An opportunity to revitalize A. Philip Randolph?

[thelakelander]

A. Philip Randolph Boulevard was once the center of commerce for residents living east of Downtown Jacksonville until a series of public policy decisions resulted in its urban renewal and economic decline of the Eastside neighborhood. Recent talk of a new stadium and mixed-use district surrounding the venue present Jacksonville with the ability to right many long time economic wrongs. Here's a look into the history of this important urban corridor and how, with a little intention and focus, it could be rebirthed to help bring economic prosperity back to Jacksonville's Eastside.

Read More: https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/an-opportunity-to-revitalize-a-philip-randolph/

[marcuscnelson]

I wonder how reasonable it'd be to do something similar to Gator Bowl Blvd with the Union Street Expressway. Bring it down to the ground and merge it with Beaver Street between Palmetto and Franklin, open up APR to the S&E District. If the UF campus does go to the Fairgrounds there's a good chance that everything south of Grant (aside from the Armada stadium) could get bought up for student apartments down the road. Obviously naturally supporting that growth north without pushing out the community is the real challenge.

[Charles Hunter]

I wonder how reasonable it'd be to do something similar to Gator Bowl Blvd with the Union Street Expressway. Bring it down to the ground and merge it with Beaver Street between Palmetto and Franklin, open up APR to the S&E District. If the UF campus does go to the Fairgrounds there's a good chance that everything south of Grant (aside from the Armada stadium) could get bought up for student apartments down the road. Obviously naturally supporting that growth north without pushing out the community is the real challenge.

That seems reasonable. The rail spurs are gone that used to serve the port (also gone) that were [probably] a major reason for elevating that section of road. Reconstructing that as a surface roadway could make daylighting Hogans Creek easier than doing it with the roadway embankments near Liberty Street.

[thelakelander]

Obviously naturally supporting that growth north without pushing out the community is the real challenge.

I think this is the real opportunity. Revitalization is about economic and inclusive prosperity. Unlike the past, we just have to really be intentional about it and invest in the structures and policies that allow for it to happen.

I wonder how reasonable it'd be to do something similar to Gator Bowl Blvd with the Union Street Expressway.

This has been discussed in a few Eastside circles. Its a perfect Reconnecting Communities type of project that also benefits the Emerald Trail and Hogans Creek.

[jaxjags]

I wonder how reasonable it'd be to do something similar to Gator Bowl Blvd with the Union Street Expressway. Bring it down to the ground and merge it with Beaver Street between Palmetto and Franklin, open up APR to the S&E District. If the UF campus does go to the Fairgrounds there's a good chance that everything south of Grant (aside from the Armada stadium) could get bought up for student apartments down the road. Obviously naturally supporting that growth north without pushing out the community is the real challenge.

That seems reasonable. The rail spurs are gone that used to serve the port (also gone) that were [probably] a major reason for elevating that section of road. Reconstructing that as a surface roadway could make daylighting Hogans Creek easier than doing it with the roadway embankments near Liberty Street.

After thinking about above, If I was UF I would make it a condition for using fairgrounds. That type of school needs to be walkable and connect with the surrounding community. Who wants to look at embankments and cars all day.