New Force Behind Downtown Development?

[stjr]

Our Nifty Fifty group just hired its own Downtown Development Director with a Harvard City Planning Degree! And, he is a former chairman of the International Downtown Association.

Do you think we just got a new force to develop downtown?  With his credentials and the clout behind him, will he be able to finally change downtown as we hope without being on the City payroll?

Jacksonville Civic Council hires first executive director
Source URL: http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-07-28/story/jacksonville-civic-council-hires-first-executive-director

By David Bauerlein

The Jacksonville Civic Council, a group of influential civic leaders formed in February, has hired its first executive director by tapping the executive director of the Downtown Development Authority for Shreveport, La.

Don Shea, 58, will work for the Civic Council as it makes recommendations to government entities on citywide issues, council Chairman Peter Rummell said in today's announcement.

"We set out to find someone who can bring a set of diverse experiences to our new Jacksonville efforts and we are convinced that Don brings that unique combination," Rummell said.

Shea said the council's mission fits with how his career has involved working for government and the private entities. He said the key to a successful public-private partnership is being able to "communicate with both camps."

He said working for a newly-formed organization supported by corporate leaders also convinced him to take the position. The Civic Council began with 50 members.

"That's a lot of collective clout," Shea said. "I think we can use that energy to move the issues in the right direction."

He will start working for the Civic Council in September.

One issue being studied by the group is downtown development, an area of expertise for Shea. He is a past chairman of the International Downtown Association.

He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and a master of city planning degree from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

[Timkin]

I guess time will tell.

[ProjectMaximus]

got my fingers crossed!!

[spuwho]

One more planning 'entity' with their opinions, directions and money trying to steer the collective municipal boat.

My only fear is that there will be too many cooks in the kitchen. Usually when that happens it gets hot and someone will have to leave.

[tufsu1]

Our Nifty Fifty group just hired its own Downtown Development Director with a Harvard City Planning Degree! And, he is a former chairman of the International Downtown Association.

Do you think we just got a new force to develop downtown?  With his credentials and the clout behind him, will he be able to finally change downtown as we hope without being on the City payroll?

maybe so, but I'm not counting on it....many of our current planning people, including terry Lorrince at DVI, are quite competent!

[vicupstate]

This is a good sign, but the next mayor will be the key driver of whether DT can be turned around.  Hopefully, this Council will put it's colective weight behind a solid candidate that will work hand in hand with Shea.

[ChriswUfGator]

Our Nifty Fifty group just hired its own Downtown Development Director with a Harvard City Planning Degree! And, he is a former chairman of the International Downtown Association.

Do you think we just got a new force to develop downtown?  With his credentials and the clout behind him, will he be able to finally change downtown as we hope without being on the City payroll?

maybe so, but I'm not counting on it....many of our current planning people, including terry Lorrince at DVI, are quite competent!

Yes they've done a fantastic job of recreating Raccoon City after the outbreak in a wonderful tribute to Resident Evil...

[heights unknown]

Maybe these guys are the "set of balls" that Jacksonville needs to get the City and downtown moving.

"HU"