https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/01/23/residents-will-see-new-colors-in-downtowns-skyline.html?iana=hpmvp_jac_news_headline (https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/01/23/residents-will-see-new-colors-in-downtowns-skyline.html?iana=hpmvp_jac_news_headline)
Acosta Bridge is finally replacing the blue lights that spanned across the bridge with new LED lights that will be able to change colors based off events or season.
Project is planned to start in late 2019/2020. Miller Electric will do the $2.5 million dollar work and will be financed by JTA over the next 10 years.
Quote from: Jagsdrew on January 23, 2019, 04:12:19 PM
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/01/23/residents-will-see-new-colors-in-downtowns-skyline.html?iana=hpmvp_jac_news_headline (https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/01/23/residents-will-see-new-colors-in-downtowns-skyline.html?iana=hpmvp_jac_news_headline)
Acosta Bridge is finally replacing the blue lights that spanned across the bridge with new LED lights that will be able to change colors based off events or season.
Project is planned to start in late 2019/2020. Miller Electric will do the $2.5 million dollar work and will be financed by JTA over the next 10 years.
Good, real good.
Nice.
Look forward to seeing it
I'm excited to see this.
What does it mean that the project will be financed over the next ten years? Like credit and payment is built into the yearly budget?
Quote from: Papa33 on January 24, 2019, 09:56:36 AM
What does it mean that the project will be financed over the next ten years? Like credit and payment is built into the yearly budget?
Effectively yes. Think of it like JTA throwing the cost on their AMEX. They just budget the debt payment.
Quote from: Steve on January 24, 2019, 09:57:57 AM
Quote from: Papa33 on January 24, 2019, 09:56:36 AM
What does it mean that the project will be financed over the next ten years? Like credit and payment is built into the yearly budget?
Effectively yes. Think of it like JTA throwing the cost on their AMEX. They just budget the debt payment.
Is any local agency not capable of paying cash for anything? I'm all for getting the lights back on but if history is any indication we will be paying for this 8 years after the system craps out (see Friendship Fountain, southbank LED lighting, burned out bulbs on the Hart Bridge, etc...).
JTA really doesn't have $2.5 million they can just pay in full with? Is Miller Electric self-financing or is JTA going to have sell some tax-free bonds to cover the costs. I think I hate paying interest on stuff more than anything else.
Quote from: Jagsdrew on January 23, 2019, 04:12:19 PM
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/01/23/residents-will-see-new-colors-in-downtowns-skyline.html?iana=hpmvp_jac_news_headline (https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2019/01/23/residents-will-see-new-colors-in-downtowns-skyline.html?iana=hpmvp_jac_news_headline)
Acosta Bridge is finally replacing the blue lights that spanned across the bridge with new LED lights that will be able to change colors based off events or season.
Project is planned to start in late 2019/2020. Miller Electric will do the $2.5 million dollar work and will be financed by JTA over the next 10 years.
Lipstick on a pig...
I'm slightly kidding:). Too bad we can't re-appropriate $2.5 million from Government's Bridge-Lighting Fund to so many other purposes in a focused part of the Northbank Core.
Since we are going to light it up teal for the Jags maybe Khan can throw us taxpayers a bone a pay for it out of his pocket.
QuoteIs any local agency not capable of paying cash for anything? I'm all for getting the lights back on but if history is any indication we will be paying for this 8 years after the system craps out (see Friendship Fountain, southbank LED lighting, burned out bulbs on the Hart Bridge, etc...).
Nice of JTA to "beautify" the City but $2.5 million for LED's? I thought their prices had dropped a lot more than that. Add, the far less power needs of LED's and I would think the existing wiring would more than suffice. The current lighting system appears to be neon strips.
Regardless, the City spent millions on these lighting projects for the SuperBowl in 2005 and much of the lighting was defunct within a couple of years. Check out the LED American flag lights that were on the towers of the Main Street Bridge. Don't recall those? That's because they failed soon after the final whistle for the game was blown. For the millions spent, don't these systems come with some longer term warranties? Most LED lights sold at retail claim 5 year minimum lives so why don't we taxpayers get the same?
Interesting - the failed Main St bridge flag lights were also installed by Miller Electric.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050131005176/en/OptiLED-Lamps-Illuminate-Jacksonvilles-Main-Street-Bridge
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on January 26, 2019, 05:11:17 PM
QuoteIs any local agency not capable of paying cash for anything? I'm all for getting the lights back on but if history is any indication we will be paying for this 8 years after the system craps out (see Friendship Fountain, southbank LED lighting, burned out bulbs on the Hart Bridge, etc...).
Nice of JTA to "beautify" the City but $2.5 million for LED's? I thought their prices had dropped a lot more than that. Add, the far less power needs of LED's and I would think the existing wiring would more than suffice. The current lighting system appears to be neon strips.
Regardless, the City spent millions on these lighting projects for the SuperBowl in 2005 and much of the lighting was defunct within a couple of years. Check out the LED American flag lights that were on the towers of the Main Street Bridge. Don't recall those? That's because they failed soon after the final whistle for the game was blown. For the millions spent, don't these systems come with some longer term warranties? Most LED lights sold at retail claim 5 year minimum lives so why don't we taxpayers get the same?
Likely a different funding pot, but we can leave the bridges dark and invest that type of expense somewhere else.....more bus shelters, complete streets, two-waying DT streets, dedicated transit lanes, etc. Sort of like the old city hall and courthouse site. Could have issued and RFP and sold (or given) them to the private sector, and spent that $8 million on really fixing up Hemming, the Northbank Riverwalk, Landing, two-way streets, lighting streets, insert your public realm investment dream here, etc.
Haters get out of line. I'm looking forward to this being replaced. The rest of what Lake mentioned can still get done. Good grief!,, and let's take a shot at the Jags while we're at it. How pathetic.
^No hate or need to take a shot at the Jags. I hope they can put a better season together next year. Anyway, I'll still sleep like a baby but just tossing my opinion out there like you and the others. The other things can still get done but I wouldn't hold my breath on them happening because they aren't priorities at the moment.
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on January 27, 2019, 12:36:57 AM
Haters get out of line. I'm looking forward to this being replaced. The rest of what Lake mentioned can still get done. Good grief!,, and let's take a shot at the Jags while we're at it. How pathetic.
I specifically mentioned the Jags because JTA specifically said they would light the bridge Teal before Jags home games. The Jags are a private business. If they want to use public facilities to promote their team then they can pony up some money.
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on January 27, 2019, 12:36:57 AM
Haters get out of line. I'm looking forward to this being replaced. The rest of what Lake mentioned can still get done. Good grief!,, and let's take a shot at the Jags while we're at it. How pathetic.
This lack of civility is what is wrong with discourse today. Vilifying anyone with an opinion that varies from yours is an attempt to shutdown voices with diverse points of view. It is exactly what bedevils this City's progress. Most of the population appears to be intimidated, browbeaten and/or frustrated (due to being dismissed and/or ignored) to take issue with decisions being made by our leaders and/or contributing constructive inputs into decision making processes. This is resulting in countless actions wasting our taxpayer dollars, sidelining or half-ass implementing what should be our highest priorities for the good of the entire community and, overall, selling us short on maximizing our economic and quality of life potential for all our citizens and not just a few. Hail to all those here who insist on making their voices heard, no matter the unpopularity of their comments.
Quote from: Kerry on January 27, 2019, 09:26:28 AM
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on January 27, 2019, 12:36:57 AM
Haters get out of line. I'm looking forward to this being replaced. The rest of what Lake mentioned can still get done. Good grief!,, and let's take a shot at the Jags while we're at it. How pathetic.
I specifically mentioned the Jags because JTA specifically said they would light the bridge Teal before Jags home games. The Jags are a private business. If they want to use public facilities to promote their team then they can pony up some money.
Not like there isn't precedence for this in other cities.
I'm a heterosexual, but during pride events I'm not going to ask JTA for private donations to light the bridge rainbow.
(To be clear I have no idea if that's the plan, but for the record I'm fine if they do it)
Quote from: Kerry on January 24, 2019, 03:05:41 PM
Since we are going to light it up teal for the Jags maybe Khan can throw us taxpayers a bone a pay for it out of his pocket.
Since you know, teal lights are more expensive than other colors.
What is wrong with the bridge being lit in Jag's colors? I'm proud the Jaguars are here. Every city with a team uses different things to root for the locals. Also, Miller Electric might have installed the lights, but I wouldn't hold that against them. No more than I would blame a janitor for installing a bulb that failed quickly. The bridges look great with the lights.
I think this is a "low hanging fruit" type of project. The city needs to maintain attractive lighting on the bridges from a branding and image perspective. Lighting on the bridges shows very well from I-95, on nighttime football broadcasts etc..
Quote from: Snaketoz on January 27, 2019, 08:39:53 PM
Also, Miller Electric might have installed the lights, but I wouldn't hold that against them. No more than I would blame a janitor for installing a bulb that failed quickly.
Exactly. I have no idea who's fault the Main St Bridge light disaster was, but for us on the sidelines to say it was Miller Electric is a little rough.
1. It's not like Miller Electric is some small-time electrician. They're one of the largest in the country and they likely didn't get that way messing up very visible projects.
2. They didn't design the thing. Kerry's Link had the name of the people that designed it. But, it has to be the contractor right?
3. Maybe Miller Electric did screw up. It's not for me to say.
Didn't realize Kerry was an electrical engineer specializing in outdoor commercial projects in his spare time.
Quote from: DrQue on January 28, 2019, 09:07:27 AM
I think this is a "low hanging fruit" type of project. The city needs to maintain attractive lighting on the bridges from a branding and image perspective. Lighting on the bridges shows very well from I-95, on nighttime football broadcasts etc..
+1000. Two things JAX residents have never adequately appreciated is the value of the visibility of the nighttime lighting and the River itself.
The residents do value those things, but we have a city government asleep at the wheel for 50 years.
Quote from: Kerry on January 28, 2019, 01:40:47 PM
The residents do value those things, but we have a city government asleep at the wheel for 50 years.
I believe that city government is better in the last 50 years than it was in the preceding 50 years. Our problem has always been boo birds, low self esteem, and backward, good ole boy politics. The old ways are dying out, but we seem to be heading into being a city for the highest bidder/biggest donors, and politics trumps merit. We don't want to go back to the days of thinking: odors=$, tourists are to be shunned, nothing is worth raising taxes for, and the environment is too vast for man to damage.
Quote from: Steve on January 28, 2019, 09:57:15 AM
Quote from: Snaketoz on January 27, 2019, 08:39:53 PM
Also, Miller Electric might have installed the lights, but I wouldn't hold that against them. No more than I would blame a janitor for installing a bulb that failed quickly.
Exactly. I have no idea who's fault the Main St Bridge light disaster was, but for us on the sidelines to say it was Miller Electric is a little rough.
1. It's not like Miller Electric is some small-time electrician. They're one of the largest in the country and they likely didn't get that way messing up very visible projects.
2. They didn't design the thing. Kerry's Link had the name of the people that designed it. But, it has to be the contractor right?
3. Maybe Miller Electric did screw up. It's not for me to say.
Didn't realize Kerry was an electrical engineer specializing in outdoor commercial projects in his spare time.
It isn't just the Acosta Bridge. Every LED light on the Southbank Riverwalk is out. Friendship fountain doesn't work, and someone could probably make a list a mile long. Where are the lawsuits by JTA and the City to hold whomever it is accountable and protect the residents from this nonsense. They just say "The lights don't work. Oh well." Well that isn't good enough anymore. The City Attorney needs to step it up.
^You're so good at pointing out when other people need to stand up and make a difference. When are you going to do it yourself?
Quote from: Kerry on January 28, 2019, 02:17:49 PM
Quote from: Steve on January 28, 2019, 09:57:15 AM
Quote from: Snaketoz on January 27, 2019, 08:39:53 PM
Also, Miller Electric might have installed the lights, but I wouldn't hold that against them. No more than I would blame a janitor for installing a bulb that failed quickly.
Exactly. I have no idea who's fault the Main St Bridge light disaster was, but for us on the sidelines to say it was Miller Electric is a little rough.
1. It's not like Miller Electric is some small-time electrician. They're one of the largest in the country and they likely didn't get that way messing up very visible projects.
2. They didn't design the thing. Kerry's Link had the name of the people that designed it. But, it has to be the contractor right?
3. Maybe Miller Electric did screw up. It's not for me to say.
Didn't realize Kerry was an electrical engineer specializing in outdoor commercial projects in his spare time.
It isn't just the Acosta Bridge. Every LED light on the Southbank Riverwalk is out. Friendship fountain doesn't work, and someone could probably make a list a mile long. Where are the lawsuits by JTA and the City to hold whomever it is accountable and protect the residents from this nonsense. They just say "The lights don't work. Oh well." Well that isn't good enough anymore. The City Attorney needs to step it up.
I don't know about the city government level, but I have some experience with construction at the Federal level. These things don't have 10 year warranties. Typicallt it is one year from the contractor, anything else is an exception on a pruduct by product basis. If those things broke three years after installation that is probably now on the city to repair. It would be a whole lot cheaper to just fix the broken items than suing everyone too. Who's fault is it? Supplier, designer, contractor, customer? Queue the finger pointing.
Hence why the city needs to focus on maintaining the investments it makes in things like lighting etc.
At minimum, plan and budget for repair and replacement. If the long-run maintenance costs are unpalatable then don't make the investment to begin with.
Quote from: Kerry on January 28, 2019, 02:17:49 PM
Quote from: Steve on January 28, 2019, 09:57:15 AM
Quote from: Snaketoz on January 27, 2019, 08:39:53 PM
Also, Miller Electric might have installed the lights, but I wouldn't hold that against them. No more than I would blame a janitor for installing a bulb that failed quickly.
Exactly. I have no idea who's fault the Main St Bridge light disaster was, but for us on the sidelines to say it was Miller Electric is a little rough.
1. It's not like Miller Electric is some small-time electrician. They're one of the largest in the country and they likely didn't get that way messing up very visible projects.
2. They didn't design the thing. Kerry's Link had the name of the people that designed it. But, it has to be the contractor right?
3. Maybe Miller Electric did screw up. It's not for me to say.
Didn't realize Kerry was an electrical engineer specializing in outdoor commercial projects in his spare time.
It isn't just the Acosta Bridge. Every LED light on the Southbank Riverwalk is out. Friendship fountain doesn't work, and someone could probably make a list a mile long. Where are the lawsuits by JTA and the City to hold whomever it is accountable and protect the residents from this nonsense. They just say "The lights don't work. Oh well." Well that isn't good enough anymore. The City Attorney needs to step it up.
If you want to make a stink about bad maintenance, I'm with you.
Not sure how your comment about Miller Electric is related though. Don't know that you should hold a contractor accountable because a lightbulb burns out.
For the love of Pete - it isn't just a burned out light bulb. The entire Southbank system doesn't work and stopped working right after it was turned on. These are professionals. They should be able to install an outdoor lighting system that last more than 6 months. The private sector would never accept this.
Why do you guys defend this shoddy crap? You paid for it too. Don't you want this stuff to work? We are getting ready to pay for 10 years on a system from two entities that don't have a good track record of keeping the lights on. I would like some reassurance that it won't be broken in 6 months.
Dude, it's fine. They did the fountain, right?
Maybe the 10-year payment plan includes 10 years of maintenance?
Probably not.
We all have opinions? Who knew. My only issue is those who use every development not in their favor or something they would implement as a chance to take a shot at Khan or the Jags. It really ridiculous and Lake I wasn't talking about you.
Quote from: Kerry on January 28, 2019, 05:56:20 PM
For the love of Pete - it isn't just a burned out light bulb. The entire Southbank system doesn't work and stopped working right after it was turned on. These are professionals. They should be able to install an outdoor lighting system that last more than 6 months. The private sector would never accept this.
Why do you guys defend this shoddy crap? You paid for it too. Don't you want this stuff to work? We are getting ready to pay for 10 years on a system from two entities that don't have a good track record of keeping the lights on. I would like some reassurance that it won't be broken in 6 months.
I'm not defending it. I'm saying that the guy who installed it may or may not be responsible. In the end the city is the one to blame, not a contractor who may or may not have been given crappy materials.
If I ask a contractor to install an interior door on the exterior of my house, should I complain to him when the thing rots in 6 months?
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on January 28, 2019, 08:56:13 PM
My only issue is those who use every development not in their favor or something they would implement as a chance to take a shot at Khan or the Jags. It really ridiculous and Lake I wasn't talking about you.
Shad gets the "shots" because he is also getting much of the City's discretionary dollars and other favors while other parts of the City get little or nothing and continue in economic purgatory, many for decades now. And, unlike the Weavers, Shad isn't showing an equivalent amount of love to the greater Jax area. At some point, at least a portion of the populace gets restless with the unfairness of it all.
I don't think it is "personal" to Shad or the Jags, but, with the benefits they are getting over all others, they have to expect the cynicism, criticism and complaining to accompany such favored treatment. These conversations also follow public figures, and, along with the Mayor, Shad is Public Figure #1 in Jax (doesn't he also get scolded when the Jags have a string of losing seasons?). So far, it doesn't seem to be getting under Shad's skin as evidenced by the ongoing benefits he is pressuring the City to deliver on.
Given his financial rewards and resources, I don't think one has to work so hard to protect his image. He is doing fine managing it on his own 8).
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on January 28, 2019, 08:56:13 PM
We all have opinions? Who knew. My only issue is those who use every development not in their favor or something they would implement as a chance to take a shot at Khan or the Jags. It really ridiculous and Lake I wasn't talking about you.
I take shots at the Jaguars (and, by extension, Khan) at every possible opportunity (regardless of whether or not particular "developments" are "in my favor" or not), because:
1) I have always opposed attempts to use public monies to lure an NFL franchise to Jacksonville;
2) I think the presence of an NFL franchise does more harm than good for the city, given the amount of tax money that is spent on the team;
3) I love winding up thin-skinned snowflakes who get their knickers in a twist whenever someone criticizes a stupid NFL franchise.
I take every shot because I personally don't like Khan. I don't care for his business practices, his corporate welfare handouts, and I especially don't like his sycophants in the local political and news groups. The Jags should be here as a benefit to the City and residents, not the other way around. The dude is a billionaire, every time he holds his hand out it should get slapped.
Jacksonville's 2018-19 budget is north of a billion dollars. Since Khan bought the Jaguars in 2012, the city has thrown in less than $100 million toward improvements to a stadium that the city owns.
The fact that city is unable to keep the Friendship Fountain operational, unable to keep the lights on on the Southbank River Walk and Acosta Bridge, unable to keep the new trees trimmed and new brick accents in a state of reasonable upkeep along the San Marco streetscape, unable to properly manage Hemming Park, unable to maintain Klutho Park, and unable to competently manage an RFP on the Courthouse Annex site is unrelated to the pittance paid to keep the Jaguars happy in Jacksonville. It's not money, it's management!
If the Jaguars/Khan had so hamstrung the city coffers that they were unable to maintain all these things, then the city wouldn't have the money to replace their ill-maintained assets every 10 years, either.
So how about change the law so the Bed tax could be used for non-Jag tourism.
Or better yet - change it to only be for non-Jag tourism.
Quote from: Kerry on January 29, 2019, 12:14:29 PM
So how about change the law so the Bed tax could be used for non-Jag tourism.
Or better yet - change it to only be for non-Jag tourism.
LOL how could you even enforce that? Hotel booking site asks you "Are you in town to attend a Jacksonville Jaguars game?" Select yes and BAM you pay an additional X% on your hotel bill?
How do you feel about the Jumbo Shrimp, I wonder?
Quote from: jax_hwy_engineer on January 29, 2019, 01:27:19 PM
Quote from: Kerry on January 29, 2019, 12:14:29 PM
So how about change the law so the Bed tax could be used for non-Jag tourism.
Or better yet - change it to only be for non-Jag tourism.
LOL how could you even enforce that? Hotel booking site asks you "Are you in town to attend a Jacksonville Jaguars game?" Select yes and BAM you pay an additional X% on your hotel bill?
How do you feel about the Jumbo Shrimp, I wonder?
It's easy. You don't spend any Bed Tax on the Jags stadium.
Quote from: vicupstate on January 29, 2019, 02:18:23 PM
Quote from: jax_hwy_engineer on January 29, 2019, 01:27:19 PM
Quote from: Kerry on January 29, 2019, 12:14:29 PM
So how about change the law so the Bed tax could be used for non-Jag tourism.
Or better yet - change it to only be for non-Jag tourism.
LOL how could you even enforce that? Hotel booking site asks you "Are you in town to attend a Jacksonville Jaguars game?" Select yes and BAM you pay an additional X% on your hotel bill?
How do you feel about the Jumbo Shrimp, I wonder?
It's easy. You don't spend any Bed Tax on the Jags stadium.
Oh, duh on me, that makes sense