Jax and Coronavirus

[77danj7]

don't forget those hart bridge ramps are coming down now too - no slow down there   

[jaxjags]

I drove through downtown this evening, because i've not been by my office in a month, and there was a lot of construction activity going on.  Vystar, Jefferson Station, the Brooklyn hotel, the BCBS garage, site work for FIS, the southbank apts, baptist...etc  I hope we keep this momentum and aren't derailed by the economic fallout of the virus.

Having been out of Jax for 4 months, I had a chance to go DT today. Yes, a lot going on in Brooklyn and Southbank. Actually looks impressive from Park Street. Wish we had the same activity in Central Core DT. Then we would really have something to talk about.

Anyone have any updates on the Trio and the revised incentives?

[Ken_FSU]

^I have a bad feeling that the Trio is going to be a very, very long way off.

The Barnett cost over 40% more than expected, and apparently structural and water damage to the Trio is worse than originally thought.

Throw in the fact that it's going to be a long time before we truly understood how hotels and restaurants are going to rebound, I don't know, I don't see this one happening any time soon, even if the city and Southeast re-work the incentives.

Also, random question:

Does anyone know if parking enforcement is out these days downtown?

Asking for a friend.

[Florida Power And Light]

Yesterday, while lounging in my spacious Avondale front yard, a couple and their young child amble down the street.........they stop at the flower bed that flows over to the street public space, polite...... I announce and instruct, " Pick a flower!, go ahead".
And she does, and all is Wonderful, and I am thinking, having just returned from a Fresh Market Grocery run, having noted how the Fresh Market area Apartments or whatever they are marketed as appear as prison cells, and then thinking, per a Jaxson Thread, that Density indeed sucks.

[Ken_FSU]

Anyone know who's moving into the Greenleaf & Crosby Building on Laura Street, next to Snyder Memorial?

Such a great spot.

I've heard a new long-term tenant has signed on the space, and there's construction going on currently, but I've got no clue who's moving in.

[thelakelander]

I haven't heard anything about it.

[Steve]

The John Phillips law firm is moving into the building and turning the roof over the 2nd or 3rd floor into an outdoor deck for them. I don't know of anything on the ground floor.

[Ken_FSU]

^Thanks for the info, Steve.

Glad that it leaves the ground-level space for retail use.

[Ken_FSU]

Details on the city's plan for the $159 million federal CARE grant.

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/currys-dollar159-million-stimulus-includes-dollar1-000-payments-fee-cuts-library-fine-forgiveness-and-more

I like how it continues to making testing a priority.

Our numbers are a huge success, both in terms of testing and new cases, and widespread testing is going to be key to managing another outbreak and getting people back to work.

I also like how it balances supporting people, supporting businesses, and trying to regain some development momentum.

The stimulus for organizations operating in city-owned facilities will be the most interesting to watch.

From the Times-Union:

It would also set aside $20 million for organizations that operate in city-owned facilities, like the Jacksonville Zoo or the Jacksonville Jaguars, that have been financially hurt by closures. However, the council would have to approve separate legislation before this money could be awarded.

Elsbury said the city will accept applications from entities that operate city-owned facilities that have experienced revenue loss as a result from the government-mandated shutdowns. Curry's administration will review each application and create a proposal to distribute the money that will need to be approved by the council.

Elsbury said eligible entities include the Jacksonville Zoo, the Museum for Contemporary Art Jacksonville, the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Veterans Memorial Arena, Daily's Place amphitheater, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Not opposed to it in principal - particularly for the Zoo, MOCA, Symphony, the Jumbo Shrimp, and even Daily's Place - but if this ends with the Jags getting $10 million in rent abatement and 6% of the total stimulus package, that would be ABSURD.

Don't want to bash them for something they might not do though, and hopefully they don't have the nerve to put in an application.

That said, setting aside $20 millon (half the amount we're setting the side for 40,000 individual payments) feels like a lot if the Jags aren't going to be asking for stimulus.

[jaxlongtimer]

If they support operators of City owned facilities, I hope they include our cultural institutions that rely on those same facilities such as the Jacksonville Symphony, FSCJ Artist Series, etc. in addition to cultural institutions that operate in other facilities such as the Florida Theater, Cummer Museum, etc.

[MusicMan]

How have the Jaguars been hurt by closures?

[Charles Hunter]

If they get a percentage the gate or parking or concessions from events at Daily's Place, that would be one "loss".

[JaxAvondale]

How have the Jaguars been hurt by closures?

At this point, I would have to say no. I think that they have likely saved money. Every team can invite up to 30 players from the draft. The teams pay for travel expenses. Their scouting department has been grounded since March 13th. So, no travel expenses there either.

[Florida Power And Light]

Bike riding in the neighborhood has been Grand thanks to reduced traffic.I had forgotten how it could be.
Will remember this when looking to move away at retirement; Bikeable

[Adam White]

Bike riding in the neighborhood has been Grand thanks to reduced traffic.I had forgotten how it could be.
Will remember this when looking to move away at retirement; Bikeable

I have noticed that, too. I live on a busy road and there is little to no cycling infrastructure where I live. I have been able to cycle on the roads and it has been so much less stressful!