A phrase that’s been uttered by many people for the past six months is that it’s time to take Downtown to the “next level.”
It’s easy to say and sounds great, but what does it really mean?
Tuesday, at a meeting with the Daily Record’s editorial staff, Mayor Alvin Brown put some detail to his use of the phrase.
He said the “next level” will be achieved when there is a dedicated department within City government that is responsible for helping Downtown be more successful and vibrant. That would be different from the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, whose focus was countywide.
“We have to make sure the Downtown development authority is up and running full speed ahead by the end of the year. You have to have a president and a CEO. That person is strictly going to focus on Downtown. That will be a blessing because now you’re not focusing all around the city like the JEDC. The No. 1 focus is on Downtown,” Brown said.
Here’s what some other Downtown stakeholders think about the next level:
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Brad Valentine
co-owner
Popka’s Dogs
“I’d like to see some big chain restaurants and high-end stores like Gucci and Prada Downtown. The movers and shakers need to put together some deals to bring national retail names Downtown. I’d also like to see a streetcar or a light rail system.”
Tommy Rasheed
manager
Like That Cut barber shop
“People, people, people. We need life and energy. That’s what makes a city a city. We should have Art Walk every other week instead of once a month.”
Ron Chamblin
owner
Chamblin’s Uptown
“We have to bring more people Downtown. Nothing will happen until that happens. We need two more deals like bringing EverBank Downtown.”
Chuck Lysaght
bicycle messenger
“Downtown needs more companies with more jobs. We also need more places for people to live. That would bring more visitors, too.”