“The turnout, from our end of things,” explained Cheryl Morgan, “was almost unprecedented for this kind of work. Frankly, it was shocking and quite refreshing to see that much community involvement.“I think the fact that the community came out in support is an indication of how interested and enthusiastic they are to improve their city. I also believe it shows that it is important to the public that they be a personal part of effort to preserve the history of this community while helping it to grow and evolve for the future.”
Morgan, the director of the Auburn University Center for Architectural and Urban Studies in Birmingham, was on hand Thursday, Friday and Saturday conducting a charrette to gather ideas to bring about growth in Jacksonville and, in another respect, uncover the best routes for linking the city with Jacksonville State University and the recently purchased mill property.
Morgan noted that, of the numerous charrettes she has been a part of, Jacksonville’s was at or near the top in attendance and public enthusiasm. There were between 60-70 people who attended Thursday’s town hall meeting to get the ball rolling and set the tone. After that, 60 citizens and 30 citizens, respectively, on Friday and Saturday, offered their input on how they feel growth should be handled and directed.
“As it turned out,” said Morgan, “we ended up involved in more process than product. This is actually a good thing. While it kept us from really being able to give an early indication of what the final concept for growth will resemble, it allowed us to gain greater insight into the citizens and community that makeup Jacksonville so that those plans can be developed in minute detail.”
Now that all the data and information has been collected, it will be assessed and a plan drawn up for future growth. Morgan warns, however, that they are not looking for a quick fix outcome. Rather, they are interested in making suggestions for the long haul that will change the very fabric of society, not just the current condition.
“As for our initial ideas,” added Morgan. “People seem to be interested in building a community that is more walkable, especially in terms of neighborhoods, and better connected with people and places throughout Jacksonville.”
She said that people, time and time again, insisted they were eager for sidewalks throughout their neighborhoods and along the major public arteries of the city. They wanted to focus on creating clear, alternate routes of travel for cars, walkers, bikers, etc., above and beyond utilizing Ala. 21 for everything.
“There was also,” added Morgan, “a great deal of emphasis on keeping and expanding the city’s partnership with the university. People seemed to really be concerned about keeping the hometown, small college atmosphere that Jacksonville has come to be known for and increasing that.”
Morgan noted that, while there was little talk from the public concerning the mill property, there was a concern for connecting it to the square and the main parts of town, if and when the city offices are relocated there. Other than a necessary link for the city’s main shop district to the city’s municipal focal point, when and if the mill becomes such a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s day to day activities, the public seemed to consider that property and that portion of town as simply an afterthought in consideration with everything else.
Another concern for the public was in locating and creating good, wholesome places for the youth in our society to gather and spend time. They felt, as a collective unit, Jacksonville has neglected its younger community to this point, driving a generational wedge between citizens. Many, in fact, suggested we may have spent so much time and energy concentrating on the attraction of a retirement populace, that we have neglected what amounts to the nucleus of the city’s future, at least from a population stand point. Additionally, many believed that we should not only concentrate our efforts on appealing to the teenage or younger crowed, but we need to put out a greater push to provide things in the city for the university’s student population.
“Some argued that there is little or nothing for the college students to do in Jacksonville outside of going to class and going home,” said Morgan. “They felt that the city is missing what could amount to a powerful tax base, by neglecting the needs of students.
“They said we need to look at the numbers of taxpayers that leave this area each weekend and think what would happen if there were reasons for them to stay and spend their money here.”
Morgan said that they are looking at mid-January before they come back to reveal their findings and proposals. At that time, the public will be for comment.
After a brief period to address the comments, Morgan and her team will deliver the final plan to the city, around the end of January.
