Jackson Square - Commuter Rail - The next step

[Ocklawaha]

It's coming JACKSONVILLE! Just an FYI that it looks like our first "real" TOD at JACKSON SQUARE is dead serious and ready to start putting down the stakes.

Signs are up on the FLORIDA EAST COAST that the FDOT is holding hearings (I think Nov 13th) to CLOSE the troublesome RIVER OAKS railroad crossing. Nothing would make the neighbors happier, and the FEC officials will be dancing around the office. It also makes a much better Commuter Rail or Light Rail stop with the crossing gone.

OCKLAWAHA

[JeffreyS]

I know lots of people will be happy to see this.

[jacksonvilleconfidential]

I cant wait. Im sure you will keep us posted on whatever happens Nov. 13th.

[Jason]

Is the transit element moving forward as well?  Its not a TOD without that.

[Ocklawaha]

Yes, on the part of the City, they are finally getting their collective act together and making some firm plans. The real trouble is Tallahassee and the fact that they refuse to sign a Commuter Rail deal for Orlando (read : OR JAX or TPA or MIA or ...) Without that agreement, we'll rot while other states take the money and run.

OCKLAWAHA

[thelakelander]

If Tallahassee is the problem, don't worry.  They''ll sign that Orlando deal before the end of next summer.  What we need to be doing in the meantime is getting our plans together.  This way, when everything falls in place, we'll be ready to go.

[Coolyfett]

It's coming JACKSONVILLE! Just an FYI that it looks like our first "real" TOD at JACKSON SQUARE is dead serious and ready to start putting down the stakes.

Signs are up on the FLORIDA EAST COAST that the FDOT is holding hearings (I think Nov 13th) to CLOSE the troublesome RIVER OAKS railroad crossing. Nothing would make the neighbors happier, and the FEC officials will be dancing around the office. It also makes a much better Commuter Rail or Light Rail stop with the crossing gone.

OCKLAWAHA

Ock you sound pretty confident dude. What does this all mean? I this you "hoping" or is this official business? Tell us more?

[Ocklawaha]

Tell us more?

Mark my words, it's coming. Can't say much more - just remember as the resident Old Hippie - I have high friends in places... er? Did I say that right? Oh well.

Won't be tomorrow, but rail is coming back to Jacksonville in a HUGE way - that's about all I have right now, a cloudy crystal ball.

OCKLAWAHA

[Coolyfett]

Do you think the South leg of the Skyway will terminate there?

[Ocklawaha]

I believe so, the expansion studies are already in house - all that's missing is the political will to apply.

OCKLAWAHA

[Charles Hunter]

I'd be surprised if (1) the south line of the Skyway is extended, but (2) if extended, it goes beyond Atlantic Blvd.  Did they leave a gap between the new hotels and the Kings garage?  (I haven't been down that way since the hotels have come out of the ground.)

Back to the railroad crossing - who initiated this closing request?