More than 35,000 people make their living in the urban core and since today is the first work day of 2010, we thought we’d ask some of them what they’d like for Downtown in the coming year.
“Downtown needs more strong partnerships. We all have the same goal – we want to see a strong urban core – and we all play our parts.”– Rachel Nudge, public relations director at the Landing
“I’d like to see all the buildings full of people and free short-term merchant parking on Hogan Street.”– Terry Wilkins, owner, UPS Store
“What Downtown needs is recycling bins. This is the only one I’ve ever been to that doesn’t have them. I think lawyers might buy advertising on the bins, so it wouldn’t cost anything to have them.”– Kirk Gonzalez. owner, Hemming Plaza Jewelers
“I’d like to see more people working and living Downtown. More stores would also be nice and continued respect for those of us who ride bikes every day.”– Chuck Lysaght, bike messenger, Specialty Freight & Courier
“We need more arts events to bring people Downtown – especially in the summer.”– Kelly Rice, managing partner, Chew Restaurant
“I’d like to see Snyder Memorial utilized more. Maybe that will be part of the Laura Street improvements.”– Sharon Futch, executive director of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library and BookTique manager.
“We need more people to engage Downtown and come here to live, work and shop. Foot traffic brings more businesses.”– Ron Chamblin, owner, Chamblin’s Uptown