by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The debut of a redesigned, easier to navigate, more user-friendly Web site for Downtown Vision, Inc. (DVI) was one of the items on the agenda at the organization’s quarterly operations meeting Wednesday.
The new site takes advantage of Google’s location-based and event-based on-line services to allow visitors to plan a trip Downtown by mapping parking, dining and destination venues. The site’s new location-based services also integrate directly with iPhone’s built-in mapping and GPS features allowing real-time navigation directions based on the user’s current location.
DVI Director of District Services Amy Harrell said the new Web site includes information on every business Downtown as well as links if available. She urged all business owners to visit www.downtownjacksonville.org to verify their information and notify DVI immediately if there are any discrepancies.
“We want to make our Web site as accurate as possible,” she said.
West Adams Street is about to get 10 new trash receptacles courtesy of DVI. Harrell said the old concrete litter bins will soon be removed and replaced with more attractive $1,000-a-copy receptacles that will provide pedestrians a place to dispose of litter and cigarette butts. Smoking litter has been identified as a major cleanliness issue Downtown and the new trash cans should help with that issue, said Harrell, who added the design of the new receptacles does not exactly fit the specifications of the Downtown Master Plan, “But they should work better.”
Paul Crawford, deputy director of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC), said receptacles for smokers will soon be installed at City buildings and the new outdoor ashtrays will be paid for with a federal grant.
DVI has purchased a pair of Segways (2-wheeled “personal transporters”) that will be used to improve the mobility of Downtown Ambassadors on the Northbank Riverwalk and on the Southbank and is distributing 30,000 new Ambassadors information cards for visitors.
In addition to listing the services provided by the people in the orange shirts and pith helmets, the cards also include a list of suggestions for personal safety ranging from “never flash your cash” to “cross the street or change directions if you feel unsafe.”
“We got the idea from Atlanta,” said Harrell. “It’s all common sense stuff.”
She also said DVI is currently working with the JEDC and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to develop a pilot program to increase police presence Downtown. Beginning next month, off-duty police officers will be hired to work four nights a week and accompany Ambassadors. The sworn officers will provide a more rapid response to calls such as trespassing, panhandling, drinking in public and other nuisance crimes, Harrell said.
Crawford also announced one of Downtown’s green spaces will soon see some changes. The park at the corner of Newnan and Forsyth streets near the Florida Theatre has become a Fraternal Order of Police project. It will be renovated and then become the site of a memorial to Jacksonville’s fallen police officers.
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