| Jacksonville's leaders outdone again! |
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| Tuesday, 29 July 2008 | |
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While we continue to fiddle with Bus Rapid Transit and endless studies to appease the federal government, Birmingham, Alabama is moving forward with a plan that will add them to a growing list of cities with active rail transit within the past 18 to 24 months. Birmingham plans to immediately begin a $33 million, double tracked 2.2-mi. heritage streetcar line in downtown by the end of 2009. This 100% locally funded project will include the installation of tracks, an electric power system, the construction of a maintenance facility and the purchase of 10 historic streetcars from Milan, Italy. Funding will come from Birmingham's business license fees and plans include stops at every block, with trains arriving every 10 minutes, seven days a week, between the hours of 6am to 10pm.
The streetcar project is a part of Mayor Langford's $115.2 million plan to improve mass transit in Birmingham. In addition to the starter streetcar line, the city plans to procure 100 new CNG-powered buses and 30 new paratransit vans by October 2009, along with starting Sunday service and adding a direct bus connection between the airport and downtown hotels.
Article by Ennis Davis |
July 29, 2008, 7:20 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I believe that Jacksonville will do something about this. It's only a matter of time.
July 29, 2008, 8:28 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
What's the obvious point of this story?
July 29, 2008, 8:29 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Maybe our city leadership should take a fact finding mission to Birmingham or form a task force to look into it.
July 29, 2008, 8:39 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I think you hit the jackpot. A leader, in this case, the Mayor, came into office and pushed for it. It would be great if our Mayor's office would take a similar position, but we should also not be willing to wait it out on Peyton. There's room for others to step up as well.
July 29, 2008, 8:48 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Its great to hear about a mayor who knows what needs to be done and gets it done. City development doesn't have to take 10 years to create. Mass transit doesn't have to be studied and then studied again and then put off to the side before we pick it back up. Set an ambitious timeline and get it done. I think Peyton has given up, but we shouldn't allow him to stop doing his job. I think its time for the people to demand more.
July 29, 2008, 9:32 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
As long as we keep electing and re-electing the same Jacksonville breeding stock of good-old-boys, we are going no where. We need fresh faces, fresh ideas and a will to stand behind them. When I first posted this on the Jacksonville Transit blogspot, I had a sinking feeling. Sad.
OCKLAWAHA
July 29, 2008, 9:57 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I believe the next mayoral election isn't until 2011. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a newbie to this city and am wondering...what can I do between now and then? I'm used to grassroots campaigns and recalls (I'm from WI), and it doesn't seem like the citizens of Jacksonville are up for that. It's obvious to me that a lot of people on this website care, but does the average citizen care about their city? I'm just trying to get a feel for how involved Jacksonville residents are in their own local political scene.
Or should I just stop caring and go into hibernation for the next three years?
July 29, 2008, 10:00 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Who are the people in Jacksonville that could fill this leadership vacuum? What are the names of the persons that have distinguished themselves. Three that come to mind are Mike Langton, Tony Allegretti, and Kevin Gay. Karen Brune Mathis maybe? I don't remember her name, but their was a woman that lead the 'house the homeless' effort that seemed to have it together on that issue. She quit that position once she saw the city wasn't interested in REAL solutions, just window-dressing.
Glorious Johnson and Clay Yarbrough have stood out on city council in a positive way. Are their others I am missing?
One thing I think needs to enter the consciousness of the collective city, is that highly desireable cities are seldom if ever built 'on the cheap'. You can't expect mega-low taxes and top-notch quality of life too. I don't advocate throwing money at problems, or ignoring costs, but nothing is free in this world.
July 29, 2008, 10:10 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Sadly, Dan Davis is the heir apparent. Having a suburban developer as Jacksonvilles next mayor would be another very bad step.
July 29, 2008, 10:20 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
DAN DAVIS? Well, we've just given the other side some powerful ammunition.
"Dan Davis, another developer...
...another 4 years of self serving
do nothing administration in Jacksonville...
....No Skyway Improvements, no Commuter Rail,
No Streetcars...NOTHING...
...VOTE FOR SWEEPING CHANGE...
Lets kick the good old boys out!"
Well, it does have a ring to it!
But of course, Dan could wake up and speak with us and perhaps get on the program.
OCKLAWAHA
July 29, 2008, 10:38 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
The funny thing is we're sitting on a ton of resources that can be used at our disposal.
1. 5 miles of already city owned rail right-of-way through the densest neighborhoods in the city. If track is relayed on the S-Line, it could also give FEC direct access to the Tallyrand port terminal and stimulate new industrial activity along its borders (stronger tax base, new jobs in blighted areas of town, less trucks on the streets and a dedicated source of income for annual O&M costs)
2. $100 million in cash set aside for rapid transit ROW purchase. There's few cities that have this laying around. Birmingham starter streetcar line = $33 million, Austin starter commuter rail line = $123 million, Nashville starter commuter rail line = $41 million. We could do something worthwhile right now with that $100 million instead of blowing it on BRT.
3. A CSX port deal to relocate port terminal traffic from the inner city core, thus freeing up rail capacity from Springfield all the way up to north of Dunn Avenue.
4. An Orlando commuter rail deal that relocates CSX rail traffic from the A-Line. Spend the $100 million on purchasing the CSX A between Downtown and Orange Park and you have your starter line already in place.
5. Developers are beginning to beg for it. You want a starter streetcar line in downtown? The developers of Bay Station do to. How hard would it be to get a starter up and running if destinations like Bay Street Station, Shands Jacksonville, Hyatt, Sleimen/Landing, etc. payed for the construction of stations at their sites, considering it would increase the value of the real estate holdings in return?
I could go on and on, but the idea is clear. We don't need new taxes to get off the bench and into the game. We just need to study the playbook and stop closing our eyes when its time to make contact with the ball.
July 29, 2008, 10:54 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
"Dan Davis, another developer...
...another 4 years of self serving
do nothing administration in Jacksonville...
....No Skyway Improvements, no Commuter Rail,
No Streetcars...NOTHING...
...VOTE FOR SWEEPING CHANGE...
Lets kick the good old boys out!"
Well, it does have a ring to it!
But of course, Dan could wake up and speak with us and perhaps get on the program.
OCKLAWAHA
With all due respect to Dan --- who is favored by all the gods: Handsome, substantial, popular,well positioned, and surprisingly intelligent--- he is hardly the 'heir apparent'. He lacks key backing, is mostly known on the Westside, and is preceeded by contenders with more experience and backing.
There are far more credible people who will be running for Mayor.
Not saying that Davis won't, and that he won't be a pretty good candidate, but theres no need to work up a lather over it.
Who knows, maybe the present Council President, Ronnie Fussell might bring his incredible competence and experience to the race.
But there are a few people out there for sure who will be running that can provide the leadership necessary.
And a list of names isnt difficult to compose.
Carlucci (we would have all been better off if he had won the first time, unfortunately)
Delaney
Fussel
Elaine Brown
Suzanne Jenkins (although she won't run)
Audrey Moran
Ceree Hardin
David Auchter
Any of these potential contenders would be awesome.
July 29, 2008, 11:08 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Birmingham has serious (albeit unrealistic) aspirations to host the 2020 Olympic Games. That's real can-do attitude that's missing in Jax's front office.
http://www.al.com/birminghamnews/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1214036114220520.xml&coll=2
http://www.theplainsman.com/front/2008/jul-10/olympics_affect_auburn_and_birmingham
I like the "Why not Birmingham?" question. Seriously, "why not?"
July 29, 2008, 11:18 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
What's Peyton been up to lately? I haven't seen much on his vision for Jacksonville. In fact, I think the last thing we heard of a vision it was called the Big Idea and it went down in flames due to stupidity.
July 29, 2008, 11:27 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
The big idea, is for the mayor to read books to pre-schoolers, under the trees, next to the ruins of the Friendship Fountain, and next door to a fish camp where the Brewing Company now sits... BIG IDEA, HUGE!
OCKLAWAHA
July 29, 2008, 11:57 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Failing. Crying. Sulking.
July 29, 2008, 12:03 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
"Dan Davis, another developer...
...another 4 years of self serving
do nothing administration in Jacksonville...
....No Skyway Improvements, no Commuter Rail,
No Streetcars...NOTHING...
...VOTE FOR SWEEPING CHANGE...
Lets kick the good old boys out!"
Well, it does have a ring to it!
But of course, Dan could wake up and speak with us and perhaps get on the program.
OCKLAWAHA
With all due respect to Dan --- who is favored by all the gods: Handsome, substantial, popular,well positioned, and surprisingly intelligent--- he is hardly the 'heir apparent'. He lacks key backing, is mostly known on the Westside, and is preceeded by contenders with more experience and backing.
There are far more credible people who will be running for Mayor.
Not saying that Davis won't, and that he won't be a pretty good candidate, but theres no need to work up a lather over it.
Who knows, maybe the present Council President, Ronnie Fussell might bring his incredible competence and experience to the race.
But there are a few people out there for sure who will be running that can provide the leadership necessary.
And a list of names isnt difficult to compose.
Carlucci (we would have all been better off if he had won the first time, unfortunately)
Delaney
Fussel
Elaine Brown
Suzanne Jenkins (although she won't run)
Audrey Moran
Ceree Hardin
David Auchter
Any of these potential contenders would be awesome.
How many of them have expressed interest in running?
July 29, 2008, 12:04 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
a little more than half.
and thats not including those who will come forward over the next three years.
Jerry Holland, Glorious Johnson, and a few others are also rumored to be exploring a run at mayor.
Btw, Karen Brune Mathis would be a tremendous asset to this community and would make this city proud in any capacity in which she decided to serve.
July 29, 2008, 12:38 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I've said it before and I'll say it again. It is time for the urban core to take control of what happens in this city. We have left the decisions to suburban dwelling politicos long enough.
There is only one person I know of that has the vision of what Jacksonville could be along with the connections needed to elected. He knows the players and he knows the game. He has already shown his commitment to a better Downtown, Springfield and Riverside Jacksonville with various successful ventures.
Our next leader should be Tony Allegretti. That man knows how to get shit done. That man sees how great this city should be and know what steps it will take to get it moving that direction.
Oh, and lets not forget that he's just so damn lovable.
July 29, 2008, 12:39 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I 100% agree. I have been telling Tony for a year he needs to run.
July 29, 2008, 12:41 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
*#@%!!! again.
Their unrealistic expectations of the Olympic Games will do more for their city than our attitude of we just aren't a big enough city.
July 29, 2008, 1:00 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I heard the Jerry Holland rumor as well. Oh boy. I've also heard the Mike Hogan rumors
Delaney is not going to be running. Of those listed, I think the core stands best with Moran at this point (but it's early and I could be wrong). I know very little about Hardin.
Also, don't discount the Weinstein factor, however I see that as a very slim possibility, given his state legislature race
July 29, 2008, 1:04 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Tony would be a great candidate, but is largely unknown outside of the core and without any serious connections to money.
Any run at this point would only serve to heighten visibility for him, but he lacks name recognition and a platform that would draw many outside of the urban core.
Weinstein is out I think, and there is CONSIDERABLE opinion that Delaney needs to be drafted.
Moran, in my opinion would be a tremendous mayor.
Whats sad is that we are having to discuss this with another three years to go.
I just wish that our charming young occupant in the office would rally himself.
He has it within him.
At least he isnt purposefully evil.
July 29, 2008, 1:09 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Weinstein had his chance and he blew it.
I believe Adam Holingsworth (Peyton's new Chief of Staff) said that the mayors office is not interested in pursuing rail in Jacksonville. I'm still wondering what they ARE pursuing though.
July 29, 2008, 1:17 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
OCKLAWAHA
I like big projects and think they can really help a City's image....but it doesn't matter much what gets built in Jax (more condos, Hard Rock Cafe, Landing re-do, streetcars, etc.) if the crime problem can't be dealt with....much of that starts with prevention which includes literacy programs.
Now, if there are some infrastructure/development projects that can also serve as a catalyst to solving some of the social ills, then I'm all for it.
July 29, 2008, 1:21 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
TUFSU there are.
First consider the benefits of centralized development, leaving the police with far fewer miles to patrol for one.
Then imagine how many fewer people will end up in jail for suspended drivers liscenses or driving without insurance or breaking into cars or stealing them if our city had a reliable rail based mass transit system.
Also consider the benefits of a centralized entertainment and cultural district in conjunction with youth boredom crime.
And last but not least, in a density driven central development, imagine how much more crime would be preventable just because of the number of eyes on the streets.
July 29, 2008, 1:32 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
As the mayor of the city, Peyton himself should not be reading to kids. He should get volunteers to do it. It's like having the CEO of a company emptying trash cans. It needs to be done, but that is not what they are there to do.
July 29, 2008, 1:34 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
its called setting an example
July 29, 2008, 1:40 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
First consider the benefits of centralized development, leaving the police with far fewer miles to patrol for one.
Then imagine how many fewer people will end up in jail for suspended drivers liscenses or driving without insurance or breaking into cars or stealing them if our city had a reliable rail based mass transit system.
Also consider the benefits of a centralized entertainment and cultural district in conjunction with youth boredom crime.
And last but not least, in a density driven central development, imagine how much more crime would be preventable just because of the number of eyes on the streets.
TUFSU and STEPHEN: a great new piece posted on my blog "MASS TRANSIT MIX - A HUGE LESSON FOR JACKSONVILLE" really hits all around this subject. Give it a read or "steal that post" and post it (Sorry, Abbie was looking over my shoulder). http://jacksonvilletransit.blogspot.com/
OCKLAWAHA
July 29, 2008, 1:48 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I'll respectfully disagree. Parents and family should be making the example, first and foremost. After that? Highly-paid, highly-visible celebrities should set the example. With due respect to the position of mayor, its not exactly a glamorous, high-profile place to be.
We've got dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of professional athletes in this town who *are* in those glamorous, high-visibility roles, however: Players from the Jaguars, Barracudas, Suns, etc, should get in on the act. Imagine the child who sees his favorite (local!) athlete reading to kids just like him! How excited could that make that kid? Talk about motivation to read and meet your hero!
I find myself agreeing with Lunican: The Mayor is hired to run the city. If we want him to set an example, let him set an example civically. Leadership from a Mayor should be embodied in actions such as: get the damn courthouse built, get rail-based transit moving forward (pun intended), and any other of the numerous great suggestions from Stephen, lakelander, Ock, and all the posters on such related threads.
He's only got so much tangible authority, of course - no Mayor is an out-and-out despot - but I think plenty of people are ready for him to assert more leadership. Reading to kids is more photo-op than example, IMO.
July 29, 2008, 2:02 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
props lunican and Doctor K.
thanks for singling out the image and issue that seems to sum up our problem.
July 29, 2008, 2:17 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
It is apparent this has not been working.
They do, all the time. Jags players are always making appearances at schools.
I agree with you. These are all important issues. But it is also important that the children of Jacksonville know how to read and obtain an education. If the Mayor's example helps to achieve this, then it isn't a waste. I'm not saying that the Mayor couldn't do more (I think he should he should be doing much, much more) but sometimes even the menial things can make a difference.
July 29, 2008, 3:09 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
He's been reading for a few years now. Has our early public education system improved since this program started up?
July 29, 2008, 3:12 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
OCKLAWAHA
I like big projects and think they can really help a City's image....but it doesn't matter much what gets built in Jax (more condos, Hard Rock Cafe, Landing re-do, streetcars, etc.) if the crime problem can't be dealt with....much of that starts with prevention which includes literacy programs.
Now, if there are some infrastructure/development projects that can also serve as a catalyst to solving some of the social ills, then I'm all for it.
tufsu1, we should sit down and discuss this one of these days. This is one of the reasons I'm so passionate about seeing rail return down the S-Line. Better infrastructure and maintenance of public property can reduce crime. In fact, I'd be willing to debate, attacking the situation in this manner can be more effective than the Jacksonville Journey plan of hiring more cops, which only serves as a reaction to the problem, rather than curing the atmosphere that breeds it.
July 29, 2008, 3:18 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
I think I already know the answer to this question but...why doesn't the media do more investigative reporting on what the city is doing or not doing? I mean, they are certainly reactionary, i.e. reporting press conferences and meetings but why do none of them seem to be interested in shining a spotlight on city hall and actually asking questions...like many of the questions posted here.
It seems elementary but a lot of people have these very same questions yet, no one is asking them. Much of what is posted on this board would put TU headlines to shame. Are investigative reporters merely characters you see in movies? Does no one have the guts to do it?
July 29, 2008, 3:45 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
we are the investivative reporting, broken forum.
part of it is that the TU was woefully understaffed, and the new guys just lack the background to know what people ARENT doing.
One of the great young talents just got married and blew town.
Folio is routinely stonewalled and shut out of the political world as a result of the reputation for unfairness, and the news channells cant show video of something NOT happening.
Which leaves us.
July 29, 2008, 6:26 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
If anyone cares, the mayor's email is jpeyton@coj.net
July 29, 2008, 7:36 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Lake...I agree....some projects (like premium urban transit) can be a huge catlyst for social change.
I was just trying to make a general point that some on this site seem to think that everything is solved by building the next really tall building!
July 29, 2008, 8:06 pm
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
nothing wrong with really tall buildings though.
July 30, 2008, 1:31 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Does he really check that email?? I got some words for the turtle, but I don't wanna write if he doesn't really read.
July 30, 2008, 1:53 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
B-Ham is trying to get the Olympics?? That's news. Its interesting reading how many of the politicians don't live near downtown. Figures as much. This Tony guy sounds interesting....I never heard the name before. The mayor's office is not interested in rail? Is that because the mayor's office can afford to keep their tanks full? Duval County School Board should be handling that read to the kids thing. Godbold & Hazouri (my elementary years) never read to me and my classmates doubt we needed them to either. YOU WILL NEVER EVER GET RID OF CRIME......but you CAN slow it down by giving potential criminals something else to do. Can't commit crimes if you are at work.....Can't plan/commit crimes if you don't have idle time to waste. Jacksonville is not busy enough...because the leaders are not busy and don't stay on the grind....They like to take it EEEEEEAAAASSSSY. "SLOW N STEADY WINS THE RACE".......The attitude of the leaders trinkles down to the citizens. "SLOW N STEADY"
"Sitting on the dock of a bay watching the tiiiiiiiiiide roll away....Sitting on a dock of the bay WASTING TIIIIIIIIME."
July 30, 2008, 6:10 am
Re: Jacksonville's leaders outdone again!
Does he really check that email?? I got some words for the turtle, but I don't wanna write if he doesn't really read.
[/quote]
Whoa, wait a minute! That don't sound very good. I know there had to be some kind of explaination concerning our Mayor. I believe that he will listen and pay attention to us soon enough. I'm not trying to sound like a wimp, but give the man some time...or should I say, give the man a break!
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