Mayport Cruise Terminal: Finding Common Ground

[Metro Jacksonville]

Mayport Cruise Terminal: Finding Common Ground



While Mayport is a shell of its former self, many oppose the very thing that could possibly revitalize this historic village. Can common ground be found?


Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-apr-mayport-cruise-terminal-finding-common-ground

[Hurricane]

We NEED for this cruise terminal to come to Mayport.  Unless there is a better location within Jacksonville, this terminal should be built there.  One location or another, it needs to get built to help JAX come out of our slump.

[JeffreyS]

I have been shouting this for years.  Do not try to stop the change in Mayport try to use the money invested for the cruise ships to shape Mayport to the residents wishes.  I wish it were this quite quaint place worthy of preservation but it just seems blighted.

[Dapperdan]

Wouldn't this terminal allow for larger ships and more of them? I see this as a positive definitely. A mixed use area could arise with shops, hotels, etc. Mayport could open up a  Mayport museum and eductate people as they wait for their ships. What is the big problem?

[Captain Zissou]

That last picture says it all.  I'm all for historic preservation, cherishing our history, and keeping the charm of the area.... but I see zero charm there.  Safe Harbor seafood is the best thing about Mayport and they are in favor of the cruise ship terminal.  This needs to get fast track. 
Just because the opponents to this have their own opinions, it doesn't mean they're valid or worth hearing  (yeah yeah, I know that's close minded and everything, but its true).

[Tripoli1711]

That last picture says it all.  I'm all for historic preservation, cherishing our history, and keeping the charm of the area.... but I see zero charm there.  Safe Harbor seafood is the best thing about Mayport and they are in favor of the cruise ship terminal.  This needs to get fast track. 
Just because the opponents to this have their own opinions, it doesn't mean they're valid or worth hearing  (yeah yeah, I know that's close minded and everything, but its true).

Ditto, +1 and all that jazz.

[finehoe]

The group wants to attract a developer that would build a boardwalk featuring mixed-use buildings and eco-tourism outfitters.

Why can't they do both this and the cruise terminal?  Why does it need to be one or the other?

[Tripoli1711]

Exactly, I don't see how a cruise terminal and historic charm or eco-tourism or whatever else floats your boat (sorry, too easy) are mutually exclusive.

[Captain Zissou]

The group wants to attract a developer that would build a boardwalk featuring mixed-use buildings and eco-tourism outfitters.

Why can't they do both this and the cruise terminal?  Why does it need to be one or the other?

The article showcased 3 areas that seemed to have done just that.  Maybe someone just needs to break their leg at Mayport for this to get started.

[iluvolives]

That last picture says it all.  I'm all for historic preservation, cherishing our history, and keeping the charm of the area.... but I see zero charm there.  Safe Harbor seafood is the best thing about Mayport and they are in favor of the cruise ship terminal.  This needs to get fast track. 
Just because the opponents to this have their own opinions, it doesn't mean they're valid or worth hearing  (yeah yeah, I know that's close minded and everything, but its true).

I would say Singleton's is a another good thing in Mayport. While I don't personally have any sentimental ties to the area- I'm sure there are many who feel the same about Mayport as many of us on this board feel about Springfield and other historic area downtown. Their opinion should be heard and are just as valid as those who want to debate about saving the fire station on riverside ave.

[Tripoli1711]

Mayport and Springfield/Riverside... they are apples and olives as far as the "historic stock" that was/is available.

[iluvolives]

I agree, but there have been tons of discussion on this site about the Brooklyn area in riverside and it has far less historic stock than mayport. Just saying- people are quick to defend an area they care about and dismiss another area, simply because it doesn't personally have any meaning to them. I for one think Mayport would be better off with a port...but I still want to be able to eat fried shrimp at singletons.

[Captain Zissou]

Their opinion should be heard and are just as valid as those who want to debate about saving the fire station on riverside ave.

Probably true, but in the cruise terminal situation we are talking about adding to and enhancing the area, with little disruption to the current fabric. Their argument is that it will destroy the charm.  The riverside folks are arguing that a specific building will be destroyed.  I see a difference there.  And I agree with Tripoli, you can't compare mayport to riverside or springfield.

[Tripoli1711]

I'm a Jax. Beach guy my whole life.  That's not Mayport, but its a lot closer than Springfield, Brooklyn, Riverside which have have never been my backyard or even close.  I understand what you are saying and am in favor of the vast majority of historic preservation that is advocated for on this site.  I understand taking that viewpoint into account with Mayport, but as was said earlier, they are not mutually exclusive.  Likewise, I think core neighborhoods such as Spr and R'side are inherently different than somewhere like Mayport in just about every way, including "charm". 

[JeffreyS]

Of course the neighborhood should be included.  They should have a loud voice in the matter.  I just wish they would use this as an opportunity to improve Mayport from it's current sad state.