by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
After saying he felt he needs to make no apologies for reversing his position on bringing a Navy master jet base back to Cecil Field, Mayor John Peyton encouraged everyone to vote “no” on the non-binding referendum Nov. 7.
Peyton made the remarks at Friday morning’s meeting of the Downtown Council of the Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s a mayor’s job to pursue opportunities,” said Peyton of his initial support, then added that in the final analysis, it doesn’t make any sense to transfer more than $1 billion worth of real estate to the Navy considering the residential and commercial development that has occurred since the base was vacated. He also pointed out that many new homes would have to be relocated or sound-proofed due to the high noise levels associated with a jet fighter base.
“Why should Jacksonville taxpayers pay for the federal government’s mistake?” said Peyton.
He added that it’s his experience that voters have a tendency to “do the right thing,” and predicted the measure will be defeated.
Peyton also said that when it comes to preservation or revitalization in Springfield, he supports revitalization in most cases. Unoccupied buildings present public safety issues and many have been waiting for years for preservation, “just because there is a nice mantle over the fireplace.”
Peyton also addressed the recent changes in Downtown development including the Landing parking agreement, moving the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and the Planning department to the Haverty’s Building and the impending sale of the Laura Trio.
“There has been major public investment in Downtown for many years and now we’re starting to see a return. We’re starting to see a tremendous amount of private investment,” he said.
On the issue of public safety, Peyton pointed out that data from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office indicates violent crime has actually decreased by 50 percent compared to 15 years ago and said, “If you’re not in a violent relationship or in the drug trade, you’re pretty safe in Jacksonville.”