Latest from Urban Issues
Latest Urban Issues articles from Jacksonville, FLThe Price of Sprawl: Are We Bankrupting Our Future?
According to Tischler Report economic analysts, cost-of-services studies show Florida taxpayers pay $1.39-2.45 for every tax dollar paid by a new development. Costs at the higher end of this range are for development in rural areas. If new development already wasn't covering its costs directly or indirectly,...
Read MoreMonroe Street: Do The Right Thing
This evening, the Jacksonville City Council will officially decide to either construct a new street and call it Monroe or to save taxpayers a possible $1 million. Here are five reasons why council members on the fence should not support forcing a new street into the courthouse site.
Read MoreMonroe Street Closure On The Brink Of Happening
For those who have not followed us over the years, Metro Jacksonville has been a strong proponent for not rebuilding Monroe Street in front of the courthouse since the City Council approved the current design in 2008.
Read MoreThe Urban Core Thanks Bill Killingsworth
While the Alvin Brown administration continues to move forward with a massive reorganization of City Hall, the urban core would like to thank former planning director Bill Killingsworth for his service to the City of Jacksonville and encourages the Brown Administration to not only reconsider the role...
Read MoreExposing Dining to the Street: Before and After
As we mentioned during the mayor's race, there won't be a Whole Foods, Publix, Nordstrom, or 10,000 residents beating down the doors of downtown anytime soon. However, not all is lost when it comes to implementing quick affordable downtown revitalization techniques. Better exposing and utilizing what's...
Read MoreMost Walkable Jacksonville Neighborhoods 2011
According to Walk Score, there is no "Walker's Paradise" in Jacksonville. However, there are a few urban districts in Jacksonville that qualify as being walkable neighborhoods. Here are Jacksonville's 10 most walkable neighborhoods, according to Walk Score's 2011 rankings.
Read MoreSurface Parking Lots: A Downtown Vibrancy Killer
According to Downtown Vision (DVI), more than 50% of downtown Jacksonville's streetscape consists of "dead space" - either parking lots, garages, vacant buildings, or buildings less than 25% occupied. This collection of aerials visually highlight the impact dead spaces (surface parking and underutilized...
Read MoreThe Hogans Creek Master Plan
A look at the finalized master plan developed by the City of Jacksonville, Project for Public Spaces, and HDR, Inc. to revitalize Jacksonville's original "Central Park."
Read MoreDurkeeville Project Illustrates Zoning Code Issues
While the introduction of Family Dollar should be a boon for a neighborhood in need of additional retail, allowing an autocentric suburban box in the middle of a historic, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood illustrates why Jacksonville's zoning code should be modified.
Read More7 Days & Waking Life: Downtown To Come
Over the last week, a series of public announcements and events has come forth, that when combined and coordinated, could quickly breathe life into Downtown Jacksonville.
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