As a lead up to JCCI’s Recession Recovery and Beyond Study in October 2010, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission executive director Ron Barton shared his views about two critical areas that are being addressed to make the Jacksonville more attractive to relocating businesses – Cecil Commerce Center and Downtown Development.
“We have a commitment to do something with” Cecil Commerce Center, Barton told the JCCI group. “To make it a job haven. It’s about what works for our future.”
To this end, the JEDC approved Texas-based Hillwood Company LLC to become the master developer of the Westside commerce center. Barton believes Hillwood can market Jacksonville as a premier brand when it comes to luring potential businesses to the area.
Barton also said that businesses are not going to locate someplace where there isn’t investment in improvements. Even in a recession, he said, it’s important to maintain public spaces such as Metropolitan Park and the Southbank and Friendship Park.
“People ask ‘What’s Downtown have to do with economic development,” said Barton. “For business recruiting, it’s important.”
He said a focus on the central Downtown corridor will lead to improvements in the surrounding area that will then spread, and re-establish Downtown’s identity to residents and outside business interests alike.
See the full article, “JEDC executive director: Cecil Commerce Center and downtown”, at the Financial News and Daily Record online at http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=530804 (4.20.2010)
The speaker made a convincing presentation regarding the value of involving Hillwood Company in Cecil Commerce Center development. Though his assertions regarding the importance of a thriving central city were also persuasive, it is unclear as to whether his message has or will resonate region-wide. Given the history of missteps and lack of continuity in downtown development, there is skepticism regarding the need for, and long-term value of, downtown development. Efforts to develop the downtown would benefit from a thoughtful and understandable plan for downtown development what includes an educational component designed to increase public awareness and support.
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