The Downtown Action Plan is the “playbook” that guides not only the JEDC but all of the Downtown partners, including Downtown Vision Inc. (DVI), Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and various city departments. Just as importantly it allows for private sector collaboration and provides a clear path to actions being pursued to achieve the four objectives of the Plan: 1) To improve walkability 2) To make Downtown a destination 3) To make Downtown a neighborhood 4) To ensure a framework for sustainable success. The JEDC and its partners have made substantial progress on initiatives outlined in the Downtown Action Plan during its first year of implementation. A summary of achievements and next steps for 10 of the 19 action steps of the Plan are listed below. Click here to download the complete progress update presentation. For more information, download a summary of the Downtown Action Plan, or download the entire Downtown Action Plan.
Update on Downtown Action Plan Initiatives
Enhance the Level of Service for “Clean and Safe” Programs
A fundamental step in building an exceptional Downtown is ensuring that it is clean and safe. To date, the Downtown partners have:
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Created a “Safety Committee” with the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office (JSO), DVI and city
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Increased the number of Downtown properties participating in the High Intensity Trespassing Zone (HITZ) to more than 50%
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Enhanced the Downtown lighting plan by developing minimum lighting standards and improving the reporting and repairing system of broken street lights
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Installed new garbage cans and cigarette receptacles
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Coordinated an inmate crew cleanup of Sister Cities Park
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Installed game day “No Parking” signage on Bay Street
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Engaged the JSO to provide “beat” coverage.
Future objectives include: creating legislation to remove payphones in public right of ways; seeking grant opportunities for JSO officers; engaging more property owners to take ownership of sidewalks and lighting around their property; installing more garbage cans and cigarette receptacles; installing uniform newspaper stands and implementing anti-loitering initiatives for Hemming Plaza. In order to continue progress with this initiative, Downtown partners and stakeholders must continue to work collaboratively on these efforts.
Development & Implement a Comprehensive Streetscape Plan
Beautiful, vibrant, well-lit and safe streets are an important part of creating a welcoming Downtown. Getting people on the street is a critical first step to revitalization of the Downtown. Accomplishments to date include:
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Completion of Main Street Streetscaping and Park project
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Design of Bay Street Phase II Plan
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Design of Laura Street Phase I improvements.
Future objectives include: completing the engineering of the Laura Street project; beginning construction of the primary pedestrian loop in the urban core and constructing Phase II of the Bay Street Town Center streetscape improvements.
Convert One-Way Streets to Two-Way Streets
Two-way conversions will help slow Downtown traffic to make Downtown driving less intimidating to visitors and pedestrians feel safer. Future objectives include an analysis and a preliminary engineering plan for the creation of a boulevard down Bay Street. As part of the streetscape programs, Laura Street and portions of Independent Drive and Bay Street will be converted to two-way.
Create a Riverwalk Enhancement Plan
The Riverwalk is one of the best ways to enjoy Downtown’s greatest asset: the St. Johns River. Achievements toward developing a world-class, accessible public Riverwalk include:
- Completion of the Northbank Riverwalk Park
- Development of Riverside Artist’s Market
- Engineering assessment of the Southbank Riverwalk.
Future objectives include the completion of the Southbank Riverwalk Assessment Study and the opening of the Riverside Artist’s Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Improve Downtown Connectivity by an Enhanced Trolley System & Complementary Bus Rapid Transit System
A frequent and reliable trolley system serving Downtown in addition to a complementary BRT system serving the outer suburbs will efficiently move more people throughout Downtown. Achievements to date include:
- Help determine appropriate locations and headways of Downtown trolleys
- Calculated enhanced funding required to achieve desired service level
- Determined appropriate north and south locations of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT)
- Implemented enhanced trolley services and a new Riverside trolley service
- Approved design plans of the proposed Rapid Transit Center.
Future objectives include implementing BRT System Improvements, expanding trolley routes and examining bus stop locations’ appearances.
Enhanced Event Programming
Special events are an opportunity to change perceptions about Downtown, drive business to Downtown merchants and make Downtown an exciting neighborhood. This past year, several new Downtown events began including: “Make a Scene Downtown”, Destination Downtown, Dine-around Downtown, Historic Church Tour, Movies in the Park and Art Walk.
Future objectives include continuing with the “Make a Scene Downtown” initiative and encouraging more private partners to create or host Downtown events such as “Destination Downtown.”
Improve Wayfarer Signage
In order to make Downtown navigation more user-friendly, wayfarer signage must be improved. To help achieve this, existing wayfarer and parking garage signage were surveyed and new parking garage design was completed.
Future objectives include installing new parking signage for public garages and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Master Plan and bid package for a comprehensive Wayfarer Signage program.
Refine Approval Process & Create One-Stop Shop Approach
The JEDC is the central authority agency for Downtown development, having created a one-stop-shop for Downtown development. Most recently, the Downtown Development Review Board (DDRB) Web site was enhanced to include monthly meeting packets complete with agendas, meeting minutes and project proposals.
Future objective is to complete the Transportation Concurrency Exception Area (TCEA) Plan, required by the Florida Department of Community Affairs. When completed, this system will replace the traditional concurrency-based system used today.
Metropolitan Park/Kids Kampus Achievements
The Metropolitan Park/Kids Kampus area has the potential to become Jacksonville’s premier special events venue that further embrace the river and connect with surrounding uses and each other. Data and survey information have been gathered and a design charette was held with Jax Pride to gain the public’s ideas on the area.
Future objectives include the completion of a Master Plan, preliminary engineering and the creation of a budget for the Plan.
Redevelop the Friendship Fountain Area
A Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of Friendship Fountain has been drafted with public spaces and desired uses being outlined. The next steps are to select a consultant, solicit a community plan, develop a Master Plan and establish a budget.
