Agree that Downtown Jax has a long ways to go to become a “ walking downtown “. However, having lived here for over 35 years I can see the progress, albeit extremely sluggish. The rotten egg smell that used to clear my sinuses is pretty much gone. The shacks between downtown and I-95 have been demolished. I think there’s the potential for downtown, but our city leaders, for whatever reason, haven’t developed that potential. My wife and I have discussed the feasibility of buying a condo in the inner city, as I’m sure many others have. Until and unless it becomes safe and walkable at night, with entertainment venues and restaurants/ bars, etc., that discussion will continue without action. I lived in Orlando for 8 years and watched as the city developed Church Street Station , a rundown slum , where crime was rampant. It became an entertainment destination, with restaurants and dance clubs, etc. The city provided policemen who walked the area . The streets were well lighted. Criminals moved to other locations. Jacksonville can do the same if it has the will to do it.

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