Petra's Rich Trendel Brings Nightlife Downtown!

[thelakelander]

Stephen, what intersection (Bay & Main)?  None of our intersections are busier or wider than the ones you find in places like Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Chicago or other cities with vibrant downtowns and people still cross the streets.  

Simple walkability solutions could include signals that allow pedestrians to see how much time they have to get across the street, better business signage at street level along the Dyal-Upchurch and MODIS buildings, along with adding a little street retail within the parking deck located between Main and Ocean.  Long term, an infill project on the parking lot near the Chamber of Commerce would solidify the gap.  Anyway, that stretch looks to be no more different than the block wide gap between Newnan and Market.

[thelakelander]

A well marked crosswalk would be more than enough (brick pavers are overkill).  From my experience, people will cross if there is a reason to cross.  They do it now on the gap between Newnan and Market.  I believe the fact that there are a couple of bars with lighted signage helps in that cause.  If there were spaces open in the Dyal Upchurch and MODIS buildings at night and open to the street (with signage), crossing Main would not be a serious obstacle.

[tufsu1]

Also keep in mind that the two-way project for Independent Drive involves creating a greenway connecting Bay Street and The Landing....using the space where the road alongside the Main St Bridge used to be.

If done well, this could serve as a perfect connection between the areas.

[Steve]

It's not a median, just a walkway.

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-aug-downtown-parks-bay-and-ocean-pocket-park

[thelakelander]

pardon the missing 'p'.

The last block is particularly forbidding at night.  Does anyone have any rendering of the proposed median?

Sure, there is nothing there.  Add street retail (ex. outdoor dining, associated lighted signage,etc.) on the MODIS block and the perception of that whole area changes.



Take a look at this last image.  Imagine those storefronts occupied and accessible from the street.  Imagine them open at night with outdoor seated dining around the covered entrance to MODIS.  Imagine the light from business signage adding to the atmosphere.  Then imagine the people patronizing these businesses.  If that happens, you form a visual connection and draw to a currently sterile scene without dropping on red cent of public money into sidewalk improvements, etc.

[sheclown]

There's no place like metrojacksonville...sort of like a bar fight in a cathedral. classy yet dangerous, and everyone better watch out or we'll end up in HELL.

What happened yesterday, who wins slum-lord of the year, these things trip us up. 

What wonderful positive steps for tomorrow. 

[urbanlibertarian]

For safety and convenience, using the new Ocean St pocket park to walk between Bay St and Independent Dr will allow you to walk underneath the Main/Ocean traffic instead of crossing both busy streets.  I would think that just the addition of lighting and directional signage would make that path inviting.

[JaxNeedsHelp]

Go Rich Trendel and Petra! That is awesome! Sloooowly edging out the good ol' boys in charge and bringing some young talent in. Jacksonville is improving by the day!

[yorel]

thanks mr trendel,downtown is stepping up,looking goooood.