JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem announced a Special Committee that will look into the efficacy of the Downtown Investment Authority.
There are dozens of projects under construction throughout downtown Jacksonville, but for some, there are still many unanswered questions.
Salem talked about what made him want to start looking into this.
“Well, I’ve had calls from developers around the community. I’ve had the council members come to me not entirely pleased with what’s going on downtown, and it was my feeling in order to kind of bring this all together,” Salem said.
He said the committee’s purpose is to study the structure of the Downtown Investment Authority.
“Well, clearly we’d like to see more going on downtown. I don’t think anyone is particularly pleased with what’s going on downtown. The question is why? Is it other factors? Is it the DIA and that structure?” Salem said.
The DIA is working with developers on many projects throughout downtown, according to its website which shows completed and under-construction projects.
The DIA released a statement in response to the committee saying it looks forward to participation. It reads:
DIA looks forward to this opportunity to discuss the progress and challenges facing Downtown, ways to accelerate revitalization and structures for success. The DIA Board and staff remain committed to the Master Plan adopted by City Council and achieving its goals in a financially responsible way. We welcome the Council’s input on the process improvements that can be made and appreciate the Council’s continued focus on Downtown.
Councilman Kevin Carrico, who is chairing the Special Committee released, a statement.
“The committee will look at both the successes and failures of downtown development over our recent history. We need to know what’s working and what’s not. We owe it to the taxpayers to see fruitful investments and that is what the committee will look into,” Carrico said.
Mayor Donna Deegan released a statement as well.
Growing our downtown is a top priority. Since I was first sworn into office, my administration has been working closely with the Downtown Investment Authority, to evaluate its current challenges while also celebrating its successes... It is certainly within the purview of the City Council to examine this matter as well. This is an important conversation we should have as a community, and as mayor, I will continue to emphasize the importance of creating a vibrant downtown for all our citizens to enjoy.
Mayor Donna Deegan
The committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations by or before June.