Attn city council: revise the code and lift restrictions on downtown!

[John P]

mark, I suggest speaking to the 5 points merchants group about how they are allowed their street parties.

[marksjax]

John, That is good advice. I know the power of many will be stronger than one. I would have hoped that I would not have to have (or create from scratch) an association that becomes a voice to get things like this done Downtown.
But, I guess that is the way it is and has been forever. The government only listens (and acts) when there is the political clout (of the group) and/or political consequence for no action. 
I imagine there is some crossover membership in the Five Points Merchants Assoc and in RAP. That would explain it.
RAP, in my eyes is the 'Gold Standard', for what can be accomplished politically/zoning, etc in Jacksonville.
But sadly, we do not enjoy that power in Downtown. We have no political voice and there are not enough voters living there to get the attention of our elected leaders. Thus, it languishes, despite people like me who are 'in the trenches' down there trying to help.

[Anti redneck]

Well, just from MJ alone, we can see there is a lot of people wanting downtown to shape up. The voices just need to be heard. I'm actually starting to believe that the "native" attitude of "we don't want growth or change" is just a small group of people. They've just been the ones in power all this time.

[AbelH]

But sadly, we do not enjoy that power in Downtown. We have no political voice and there are not enough voters living there to get the attention of our elected leaders. Thus, it languishes, despite people like me who are 'in the trenches' down there trying to help.

So true.

[Timkin]

Perhaps its time for "Occupy Downtown" 

[Anti redneck]

Perhaps its time for "Occupy Downtown" 

Why does that sound like a strangely good idea to me?

[urbanlibertarian]

Two things I think should be relaxed:
1.  Sign ordinance.  One thing you notice in old photos of downtown's heyday is advertising everywhere.  How about making the northbank CBD a "free zone" for signage.
2.  Make the Downtown Design Review Board an advisory committee only.  Plans would still be submitted and reviewed but businesses/developers could have the final say.

[Anti redneck]

Two things I think should be relaxed:
1.  Sign ordinance.  One thing you notice in old photos of downtown's heyday is advertising everywhere.  How about making the northbank CBD a "free zone" for signage.
2.  Make the Downtown Design Review Board an advisory committee only.  Plans would still be submitted and reviewed but businesses/developers could have the final say.

Love it!