Eleven Principles for Creating Great Community Places

[Metro Jacksonville]

Eleven Principles for Creating Great Community Places



Sometimes instead of dreaming of big ticket and expensive public financed projects for downtown revitalization, it's better to take a step back and attempt to understand the basics of what makes a space great.  With this in mind, Project For Public Spaces (PPS) has identified 11 key elements in transforming public spaces into vibrant community places, whether they're parks, plazas, public squares, streets, sidewalks or the myriad other outdoor and indoor spaces that have public uses in common. What will it take for a community like Jacksonville to finally listen?


Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-feb-eleven-principles-for-creating-great-community-places

[Noone]

To Finally listen? LEGISLATION!!

1. The Community is the Expert.
"I am Downtown!" And I'll be telling the state of Florida and the world why you aren't.

2. Create a Place.
    Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek, Sidney Gefen Park, Jacksonville Marina, Hyatt parking lot, School Board, RAM, Duval St.

3. Look for Partners.
    Who wants to be a 501-c? I'm serious. I need a Partner who Khan tell the world that everyone needs to VISIT JACKSONVILLE especially on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a FEDERAL, FEDERAL, FEDERAL INITIATIVE.

4. Observing.
    You can observe the legislation for yourself. 2010-675, 2005-207, 2003-627, 2007-451, 2010-604, so many more.

5. Have a Vision
    Downtown River Access. Downtown Vision. Where are You?

6. Start with the Petunias: Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper
    Who wants to clean up our Waterways? And have fun doing it.

7. Triangulate.
    Jacksonville marina
    a, Kayak at the new Mayor Brown kayak launch.
    b, Then fish under the brand new no fishing signs.
    c, Don't ride your bike because I don't think there is a bike rack. Somebody (double check)

8. "It can be done"
     IT IS BEING DONE! Use the River!

9. Form Supports function
    FIND is good (Florida Inland Navigation District)
    Jacksonville is LOST

10. Money is not the issue.
      Legislation is the issue.

11. You are never Finished
      I am just beginning. It will be the hardest thing that I have ever done to warn our Regional Partners and surrounding counties why instead of saying VISIT JACKSONVILLE  we will all be saying DON'T VISIT JACKSONVILLE.
The Public Trust has been totally crushed in this community.
Ethics commission meeting today at 5
City council meeting Dec. 14
Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting Dec.15
Somebody, Please help.
We Khan Make It Happen

 
 
   

 

[tg]

One of the things I've been thinking of lately is that I can't pin down a specific "look" for Jacksonville's downtown. When you think of Boston, there's a lot of brick buildings with white trimming, Pensacola has a lot of iron railings and balconies in its downtown.

If we could define a look/identity/feel for downtown, whether its through consistent planters or the murals, I think that would be a big step. Number 6 on the list could be a really efficient way to do this.

[thelakelander]

I think when you allow innovation and creativity within a cosmopolitan downtown setting, you get an environment where the mix of architectural styles blended together within a compact atmosphere helps create the "unique look and vibe." 

[urbanlibertarian]

Is there a conflict between what attracts downtown workers and patrons of shops restaurants and bars?  It would seem that the downtown worker wants to drive to her parking as quickly and conveniently as possible in the morning, have something quick and tasty available for her half hour lunch and then get the heck out of DT as quickly as possible at 5pm.  This would make one way streets with no on-street parking atractive to her.  To someone coming DT to shop, dine or drink I would think two way streets with on-street parking would be more attractive.  Is this a problem?

[Dashing Dan]

One of the things I've been thinking of lately is that I can't pin down a specific "look" for Jacksonville's downtown. When you think of Boston, there's a lot of brick buildings with white trimming, Pensacola has a lot of iron railings and balconies in its downtown.

If we could define a look/identity/feel for downtown, whether its through consistent planters or the murals, I think that would be a big step. Number 6 on the list could be a really efficient way to do this.

I think that our "look" should somehow be maritime.  Has there ever been a "Tall Ships" event here?

[blizz01]

I think that our "look" should somehow be maritime.  Has there ever been a "Tall Ships" event here?

Yes - but I'm not sure that it's been a consistent event:

http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-may-sail-jacksonville-may-29-31-2009

[thelakelander]

Sail Jacksonville?  This was a pretty nice festival but it hasn't been held since 2009 or so.





more images: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-jun-sail-jacksonville-2009-photos

[north miami]

Fondly recall (indeed,who remembers?) also Super Bowl, temporary marina installed along the south bank,all the related,including popular spontaneous city sponsored " street party".(The best photos the waterway yielded are with me)

I like the " Community is expert" outlook......any proposal that turns community on it's ear,contentious proceedings,split,rift,legal wrangling,especially related to rule of law,zoning,particularly one driven by "Inevitable" mantra is worthy of intense scrutiny,caution.