by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The topic for speakers at the last three meetings of the Downtown Council of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce has been Downtown development and revitalization.
The series began Dec. 3 when Downtown Vision Inc. Executive Director Terry Lorince told the members, “You won’t see the cheerleader today,” then detailed what has detoured the effort to create more vibrancy and bring more business Downtown.
Three members of the council who participated in the chamber’s October Leadership Trip to Indianapolis followed on Dec. 17 and shared their observations about the Indiana capital’s downtown area and whether what has worked there might have applications in Jacksonville.
The series concluded Friday with Jacksonville Economic Development Commission Executive Director Ron Barton.
He spoke about Downtown development, how the economy and politics have affected progress and even had a few words about the upcoming elections for mayor and the City Council.
“It’s been humbling, in terms of the economy,” said Barton, who took the reigns at the JEDC in 2005 and will mark his sixth anniversary in August.
With the absence of private development due to banks not lending money for projects, Barton said it has been up to the City to fund projects focused on public property, including streets, sidewalks and parks. He cited the Laura Street project and the renovations at Friendship Park as two examples.
“We get a lot of comments about the cobblestones (on Laura Street). You have to realize it’s not about the car, it’s about people,” said Barton.
“The pedestrian owns that street now. If you want to drive fast Downtown, pick another road,” he said.
Barton said the work that will be completed in May has “saved the fountain and put the park back in the park” by removing most of the original concrete surface and replacing it with grass and landscaping.
He also mentioned the Southbank Riverwalk project. Currently in the design stage, eventually the deteriorating wooden structure will be demolished and replaced with materials like those used for the Northbank Riverwalk.
Barton said landing City Council approval for funding came only after Council member Don Redman, who represents part of Downtown, was seriously injured in a fall while cycling on the poorly maintained boardwalk.
“You can thank Don for taking one for the team,” he said.
Barton commented on the principle behind urban redevelopment in Jacksonville, or any other city. “Downtown development is a marathon that never ends. There is no finish line because the market is constantly changing.”
As for the election that’s less than two months away, Barton declined to speak specifically about any candidates. But he said, “I hope you’re engaged in the mayor’s race and the council races. I encourage you to be critical and probing when you’re evaluating the candidates.”
Downtown Council President Pat Geer said there was a purpose behind the series of three meetings with the same topic.
“We wanted to hear all of the perspectives. There are many Downtown advocates and our next step is to figure out how everyone can work together to accomplish something positive,” he said.
“We also have to determine what the Downtown Council’s role should be, particularly when it comes to bringing more small businesses Downtown.”
356-2466