Comments on: Hogan’s Creek visioning process

By: thelakelander

thelakelander — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 17:18:03 +0000

All you need is a little creativity and land planning. Why can’t the parkland being considered to become a surface parking lot, be used for mixed-workforce housing instead? It wasn’t parkland originally, its south of the creek and currently owned by the city. Its also a much better use that connects with both FCCJ, the park and Springfield. Its residents would use the parks and planned greenway for recreation and selling the property (by RFP) would next the city a profit, that can then be applied to further park improvements, such as bbq grills, pavilions, landscaping, tot lots, etc. As for the church, let them park on the street, or work out a deal to use FCCJ’s massive parking lots across the street.

Looking further down the road, what’s FCCJ’s future plans? Has anyone even consulted its officials? Do they plan to expand that campus sometime in the future? If so, it would be a good idea to get with them to coordinate those plans in a fashion thats pedestrian friendly and helps connect the parks, Springfield and downtown together.

Next, it was mentioned that JTA already has plans for a transit oriented development, with the land they own. We just need to make sure its pedestrian friendly. That’s the entire west strip of Laura. How about the east?

Yes the reservoirs are there, but so is the old waterworks building that’s supposed to become some sort of museum, as well as the greenway that will streak through there. That’s a strong enough connection from Laura to Main, where the Park View and Main Street Lofts projects are planned and Confederate Park now sits.

Further up the creek (NW of FCCJ) the Jax housing commission owns a couple of housing projects. Similar to federal grants that rebuild Durkeeville’s projects, why not plan something similar for that site’s aging buildings, but interacts with the parks, instead of totally turning their backs to it?

Many of these things can be done, at the same time or even without the creek being touched, all it takes is being open minded, long term visioning, and coordination.

By: Downtownparks

Downtownparks — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 15:19:48 +0000

I think the answer to to resolve the environmental issues with the creek, push to architecturally restore Kluthos work, add modern amenities to the mix along the planned greenway, then connect Hogans Creek into the River Walk system. It wont be quick or easy, but its the best plan for the park sytem.

The problem with Laura St in that area is what is using that dead space. South of 1st St, the first lot that can be developed is between State and Union across from the bank. I think it is owned by the JTA, so its possible someone could push the city to issue an RFP for it for workforce housing.

JEA has two fresh water reservoirs on the east side of Laura, FCCJ has their parking lots on the west, and then you have on parcel of parkland split by the creek, which Bethel wants to buy and make a parking lot. Aside from FCCJ selling parking lot space, what can be developed?

The bigger issue, in my mind, is the old Claude Noland Dealership and Park View Inn. If those were both turned into contributing structures, it would go a long way to helping. At that point, If FCCJ can be convinced to make the Main St Facade of their building at the corner of Main and State more Main St Friendly, then perhaps the entrance to Springfield will be more welcoming.

By: Lunican

Lunican — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 14:39:12 +0000

Most of the “visions” that were being drawn up did not consider using the parks to enhance the connection between Springfield and Downtown. It’s going to take a lot more than nice trees and new benches to get people to hang out along the shores of a toxic creek.

I think Ennis has the right idea.