spade, a spade.

That being said... kudos to Noone for consistently putting this issue in front of various public meetings. Someone finally started paying attention and hopefully this fiasco can be fixed.

Don't forget that the project was shelved for 2 years.  The original project schedule was hitting at the right time to take advantage of a relatively down construction market which allowed a budget stretch to get it to the School Board.  Flash forward two years, and the construction market is back somewhat and the budget $ just couldn't stretch.

^^who shelved it?

It wasn't formally shelved per se....  It was a JEDC sponsored project.  When the new administration took over, JEDC goes away.  Without a champion/driver for the project, it languished.  Changes in the PW department also caused delays.  The negotiations with the upland owners were delayed as well.  It took two years to really get every thing back on line....

So in my book the current administration was mostly at fault for a two year delay.  I believe the only upland issue for several years has been the hotel. And that even now has never been addressed.

Quote from: fieldafm on March 26, 2014, 09:57:09 AM

Quote from: tufsu1 on March 26, 2014, 08:52:45 AM
^ dude...you do understand that Council is the one who voted originally on the $15 million budget....all the Mayor's team did is scope the project to fit within that budget. 

and last night, that same Council voted down the Emergency measure 10-8 (Brown was excused)...meaning the additional work must go through the typical committee process before it is voted on by the full council.

Peyton put aside $15mm to finish the entire Southbank Riverwalk (as well as setting aside money for the refresh of Friendship Fountain). This latest scope was 'scaled down' after the administration change.

Hardly a Peyton cheerleader myself. But let's call a spade, a spade.

That being said... kudos to Noone for consistently putting this issue in front of various public meetings. Someone finally started paying attention and hopefully this fiasco can be fixed.

agreed...Peyton did set aside $15 million...and Council was clear it should be no more...when the design got finished, things had to be scaled back to stay within the budget...and I guess the administration decided the best way to do that was lop off the end.

The legislation for the Southbank Riverwalk extension is 2014-190 and after talking with Scott Wilson yesterday will be in two committees RCD and Finance.

2014-215- Is the appointment of Kimberly Scott as the Director of the DEPARTMENT of REGULATORY COMPLIANCE of the city of Jacksonville.

Can anyone explain why 2014-190 isn't a higher ordinance number than 2014-215?

Just one more opportunity for Public Comment on our new CRA.

Paul Astleford is a super hero.

Ben- JCCI we need to kayak Downtown before 2020

DIA - A new Authority
        Embrace It
        Or
        It will Embrace Us

Thank you to all who continue to vote in this poll.

School Board meeting today.
2014-190 in RCD today at 2pm. in council chambers. Open to the Public. Restore the Public Trust.
4/2/14 A noticed meeting by a guest District council representative in District 4 that will have new Rules for our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new super duper highly restricted (Food Truck, Kayak) DIA zone. 11-12pm 4 th floor city hall. Open to the Public. Special shout out to any media.
Continue to vote. This is all positive.

Continue to vote.
What happened yesterday at Finance?
The project has been stalled.
Is it being reported anywhere?
I was at RCD yesterday because Scott Wilson told me that it was going to be in RCD. 2014-190 wasn't on the agenda.
Councilman Redman was the first to arrive and I went up and asked him why 2014-190 isn't on the agenda and he told me that the School Board now has some issues. Are you kidding me!
Restore the Public Trust.

Crescimbeni last night said the money would now need to be voted on by the entire council, not just Finance.

Way to go Mr. Mayor!

Continue to vote.

Quote from: mtraininjax on April 02, 2014, 07:32:48 PM
Crescimbeni last night said the money would now need to be voted on by the entire council, not just Finance.

Way to go Mr. Mayor!

Jacksonville city council meeting just 3 days out. The legislation is 2014-190. Council President Gulliford can also move this emergency immediately.

Mark Woods with the TU has a great column in the paper today on the Riverwlk. Keep voting.

I just changed the poll and pulled the word "wood" out. This is an active piece of legislation with an ordinance number that can have emergency action now by the legislative branch in two days.

There is a Public Hearing on this in two days 4/8/14 before the Jacksonville city council. Keep voting. Restore the Public Trust.

Full meeting of the Jacksonville city council one hour out. Public Hearing on 2014-190. Anyone going to say Thank You for fixing a mistake?

Restore the Public Trust.

2014-190 will be in Finance tomorrow. Keep voting. 

2014-190 was passed out of Finance today. Should be ready for a full Jacksonville city council vote in 7 days. Very positive.

CM Redman was successful in getting the Crowne Plaza on board:

QuoteDeal reached for concrete at hotel part of Riverwalk

By David Chapman, Staff Writer

Wood is out. Concrete is in.
That's the agreement the city and Crowne Plaza Hotel came to, meaning the entire wood Southbank Riverwalk will be replaced with concrete.

The now $17 million project required riverfront property owners to sign off on the change in materials.

All did with the exception of the hotel, which feared the noise and work of pile driving would drive away business. Hotel officials also were concerned there weren't assurances the work would be done in two weeks.

City Council member Don Redman, whose district includes the Riverwalk, had the city and hotel ownership come back to the table last week to try to reach a solution.

The Haskell Co., the project's contractor, was running out of time on material prices established last year and needed to know whether to order wood or concrete for the hotel's portion.

The talks worked.

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=542987

Now there is active legislation 2014-305 before the Jacksonville city council and the Southbank Riverwalk is just one example of many on how we as a community are going to the next level.

Also in 3 days is the last opportunity for the CRA/DIA final draft and the Riverfront will be front and center. Anyone going?

Southbank Riverwalk Update on the agenda for the 10/15/14 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting 9 am in council chambers. Open to the Public.

The agenda doesn't indicate who will be giving the update. Does Dr. Vitti and my Dist. 3 Duval County School Board representative Ashley Smith Juarez support a kayak, SUP launch next to the JEA property? Does councilman Redman? Does the Mayor? Does the SJRK? The DIA? OED? The Chamber? JEA? Does the Jacksonville Waterways Commission? Let's all hope that it comes up at this meeting and the media asks. Why not?

I know let's put that on a referendum next to the IG and the inclusion of the Independent Authorities.

Visit Jacksonville!

2014-305 NEW DOCKING RULES and PENALTIES. Active legislation that is scheduled for Finance and RCDPHS today. The SJRK is looking into this. Had an opportunity to talk with Lisa Rinaman at the 10/15/14 Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting.

Let's restore the Public Trust to the Waterways especially Downtown.

So what was the update on the Southbank Riverwalk?

it is under construction and should be done by late winter

Quote from: marty904 on October 21, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
So what was the update on the Southbank Riverwalk?

Basically that Public Access and economic opportunity ain't going to be happening. This morning at Finance 2014-305 was going to be taken up but because Love was a no show Chairman Clark deferred it.

Just know this. The next level doesn't include you. 2014-412 The illegal purchase of two water taxis by the Executive Branch defrauding and circumventing the Legislative Branch. Does anyone feel sorry for the Balt. Guys?

RCDPHS committee meeting at 2 today and the agenda meeting is at 1:30. Councilman Redman is the Chair of RCDPHS and I have a phone message and who knows how many unanswered emails about the two yet to be built floating docks that are part of the Southbank Riverwalk Project that were never discussed. If they were then someone please share what was disclosed. The Public Trust is being totally destroyed on the Waterways especially Downtown. Scott Wilson feel free to jump in here at any time.

Will post more about the 8:30 am agenda meeting. The only one from the press was Jim Piggott WJXT The Local Station and he arrived at the end.

Quote from: tufsu1 on October 21, 2014, 12:20:42 PM
it is under construction and should be done by late winter

Feb. 2 was the completion date given at the 10/15/14 JWC meeting right before the March elections.

Quote from: fieldafm on March 26, 2014, 09:57:09 AM

Quote from: tufsu1 on March 26, 2014, 08:52:45 AM
^ dude...you do understand that Council is the one who voted originally on the $15 million budget....all the Mayor's team did is scope the project to fit within that budget. 

and last night, that same Council voted down the Emergency measure 10-8 (Brown was excused)...meaning the additional work must go through the typical committee process before it is voted on by the full council.

Peyton put aside $15mm to finish the entire Southbank Riverwalk (as well as setting aside money for the refresh of Friendship Fountain). This latest scope was 'scaled down' after the administration change.

Hardly a Peyton cheerleader myself. But let's call a spade, a spade.

That being said... kudos to Noone for consistently putting this issue in front of various public meetings. Someone finally started paying attention and hopefully this fiasco can be fixed.

Congratulations to Dr. Vitti and the school Board. I attended the 6/8/15 School Board meeting. At last nights 6/9/15 full meeting of the Jacksonville city council I had some positive news from my elected District 3 school board representative Ashley Smith Juarez concerning access at the Riverwalk. Today 6/10/15 is a full meeting of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission at 9 am. And super props to JWC member Ray Pringle and working with Mrs. Kraus from Brooks Rehabilitation and the administration have identified a positive benefit for so many ADA people that will provide an opportunity for additional access for everyone.

Visit Jacksonville!