by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
A lounge and bowling alley proposed for the south side of The Library facing Forsyth Street became a step closer Thursday when a minimum-distance waiver for the liquor license was approved.
The Jacksonville Economic Development Commission’s Downtown Development Review Board granted the waiver from the required 1,500 feet from the nearest church property to 170 feet to Main Library LLC, the developers of the project at the former Haydon Burns Public Library.
When asked about the time frame for the renovations, which have already been approved by DDRB, Main Branch Managing Partner Bill Cesery Jr. said there is still “a lot of interest” in leasing the space, but that economic factors remain the sticking point.
“We’re looking at financing and we’re talking to the SBA (Small Business Administration) about a loan. We intend to get started as soon as financing is available,” he said.
The board also heard a presentation from architect Ted Pappas concerning the closure of Monroe Street in front of the Duval County Courthouse under construction in LaVilla.
Pappas favors restoring that section of the street, which has been closed for almost three years.
“What has been proposed has been ‘either or.’ Either green space or ugly asphalt,” said Pappas, who showed the board a plan to restore the street.
His proposal would include access to Monroe Street at the courthouse with additional turn lanes and he suggested paving the street in the same way the intersections on Laura Street between Independent Drive and Hemming Plaza are being constructed.
His main point was that if Monroe Street is interrupted at the courthouse, that would leave only two primary entrances to Downtown off Interstate 95. Those would be Forsyth Street and Union Street.
The board, however, was unanimous in its support of closing Monroe Street.
“I think the courthouse deserves a large public space. I think putting a roadway in front of it is contrary to that,” said board member Andy Sikes.
Board member Tim Miller responded to a question about interrupting the layout of north-south and east-west streets Downtown at the courthouse. “Monroe Street staying is forcing a traffic solution into an urban environment. When you look at courthouses all over the South, they break the grid to create a major building in the city,” he said.
Also presenting at the meeting was Stephen Dare, representing Metrojacksonville.com, a blog whose members are interested in Downtown issues.
“Our consensus is that the area in front of the courthouse needs to be a green space. We’re very happy to finally agree with you on something,” Dare told the board.
The City Council will make the final decision on whether to close Monroe Street when it votes on ordinance 2011-164.
On another issue concerning the courthouse project, the board also heard a presentation from City Project Manager Dave Schneider concerning the pedestrian bridge above Julia Street between the old federal courthouse and the new courthouse.
DDRB had previously approved a design for the bridge that was rejected by the State Historic Preservation Office. Schneider said the office objected to the design because it too closely matched the architecture and colors of the two buildings.
“SHPO wants there to be no question or confusion that the bridge is not part of either building,” said Schneider.
He showed the board a rendering of a design approved by SHPO.
“It looks like a subway train sticking out of the building,” said board Chair Jonathan Garza.
Assistant General Counsel Jason Teal said the board has to follow the design recommendations from the state, based on the terms of the City’s purchase of the former federal property.
When asked if there is any appeal process over the design disagreement, City Historic Planning director Joel McEachin said that would have to be taken up with the National Park Service.
Schneider told the board he will return to the DDRB next month seeking final approval for the design and that construction of the pedestrian bridge must begin in May in order for the courthouse project to remain on schedule.
The next meeting of the DDRB is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 28 at 1 W. Adams St.
356-2466