The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and Downtown Vision Inc. have combined efforts to create a list of priorities for Downtown. Ron Barton, JEDC executive director, explained the following list of initiatives isn’t in an order of importance, but rather resembles dominoes — meaning the final steps, or objectives, can’t be reached unless the beginning of the list is addressed.
The following list of initiatives is a summary of the 2007 Downtown Action Plan, which Barton and his staff created by taking the input from five separate task forces, all made up of Downtown retailers, residents and property owners and all charged with carefully examining a single aspect of Downtown living and working.
Barton said many of the items on the list have been implemented or are in various stages of implementation. However, as a whole Barton said, it’s time to stop talking about the items on the list and start doing them.
• Enhance the level of service for “clean and safe” programs
• Develop and implement a comprehensive streetscape plan
• Convert one-way streets to two-way streets
• Create a Riverwalk enhancement plan
• Improve Downtown connectivity by an enhanced trolley system and complementary Bus Rapid Transit system
• Enhance event programming
• Improve wayfarer signage
• Refine approval process and create one-stop shop approach
• Promote workforce housing
• Implement innovative parking programs and parking management initiatives
• Update and implement stormwater management plan
• Initiate a Downtown marketing strategy that emphasizes Downtown districts
• Engage in active, targeted retail recruitment
• Develop an enact a master plan for Metropolitan Park/Kids Kampus
• Redevelop the Friendship Fountain area
• Improve connections from the “emerald necklace” to the river and upland activity nodes
• Identify and facilitate large-scale, catalyst projects
• Create more marine-themed activities and improve marine linkage