Quote:Some people like the current location, some dont. 

 

I look at the East 295/95 interchange area because there is alot of open land and the stadium can be easily accessed via those two routes (being they build a main access road to the stadium). 

 

I just dont see downtown really becoming a focal part of the city for entertainment and dining. Until the city takes the homelessness issue seriously, nobody (major retailers/national chain restaurants) will invest in downtown seriously enough and continue to look to areas like the SJTC (slightly northeast of my recommended area) which attracts affluent crowds.

 

People have been talking about developing Downtown Jax for the last 25 years and nothing has yet to come to fruition and the long time residents know why. Plus they have a major foothold on the area.

Maybe you can accuse of me of comparing apples to oranges but if NY Times square can be transformed from homeless, junkies and prostitution into the commercial world powerhouse it is today then we have a chance to revitalize downtown Jax.

 

It is not only vital for us to become a great city but if we have any chance to attract NCAA championships, world class exhibitions or even super bowls we will need a signature district and downtown provides us our best opportunity to accomplish this.

 

San Diego has Gaslamp Quarter, New Orleans has the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, Miami has South Beach. we need to develop something iconic for our city.

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