Live blogging DIA

[Sunbeam]

Prior to Noone arriving at the above mentioned meeting there was talk Aundra Wallace was just playing Jacksonville to get a better deal from Atlanta.

You must remember Wallace has not signed ANY contract to be employed by Jacksonville even if Paul Crawford said he was in contact with him "like every 4 hours".

It appears to me the DIA has no back bone when it comes to dealing with the OED, better yet it is my impression the DIA is being led by the nose by the OED.

When the OED said they NEEDED a decision thus a vote THAT night, regardless of just receiving the information, to further negotiations for developments I was upset. THEN when Carter said "this is just preliminary information, once you vote yes we can use the $9 million we will THEN bring you details", I was outright angry!

Yes folks...vote for it first, then later read what you voted for.

The OED was pushing the DIA to dedicate their money "so City Council wont get their hands on it" faulty reasoning since CC already voted to increase millage rates to cover the Budget as needed.

BUT voted for it, they did! Without regard as to how many times the OED when JEDC failed this community in the loss of probably over $100 million to tax payers over the years.

The OED is currently in the process of negotiating contracts for development of OUR riverfront/shipyard property, all of this restricted information until it hits the agenda. This development is going on without the OED ever trying to get private money outside of Shad Khan.

All of the development and all of the money through out this country and the OED is dedicating our riverfront development to a man that already has this community over a barrel, for every whim.

Now I know for a fact there was interest from other sources besides Shad Khan but the OED never looked into it. They only ever put out one Request for Information (RFI) not really for out side sources of private money but to cover themselves to say "they advertised the property" while already negotiating with Khan.

It is my idea the Mayor while on his flight and dinner cruise provided by Shad Khan to Miami already dedicated this community to what ever Khan wanted, this includes development of riverfront/shipyard property, $63 million scoreboard and who knows whatever else.

City Council will of course approve anything the OED brings before them regardless of their failures especially when it comes to the shipyards and the community certainly has no say what happens in their own city when it comes to Shad Khan for mere threat of him pulling the Jags out of the city. If anyone thinks the people of the community are held over a barrel when it comes to the Jags can you imagine what we will be beholden to when he has control of the riverfront?

No one can tell me Shad Khan offered the greatest deal possible for the city of Jacksonville because there are too many other options out there for private investment and I know it a fact the OED never tried to take it further, setting up this city and her people for a world of hurt.

All of this.... "because they know better then we what is best for us"

Just like always.

[Noone]

Two days out. DIA subcommittee meeting of the Downtown Experience. Has anyone seen an agenda? 2013-373 - Regulatory Compliance Coordinator, Anyone?
Aug.19 the debut of Aundra Wallace to Downtown Jacksonville.

14 days out to the next Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting and the return of Don Redman as chair of Waterways.

Anyone going to either?
Anybody care?

[Noone]

Nine hours out. Downtown Experience subcommittee meeting of the DIA 1st floor city hall. Will there be Happy Hour announcements? Has anyone seen an agenda. River Ruckus- How much was raised for the St. Johns Riverkeeper? Who is on the subcommittee?
Will anyone be at this meeting? Given that at the last DIA board meeting the DIA board at the very end of the meeting voted and allowed the OED document "Authorization to Negotiate and Engage on various Downtown Projects" to move forward just 17 days before the new guy Aundra Wallace our new CEO of our DIA takes charge. (I feel sorry for him already)

Time sensitive projects.
How about the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel, 26' Berkman floating dock compromise misrepresented by OGC to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission during the 2013 FIND grant application process. Funding - Tell the Palms Fish Camp guys that they are getting $900,000 instead of a million bucks for never even opening up the door. How do you sign up for this stuff?

2013-373
2013-384

A new Authority
Embrace It
Or
It will Embrace Us

[Noone]

Two hours out.
Mike Field is on the agenda. Go get'm. Economic freedom!

[Stephen]

Why would developing the shipyard be such a bad idea?  Mr.Khan seems to be the only person around with any vision as well as the money to fund any projects. I just moved here from Chicago and when I was downtown and saw the empty uncompleted Berkman Towers building I actually thought it was a joke. Is this town ever grow up? I know a lot of people I talk to blame First Baptist Church but I don't buy that . What is the problem?

[Cheshire Cat]

Why would developing the shipyard be such a bad idea?  Mr.Khan seems to be the only person around with any vision as well as the money to fund any projects. I just moved here from Chicago and when I was downtown and saw the empty uncompleted Berkman Towers building I actually thought it was a joke. Is this town ever grow up? I know a lot of people I talk to blame First Baptist Church but I don't buy that . What is the problem?

Stephen, this is a discussion that has been had a number of times on the forum.  Use the search bar and you can find some of the specifics that impact the development of the Shipyards project.   I haven't heard anyone oppose the redevelopment of the Shipyards parcel.  That fact that it hasn't gone beyond where it currently is has to do with a number of issues including politics (which got us where we are) and funding sources (which is what makes the interest of Khan something to pay attention to).

[Noone]

Why would developing the shipyard be such a bad idea?  What is the problem?

The problem is corruption and self serving special interests.

Developing the Shipyards is a great idea and it is a joke and the history of the failed attempts again lies in out of control corruption and legislative maneuvering.

Stephen, welcome to the forum and let's get right to it and how we can be ALL IN. Provide  a spark. Make It Happen. It all requires legislation.

The 8/2/13 Downtown Experience Committee meeting of the DIA had three items on the agenda and one not on the agenda.
1. Art in Public Places- Christie Holechek
2. Downtown Council- Bonnie Arnold
3. Pop up Retail - Mike Field
Not on the agenda- Mike White- Jaxtoberfest

Tony Allegretti is the chair
Don Harris- Committee member
Mike Saylor-Committee member
Melody Bishop- DIA Board member who took the time to attend.

Tony ran a great meeting. In the future I have yet to hear even one announcement of how much money was raised for this group or that group. In fairness I believe Christie Holechek and Art in Public Places mentioned $61,000 was privately raised for Art.

I welcome any additions or corrections to my observations. On Pop Up Retail by Mike Field the highlight for me was the recognition by our Parking guy Jack Shad that in a prior life he participated in a Pop Up Retail Deal and made $10,000 in shoe sales over a weekend?
Was Imelda Marcus in town that weekend? I just need some new sneaks.
I did write 2013-373 on my speaker card and does anyone have a clue what this legislation will do? So much more at this meeting.
2013-384-An amendment for 24/7 access to Hogans Creek?

But Stephen back to Berkman, I made the entire DIA Board aware of an issue in Jan when it happened and I again shared the concern with the Downtown Experience Committee at this meeting because I made the Commissioners of FIND aware of the issue last month in Nassau county. The issue that I refer to is what I call the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel, 26' Berkman Floating dock compromise (SHIPYARDS III) misrepresented by OGC to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting during the 2013 FIND grant application process. This is our ad valorem property taxes. This was fraud. SHIPYARDS III. The concern is that this is happening in our new DIA zone.

The new guy Aundra Wallace ( I feel sorry for him already) starts in 14 days
Ron Barton
Don Shea
John Culbreath
All gone.

A new Authority
Embrace It
Or
it will Embrace Us

[Noone]

Just a few more observations from the 8/2/13 Downtown Experience Committee meeting and I shared with the members that just the day before I showed someone the Mayor Brown kayak launch at Hogans Creek and while we were walking to the creek there are some homeless camps right there and we said hello and just looked at the empty creek. It was a low outgoing tide. And for the demolition group that 2nd house that was there next to the beautiful 2story concrete duplex is gone. it's a beautiful area. Add that to 601 East Church St.

Another announcement from the meeting and it was from a speaker during Public Comment and it had to do with a future potential event with the TU. Cars and Coffee at the TU. Sounds cool.

Again there was applause for Mike Field and numerous accolades by Tony Allegretti in what this man continues to do for this community. Every Downtown Committee meeting are announcements for events that are raising money for all these organizations. Mike feel free to jump in here at anytime but how much was presented to Second Harvest Food Bank after the last food truck rally? Someone mentions food trucks and everyone is looking and saying to themselves you need to talk to that man. This is positive news that should be everywhere. Maybe it is and I've just missed it.

Anyone want to donate a buck to 2009-442 the artificial reef trust fund? Waterways 8/14/13 meeting just 8 days out. The DIA needs to find out what going on with FDOT, the Overland Bridge project and all the material that could be immediately used for the 6 permitted reefs south of the Fuller Warren Bridge. A JTA guy was there at the meeting to. What a joke if this opportunity is missed.

[Noone]

DIA committee workshop meeting on the CRA today at 3pm 1st floor city hall.

[Noone]

^Did anyone go? Was in touch with councilman Jim Love's office about the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel, 26' Berkman floating dock compromise (SHIPYARDS III) that was misrepresented by OGC to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission during the 2013 FIND grant application process. Very positive.

This is a DIA issue. 11 Days prior to the start of the new DIA guy Aundra Wallace (I feel sorry for the man already).

5 days to Waterways and haven't heard back from my elected legislative representative. Anyone want to donate a buck to 2009-442 The Artificial Reef Trust Fund? I'll deliver it personally on your behalf. Immediate economic development with 6 artificial reefs south of the Fuller Warren bridge in our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative just outside our new highly restricted DIA zone.

2013-373- Regulatory Compliance Coordinator?

A new Authority
Embrace It
Or
It will Embrace Us

[Noone]

CRA of the DIA is  holding a workshop in two days 3 pm first floor city hall. Anyone going? How will our river be addressed? The entire Board is aware of the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel, 26' Berkman Floating dock compromise (SHIPYARDS III) misrepresented by OGC to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission during the 2013 FIND grant application process.

5 days prior to the start of our new CEO Aundra Wallace (I feel sorry for the man already)
Ron Barton
Don Shea
John Culbreath

A new Authority
Embrace It
Or
It will Embrace Us

[Noone]

But let's get back to the most important document of the meeting and that was at the very end of the meeting. Just remember that there aren't any handouts on the table for the PUBLIC. This guarded handout was given by Paul Crawford to the board. Mike Langton who was in the house went up to Michelle and asked for a copy (5 pages). Others followed then Paul is just handing the stack to her then all of a sudden Shazam it's back to a publicly informed meeting.



This was a long meeting and again I welcome any correction to these observations and all you have to do is pull the tape. But this power play by OED (JEDC) on the new DIA have the people of Jacksonville going YEAH!!!!

Help me. With this one and if I'm wrong with my observation then please correct me. Mike Langton at a Downtown Experience subcommittee meeting who was not on the agenda was recognized and with a serious look asked for $25,000 for 20 businesses for help.

Fast forward to the 7/24/13 DIA Board meeting and he is all smiles hi fives closes and did the $25,000 request just go to $50,000? Again just an observation. But is that accurate?

The Bostwick guys were there and they will be building a restaurant and looking to employ about a hundred people. They weren't on the taxpayer handout list. And in fact Board member Mike Saylor asked them "aren't you prepared to move forward on this project on your own?" "That's what's been reported." Didn't fully understand the response back but lets just say they are on the official handout list. That language was amended in the Authorization to Negotiate and Engage on various Downtown Projects document.

Our DIA/CRA in the USA is just one day out. Next meeting 8/14/13 Anyone going?

A Downtown development announcement by a developer if I buy this for $450,000 and you don't immediately give me $250,000 of our refinanced Shipyards money $9,000,000 then I'm never ever going to buy another Downtown property again. This has to be positive.

At a Downtown Experience Committee meeting sitting next to Scott Wilson and a picture of the River City Challenge  during home movies I asked before the official RFI, RFP of Shipyards that if anyone wanted to use the existing floating dock at Shipyards for personal or commercial purposes could you. I was told by Tony Allegretti and Paul Crawford "NO. NO. NO" Back me up on that one Scott. OK!

How about the Jim Love, Kevin Kuzel, 26' Berkman floating dock compromise (SHIPYARDS III) misrepresented by OGC to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting during the 2013 FIND grant application process.

Hey! FBI RICO guys. You out there? The circumventing of our ad valorem property taxes for immediate and direct personal gain through Boards, Trusts, Foundations in a conspiracy to defraud the People from Public, Private economic opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL Initiative in our new highly restricted DIA zone. I'm never ever going to promote our River Downtown again.

[Noone]

DIA Board meeting one day out. Anyone going? They have been to say the least sparsely attended.

Looking forward to welcoming Aundra Wallace to Jacksonville.

[thelakelander]

I may try to make the next meeting. Lately, my work schedule just hasn't aligned with their meeting times.

[Noone]

Just 2 hours out. Anyone going? Has anyone seen an agenda? 5pm 1st floor city hall.