Downtowns potential is very wasted

[OhJay]

I was driving through downtown the other day and northbank and south...and ive came to a conclusion that downtown jacksonville can really do something to help draw people back to the urban core...they can start by doing something with the landing...i know the landing has been a landmark for centuries in this town but its lost its luster...the only reason i go to the landing is to  go to hooters...downtown needs to work on how they attract the crowd instead of everybody driving to the south...i really think dt could use a facelift...secondly...start moving downtown west towards the convention center and start working on that area...which the courthouse is a prime example of expanding our downtown...they also can expand towards the stadium and start putting together more interesting events in the urban core...downtown can do alot to increase the number of people who goes there...and the more people that come to downtown the more ridership the transportaion authority would get and ridership would help with more projects on the transportation authority...come downtown get it together

[reednavy]

didn't take a brick to hit you in the head

[OhJay]

UUMMMM I RLLY DIDNT ASK FOR ANY SMART COMMENTS...IVE ONLY BEEN HERE FOR A FEW MONTHS SO DONT GIVEME TOO MUCH

[reednavy]

sorry, the newbie's don't get a break either, i treat everyone the same.

Oh, and you don't ask for comments, you get them on here whether you like it or not, tough cookies.

[kells904]

Nothing changes until the people make it happen, but there has to be enough of us to do that.  I've read here that there's a lot of good candidates running for mayor, and I actually look forward to learning as much as I can about them, and people in City Council.  We'll see what happens in 2011, if we "stay the course" or right the ship.

[sheclown]

..and we need to make sure a downtown plan is an important component of all campaigns.

[RiversideLoki]

[samiam]

could be

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_Have_All_The_People_Gone%3F

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Omega_Man

[kells904]

..and we need to make sure a downtown plan is an important component of all campaigns.

bingo.

[Noone]

Nothing changes until the people make it happen, but there has to be enough of us to do that.  I've read here that there's a lot of good candidates running for mayor, and I actually look forward to learning as much as I can about them, and people in City Council.  We'll see what happens in 2011, if we "stay the course" or right the ship.

Downtowns potential can be immediately jump started when free market forces and Public Access to the St. Johns River is realized when the city takes back ownership of the Landmar property. The 680' Landmar Pier next to Berkman can be immediately opened up to private business. Its in Dist 7 and councilman Gaffney is supportive in using  retrofitted containers for private enterprise.

Use Fred Kents idea and the power of 10. 10 seperate containers. Have the Art container, The Sportsmans container, The exercise container, a food container, Suggest others. There use to be a floating dock there during Super Bowl XXXIX. The containers are weatherproof. Just open the container and your in business. Use solar and wind power that could generate decorative lighting that would compliment the existing lighted bridges.

Call it the Jacksonville Tradeport Pier. Showcase our Ports significance and the economic impact that it brings to Jacksonville.  This should be a huge mayoral and city council campaign issue. Remember the history of this location.

1. Shipyards-$36,500,000 of taxpayer money gone.
2. Landmar-16 acres of Public space reduced to 8 acres.
3. Bankruptcy- The people of Jacksonville by dumb luck will be getting this entire location back.

Open the pier immediately. Discuss what else will be the plan for the rest of the land.

[futurejax]

Riverfront, Riverfront, Riverfront, rinse and repeat.  And I know this is more obvious info as well but it needs to be hammered.  A southeastern city built on the banks of a river flowing into the Atlantic with a great climate 85% of the year.  This should not be rocket science.  I like the pier idea by a poster above.  The Riverfront should be the focus of any real start to a long term re-emphasis on downtown.  The Landing cannot be the beginning and end as far as the main attraction goes.  Build u Start with the natural strength of the city and everything flows from there. 

from wikipedia

1985 Southbank Riverwalk Project
Feature Description Status
St. Johns Wharf Open-air marketplace built over the river adjacent to the Wyndham Hotel A few shops were built along the riverwalk, but the wharf was never constructed
Graphic System Banners, kiosks and signage to provide visitors with clear and legible information, as well as reinforce the warm and lively image of the riverwalk Signs exist, one visitor kiosk was built
Open Air Pavilions Four were planned and projected to include concessions and restroom facilities Two were constructed.
The Grove Raised grass seating area shaded by a grove of palm trees Never built
The Pyramid An outdoor structure with terraced seating area for special events Never built. The Navy Memorial is located on the projected site
Aquarium Located south of the maritime museum, plans called for an aquarium facing Friendship Fountain, which would showcase local freshwater and saltwater marine life Never built
Friendship Park River Fountain A geyser shooting water 500 ft (150 m) into the sky, located in the river; expected to become one of the most notable landmarks in the city Never built
Great Lawn Open space for recreation and relaxation and recreation Never built
Under the Bridge Café A Sidewalk Café that would link both sides of riverwalk Never built
Ship Museum An attraction to emphasize the historic relationship between the city and the river; projected to include floating ship exhibits Scaled back to the current Jacksonville Maritime Museum, housed in a 5,000 ft2 kiosk
Amphitheater A 3,000-seat open-air facility with bandstand and theatrical lighting, built out into the river that would be used for public concerts, ballets, festivals and school graduations Never built
San Marco Blvd Sculpture To be located in the middle of the traffic circle next to MOSH Never built

That just about says it all.  A very important election coming up.

[CS Foltz]

futurejax...........your not saying anything that has not been discussed here for quite some time! Biggest problem  I can see is.................how do we pay for it? Supposedly we are going to be $58 Million Dollars in the hole come next Budget cycle, but current Administration seems to find money for pet projects or pet developers!

[Keith-N-Jax]

Adhere to Master Plan.

[CS Foltz]

Does the M

Adhere to Master Plan.

Does the Master Plan explain how to pay for all of the proposed improvements?

[Keith-N-Jax]

Well if it was followed with to begin with. We wouldnt be having this conversation. The city hasnt always been broke. People seem to forget this.