by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
City Council member Suzanne Jenkins wants your input as development strategies on the Southbank continue to take shape. Organized by Jenkins and non-profit group JaxPride, a workshop involving property owners, business partners and residents will take place at the Radisson from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Billed as a “Charette Workshop,” Jenkins said presentations will be made by Granvil Tracy, developer of high rise residential projects the Strand and the Peninsula, and Steve Pardo, principal owner of Riverwalk Hotels, who is eying $500 million area development San Marco Riverwalk Village.
Also confirmed to speak at the workshop are JEA representatives who will detail their efforts to sell their waterfront property located near the School Board building.
“I think it’s very important for people to understand what’s happening right now on the Southbank,” said Jenkins. “There’s obviously a lot coming our way and people need to have their say and be heard.”
After the presentations conclude, Jenkins said attendees will be asked to break into small groups. There, while viewing an aerial Southbank photo, she said ideas and information will be exchanged.
Specific areas of concern, said Jenkins, may include Kings Avenue, Friendship Park and Riverplace Boulevard.
“This is where we’ll work toward
getting our blueprint for success,” she said. “Sure, there is already a lot in the planning stages, but there is certainly plenty left. What do we want to happen? What should it look like? This is how we move forward together and get a look at the big picture.”
Michael Munz, who represents San Marco Riverwalk Village, agreed, saying he looks forward to getting as much public input as possible.
“That reason that we’re helping sponsor and participating in the workshop is simple,” he said. “The river is one of our greatest assets, if not the greatest. We absolutely want the public to be involved as we determine its best use and move forward in further developing it.”
For more information or to RSVP, contact JaxPride at 398-4646 or by email at [email protected]. The event is free and refreshments will be served.