Jim Bailey: Welcome to Potholeville

[thelakelander]

Jim Bailey has some advice for Mayor Brown...

From the publisher: James F. Bailey Jr.

If Mayor Alvin Brown has his way, Jacksonville might soon become known as "Potholeville."
Brown quickly followed his proposed 2013-14 City budget, which includes no funds for resurfacing of existing city roads, with an announcement that he wants to end the 6-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax when it expires in August 2016.

Brown's zero dollars to fill potholes and repave or repair roads will be damaging to many Jacksonville neighborhoods. There is no question it will have a negative impact on business development.

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=540230

[ChriswUfGator]

The potholes are already ridiculous I can't imagine how it could get any worse, but I guess we're going to find out aren't we.

[mbwright]

one more thing that has no maintainance or upkeep budgeted....So you mean to tell me that the better Jax plan did not fix all of the roads?  Are they already falling apart?

[tufsu1]

one more thing that has no maintainance or upkeep budgeted....So you mean to tell me that the better Jax plan did not fix all of the roads?  Are they already falling apart?

Better Jax Plan paid for acpital improvements (new or widened roads)....optional local govt sales tax revenues generally can not be used for operations and maintenance in Florida

[thelakelander]

Perhaps the council and Brown should call up KFC?

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- Don't be surprised if you see Col. Sanders out filling potholes. In an unusual cause-marketing push, KFC is tackling the pothole problem in Louisville, Ky. in exchange for stamping the fresh pavement with "Re-freshed by KFC," a chalky stencil likely to fade away in the next downpour.

"This program is a perfect example of that rare and optimal occurrence when a company can creatively market itself and help local governments and everyday Americans across the country," said Javier Benito, exec VP-marketing and food innovation at KFC. Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson noted in a statement that budgets are tight for cities across the country, and finding funding for road repairs is a dirty job. "It's great to have a concerned corporation like KFC create innovative private/public partnerships like this pothole refresh program."

The KFC program appears to be part of a growing body of consumer-service marketing that connects in a meaningful way. This past holiday season, Charmin provided a public restroom in Times Square for the third year running. The company has also developed an application for iPhone and BlackBerry that helps consumers find toilets when the need arises. Samsung has installed electrical charging stations in many major airports to help travelers stay connected while in limbo.

full article: http://adage.com/article/news/a-pothole-filled-city-call-kfc/135534/

[urbaknight]

I'm all for a moratorium on building and widening roads, but we at least should fix potholes! You know what this is? It's a subsidy for the auto repair industry!

[thelakelander]

If it has to be spent on roads, perhaps it should be tied to context sensitive/complete street/lane diet resurfacing projects. Road lobby still gets their cash and streets get safer for all.

[Cheshire Cat]

If it has to be spent on roads, perhaps it should be tied to context sensitive/complete street/lane diet resurfacing projects Road lobby still gets their cash and streets get safer for all.

There you go with that "responsible" approach to our city's issues again Ennis.    I completely agree and continue to wonder why folks who are responsible to us for a good system of streets fail to come up with ideas like this.