• The JEDC received its first monthly payment on a $50,000 development loan from owners of Eclate Tuesday. The Bay Street jazz club is still two months behind. JEDC spokesperson Jean Moyer said they would be contacting owners to find out why.
• City Council member Art Graham has been keeping a close eye on the JEDC committees, sitting through a combined six hours of presentations Monday and Tuesday. He wants to see more accountability and thinks small business projects should be evaluated by a body separate from the commission. “We have people like Susan Hartley . . . Brad Glass . . . Bob Rhodes sitting on the commission giving the benefit of their expertise for free. To have them listening to a proposal for $10,000 to open a hair-style shop is a waste of their time,” said Graham.
• A real estate market analyst firm hired by the City to evaluate Brooklyn sees potential to develop a market for office space in the neighborhood north of Riverside Avenue. However, Economics Research Associates acknowledged the area has some ground to make up. Office vacancy in the area is up 10 percent to 19.8 percent over the past four years.
• City Council president Lad Daniels recognized fellow Council members Warren Alvarez and Kevin Hyde for their contributions during his term as president. Alvarez was commended for his work on the small and disadvantaged business legislation, while Hyde was honored for being the Council floor leader during regular meetings and also for spearheading living wage legislation.
• With City Council’s unanimous opposition to dumping any debris from the old Fuller Warren Bridge into the St. Johns River, Water Management District representatives said they plan to acknowledge that opposition during their July 8 board meeting. “We are always glad to hear from our elected officials and as this issue is further reviewed, we plan to add them to the list of parties who object to that proposal.” Over 35 individuals and public entities are already on that list.
• The Ronald McDonald House on the Southbank officially opens its third floor today with a tour and luncheon for board members and third floor donors.
• Apologies to Fire Chief Richard Barrett. We misidentified him in a photo cutline Wednesday.
• Reminder: the Together We Can luncheon is scheduled for today at The University Club, beginning at 11:20 a.m. Scheduled speakers are Director Frank Mackesy from the sheriff’s office, and business leader and community activist Doug Milne. The coalition was founded in 1995 as a grass-roots organization seeking rights for victims in the criminal justice system.