Pause on Hemming Plaza for 5 minutes, please! Its the River that matters most!

[mtraininjax]

Guest column: The city needs a sustainable riverfront

Every great city has an icon, a brand, a symbol, something that makes it memorable.
In Jacksonville, it's the riverfront.

Think about it.

Whenever you see a picture of downtown Jacksonville, it's almost always taken from a perspective that features the riverfront.

It's downtown's best asset.

We encourage you to make your voices heard to ensure that we wisely use and develop our riverfront.

Downtown can become the kind of vibrant center that is attractive to everyone.

Recently, One Spark transformed the urban core. Exciting developments like 220 Riverside, Brooklyn Riverside and the Riverside YMCA are redefining the urban landscape.

But we can't forget our riverfront.

RIVERFRONT HAS GREAT POTENTIAL

Great public spaces encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

The local chapters of the American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute are promoting a national trend that places new emphasis on the connection between our health and the way our communities are designed and built.

"Land developers can do more to provide health care than doctors, who cannot change people's lives. Developers can change people's lives," according to Richard Jackson, chairman of UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health.

Jackson recently spoke in Jacksonville as part of the Urban Land Institute's new Building Healthy Places Initiative.

Our riverfront is a linear park with fantastic potential. It must be made wider in places, have more shade and be developed to create memorable experiences.Residents tell us they want places to jog, bike and walk their dogs.

Great public spaces also take advantage of their unique location.

They are integrated into the built environment with entertainment and spots to enjoy a good meal as well as easy pedestrian linkages to city streets and venues.

This is an exciting time in downtown as projects along the riverfront are gaining traction: redevelopment of The Jacksonville Landing and the former county courthouse site, interest in the Shipyards, Metropolitan Park enhancements, restoration of the Southbank Riverwalk and development of the JEA property.

PLANNING IS KEY

In total, we are fortunate to have more than 115 acres of vacant publicly owned land on the riverfront. The land gives us a tremendous opportunity for good planning.

We can't just look at development on a project-by-project basis.

A dynamic riverfront that truly creates a memorable symbol of our city's success and identity will only grow out of a cohesive vision and coordinated approach to development that takes the entire area into account.

It cannot be left to chance.

If we are to raise downtown's profile, increase the value of surrounding land and make the sum of the riverfront stronger than its parts, a shared vision must be our goal.

Like citizens of other great cities, we believe that you always save your best land for the public.

We'll never have an opportunity like this to create engaging public spaces on the riverfront again.

We need to ensure that the riverfront stays front and center in the conversation about downtown redevelopment.

The authors are:

■ Brenna Durden, Florida Redevelopment Association

■ Margaret Jennesse, Urban Land Institute North Florida

■ Terry Lorince, Downtown Vision, Inc.

■ Chung Rutter, American Institute of Architects

■ Ben Warner, Jacksonville Community Council Inc.

[Bolles_Bull]

Hear, hear!  Let's make sure we can all help encourage turnout and support among these civic organizations that are rallying the community to make our voices heard.  Jacksonville wants this kind of supportive, connected, energized urban fabric.  The demand is there, we just need to turn out in large enough numbers so our city leaders can wake up to the fact.  I think weve made alot of progress in the last year or two towards this but we need to push harder to get real RECOGNIZED cultural change.  ~gets off soapbox...

[thelakelander]

I'd argue that the proper planning for infill and coordination of the riverfront between the Acosta and Hyatt hotel is of more importance than the Shipyards and JEA sites. Both are on the fringe of downtown. The key to having a vibrant riverfront within the next 10-15 years is creating a compact pedestrian scale setting with a slew of complementing uses and destinations in the heart of the core and then expanding out from there.

Nevertheless, the JEA/Shipyards sites should be included in a coordinated, comprehensive plan of the entire riverfront. At this point, we continue to piecemeal and blow a lot of money and public trust doing it.

As for this thread's title, Jax should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. We should be able to improve both Hemming and the riverfront.

[fieldafm]

As for this thread's title, Jax should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. We should be able to improve both Hemming and the riverfront.

Absolutely agree. Both are important. Both need to be made better.

I look at Houston and Pittsburgh as good examples of this. Both have made substantial improvements to their central public space downtown (aplty named Market Square in both cities) and the waterfront linear public spaces that allow for a variety of active and passive uses.


Houston's Market Square (which is tremendously similar to Hemming)




Houston's Buffalo Bayou (more similar to Hogan's Creek)




Pittsburgh's Market Square (and to much chagrin of several people in this town, people hang out and play chess there too)




Pittsburgh's riverfront





Believe me, neither city has better physical assets to work with than Jax. In fact, the first time I went to both... I left angry that if those jokers could do it, then its just a matter of Jax needing to DECIDE to do it instead of talking about it ad nauseum like some kind of ridiculous chicken and egg conundrum.

[Jtetlak]

I'm happy to see other people interested in the Riverfront and what it can do for our city! I've been spending a lot of time meeting with people who have ideas for the Shipyards property to make sure that we have a unified approach to developing sites on the river. Instead of dealing with ideas on a project by project basis, I think it is important to have an all encompassing plan in place first. I know most people will agree that there needs to be more preservation of the river, but showcasing the river more will benefit the city as well. Personally, I've looked into ideas for creating a beach downtown, a floating pool (like the one being built by pluspool.org), and installing underwater turbines as an alternative energy source. Learn more about my ideas at www.tetlak.com and let me know what ideas you have as well!

[fieldafm]

Instead of dealing with ideas on a project by project basis, I think it is important to have an all encompassing plan in place first.

You're basically describing something we've been talking about for years when referring to the Columbus Commons model.

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/mobile/article/2010-aug-what-to-do-with-the-shipyards

Take the shipyards and JEA properties... carve it up like you want it (for instance- put in a street grid on the JEA property-this will save everyone from a scenario that a developer puts a big suburban office park on that space, and in the case of the Shipyards carve up seperate parcels-nothing stoping a developer from buying some or all parcels), use public money to go ahead and complete whatever public space you want (Shipyards property would include finishing the Riverwalk and opening up the public pier for instance) and let the property evolve naturally depending on market forces and driven by the community's overall plan/wants/needs for these publicly owned lands.

[Scrub Palmetto]

As for this thread's title, Jax should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. We should be able to improve both Hemming and the riverfront.

A-friggin-men to that! And not only Hemming and the riverfront, but Hogans Creek and McCoy's Creek I think deserve at least as much TLC after so many decades of neglect. The riverfront has been a pleasant place to go my entire life. Visits to these creeks have been mostly depressing.

Imagine the transformation that's possible.

Brush Creek here in Kansas City looked like this from the 1930s to the 1990s (photo from the 1970s). It was capped with concrete, it was ugly, and it had major flooding problems -- deadly, costly floods. Here's how it looks now, after removing the cap and creating a series of low dams to create wide pools, and of course park improvements and flooding improvements all along it. Here's a 360 view from the newer pedestrian bridge that replaced the one in the 1970s photo, and another shot further downstream. It's 4 miles of this, and it's been well over $100 million of investment. These improvements are ongoing, and I've seen major transformations just in my 3 years here.

I realize Hogans Creek is quite different and has its own challenges, but I have doubts that it would be nearly as costly to completely transform the 2 miles of it between the river and 8th St into the kind of destination Klutho imagined it. McCoy's, too. We can do this.

[mtraininjax]

At this point, we continue to piecemeal and blow a lot of money and public trust doing it.

Well, isnt that what is going on at Hemming Plaza right now? 1.2 million to a group of people to maintain a park that is barely used in comparison to the river, which is used by tourists, residents and for commercial use? When was the last time tourists went to Hemming Plaza and said, "hey, this is cool, I'll be back again"? Most would not be able to tell you Confederate Park from Hemming Plaza.

Downtown is not defined by 1 square block, its defined by the river, which flows over several blocks. Without the river, the city could have easily been established elsewhere, but the river defines Jacksonville, why not use it, play to its strengths and build upon it. Dollar for Dollar, citizens of Jacksonville will get more return in spending on creative solutions with the river, than 1 square block parks in downtown Jacksonville.

[Noone]

Guest column: The city needs a sustainable riverfront

Every great city has an icon, a brand, a symbol, something that makes it memorable.
In Jacksonville, it's the riverfront.

Think about it.

Whenever you see a picture of downtown Jacksonville, it's almost always taken from a perspective that features the riverfront.

It's downtown's best asset.

We encourage you to make your voices heard to ensure that we wisely use and develop our riverfront.

Downtown can become the kind of vibrant center that is attractive to everyone.

Recently, One Spark transformed the urban core. Exciting developments like 220 Riverside, Brooklyn Riverside and the Riverside YMCA are redefining the urban landscape.

But we can't forget our riverfront.

RIVERFRONT HAS GREAT POTENTIAL

Great public spaces encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

The local chapters of the American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute are promoting a national trend that places new emphasis on the connection between our health and the way our communities are designed and built.

"Land developers can do more to provide health care than doctors, who cannot change people's lives. Developers can change people's lives," according to Richard Jackson, chairman of UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health.

Jackson recently spoke in Jacksonville as part of the Urban Land Institute's new Building Healthy Places Initiative.

Our riverfront is a linear park with fantastic potential. It must be made wider in places, have more shade and be developed to create memorable experiences.Residents tell us they want places to jog, bike and walk their dogs.

Great public spaces also take advantage of their unique location.

They are integrated into the built environment with entertainment and spots to enjoy a good meal as well as easy pedestrian linkages to city streets and venues.

This is an exciting time in downtown as projects along the riverfront are gaining traction: redevelopment of The Jacksonville Landing and the former county courthouse site, interest in the Shipyards, Metropolitan Park enhancements, restoration of the Southbank Riverwalk and development of the JEA property.

PLANNING IS KEY

In total, we are fortunate to have more than 115 acres of vacant publicly owned land on the riverfront. The land gives us a tremendous opportunity for good planning.

We can't just look at development on a project-by-project basis.

A dynamic riverfront that truly creates a memorable symbol of our city's success and identity will only grow out of a cohesive vision and coordinated approach to development that takes the entire area into account.

It cannot be left to chance.

If we are to raise downtown's profile, increase the value of surrounding land and make the sum of the riverfront stronger than its parts, a shared vision must be our goal.

Like citizens of other great cities, we believe that you always save your best land for the public.

We'll never have an opportunity like this to create engaging public spaces on the riverfront again.

We need to ensure that the riverfront stays front and center in the conversation about downtown redevelopment.

The authors are:

■ Brenna Durden, Florida Redevelopment Association

■ Margaret Jennesse, Urban Land Institute North Florida

■ Terry Lorince, Downtown Vision, Inc.

■ Chung Rutter, American Institute of Architects

■ Ben Warner, Jacksonville Community Council Inc.

Too bad you didn't put the TU link.

The Public Trust has been completely destroyed in this community.

[thelakelander]

As for this thread's title, Jax should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. We should be able to improve both Hemming and the riverfront.

A-friggin-men to that! And not only Hemming and the riverfront, but Hogans Creek and McCoy's Creek I think deserve at least as much TLC after so many decades of neglect. The riverfront has been a pleasant place to go my entire life. Visits to these creeks have been mostly depressing.

Imagine the transformation that's possible.

Brush Creek here in Kansas City looked like this from the 1930s to the 1990s (photo from the 1970s). It was capped with concrete, it was ugly, and it had major flooding problems -- deadly, costly floods. Here's how it looks now, after removing the cap and creating a series of low dams to create wide pools, and of course park improvements and flooding improvements all along it. Here's a 360 view from the newer pedestrian bridge that replaced the one in the 1970s photo, and another shot further downstream. It's 4 miles of this, and it's been well over $100 million of investment. These improvements are ongoing, and I've seen major transformations just in my 3 years here.

I realize Hogans Creek is quite different and has its own challenges, but I have doubts that it would be nearly as costly to completely transform the 2 miles of it between the river and 8th St into the kind of destination Klutho imagined it. McCoy's, too. We can do this.

What a beautiful public space. Seems like most major cities across the US have done this with waterways similar in scale to Hogans and McCoys Creek. There's no reason we can't enhance those waterways, which would not only improve DT, but several distressed neighborhoods, such as Lackawanna, Mixon Town, Dennis Street, Sugar Hill, Brooklyn, etc.

[Noone]

Guest column: The city needs a sustainable riverfront

Every great city has an icon, a brand, a symbol, something that makes it memorable.
In Jacksonville, it's the riverfront.

Think about it.

Whenever you see a picture of downtown Jacksonville, it's almost always taken from a perspective that features the riverfront.

It's downtown's best asset.

We encourage you to make your voices heard to ensure that we wisely use and develop our riverfront.

Downtown can become the kind of vibrant center that is attractive to everyone.

Recently, One Spark transformed the urban core. Exciting developments like 220 Riverside, Brooklyn Riverside and the Riverside YMCA are redefining the urban landscape.

But we can't forget our riverfront.

RIVERFRONT HAS GREAT POTENTIAL

Great public spaces encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

The local chapters of the American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute are promoting a national trend that places new emphasis on the connection between our health and the way our communities are designed and built.

"Land developers can do more to provide health care than doctors, who cannot change people's lives. Developers can change people's lives," according to Richard Jackson, chairman of UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health.

Jackson recently spoke in Jacksonville as part of the Urban Land Institute's new Building Healthy Places Initiative.

Our riverfront is a linear park with fantastic potential. It must be made wider in places, have more shade and be developed to create memorable experiences.Residents tell us they want places to jog, bike and walk their dogs.

Great public spaces also take advantage of their unique location.

They are integrated into the built environment with entertainment and spots to enjoy a good meal as well as easy pedestrian linkages to city streets and venues.

This is an exciting time in downtown as projects along the riverfront are gaining traction: redevelopment of The Jacksonville Landing and the former county courthouse site, interest in the Shipyards, Metropolitan Park enhancements, restoration of the Southbank Riverwalk and development of the JEA property.

PLANNING IS KEY

In total, we are fortunate to have more than 115 acres of vacant publicly owned land on the riverfront. The land gives us a tremendous opportunity for good planning.

We can't just look at development on a project-by-project basis.

A dynamic riverfront that truly creates a memorable symbol of our city's success and identity will only grow out of a cohesive vision and coordinated approach to development that takes the entire area into account.

It cannot be left to chance.

If we are to raise downtown's profile, increase the value of surrounding land and make the sum of the riverfront stronger than its parts, a shared vision must be our goal.

Like citizens of other great cities, we believe that you always save your best land for the public.

We'll never have an opportunity like this to create engaging public spaces on the riverfront again.

We need to ensure that the riverfront stays front and center in the conversation about downtown redevelopment.

The authors are:

■ Brenna Durden, Florida Redevelopment Association

■ Margaret Jennesse, Urban Land Institute North Florida

■ Terry Lorince, Downtown Vision, Inc.

■ Chung Rutter, American Institute of Architects

■ Ben Warner, Jacksonville Community Council Inc.

Too bad you didn't put the TU link.

The Public Trust has been completely destroyed in this community.

2014-305 Introduced last night at city council.
This was the direct result of the 4/2/14 Noticed meeting on new Docking Rules. At this same meeting Margo with the administration, Paige, with OGC and Tera are in a mutual agreement about the penalties that will accompany this legislation.

Does anybody care?

Don Redman the Chair of Waterways was at this meeting and are the members of the Waterways Commission aware of this?

This legislation is time sensitive.

Are the CRA/DIA consultants aware of this?
The Public Trust is being completely and totally destroyed.
Pick and choose the winners and losers.
Visit Jacksonville? Welcome to Actionville!