by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
Jacksonville’s new Main Library has provided a boost for businesses in the surrounding Hemming Plaza area. But the library’s new neighbors still complain that a lack of parking still holds the area back.
The City opened the $95 million library in November with hopes that it would draw people downtown. A little more than a month later, several proprietors in the area said they’re impressed with the crowded sidewalks outside their stores.
“There’s a lot more foot traffic outside without a doubt,” said Gregory Vaccaro, owner of Gus and Co. Shoe and Luggage Repair located a block south of the library.
Those crowds haven’t yet had a major impact on Vaccaro’s sales, he said. But he thinks his business will eventually reap the benefits of the added attention.
“I’ve had a few more people walk in and probably sold a couple more shoeshines,” said Vaccaro. “But now those people know we’re here. In time, that will bring more business my way.”
Next door to the library, inside the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, Cafe Nola has also benefited from the library crowds. Sous Chef Kathy Collins said the restaurant has drawn more customers since the library opened its doors.
Collins is reserving judgment on the library’s long-term benefits. The strong crowds lately might also be a result of the holiday season, she said. But server Carolyn Brass said the library has so far helped fill up tables while attracting a different clientele to Cafe Nola.
“Most of what we get here are people on their lunch hour from banks or law firms,” said Brass. “We’re seeing more families and kids. We had the Garden Club recently do a day at the library and follow it up with lunch here.”
As Brass was speaking, she was interrupted by a phone reservation for 10 people. The caller told her they were visiting the library first then Cafe Nola. The caller got the reservation but had one question Brass couldn’t answer.
“She said she had a wheelchair in their party and wanted to know where to park,” said Brass. “I told them if they’re lucky enough to find a two-hour meter, that they might have to park two blocks away or 10 blocks away.”
A lack of parking in the area was cited by nearly all the proprietors polled Wednesday. It’s a problem for employees in the area as well who can’t afford the $80 monthly rates in the library garage or its $10 daily rate. Brass said Nola’s staff shuffle all day back and forth across Laura Street to the parking meters.
Vaccaro agreed that parking is the biggest complaint he hears, but safety concerns run a close second. He thinks the library may have brought more homeless people to Hemming Plaza, increasing panhandling in the area.
“They have to address the homeless issue here. You can’t just shush them away,” he said. “People want to feel like they can walk to their cars without feeling harassed or getting mugged.”
Crime is a minor concern even inside the library where the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Inc. set up the Booktique used book store in a retail space in the Main Library’s entrance.
Store manager Sharon Futch said she’s had problems with shoplifting due to the shop’s wide-open front. Still, she said the location inside the Main Library has been a Godsend to the organization, which counts on sales of used books to further its mission supporting Jacksonville’s public library system.
Futch, also the executive director of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Inc., said the retail space has provided the nonprofit with a steady revenue stream. The Friends’ major fundraiser is an annual used book sale at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.
“(Booktique) allows us to sell all year long as opposed to once a year,” she said.