Urban Construction Update - January 2014

[HangingMoth]

For what it's worth:
I like my leaky roof and ill kept lawn (there is a certain beauty to a little unkemptness).  My family hails from the hills of West Virginia and the the fertile fields of central Ohio, but I am thankful that Florida is where we ended up. And of all the places in Florida, I very much appreciate that Jacksonville has become my hometown. I like the diversity of our history, the legacy of corruption, and the blue collar population. I think that there is a mixture of sincerity and authenticity that makes our city an interesting place to live. True, there are a lot of elements that make living in Jacksonville frustrating, but....the bigger picture tells me that from the inside looking out, we have it pretty good.
I don't like that we are so insecure that we believe that to be an interesting city we have to do x, y or z. We should be secure in knowing that Jacksonville is making progress, slow progress, but progress non the less. As I see it the self flagellation of constantly telling our selves that we are not worthy is getting old. It does no good. We should embrace our positive attributes, as well as, evaluate our negatives and realize that city building is a messy process. I for one thoroughly enjoy reading metrojax and have learned more about the history of Jacksonville here than anywhere else. I look forward to the Urban Construction Updates and all the other articles because I enjoy living in Jacksonville, for better or worse.
In summation, I think that there are certain cities suited for certain people. If you have a hair dresser and need constant stimulation to feel good about yourself, than maybe Jacksonville is not the place for you. But if your a little rough around the edges  and not distracted by anything shiny than maybe Jacksonville's beautiful landscape, comfortable climate, laid back atmosphere and rich history is just the place for you. Anyways, I very much like reading metrojax and appreciate the hard work that goes into helping to inform the citizens of Jacksonville, keep up the good fight......Peace.

[Scrub Palmetto]

^Hear, hear! (Minus the hairdresser part, which I have a hunch would offend me if only I knew what it meant.)

[Chaz1969]

construction on the southbank riverwalk has resumed, but the news about 1) no deal with crown plaza and 2) now it'll be half as long is very disappointing.  http://www.news4jax.com/news/southbank-riverwalk-being-torn-down-wont-be-completed/-/475880/24355082/-/myv8qdz/-/index.html

[thelakelander]

Wow. That sucks. Is it possible to build the school board portion on ground and next to the river, instead of over it?

[Charles Hunter]

Why can't the City just tell Crown Plaza to get over themselves, and proceed with the Riverwalk?  COJ ever hear of eminent domain?  Or is that just for tearing down historic structures?

[exnewsman]

Has anyone heard what retail will be moving into the Five Points Village shopping center when its done? Same places as before (obviously not Firehouse) or all new places?