Five Reasons to Address The Landing Parking Situation

[Mondo]

... That's why the land has to be purchased before it could be developed. No tenant in their right mind would build out someone elses property.

Food for thought.

[Mondo]

That's why the original developer received major incentives to construct the landing in the first place... They were basically a paid developer. The car analogy makes no sense. Car on wheels. And if your car gets broken into on my property I could be responsible.

Now we have a situation where basically a tenant is managing the landing for the city. Not that complicated to me. Which if you think about it explains the lower standards for maintenance. You never love a rented house like you love one that you own.

[hanjin1]

nice

[Mondo]

I'm the first to agree that a convenient parking garage would make the landing and the times union center easier to frequent... But you miss the point in my posts. There is a fundamental problem with the original agreement. Even if you build a house that sits on someone elses land that you have limited control over it creates a negative effect on the way you care for that house.

It's a bad arrangement. It should be either all in or all out in my opinion.

[thelakelander]

Anyway its spinned, the city still needs to honor its obligation.

[JeffreyS]

Bad arrangement or not 23 years is enough time.  IMO the onus is on the city to get the parking done they can chose how as long as it's now.

[tufsu1]

I'm the first to agree that a convenient parking garage would make the landing and the times union center easier to frequent... But you miss the point in my posts. There is a fundamental problem with the original agreement. Even if you build a house that sits on someone elses land that you have limited control over it creates a negative effect on the way you care for that house.

It's a bad arrangement. It should be either all in or all out in my opinion.

99-year land leases are quite common....in fact, it is how much of Europe gets developed...I haven't seen many issues with upkeep there.

[Captain Zissou]

Basically the City owns the land.  Rouse Company came in and leased the land for 99 years, which for all practical purposes works the same as ownership, except that the deed never switches hands.

River City Brewing Company has this deal too.  I imagine this was so the city would maintain some control over the riverfront, while still allowing private developers to develop the area. 

[vicupstate]

Sleiman DOES own the parking lot that is separated from the Landing by the Main St. bridge.  Couldn't the city give Sleiman $3.5mm for a garage there?

Of course, he should make it MORE than just a garage.  It could be an expansion of the retail too, or at least allow that possibility in hte future. 

[thelakelander]

At one point, the city didn't want a garage on the riverfront.  Seeing how they deal with Sleiman, they probably still feel that way.  To be honest, this may be an issue that won't be addressed until 2011.

[Mondo]

Ok final post on subject... River City Brewing is a great example of another waterfront location in need of serious tlc... Hmmm who knew! And the comment about Europe... This isnt Europe. I stand by my position... All in or all out... Either way the landing is a hugely important part of the image we present for Jacksonville. I say let's figure out parking ... Stop the panhandling which means We all need to stop giving those people cash!!! Buy them a cheeseburger and a bottle of water! Cash gives them money to buy drugs... And it's cruel to enable them to be stuck in the horrible cycle of addiction that put them there...Did u know a lot of those people hustling aren't even homeless? They are just hustling! Because it works, or they wouldn't do it.  Let's start a city wide motion to stop panhandling! We need to develop the food market in the old library and make downtown the hub of creative local energy that it should be! I love this city let's make it better.
 

[JC]

One reason not to fix the parking situation at the landing...

[strider]

For what it's worth...I keep a boat at River City.  I have for about 6 years now.  I have seen a lot of repairs and maintenance done to the building and grounds.  Including a new roof.  Do not make it seem like no one cares because it is only a 99 year lease.  They do.  Are things perfect?  No, but it isn't for want of trying or even simply wanting to make it better, if anything, it is simple economics.  As much as can be done is done and frankly, it isn't bad at all, it is pretty good for what and where it is.  In fact, business has actually improved the last couple of years.  Not due to appearances, but better service, food and marketing.  The docks are due for replacement and will probably  happen in the next few years as well.

Long term leases are very common and when I looked at out parcel mall locations years ago, you got to build your building on a short term lease.  If you walked away, you walked away from the building.  I didn't like that and so did something else, but lots of companies did it.  The building often became a five to ten year property.

Regardless, the city needs to full fill it's obligations.  By doing so, the city seems to win in the end.  We all will.

[aaapolito]

JEDC chief proposes solution for the Landing's parking needs

http://jacksonville.com/business/2010-04-20/story/jedc-chief-proposes-solution-jacksonville-landings-parking-needs

[CS Foltz]

Mr Barton is trying, I will give him that but...............not near enough parking available nor is it close enough for Landing patrons to utilize at night! First robbery that takes place walking to the next closest garage, won't  have anyone go there after dark! I don't see Mr Barton saying anything about a shuttle service  either.....but that would be too expensive for sure, but it was a thought!