So what's your vision of what Jacksonville could be?

[fsquid]

Many of my peers in business around here (30-early 40s with kids) don't expect to stay here.  We like it, but as we move up in our corporate careers, we expect to be moved. I know that if my boss here left tomorrow, I would be expected to move to LA, Denver, or Greenville, SC.   That probably goes with the theme of people not caring or seem to not care.

[thelakelander]

I think Simms hit on a much bigger point, which is:

Does Jacksonville want to change or grow?

Sadly, most empirical evidence seems to point towards "No."

I think its pretty clear that the intown neighborhoods do want change....at least in the urban core. 

[CG7]

It depends on what you mean by change. Mass transit definitely needs to get much better, but as far as day to day living, for me it can't get any better (and I honestly mean that).

[mtraininjax]

I think its pretty clear that the intown neighborhoods do want change....at least in the urban core.

I live in Avondale, the only thing I want to change about Avondale is add more restaurants. I don't care about public transportation, the buses run up and down St. Johns Avenue and Herschel as well as Park, so there are 3 main lines with busing. I don't need preservation because RAP is in the 'hood. What else could I possibly need?

Oh yeah, I forgot, a 7/11. That's what I need.

[ben says]

I think its pretty clear that the intown neighborhoods do want change....at least in the urban core.

I live in Avondale, the only thing I want to change about Avondale is add more restaurants. I don't care about public transportation, the buses run up and down St. Johns Avenue and Herschel as well as Park, so there are 3 main lines with busing. I don't need preservation because RAP is in the 'hood. What else could I possibly need?

Oh yeah, I forgot, a 7/11. That's what I need.

I feel the same way. I, too, live in the Avondale area. Restaurants, restaurants, restaurants! And not Americana restaurants either...different, please.

[mtraininjax]

I feel the same way. I, too, live in the Avondale area. Restaurants, restaurants, restaurants! And not Americana restaurants either...different, please.

Have you tried Ginjo Sushi yet? A realtor who works with my wife is going there for lunch and dinner, she loves it.  Here is the review from the Times Union:

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-28/ginjo-sushi-opens-jacksonvilles-avondale-neighborhood

[thelakelander]

More restaurants (more mixed use) is change. I'd like to see that along with better schools, parks, jobs, entertainment, transit, etc. Basically, I want a vibrant urban core.

[mtraininjax]

Basically, I want a vibrant urban core.

I already see this in Avondale.

[dougskiles]

It depends on what you mean by change. Mass transit definitely needs to get much better, but as far as day to day living, for me it can't get any better (and I honestly mean that).

I'm with you CG7.  When I look around, I realize I have it pretty damn good.  But, I've always been one to want to improve things.  So at the top of my list are:

1) a public school system that is so good it puts the private schools out of business
2) a clean, and accessible, river
3) a transit system that would allow me to live a normal life and not own a car.

And if those things are ever accomplished, there will be a new list of stuff to focus on.

[finehoe]

My vision for Jax is for city leaders and local business leaders find a way to bring the city into the 21st century and start competing for quality jobs and for college educated professionals under the age of 35. 

Almost a decade ago, I sent a copy of this book http://www.amazon.com/The-Rise-Creative-Class-Transforming/dp/0465024777/ref=pd_sim_b_1 to every member of the city council.

Know how many replies/acknowledgements I received?

ZERO.

Does Jacksonville want to change or grow?

Sadly, most empirical evidence seems to point towards "No."

So it would seem.

[Anti redneck]

I keep reading Jacksonville isn't like this place or that place like that is a bad thing. I am one of the backwards idiots that has lived here most of my life, and think it is the greatest city anywhere. I have been to New York to LA Miami to Chicago, and tons of smaller towns in between. I live in Avondale, and love everything about it. I have a really great job (for a backwards idiot), love to kayak, and indulge in our crappy culinary choices (Mossfire, Biscotti's,Indochine, Taco Lu etc). So continue to wish for something that Jacksonville isn't, me I'm happy as a stupid clam.

Jacksonville not wanting to change IS a bad thing and if they don't like the changes we want to make, then they can leave to go live elsewhere. We don't want the backwoods inferiority here anymore!

[CG7]

That makes no sense, if you aren't happy here, you move somewhere else.

[nomeus]

[CG7]

Stephen if that is in reference to me , do not speak of which you do not know.

[mtraininjax]

We don't want the backwoods inferiority here anymore!

Is it too late for us to sell the Westside, also known by its inhabitants as the Bestside, to the Mexicans for some magic jumping beans?

And when I say Westside, all the major news stations believe the Westside to run from I-95 west.