by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Mayor John Peyton and City Council president Elaine Brown will view an updated draft of the LaVilla master plan today.
Advocated by Brown for years, the redevelopment plan took a large step forward last year when design firm Cooper Carry presented its vision for the subdistrict.
Basing its research on various studies and surveys, residential and parking garage components played a vital role in the Cooper Carry plan.
Brown said the Florida Department of Transportation, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and the Downtown Development Authority will add their own spin on those designs during today’s meeting.
“When they meet with us, I expect some changes with respect to the way the automated Skyway is incorporated,” she said. “Obviously, parking garages will play a large role in making it a much more viable form of transportation.”
Earlier this year, the transportation entities also touted the possibility of a multi-modal transportation hub in LaVilla.
Brown said that hub is still a possibility.
“If done properly, we should be able to encourage people from all parts of town to come downtown and visit places like JMoMA and the new Main Library without having to circle for a parking space.”
At the meeting, Brown said she also expects an updated LaVilla land inventory.
“That was one of the things we charged the DOT to do,” she said. “We need to know who owns all of that land before we can move forward. I’m sure the City owns some of it, but I’m sure there are also some private investors in there.”
Project funding is also being discussed, though it will likely come from several sources once a final plan has been secured.
“And that plan is looking good,” said Brown. “We’re getting close.”
In April, Brown said federal money would likely cover 80 percent of the hub’s $50 million budget. The rest would be paid by the City and the State.
Brown added that whatever direction LaVilla takes, the Osborn Center will not be impacted.
“That has definitely been one of our major concerns while we continue to develop our plan,” she said. “We won’t do anything that would prevent the convention center from ever doubling in size. It will still have the ability to grow.
“Our plans will also make sure that a hotel could be built near it at the appropriate time.”