from Staff
The Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) meets today to consider several projects including major improvements to Metropolitan Park and Gator Bowl Boulevard near Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.
The proposed improvements at Metropolitan Park provide for reconstruction of the existing facility and include the “Children’s Discovery” area for open play, redesign of the entry plaza and an enhanced performance lawn area adjacent to the existing stage and WJCT building.
The Metropolitan Park project, as an element of the Downtown Action Plan item, is intended to be compatible with the Downtown Master Plan goals by providing improvements that will revitalize the area by supporting the neighborhood concept and making Downtown a destination for the entire range of incomes. The project will also provide spaces that are flexible for both passive and programmed uses including festivals, boat shows, music concerts and other events. Additionally the proposed design will address both access to the river and the marina.
The City’s Department of Public Works has applied to extend and widen 2,950 feet of the existing sidewalk along the north side of Gator Bowl Boulevard from A. Philip Randolph Avenue to East Duval Street. The purpose is to better accommodate pedestrian traffic during sports and entertainment events.
On a broader scale for changing the look of Downtown, DDRB will also consider a concept to install new wayfinding signage throughout the Central Business District. The objective is to make navigating Downtown more user-friendly and less intimidating.
The plans for location and design were developed with the collaboration of stakeholders, Downtown Vision, Inc., the Florida Department of Transportation and several City departments including Public Works, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Special Events and SMG, the company that manages the City’s sports and entertainment facilities.
Also on today’s DDRB agenda:
• Request for final approval of Phase 1 of the Brooklyn infrastructure improvements.
• Request for final approval of the First Baptist Academy recreation area including the sports field safety net and landscape screen.
• Request for conceptual and final approval of modifications to Bay Street and Ocean Street as part of the East Bay Street improvement project.
The meeting will come to order at 2 p.m. in the JEDC conference room on the second floor of the Police & Fire Pension Fund Building at 1 W. Adams St. All interested persons are invited to attend.