by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission did something Thursday it hasn’t been able to do in a while.
It sent to City Council a development rights agreement that will lead to a new building on an existing vacant lot and a job-creating business Downtown that is based solely on private capital, with no City funds or tax incentives involved.
Main Street Development Inc. sought the agreement to build a 4,400-square-foot gas station and convenience store on Main Street between State and Union streets. Also on the blueprint is a sandwich shop and cafe with outdoor seating and a walk-up service window for pedestrians.
The conceptual design was approved in April by the JEDC Downtown Development Review Board. At that time, the developer was asked to modify the design to better fit within an urban theme.
The renderings presented to the commission showed enhanced landscaping, awnings and a kiosk where mass transit information and JTA Skyway and bus passes will be available.
Main Street Development principal Carla Bahri said she bought the property four years ago and at first tried to interest a fast-food franchise in the location, but the downward trend in the economy made that option nonviable.
“I’ve owned several gas stations and I think this would be a perfect location,” she said.
Commissioner Jack Meeks, who lives and owns a business near the site in Springfield, agreed.
He said most similar businesses in the area are “liquor stores slightly disguised as gas stations” and “hangouts for vagrants.”
“How will you deal with that?” he asked Bahri.
“I think this design will attract professionals who work Downtown. I think vagrants will be comfortable where they already shop,” she said.
Bahri said she believes the new store also will attract the 5,000 students who attend Florida State College at Jacksonville across the street. “This may be a stepping stone for other developers to come Downtown. Projects don’t have to be big. Smaller projects are what make downtowns.”
The JEDC also approved a $65 million bond issue for Genesis Health, doing business as Brooks Health System, that would be used to build a skilled nursing facility in Southside, creating 70 jobs, and make other improvements within the system.
Issuance of the bonds will not affect the City’s bond cap and there is no financial exposure for the City through the issuance of the bonds.
JEDC Executive Director Ron Barton reported about projects, including the proposal to rehabilitate the three historic buildings on Laura Street between Forsyth and Adams streets. Plans include a boutique hotel, a restaurant and residential units.
Barton said the developers have an option to purchase the property and were in “significant conversations with lenders. That’s where it stands.”
He also said the project would be a partnership between the developer and the City. “We’re going to look at it just like a bank would. There’s a lot of work to be done,” he said.
Barton also said he expects to break ground on the Friendship Park project in 30-45 days. “We’ll pull up some concrete with a backhoe, since that’s such a big part of the improvements,” he said.
Barton reported two “volunteers” have stepped forward to fill vacancies on the commission created by the departure of Brenda Ezell and Christopher Corr.
The names of Holland & Knight partner George Gabel and Cleveland Ferguson, a professor at Florida Coastal School of Law, will be presented to City Council for confirmation.
Barton also said the city has been adding employment.
“In the last year, even with the tough economy, we have created lots of good jobs.” said Barton.
He said the JEDC continues to work with Cornerstone, the economic development division of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. “I expect we’ll see some more announcements,” he said.
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