Re Eastside: There are some serious plans there. I've sat in those meetings for several months now. Having a neighborhood vision, startegy and organization.... with funding will have dramatic impact in a way that Jacksonville has not seen (because we've never done things in these communities this way). As most here know, The Avenue (A. Philip Randolph Boulevard) was recently designated as Jacksonville's first Main Street program. A goal there is to enhance that corridor and its businesses into a local commercial district that rivals the vibrancy of San Marco Square, Five Points, St. Johns Avenue, etc. However, the businesses, cuisine, culture, etc. will reflect the demographic makeup and cultural heritage of that neighborhood. That's an example of a neighborhood revitalization strategy that can be bolstered through a CBA.
I don't know too much about the overall deal outside of the Eastside withintrication work, but understand why the CBA extends to the larger community as well. I'm sure we'll need more than $70 million combined for all of downtown's riverfront parks but its possible those funds could be used as a match to leverage additional dollars from other financial sources.
