Plans for new $35 million VA clinic in Jacksonville unveiled

[Ocklawaha]

Another blown opportunity? THINK SKYWAY! This FEDERAL project sits right smack in the middle of the projected north end of the FEDERALLY FUNDED Skyway, get it Jacksonville? Why don't some of our city leaders or the Duval Delegation's jump Washington about this and get the long lost project to a logical end point?

OCKLAWAHA

[spuwho]

Ock,

I was thinking the same thing....how does this fit with the Mobility Plan?

As part of the zoning updates and permit reviews, how many questions will be asked about transit awareness and integration?

Or is this just another "take the money they offer" grab and let them do what they want.

[thelakelander]

I was thinking the same thing....how does this fit with the Mobility Plan?

The Mobility Plan includes BRT, Streetcar and Commuter Rail plans that we've been seeing the past couple of years, as already "committed projects".  However, the fee would only partially fund (local share to match with federal dollars) the commuter rail line that would run on the other side of Shands Jacksonville's property.  In any event, this project will most likely be underway before the Mobility Plan and Fee makes it through council and becomes official.  Sort of sucks because the Mobility Fee off a $35 million project would have potentially went into helping fund the rail line that would serve this potential medical district.

As part of the zoning updates and permit reviews, how many questions will be asked about transit awareness and integration?

Probably not as much as they need too.  The VA clinic would be a good stop for the BRT north corridor.  A well designed station there could integrate with both the clinic and the park.  Btw, I'm not against the skyway going there, I didn't mention it because its not on the official drawing board at this time.

Or is this just another "take the money they offer" grab and let them do what they want.

I don't think it is this.  However, I do still believe that our community is largely ignorant on how to properly integrate projects like this with their surroundings.  Imo, that's the bigger issue.