It's time to save all of Metro Park

Ask the DIA to remove park lands from DIA Resolution 2021-02-02

On Wednesday, February 17^th at 2 pm, the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) is seeking approval of Resolution 2021-02-02, an access agreement which would allow a private developer, Iguana, to conduct environmental testing on the western 8-acre portion of Metropolitan Park, the former Kids Kampus. This is not the area subject to the National Park Service. In addition, Iguana seeks access for testing on the Shipyards Parcel that begins east of Hogan’s Creek. The testing access is a step towards potential development of the property.

The meeting is open to the public, with public comments accepted via email, zoom or in person.

Our Position:  

1. We support keeping our entire Metropolitan Park intact. Metropolitan Park belongs to the people of Jacksonville, and no portion of the park should be given away or sold to private interests.
2. We ask that the DIA remove the Kids Kampus park lands, RE 130572 0100, from this resolution and cease plans for the potential development of any part of Metropolitan Park.
3. We need more parks and river access in downtown, not less. Metropolitan Park can become part of a larger vision for a riverfront park system. A vibrant, resilient “Riverfront for All.”

2/17 DIA Meeting Info

Website:  dia.coj.net

Meeting Date & Time:  Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 2 p.m.  Public comments are at the start of each meeting,

Participate: by zoom, in person, or via email

PHYSICAL LOCATION
Jacksonville Public Library-Main Library/Downtown
303 North Laura Street
Multipurpose Room (located in the Conference Center)
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Via Zoom: Meeting ID: 940 7401 7448, Passcode: 642945

Via Email:  Comments to be read at the meeting can be emailed to Ina Mezini at RMezini@coj.net up to 2:05 p.m. on February 17^th, 2021.

Attend the DIA Riverfront Public Workshop Feb 23 at 12 noon  

The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) is hosting a public workshop about the Downtown Riverfront on Tuesday, February 23rd at 12 noon. Please plan to attend and listen to presentations by the DIA and by DuPont Fund, along with others. Public comments will be allowed following the presentations.   

This is a great opportunity to participate in a conversation about our important civic and natural asset, our riverfront.

Currently, the lands along the entire St. Johns River are 90% privately owned, but we have over 75 acres of publicly owned lands in downtown that provide a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity.  

We believe that the time is now to invest in and expand downtown riverfront public access with a connected network of parks and green space.  A "Riverfront for All" providing overlapping benefits:  community gathering, health and wellness, resiliency and positive economic impact. Other cities have found that this approach has been critical to their downtowns.  You can see some examples in the Riverfront Parks Now Presentation.  Why not Jacksonville?   

DIA Riverfront Workshop Meeting Info
February 23 at 12 noon
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98520909500?pwd=S2YvbEdvdXRMSHVLVlJWZE0xbzZLdz09
 
Meeting ID: 985 2090 9500
Passcode: 237408

All agenda packets and meeting information are kept up to date on the DIA website:  www.dia.coj.net.  
 

Riverfront Parks Now