Print Article
General Information
Quote
Applicant is proposing alteration and maintenance improvements to both the site and fountain pump house. No alterations to the fountain are proposed; however, maintenance improvements are proposed. The improvements will support the Downtown Master Plan goals and objectives, and is one of the nineteen initiatives of the Downtown Action Plan. Friendship Fountain Park is an existing recreational facility with a prime location on the St. Johns River. The proposed improvements provide for alterations to the hardscape, landscape and pump house. The alterations include the removal of existing paved areas and provide new landscaping, decorative sidewalks, benches and lighting. Proposed maintenance improvements to the existing fountain include plumbing, water jets, lighting, controller systems, etc.
Application 2009-019 Frienship Park has been recommended for conceptual approval by Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) staff.
Update by Ennis Davis
Share this article
RSS
Reaper man
November 23, 2009, 06:17:50 AMIt's named friendship fountain? I never knew this. Anyway, why does it need renovation? It always looked fine to me.
fsu813
November 23, 2009, 07:00:41 AMAright! The design looks promising. I didn't see any small structures / kiosks for vendors are whatnot....perhaps those arle added later.
Reaper,
it's a whole lot of concrete currently. not very attractive unless you want to skate it.
Reaper man
November 23, 2009, 08:00:04 AMI guess it couldn't hurt to green it up. the only issue I see with that is, how much would it cost to upkeep?
vicupstate
November 23, 2009, 08:18:23 AMGlad to see they are keeping the fountain intact. Glad to see the concrete minimized, that is an obviously needed improvement.
Are the jets going to be fixed so that they spray to the original height?
This is a good first step. I hope the NEXT step is to get rid of the '80's motiff blue pole lights and replace the wood sidewalk with landscape/hardscape materials.
vicupstate
November 23, 2009, 08:21:27 AMAlso, I think the city needs to do an RFP for the MOSH site. That is a premium site that is grossly under-utilized. A high rise mixed use project should go there, that incorporates the musuem or move the museum to the River CIty Brewing parking lot area.
Reaper man
November 23, 2009, 08:30:43 AMI haven't been to MOSH in a few years, but the last time I went, it seemed like all the hands on exhibits were just.... run down. Some didn't even work. Is it still like that? Does it need a complete redo?
Dan B
November 23, 2009, 08:32:16 AMHow about moving MOSH to the Prime Osborn, and building a convention center there?
Dog Walker
November 23, 2009, 08:47:23 AMAre they really going to restore the fountain or are they just making changes to the park? When the fountain was working as designed it was really fantastic. It was a continual show of changing water patterns and light. Now it just sits there and squirts.
fsu813
November 23, 2009, 08:49:59 AMthat's what she said.
mtraininjax
November 23, 2009, 09:02:28 AMWhy not move MOSH closer to Kids' Campus? After all, it is predominantly a kids museum.
Dapperdan
November 23, 2009, 09:35:32 AMIt would make no sense to move MOSH. It has a nice Planetarium and all where it is. There is space behind it so it can expand. It is a little cramped in there, but they have nice exibits and such.
Captain Zissou
November 23, 2009, 09:38:10 AMfsu, that was AWFULly hilarious.
I'm excited for the renovation, but that whole area between the two bridges could be something more. I like vic's idea. I suggest buying out RCBC's lease and creating a comprehensive plan for those few blocks.
Jason
November 23, 2009, 09:39:13 AMToo funny fsu813!
I'm also curious if the center jet will be brought back to life. Without it, a fountain that big seems pointless.
heights unknown
November 23, 2009, 09:46:28 AMIt's about time. The old girl needs it. Anyone know whether the spray will remain a dribble or will it dwarf all others and spray about 200 feet or so into the air? Would be good to see it gush above all others like it once did ("that's what she said?").
Heights Unknown
hightowerlover
November 23, 2009, 10:29:27 AMseems like a waste of money to crack up a bunch of concrete on riverfront property just to replace it with grass Doesn't real make the fountain any more interesting or useful. Apparently if there's grass, its a play area, where concrete in the same space is just dead space. If there's nothing engaging to do in either - what's the point of the space?
Bativac
November 23, 2009, 10:31:15 AMThey should fix the jets. The fountain was awesome once upon a time. All the waterworks on the Riverwalk in that area used to be pretty neat, too. Now it's like remnants of an old factory rusting all over the place. I don't think the concrete is all that bad -- why don't they concentrate on fixing the broken stuff first?
Unrelated to the fountain, but... I was in the museum this past summer for the film festival. We roamed around a bit. The museum is kind of a sad little place, especially after having been to Tampa, Chicago, New York... I know Jacksonville is none of those places but it would be nice to get a museum somewhat on par with the beautiful new main library.
Interesting fact: for an incorrigible college kid, Friendship Fountain is much easier to get into than it is to climb out of.
Wacca Pilatka
November 23, 2009, 11:19:57 AMI went to MOSH for the first time earlier this year. The "Currents of Time" exhibit on area history is extremely well done and was in great shape. However, some of the older, permanent science exhibits were in fact worn-looking and/or not functioning.
vicupstate
November 23, 2009, 11:50:27 AMIf ALL they intend to do long term, is replace the concrete with landscape, that would be an improvement, but a disappointment. I agree that there needs to be more there to engage with, but all the concrete gives a cold, sterile appearance that is less inviting than what is envisioned.
It is a step in the right direction, but that's all.
That entire space between the bridges needs to be much higher and better utilized. I also think a Northbank location might be better for MOSH. Maybe it could be part of the Hogan's Creek project.
The current MOSH location is some of the primest land in the entire city, it is a total waste to have a low-rise, little used, non-taxpaying project there. Atlanta has a Children's Museum on the ground level of a condo tower. Something on that order should be in place of the MOSH-only parcel, if having MOSH on the Southbank is not negotiable.
The money intended for Metro Park should be spent on the Southbank area instead. Metro park is too isolated and distant from the urban core. That is a project for 10-15 years ahead when a Shipyards-type project is reality, not a dream.
I envision having a totally awesome Southbank (ie between the bridges) area with river taxis to a re-invented Landing, complete with an opening to the Laura St corridor. Laura Street could become be a retail corridor that intersects the Bay Street entertainment strip, and leads back to Hemming Plaza. This Southbank to Hemming 'strip' could be the crown jewel of the entire city if done right.
JeffreyS
November 23, 2009, 11:58:45 AMI am glad for now that the Fountain is off the chopping block. I want a great water spectacle but will be happy with a good water show and lights.
Cliffs_Daughter
November 23, 2009, 12:03:20 PMI'm SO happy to read this topic!
thelakelander
November 23, 2009, 12:19:03 PMI don't know if the fountain will be restored to what it originally was, but I suspect it will be better than what is there today.
From the application:
To see the actual application, click on link and select November 2009 Agenda:
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Jacksonville+Economic+Development+Commission/Downtown+Development/DDRB+Meeting+Information.htm
fsu813
November 23, 2009, 12:21:30 PMan aestherically pleasing venue in a nice location will draw events & people naturally....
Bike Jax
November 23, 2009, 12:53:00 PMI'm all for refurbishing of the fountain and I look forward to seeing in all it's former glory. But I'm not sure about the landscaping. It looks to me to contain a lot less functional space. I would much rather see funds directed towards the fountain and focusing on making that area a large outdoor cafe with kiosk type vendors spread around the area. The vendors would not only act as an additional focus along with fountain. But their space fees would help offset costs of maintenance and upkeep for the area.
stephendare
November 23, 2009, 03:44:39 PMWell this isnt completely horrifying. At least they are going to keep the fountain in these plans.
I think i disagree with deliberately ripping up the concrete to keep the skateboard kids from being there. Ever since they 86d skaters from Hemming Park the vagrant population has increased.
Also whats with the ongoing park plans that leave no covered space for people wanting outdoors without sunburn or daily rain drenchings?
If citizens want to be left to the tender mercies of the semi sub tropics they can already sit at the cities many bus stops.
Also I think its a great idea to reconsider building more active use into a complex with a new museum building.
JaxNative68
November 23, 2009, 03:45:51 PMI'm glad to see the renovation moving forward. At one time, Friendship Fountain was an icon of our city. I fond memories of visiting both the museum and fountain as a child.
stephendare
November 23, 2009, 03:52:49 PMI am too, jaxnative. The place was pretty magical for a 60s/70s childhood, wasnt it?
fsujax
November 23, 2009, 03:55:49 PMI just want to the darn fountain returned to its former glory! As far as landscaping, just leave it all concrete and brick pavers with some trees thrown in. We all know the city will not maintain a large grassy area with lush landscaping the way it should be.
JaxNative68
November 23, 2009, 03:58:14 PMI used to love all of the "free range" chickens that used to run around there back then. That was before the office buildings went up around it. Very entertaining for a child.
choosing2disappear
November 23, 2009, 09:27:26 PMi can't understand the content of the proposal? what specifically are the alterations to the pump house? Does anyone know?
incidentally, dinosaur jr recently showcased friendship park (the pump-house and adjacent vintage bits) in a music video.
I miss the chickens, too.
choosing2disappear
November 23, 2009, 09:47:31 PMAlso, those round benches proposed ( in the second to last photo) look eerily similar to the original "toadstool" benches bulldozed during the Godbold years. They: complimented other design elements aesthetically, provided both respite and shade, and were very durable. The blueprints still exist, so since we now again wish for chairs + shelter from the sun, why not "replant" a few amongst the new greenscaping.
(why is the pumphouse surrounded by trees in the new design?)
Ocklawaha
November 23, 2009, 11:15:56 PMBeing the resident old fart fat hippie on here so I'm your huckleberry for a comment or two...
Chickens are very good, I like mine fried. Actually I think Jake took them with him when he left, I also heard he repainted his house Water Street BLUE! (HI JAKE, LIBBY SENDS HER LOVE!)
fsujax, shame on you man, we know the city WILL maintain this park at least as good as it takes care of street lights, sidewalks, and water mains down the middle of the streets of Springfield.
If citizens want to be left to the tender mercies of the semi sub tropics they can already sit at the cities many bus stops.
Also I think its a great idea to reconsider building more active use into a complex with a new museum building.
About those bus stops Stephen, "If one of our citizens is poor enough, or dumb enough to ride our buses, he deserves our bus stops!" Yeah, lets replace that museum, (blink, blink) What museum? Did you see a museum here? I haven't seen a REAL museum!
Dang Lake, that really wouldn't take much, I mean a 5 year old child and a garden hose would be better then what is there today.
Somebody should have told you this Reaper, the whole place was named for finance commissioner Dallas Thomas, at least until he got caught with someone Else's money or wife or some such. We had to rename it and the name "Boss Hogg" was already taken.
This is funny as hell guys, but those grass pavers won't work in our soil. They do fine in Wisconsin or California or Oregon, but the sand will not hold the grass. We are going to end up having to re-re-pave the whole place with real concrete as some have suggested, the ONLY places those things will work in Florida is the few area's of a good silt or black pasture soil type. The grass must stay somewhat moist and not be allowed to dry as sand will in a couple of hours. Watering dry sand only creates washouts or in the event of grasses, the water runs off and the roots turn UP to reach the water laying on top of the soil. When the sun comes out the roots bake and bingo, sand pile.
OCKLAWAHA
Ocklawaha
November 23, 2009, 11:21:35 PMSon in laws two cents worth, make the pump house look like a light house. I think the kid has a great suggestion, what better for the future number 3 container port in the nation? God I love this stuff! REALLY!
OCKLAWAHA
stjr
November 24, 2009, 12:55:53 AMOriginally, you could walk up the spiral over the pump house for an "observation deck" view of the park. Today, the walk is gated closed. Is it in the plan to ever reopen this? Kids loved the spiral and it was a memorable feature of the park.
Any redesign of the park should accommodate gathering of people for themed festivals and outdoor events like runs and walks that currently frequent the place, not to mention crowds gathered for riverfront fireworks, boat parades, etc.
The big Southbank opportunity is to add a major park at the JEA/School Board land. The City owns JEA so it should be able to obtain favorable terms to acquire it for its portfolio. And with multiple failed attempts to develop the property and a lousy economy, JEA should be amenable to a favorable transfer value.
choosing2disappear
November 24, 2009, 01:18:54 AMJust today, while walking through friendship park, a city worker informed me about how useful the gate has been in keeping the homeless from sleeping atop the pumphouse.
stjr
November 24, 2009, 01:35:10 AMEasy to fix. Close the gate from 10 PM to 7 AM. We can't let this problem ruin every amenity in our parks. We don't close roads because the homeless sleep under overpasses. By the way, on a recent visit to Treaty Oak Park on the Southbank, I found the homeless sleeping around the tree during the DAY! And, agressively accosting visitors for money.
Keith-N-Jax
November 24, 2009, 02:03:25 AMBring the chickens back. Also add peacocks I heard down in Miami they make good watch dogs. They could alert JSO when the homeless come around.
choosing2disappear
November 24, 2009, 10:20:28 AMEasy to fix. Close the gate from 10 PM to 7 AM. We can't let this problem ruin every amenity in our parks. We don't close roads because the homeless sleep under overpasses. By the way, on a recent visit to Treaty Oak Park on the Southbank, I found the homeless sleeping around the tree during the DAY! And, agressively accosting visitors for money.
You make some excellent points, but it should also be noted that the gate truly doesn't deture anyone over 4 feet tall from climbing the pumphouse. Except of course, families and (supervised ) school childeren. As an obsticle, it works pretty well on them.
What would the the proper fourm for asking the city to get rid of it?
JaxNative68
November 24, 2009, 02:59:30 PMOCKLAWAHA
don't we already have one fake light house in downtown Jax!
blizz01
November 24, 2009, 03:23:18 PMSome additional insight from The Daily Record:
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=529653
thelakelander
November 24, 2009, 03:47:40 PM^Sounds good. This Friendship Fountain issue shows the power of the public when they rally behind a cause. Three years ago, the city's plans were to demolish the fountain, which most of the community opposed. Now, there is a decent plan that improves the space and restores the fountain for a lower cost than the kiddie fountain concept. Kudos to COJ for listening to the community and developing a plan that preserves one of Jacksonville's most iconic landmarks.
Ocklawaha
November 24, 2009, 05:59:11 PMOCKLAWAHA
don't we already have one fake light house in downtown Jax!
Hadn't thought about the mission, however of the two, I'll stay with the homeless. Otherwise lets build another one, this one "REAL". There are modern tripod type light houses, maybe something like that with a high observation deck and glass elevators above the original pumphouse? Bet it would become one of the most photograph intensive sites on earth.
OCKLAWAHA
thekillingwax
November 24, 2009, 06:35:29 PMI'm happy they aren't putting in any covered areas, there are enough bum fights over the gazebo by the Landing. I like going down by the fountain and walking the riverwalk when it's cool outside but there are just too many dark corners and hiding places once it gets dark. I almost stepped on some guy that was sleeping under the bridge the last time I was over there.
As for the MOSH? I went there a couple of years ago and it was beyond pathetic. Almost every thing was non-functioning and the place really looked like it had been closed for months. Even the little aquariums and animal displays were empty and nasty looking. I wanted to ask for my money back but I kinda felt bad for them.
Reaper man
November 24, 2009, 09:52:24 PMYeah, and it's an eyesore. Then again, the entire church is an eyesore. ;p
choosing2disappear
November 24, 2009, 11:02:02 PMThe Daily Record article is a nightmare. Those fellas quoted seem terribly arrogant and have no sense of history. Clearly they view the pump house as an embarrassing eyesore and not (in earnest) as a cool, interactive design solution. Would a majority of citizens like the pump house to be obscured and made less accessible than it already is?
thelakelander
November 24, 2009, 11:12:51 PMPersonally, I wouldn't mind the pump house made more accessible to the public. It can be pretty interesting looking in those holes at all the equipment.
reednavy
November 24, 2009, 11:30:19 PMThat last bit sounds like something out of a bath house with a glory hole, Lake.
Anyways, plan looks good to me.
Ocklawaha
November 24, 2009, 11:44:56 PMAs for the MOSH? I went there a couple of years ago and it was beyond pathetic. Almost every thing was non-functioning and the place really looked like it had been closed for months. Even the little aquariums and animal displays were empty and nasty looking. I wanted to ask for my money back but I kinda felt bad for them.
Those redneck cowboys in Oklahoma City, have the Omniplex Museum, It contains rail museum with full size train cars, Aviation Museum with about 12 airplanes, a restaurant, gymnastics hall of fame, naval museum, photography museum, science museum, Observatory, and botanical gardens. In all the Omniplex has maybe 10 acres under a roof.
MOSH has been an embarrassment to our fair city almost since it was built, though not through any fault of their own. The designers didn't have a clue how to design a museum and all of the effort was put towards "appearance" and not a bit went to functionality. For MOSH to be in a city of 1.3 Million people and still be hemmed in by park land and the tiny buildings after all of these years speaks volumes on how this city treats it's history, science education and to some extent (Amtrak for example) its industry as the poor step child. When that goofy building first opened there was a donation of a Cannon. Nobody thought that an antique cannon would ever go into our museum, nobody planned for such a thing, so there was not a single door, nor hardly a room that could accommodate it. Thus back tracking, the city had to come in and build the infamous "Cannon Door of MOSH," something taken out by the modest expansion.
I wish we were putting in covered area's, but I'd like to see a return of the mushroom shelters that matched the big circles in the pavement. When that place opened it WAS tomorrow land, at least until Disney caught up with us, now were so far behind little Orlando, that they can't even pick us up on radar.
Yeah, and it's an eyesore. Then again, the entire church is an eyesore. ;p
Sounds like another genius that is too smart to believe in a God. Personally the plant of FBC is one of the few bright spots in downtown, with fountains, sky walks and plans for a playground. Perhaps the only resident of the city that followed any our the futuristic plans back in the 1970-80's era. "The Church" is not a building BTW, it is the body of believers, be they Christian, Jewish, or something else. Perhaps attending a sunday message in the church of your choice would allow you to see that these people (like them or not), have a genuine concern for their fellow citizens. We really couldn't ask much more.
OCKLAWAHA
thekillingwax
November 25, 2009, 12:19:56 AMI have to say, the newest FBC additions are pretty much nicer looking than anything else built downtown recently. The new main auditorium that was built ~15 years ago is a bit plain on the exterior but the new kids' building is nice and the fountains outside are pretty welcoming. I need to get back down there have dinner on Wednesday night again. I haven't been to a service there since I left about 14 years ago but their food is awesome. We picked up our Thanksgiving food orders from their kitchen today and I already snagged a piece of their pecan pie for myself- it's amazing.
JaxNative68
November 25, 2009, 08:09:36 AMOCKLAWAHA
don't we already have one fake light house in downtown Jax!
Hadn't thought about the mission, however of the two, I'll stay with the homeless. Otherwise lets build another one, this one "REAL". There are modern tripod type light houses, maybe something like that with a high observation deck and glass elevators above the original pumphouse? Bet it would become one of the most photograph intensive sites on earth.
OCKLAWAHA
if it is designed right, I could buy into it. I used to love going to the top of the pump house as a child.
Reaper man
November 26, 2009, 07:14:11 AMoh boy...
Yuuuuuup.
Right, because only churches and other christian organizations build fountains, sky walks, parks, etc. Do you realize how much we could extend say, hemming plaza, if the entire FBC was removed outright? We could have our own version of central park!
I wasn't here during that period (hell, part of that period I wasn't even born) so I'll take your word for it, even though it's a bit biased. Anyway, let's say it wasn't there. Don't you think some other organization would have stepped up? Also remember that all the city officials are FBC members(at least, from my understanding. By all means correct me if I'm wrong), so yeah, duh.
Uh, way to spin my words around. Bravo. When I said the church, I was specifically referring to the FBC downtown, and no, they don't represent all faiths. If they did, they wouldn't be called the First Baptist Church, now would they? Do you guys represent Islam? Buddhism? Flying spaghetti monster? Didn't think so.
fun fact: I was Unitarian Universalist before I became agnostic. I was a church goer. I came to the conclusion eventually that believing in any deity wasn't for me and I considered it to be a bit foolish after giving it some thought. Also, I still go to that church monthly, just not for the Sunday service. I belong to an organization called the First Coast Freethought Society, and believe it or not, we care just as much about the city and the welfare of its citizens as you guys do.
How about this. How about you go to one of our meetings (next one is in January though) and I'll gladly go to a church of your choosing.
Finally, what is the deal with you typing in all bold? I mean what is the point in doing that, really? By doing that, you completely defeat its purpose which is to add emphasis.
Charles Hunter
November 26, 2009, 09:55:15 AMreaper, you should have been here when Ock used a large purple font!
In today's paper, the Times-Union teased they were going to have a story about the Riverwalks and Friendship Fountain this Sunday. Have they been reading here?
YellowBluffRoad
December 04, 2009, 12:38:40 AMI also am relieved they're not ditching the pumphouse for the fountain. I recall it being pretty impressive in its glory days in the 70s - the ramp to the top of the pumphouse was lots of fun, and I loved the viewing portholes to the pumphouse. Heck, I even remember when the city employees who maintained the pumphouse would spend time with the visitors and kids and explain how the stuff all worked. Very cool experience for a young kid.
I must have been learning about the USS Monitor when my parents were taking me there a lot - mom and I would go to Friendship Park and the kid's museum while dad tried not to blow his paycheck at nearby Brandon's Camera. For that reason the pumphouse always reminded me of the USS Monitor design, which somehow seemed fitting for a port city. Surely you could fit cannons into those portholes, right!?
And yes, bring back the chickens!
mtraininjax
December 04, 2009, 09:41:56 AMUgh - I'd rather see money spent to fix and cleanup Hogan's creek, than to fix the fountain. Littlepage has a good article in the Times Union that expands upon some great ideas. Spend the money in an area where we know neighborhoods are connected to it. I need to side with Springfield on this one, fixing Hogan's creek would be a huge boost to Springfield.
thelakelander
December 04, 2009, 09:50:19 AM^It would also be a huge boost to DT and what's left of Sugar Hill.
BOfficer
January 12, 2010, 11:40:16 AMI know this thing adds to the beauty of our city, but I've just never seen anyone there.
Wouldn't we be better off updating the boating facilities? One of Jacksonville's major assets is the amount of waterfront, however the access points are sad.
futurejax
January 12, 2010, 12:01:51 PMWouldn't we be better off updating the boating facilities? One of Jacksonville's major assets is the amount of waterfront, however the access points are sad.
This
They should always be thinking in a river first mentality. Make the riverfront the focus of the city (beyond the landing) and build back from the river.
nestliving
January 12, 2010, 12:02:53 PMI like the idea of fixing it up and would hope that the improvements make a nice public space for the new residential towers to use...and maybe even get some of the office workers out of the drive thru and onto the streets for lunch. My daughter and I use that area all of the time.
Dog Walker
January 12, 2010, 01:58:09 PMThat part of the river is an absolutely horrible spot for a marina. The current rips through there so hard that there are times that no one can dock or undock. The marina spaces at Berkshire and the Shipyards and Metropolitan Park are much better because they are sheltered from the current.
stjr
January 12, 2010, 05:32:47 PMOn the Southbank, we should add the JEA property as a public space. A lot bigger at something like 40 acres as I recall. Could handle ball fields, playground, public gathering spaces, bike and jogging trails, a marina, riverwalk extensions, etc. Also, it's much closer to the existing residential towers as well as any that might be built on the Wyndham Hotel site (5 towers proposed at one time) and doesn't entail going under the Main Street Bridge.
Friendship Park, to me, is more of a "visitors" park like Battery Park in N.Y. A great place to take in the skyline view and soak up the City but not a good place to "recreate".
urbanlibertarian
January 12, 2010, 06:54:57 PMIMHO the fountain should be restored and the plans for the surrounding are seem pretty good to me. The JEA property needs to be reclaimed and sold so it can generate property tax revenues. Especially if the current courthouse/city hall annex sites become a COJ owned convention center.
stjr
January 12, 2010, 07:02:52 PMUrban, consider that all the land surrounding a "JEA Park" would be enhanced, increasing its values, and generating the tax revenue you so desire. With a park, you are enhancing all the Southbank property values which should be far greater than the value of the park land itself. And, a park, providing a valuable and desirable residential ammenity, may actually accelerate successful development of the Southbank and its accompanying tax revenues than proceeding without such a park.
My point is a park may generate more indirect and quicker tax revenues than developing the park land directly.
Jax needs to put more thought and creativity into these opportunities. The old, knee-jerk, build and build fast on every empty lot or in place of any worn building has served us poorly over the years. Just look around.
mtraininjax
January 12, 2010, 11:37:03 PMSTJR - As you can see, we are in a bit of a budget crunch, sell the property to the highest bidder and allow for a develper to build a 1,000 foot high building to make the residents of the area cringe everytime they see it. Really, just sell it, City of Jax cannot develop their way out of a paper bag.
stjr
January 13, 2010, 12:05:30 AMMtrain, indirectly, the City already "owns" the property through the CITY-owned electric company, JEA. All that needs to be done is to arrange a friendly "buy now- pay later" inter-company transfer arrangement at a bargain price (like the cost [book value] for JEA which should be a fraction of market value given how long they have owned the property and which would create no gain or loss to JEA for accounting purposes). The City can just "tax" JEA an extra amount each year to credit toward the "transfer" price. Whatever the price, it would be small change to JEA, especially if amortized over several years. No cash necessary.
mtraininjax
January 13, 2010, 12:10:12 AMWhy even leave the property on the City rolls? Why not actively market it with a mix-use development? You can get your park, we get revenue from tax rolls and we have a win-win, so again, why let it sit on the city tax rolls as a non-performing asset? All the math back and forth from the City and JEA is bound to lose dollars, so why bother, get rid of it, sell it and move on to other matters. Nothing done in the shell game back and forth, behind closed doors ever works out in the public interest. You and I both know it. Sell it and be done with it.
"Run the City Like a Business".