Cover Town Center Vision Plan Avondale

City of Jacksonville Planning and Development Department Town Center Program Phase I Initiative

January 2005 Acknowledgments

his document was prepared for the City of John Peyton Jacksonville Planning and Development Mayor TDepartment. It was developed through City of Jacksonville input from dozens of local participants. The development process spanned 6 months, from Micheal Corrigan July 2004 through January 2005. We are grateful District 14 Representative to the many community members who partici- Jacksonville City Council pated in the neighborhood workshops and contributed their time, energy, and Visions to this Jeannie Fewell report. Director Planning and Development Department

Jennifer Hewett-Apperson, AICP Town Center Program Project Manager Planning and Development Department A special recognition is due i JaxPride, a nonprofit coalition for visual enhancement, for their early and ongoing community visioning activities in Jacksonville. Their volunteer efforts have helped raise community awareness about the importance of having a Vision for neighborhood improvement. Sponsoring Organization Avondale Merchant’s Association Thanks is also extended to Fishweir Elementary Jennifer Riendburg, President School and its staff for graciously hosting the public workshop.

Project Consultant This document was prepared by: Prosser Hallock, Inc. 13901 Sutton Park Drive South Suite 200 Jacksonville, Florida 32224 904.739.3655 fax 904.730.3413 www.prosserhallock.com

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Contents

1. Overview ...... 1 2. Community Vision...... 5 3. Focusing the Vision...... 11 4. Expanding the Vision ...... 20 5. Implementing the Vision ...... 24 6. Maintaining the Vision ...... 29

7. Final Recommendations...... 31 ii 8. Conclusion...... 33

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 1 Overview

hat is a town center? The phrase and improve this Town Center through a commu- conjures an image of Main Street, of nity-based initiative and with the help and re- Wactivity and livelihood, of a space that sources of the City of Jacksonville. is historic, active, interesting, and inviting. A Town Center can take several forms. It may be an urbanized area, condensed and pedestrian ori- Background ented, with commercial enterprises that serve the The City of Jacksonville, through the leadership of local community and other amenities such as City Council member Suzanne Jenkins, developed parks and plazas. Alterna- the Town Center tively, it may be a com- Program as a means of mercial corridor that links providing support to several neighborhoods local organizations for together, serving both redeveloping areas of vehicles and pedestrians. town that have served Because they serve as the community and that community hubs, Town still retain historic or 1 Centers should be attrac- aesthetic character. The tive and well maintained. City also recognizes the role these Town Centers This report represents an can serve as Jacksonville effort by the Avondale grows: to provide community to redefine their Town Center with shopping, service, and entertainment alternatives, assistance from the City of Jacksonville. To be support small and local businesses, and create part of the City’s Town Center Program, a Town meaningful and memorable places that define the Center must be at least 30 years old and must City’s cultural and economic identity. have been at one time an established commercial district or corridor at the heart of an existing “ lder communities want their commercial community or neighborhood. Ocorridors that are the front doors to their neighborhood to reflect the character of their The central Avondale business district is a prime community…It’s about the community first example of a Town Center that continues to coming together because the plan has to be put support the local community. Despite many together by the community – not done to them changes in development trends, this area has or for them, but done with them.” begun a new era of improvement and is in an - Suzanne Jenkins, active growth mode. With a renewed interest in Jacksonville City Council historic preservation and rising real estate values, the Avondale community recognizes the value of In the spring of 2004, the Avondale Merchant’s preserving and enhancing its historic, central Association (AMA) applied for and received a district. This Vision Plan is an effort to restore grant from the City of Jacksonville for Phase I

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Visioning as part of the Town Center Program. conducted a series of site visits to walk the area, The focus of this Vision is the small commercial discuss opportunities and constraints, and record district located on St. Johns Avenue, between information. Talbot Avenue and Dancy Street. Once a Phase I Vision is completed, organizations are eligible to After preliminary analysis and information gather- apply for Phase II funding which will enable ing, the Team conducted a public workshop that development of construction plans. Phase I was carefully organized to allow direct input of the recipients, however, are not guaranteed Phase II participants at both a personal and communal funding through the program. Phase III appli- levels. Participants concluded the workshop by cants seek construction funds to apply toward prioritizing projects based on estimated cost and implementation. The Town Center Program is desirability. This input, detailed in the next administered by the City of Jacksonville Planning section, allowed the Team to develop plans for and Development Department. Phase II and Phase III implementations, as pre- sented in this report. Mission The mission of this project is to develop a Vision for Avondale that satisfies the needs and desires of INITIAL PROGRAMMING the local community while incor- GOALS & OBJECTIVES porating the realities of cost, conditions, and other constraints. A neighborhood workshop was 2 conducted on September 23, SITE VISITS and 2004 to gather community ideas DATA COLLECTION and opinions. This final Vision Plan is a direct result of that input. PUBLIC WORKSHOPS Planning Process To generate a Vision, the City formed a Project Team composed of staff from the Planning and VISION Development Department, and DEVELOPMENT professional planners, landscape architects, and engineers from Prosser Hallock, Inc. The Team developed a streamlined process to encourage as much public partici- pation and input as possible. DRAFT REPORT Team leaders initiated the process by meeting with AMA representa- tives to identify key issues in the CITY & ORGANIZATION FINAL area. The Project Team then REVIEW VISION PLAN

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Plan Area and one mile long (from the river to Roosevelt Boulevard)….The area from McDuff Avenue to The Avondale Town Center is the commercial Fishweir Creek is today generally known as “Avon- district along St. Johns Avenue, from Talbot dale.” By the time the Florida land boom fizzled Avenue to Dancy Street. Comprised of various in 1928, virtually all of this area had been devel- shops and restaurants, this district serves as a oped.” (Jacksonville’s Architectural Heritage, primary shopping and entertainment center for 1989) Avondale and the city at large. A map depicting the plan area is shown on the following page. In 1998, Avondale and Riverside were designated by city ordinance as a local historic district. New development and renovations are now subject to Area History meeting guidelines established by Riverside Residential development of Riverside began in Avondale Preservation, Inc., and to final review 1871 with the conversion of Magnolia Plantation and approval by the Planning and Development to residential tracts. By the turn of the century, Department and the Jacksonville Historic Preserva- Riverside had a new streetcar line and was an tion Commission. established upper-middle class neighborhood. After the great fire of 1901, many prominent Along with the Park and King district, the Avon- mansions were build along Riverside Avenue, and dale Town Center (also known as the Shoppes of an influx of ambitious architects created in Avondale) is one of two, small-scale retail districts Riverside what has become the largest variety of in Avondale. Both districts were constructed architectural styles in Florida. primarily in the 1920’s and have continued to serve the local community. In 1920, several wealthy investors led by Telfair 3 Stockton, purchased a large tract of land west of The Avondale commercial buildings have had Riverside for $500,000. This land was developed many tenants since their construction. The most into an exclusive neighborhood and Stockton notable building in the district is located at 3556- chose the name of “Avondale,” based on a subdivi- 3560 St. Johns Avenue and is currently occupied sion in Cincinnati where he had lived before. by Biscotti’s restaurant. This building was de- Avondale was advertised as a “correct” and “well to signed by local architects, Klutho, Cates and Cole, do” neighborhood and sold 402 of the total 720 and constructed in 1927 for a cost of $7,790. lots in its first two years.

“As the most elaborately planned development in Jacksonville at that time, Avondale lived up to its publicity. Sidewalks, sewerage, city water, gas, electricity, and telephone lines were installed before lots were offered for sale. Gently curving roadways and sixteen parks were laid out by William Pitkin, a well-known landscape architect from Ohio. Restrictive covenants regulated types of construction in order to maintain the exclusive nature of the residential development. Initially considered part of Riverside, Avondale quickly developed its own identity, The original Avondale Subdivision was long and narrow, only 4½ blocks wide (from Seminole Road to just beyond Talbot)

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan N

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Scale in Miles Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 2 Community Vision

t the heart of this Visioning process are Wert and Glendale. The proposed program calls the comments, concerns, and dreams of for realigning the road to introduce traffic A the area residents. These are the calming measures that would help reduce vehicle people who know Avondale best, who live and crashes. No other improvements for the Town work in the area, who use the roads and side- Center, outside of this Vision plan, are identified walks, who work to improve neighborhood by the City or other agency. conditions, and who enjoy the use of the neigh- borhood businesses and community facilities. A realistic Vision for redevelopment and revitaliza- Community Vision tion of this area must include their input. There- fore, the Project Team developed a careful Workshop program to gather as much direct input as pos- At the heart of this Visioning effort is community sible within a short timeframe. contribution. The Town Center Program was initiated not only to provide a physical improve- ment of Jacksonville neighborhoods, but also to Background Data help bring the people of each community together and encourage renewed interest, activity, rela- 5 Prior to the workshop on September 23, 2004 tionships, and organization. the Team conducted a site analysis and site visit to confirm significant existing conditions that would A cross-section of business owners and area likely influence Town Center planning. A back- residents totaling twenty-six attended the public ground data summary and zoning map are pro- workshop held on vided at the end of this section. September 23, 2004 at historic Fishweir The FDOT maintains jurisdiction over the St. Elementary School. Johns Avenue right-of-way. There are no FDOT The workshop was current or proposed projects that directly affect carefully organized to the corridor within the project area. FDOT has garner as much input identified road improvements on St. Johns and participation as Avenue between the nearby intersections of Van possible from attend- ees. The project Team utilized a simple and streamlined approach that enabled small groups to formulate their own creative ideas for improving the community.

Community Demographics The following census data summary is based on an analysis of census tract 22, block groups 2 and Avondale walk-through participants 3. About half of each block group was sampled,

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan extending out from St. Johns Avenue northwest demand for traditional neighborhoods is a grow- to Herschel Street and Southwest to Richmond ing trend, locally and throughout the southeast. Road. This sample provides a profile of the community proximate to the Town Center. The Avondale Town Center is a vital part of this historic and valuable neighborhood. It serves not only as a viable shopping district for the commu- • The total population has remained almost nity, but also a major public gathering place. unchanged over the last decade, having Along with the planned neighborhood parks, this grown by about 4% (from 769 in 1990 to 799 in 2000) feature is unique to the area and remains a signifi- cant contributor to the character and ambience of • The median age has increased from 38.5 in Avondale. 1990 to 47.5 in 2000 • The white population is decreasing (from 753 Group Planning in 1990 to 717 in 2000); the minority popula- tion is increasing (from 16 in 90 to 81 in 2000) Following the workshop introductions, the Project Team directed participants into small • High school graduates have increased 16% groups to begin the process of examining their (554 in 1990 and 659 in 2000) community and formulating ideas and strategies • There were 374 high school graduates and for improvement. The Team provided plan 480 college bachelor degrees recorded in sheets, aerial 2000. No census data was available for 1990. photographs, • The median home value has increased zoning maps, and very dramatically by 283% ($79,500 in plenty of pens, 1990 to $224,600 in 2000) markers, scales, tape, tracing 6 • The median year for structures built is 1940. paper, and other • The majority of the study area is commer- tools needed to cial (CGC-1) along the corridor and translate group ideas into images. Team members mainly low density residential (LDR) in were on hand to help in the translation process, the surrounding community. Boon Park with the goal of developing a graphic Vision that (PBF-1) is located nearby. represented group concerns or ideas.

Census Conclusions After capturing their initial ideas, each group presented their plan or Vision concept to the The census data indicates a stable and educated overall group and responded to questions and community, with over 60% having at least a comments. Project Team members recorded bachelors degree. The rise in median age may group ideas by table: coincide with the tremendous increase in real estate values, requiring new buyers to have a greater income. The rise in minority population may reflect a shift in minority acceptance within the community as well as the general rising afflu- ence of minorities within the city.

As Duval County continues to grow, historic, upscale communities like Avondale will become increasingly more in demand. Pre-World War II communities are few within Jacksonville and

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Table 1 • Install new traffic calming devices

• Reduce width of travel lanes • Install new pavers for sidewalks and crosswalks • Install new roundabouts at Talbot and Dancy • Create visible changes in sidewalk materials (differentiate between private and public) • Install new tower or visible entry feature • Create a “walk of stars” paving pattern to • Remove 2 lights at Ingleside and make right-turn- promote private funding only intersection • Install new parking where possible • Reduce curb cuts at corner gas station and convert to on-street parking • Install new irrigation to all planters • Close Ingleside Avenue and add parking • Replace sidewalks to Boone Park • Make Dancy Street pedestrian only on weekends • Install new trash receptacles • Install new traffic lights at each end of district • Eliminate newspaper stand

Table 4

• Install new trash receptacles 7 • Create new parking on the side streets • Relocate overhead utilities underground • Expand southeast side sidewalk, do not Table 2 sacrifice parking

• Install new trash receptacles • Preserve live oaks on northwest side of street, add more • Reroute ambulances to avoid commercial district • Make live oaks the visible street tree theme • Relocate power poles behind commercial storefronts (meters already in rear) • Require store owners and employees to park in rear alley • Install new ornamental lighting using natural gas (“gas light district”) • Install traffic calming devices • Remove Bradford pears and replace with holly • Narrow the travel lanes trees or crape myrtles • Install new uniform period lighting • Install new historic area signage • Install new paving for alleys • Install additional parking where possible Table 5

• Install new roundabouts at each end of district Table 3 • Install new crosswalks everywhere • Install new trash receptacles • Widen sidewalk on southeast side of road • Install new period lighting

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan • Create visual symmetry throughout the district master list by voting with colored sticky dots. Each participant was given three dots to place next to the • Extend sidewalk to Boon Park projects they desired most, whether all on one • Relocate overhead utilities underground, in project or spread among their top three choices. alleys where meters are Once everyone had placed their dots, the most popular projects were visible to the group. The • Heighten awareness of Art Deco influence results were discussed for clarification and group • Remove Bradford pear trees consensus. • Retain existing, healthy live oaks Prioritized Master List • Install new irrigation for all landscaping 1 Improve parking within right-of-way of the • Remove traffic signals at Ingleside intersection district, better defining and increasing where possible • Install new parking where possible 2 Improve landscaping within district, with • Install new natural gas lights for district removal of Bradford pears, preservation of • Use circular benches around base of some new live oaks, and introduction of appropriate light posts species to crate harmonious appearance 3 Install new ornamental lighting, using Table 6 available natural gas if possible 4 Improve sidewalks within district to • Create a unified landscaping image create a consistent appearance • Install new period lighting 5 Install new traffic calming devices, such 8 • Create a strong entry identification at each end as bump-outs, crosswalks, and speed of the district bumps • Improve district paving 6 Widen sidewalks on the southeast side of St. Johns Avenue • Install improved handicapped accesses, espe- 7 Install new entry signs at Talbot and cially for sidewalk crossings Dancy • Install traffic calming devices 8 Install irrigation for all landscaped areas 9 Install new street furniture throughout Group Prioritizing district Once the groups presented their Vision plans, the 10 Narrow the travel lanes to slow traffic, Team prepared a master list of projects that could be give more room for parking and sidewalks funded through the Town Center Program. Envi- sioned projects not eligible for funding through the From this exercise, the Project Team identified a Town Center Program require funding from other staging approach that echoed participant desires. sources identified in this report (see Section 5). The resulting program, described fully in the next Details such as section, is a logical sequence that allows for timeline and projects important to the community to be budget were designed and built within the funding framework discussed to add of the Town Center Program. Other envisioned weight to consider- projects can follow—or lead—this initial effort as ing the priority of supplemental funding, support, and resources are each project. acquired by the AMA (or other related civic Participants groups such as JaxPride or Greenscape). prioritized the

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Project Background Summary The following summary provides general information about the project area considered in establish- ing the Vision:

Project Limits: St. Johns Avenue: Dancy Street to Talbot Avenue Planning District: Southwest City Council District: 14 City Council District Representative: Michael Corrigan Length of Corridor: .2 miles Corridor Right-of-Way Jurisdiction: FDOT Width of Right of Way: 80 feet Major Cross Streets: Dancy Street Ingleside Avenue (Signalized) Talbot Avenue Curb to Curb Road Width: 66 feet Road Classification: Minor Arterial Posted Speed Limit: 35 mph Number of Lanes: 2 Lane Width: 12-16 feet 2003 Level of Service: D Number of Bus Stops: 3 9 Electrical Service Location: Overhead Historic Buildings and Sites: 3556-3560 St. Johns Avenue Churches along Corridor: None Government Buildings along Corridor: None Public Parks along Corridor: None Typical Sidewalk Material: Concrete, Hexagonal Paver Typical Width of Sidewalks: 7 feet Typical Street Light Type: Cobra Head Typical Street Light Spacing: 120 feet

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 10

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 3 Focusing the Vision Working within the Town Center Program

his section describes the projects identified qualify for Phase II and Phase III funding under and prioritized during the community the Town Center Program, if those phases are TVision workshop. A cost estimate of the awarded to Avondale. These projects would proposed improvement projects is located at the make a significant, positive impact to the corridor end of this section. Additional projects that do and are right-of-way improvements that could be not fit within this initial staging program are completed without excessive difficulty. They fit described in Section 4 as part of the long range together as a package that meets many of the Vision. objectives identified by the workshop partici- pants. Some of these improvements encourage Right-of-Way Improvements private property enhancements that respond to participant visions for renewal. Most importantly, Town Center funds are limited to public right-of- these improvements are highly visible and fit way improvements. The Project Team’s effort within the available funding parameters. Other focused primarily on improvements within the viable projects identified as part of the Vision right-of-way. The FDOT maintains jurisdiction that fall outside the funding parameters of the 11 over the right-of-way along St. Johns Avenue and Town Center Program are described in Section 4. proposed improvements and associated mainte- A graphic plan at the end of this section illus- nance within the right-of-way is subject to their trates the potential locations and dimensions of final approval. The improvements recommended these improvements. in this section are typically agreeable to the FDOT, the City of Jacksonville, and other governing bodies, provided they meet established design guidelines and that provisions are made regarding additional maintenance requirements.

While Phase II of the Town Center Program will deal with final design and permitting issues, we have attempted, even at this conceptual level, to avoid design approaches that could become contentious or problematic. Section 6 of this report addresses maintenance issues for the Existing right-of-way conditions proposed improvements. The maintenance recommendations may be used to guide final design and, ultimately, to build an acceptable Parking Improvements partnership with the City for ongoing mainte- Workshop participants placed parking improve- nance. ments at the top of their list. On-street angle parking is currently configured for both sides of The projects described in this section were the street and generally offers reasonable parking identified as first priority projects that would opportunities. Designated parking outside of

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan these spaces, however, is not plentiful or well- Extend Parallel Parking on defined. The following recommendations are St. Johns Avenue made to better utilize the existing parking and Designate new public parking spaces along St. consider alternatives for overflow use. Johns Avenue, on both sides of the road, between Dancy Street and Van Wert Avenue. After-hour Use of Private Parking Lots Space within the existing pavement between AMA should secure written agreements with Dancy Street and Van Wert Avenue exists to allow district business owners such as the Prudential parallel Realty and Underwood’s to enable use of their parking on parking areas outside of their normal business both sides of hours, to enable night and weekend use. the street. Cars are often parked in this Ingleside Avenue Parking area, despite Reconfigure Ingleside Avenue right-of-way be- its not being tween St. Johns Avenue and Riverside Avenue to designated for support additional parking . public On street parking space along St. Johns The block of Ingleside Avenue between St. Johns parking. If Avenue, south of Dancy Street Avenue and Riverside Avenue offers the best FDOT were opportunity for expanding public parking to the to install new pavement markings in this block, it Town Center. would provide overflow parking for the district. The width of Existing sidewalks on both sides of St. Johns the right-of- Avenue would keep pedestrians out of the road 12 way in this and direct them safely to the district. Another block is 80 positive aspect of this proposal is its traffic calm- feet and only ing effect for southbound motorists approaching 60 feet are the S-curve. On-street parking in this block would required to enhance the FDOT’s proposed improvements to Existing conditions on Ingleside Avenue construct a this curve, intended to make it safer and reduce typical two-way drive with 90-degree parking on crashes. each side. The existing pavement in the half block nearer Riverside Avenue is approximately 56 feet Side Street and Parallel Street Parking wide, necessitating some encroachment (about 2 feet on each side) into the grass strips between the Workshop participants indicated an interest in curb and sidewalks. In the half block closer to St. better utilizing the adjacent side streets for addi- Johns, the pavement is wider than 60 feet, which tional would reduce construction costs. parking. Further site The conceptual plan at the end of this section investigation, shows how this layout could work to generate up however, to 35 dedicated parking spaces in this block. revealed This plan assumes the removal of one of the two limited road large curb cuts that access the corner Shell widths for station. Reduction to one 30-foot curb cut adding would create an additional 6 spaces while still Existing side street parking conditions on parking Talbot Avenue providing generous access to the station. without

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan encroaching into the existing grass strips. On- parking spaces to add a measure of traffic calming, street parking in these areas already occurs infor- better define travel lanes and parking spaces, and mally and with some obvious degree of tolerance visually break up long rows of parking spaces. As from adjacent residents. Designating new parking with bump-outs, AMA representatives preferred to spaces would require meeting city standards and not use these islands for new landscaping, but widening each block, disrupting the residential instead let them be paved and provide additional character of these streets and adding to construc- pedestrian access. tion costs. The additional spaces offered from the Ingleside reconfiguration and St. Johns Avenue, Some existing parking spaces would be sacrificed should suffice. Overflow parking in the surround- to construct proposed bump-outs and islands, but ing neighborhood should remain informal and these would be replaced with additional spaces residents in these blocks should remain tolerant in proposed for Ingleside Avenue and further south supporting the Town Center. on St. Johns Avenue as part of this Vision Plan.

Bump-outs and Islands Sidewalk Curbing Install new bulb-outs at each intersection and Replace existing curbing along sidewalks with parking islands at regular intervals. “sawtooth” curbs and new pavement. Bump outs, or extensions of the sidewalk that Sidewalk width is limited to 7 feet within the project to the edge of the travel lanes, should be right-of-way on both sides of the street. The constructed at each intersection within the northeast side enjoys the appearance and use of a commercial district. Some bump-outs already wider sidewalk exists, but do not extend to the edge of the travel because buildings 13 lanes. Consequently, they do not offer the full along that side are measure of traffic calming. Extending the bump- set back from the outs would not only help calm traffic within the right-of-way from district, but 10 to 20 feet. would also Buildings on the provide southeast side of much- the street, however, needed were built with no additional setback. sidewalk space and Workshop partici- “Sawtooth” curbing in Five Points Bump-out in San Marco creating additional reduce pants strongly pedestrian space with public art crosswalk favored any oppor- distances tunity to widen the sidewalks on the southeast which would improve pedestrian safety. While side. By replacing the curbing with a “sawtooth” new bump-outs could also provide additional pattern that takes advantage of the angled parking landscaping area, the AMA indicated a strong configuration, additional sidewalk space can be preference for using all available space for paving captured. Recent applications of this technique in instead, citing a greater need for pedestrian uses. San Marco and Five Points have proved effective, especially for providing additional space for Several new parking islands should be constructed seating, lighting, and landscaping, though the within the existing parking strips that extend, like AMA indicated a desire to limit landscaping in bump-outs, to the edge of the travel lane. These those spaces, as with bump-outs, for more pedes- should be constructed between every 10 or 12 trian space.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan While the northeast side does not appear to need Whosesale replacement of the existing sidewalks is this treatment, the actual sidewalk space within an expensive project and will likely require supple- the right-of-way is the same on both sides. A mental funding to the Town Center Program. If balanced application is warranted, therefore, to the entire sidewalk area on the northwest side of give each side equal space within the right-of-way, the street is desired for improvement and consis- and to balance new paving, lighting, and other tency, coordination, funding, and agreement aesthetic features located in the “sawteeth.” among all of the affected property ownes will be required. Only that portion of sidewalk within the right-of-way is eligible for Town Center fund- Sidewalks ing and only that portion is included in the cost Replace existing sidewalks with new, unoform estimate. brick pavement or similar decorative treatment. Workshop participants placed sidewalk improve- ments, especially to create a consistent appearance, Landscaping as their fourth most desirable project. Sidewalks Remove Bradford pears and install new trees in on both sides proposed bump-outs and islands as appropriate. of the street Workshop participants identified the need for a con- are in poor sistent landscape approach along the corridor, cit- repair and ing the need to remove the existing Bradford pear consist of a trees that are now misshapen due to age and various mix of materi- pruning applications. These trees should be removed als, including to facilitate paving improvements, provide better brick, standard storefront visibility, and create more pedestrian space. Concrete brick pavers used to upgrade 14 sidewalks in San Marco concrete, and hexagonal Opinions varied regarding concrete paver. Participants favored a brick-pattern the addition of new street for new sidewalks for its appearnace and historic trees to the corridor. appropriateness. Some participants favored installing new live oaks Buildings on the northwest side of the street are along the southeast side of set back from 10 to 20 feet from the right-of-way the corridor while others and the space between has been paved in most favored palm trees. The cases, making sidewalks much wider on this side of AMA indicated a prefer- the street. This has created a situation in which ence to forgoe landscaping Poorly pruned Bradford pear more than half the width of those sidewalks are altogether and direct avail- privately owned. able funding toward more costly endeavors such as Each property sidewalk improvements. The addition of new bump- owner owns the outs and parking islands, however, will provide ample section of space for new trees and they can be located to maxi- sidewalk in mize visibility to storefronts. The cost estimate pro- front of his vides for 31 new shade trees in accordance with pro- store and is posed islands and bump-outs, and this amount is a responsible for small percentage of the overall budget. Furthermore, its upkeep and the tree mitigation trust fund may be used to cover Existing sidewalks on northwest side of St. maintenance. Johns (note visible demarcation between that cost. Final tree species selection and locations public and private property) will be determined in Phase II.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Crosswalks Entry Monuments Install new crosswalks at all intersections within Install new entry monuments at each end of the district and at mid-block between Ingleside the district and one larger one near the center. Avenue and Talbot Avenue. Workshop participants identified a strong desire Workshop participants identified the need for to better identify the Avondale Town Center. more visible and functional pedestrian crosswalks New entry monuments were envisioned at Talbot along St. Johns Avenue. New crosswalks should Avenue directed to southwest bound traffic, and be at least 8-feet wide and constructed with brick at Dancy Street directed to northeast bound or brick-like concrete road pavers. traffic. Entry monuments at these locations could be located in the proposed bump-outs for better The use of colored and textured road pavers or visibility. Participants also indicated a desire for a other ornamental paving material is recommended third, larger monument at the hub of the Town throughout this section as a key element of Center. One feasible location for the central intersection improvements. Colored brick or monument would be in the new bump-out concrete pavers have been used with success proposed for the northeast corner of the Ingleside throughout the city. They provide better visual Avenue intersection definition of crosswalks and intersections; drivers (nearest The Brick notice the sound and slight bumps they create restaurant). Final when passing over locations of all them. At a mini- monuments will be mum, they create a determined during more sophisticated Phase II. and finished look in 15 each intersection. Entry monuments Specific crosswalk should be vertically surface treatment oriented to be more such as color and visible and to take up pattern will be less space, a concern determined during where available right- Phase II develop- of-way and sidewalk Brick paver crosswalk in LaVilla ment. area is limited. Since entry monuments are San Marco entry monument Crosswalks should be constructed at all intersec- typically located near tions, bridging the gap between new bump-outs the roadway, a and clearly identifying pedestrian crossings. vertical sign that has a smaller surface area reduces Because of the greater distance between cross the risk of collisions. A brick or stucco veneer streets on the block between Ingleside Avenue and would blend with area buildings, both new and Talbot Avenue, an additional mid-block crosswalk old, and workshop participants favored an Art is recommended. Pedestrians regularly make this Deco sytle as appropriate . Monuments should crossing without the benefit of dedicated cross- have an affixed sign face, preferably metal, that walk. A mid-block crosswalk was recently con- announces the entry to the Avondale Town structed in Five Points to meet pedestrian needs, Center. Each sign also could include other and such a crossing would help calm traffic in this information, such as a new logo, area history, or section of the district. A crosswalk at this loca- community leaders. Monuments should be tion would also tie into a proposed media kiosk externally lighted for night visibility using fixures and bus shelter described below. that complement the corridor style.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Street Light Replacement approved a new and attractive “teardrop” light fixture for use along older commercial corridors. Install new JEA “teardrop” street light fixtures as This fixture would be appropriate for use along appropriate along St. Johns Avenue. St. Johns Avenue to replace existing street lights Workshop participants strongly favored locating and to add new pedestrian lights. This fixture has overhead utilities either behind the commercial the benefit of also meeting City and FDOT street buildings or underground, or both, depending on lighting standards, a requirement for any new cost and other considerations. Because this streetlight in the district. JEA is limited in the project is extremely expensive and depends upon number and types of streetlight fixtures it can many unknowns, it is located in Section 4, maintain throughout the city. If a more stylized outside of the Town Center funding program. fixture is desired, the community may have to brunt the full cost of installing and maintaining Similarly, workshop participants strongly favored each non-JEA fixture. wholesale replacement of existing street lights with an ornamental fixture that would visually enhance Installation cost for these fixtures is not yet the district and provide better overall lighting. determined, and JEA may be willing to partner Participants considered different types and styles, with the AMA to help with the anticipated with an Art Deco theme, and a black, wrought- expense. The cost estimate at the end of this iron style, being the most popular and suitable for section includes an approximation of the likely the district. installation cost of these fixtures based on similar industry products. The exact fixture type and the To provide better distribution of lighting and actual number of fixtures required to meet current create a heightened evening ambience, new street lighting standards (height, spacing, intensity, etc.) light fixtures should be spaced closer together will be determined during the Phase II design 16 than they are currently, and affixed with a second process. Dedicated funding is intended to elicit a pedestrian-scale light that would face the side- higher likelihood of support from JEA which walks. Closer spacing of the streetlights would might be willing to share the cost for completing also reduce the brightness of individual fixtures, some or all of the work. softening the lighting effect. Extreme care should be taken in the ballast selection for new lights. New fixtures should mimic the appearance of Street Furniture incandescent or gas type lighting, appropriate for a Install new benches and trash receptacles within historic, pedestrian district. In contrast, overly the district in appropriate locations and as space bright or “blueish” lights are inappropriate and allows. would detract from the district character. Workshop participants indicated a desire for new To meet the outdoor seating and trash receptacles within the apparent commercial district that would replace mis- demand for matched and aging pieces. Participants indicated a more decora- preference for durable and attractive types similar tive and to the ones pictured. Bench types that could historically encircle or attach to proposed ornamental street sensitive lights were also favored, especially to help save streetlights, valuable sidewalk space on the southeast side of the JEA the street. Proposed JEA “teardrop” fixture recently

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan A cost for 40 to house the media publications, and to serve as a benches and trash bus shelter for the northwest side of the street. receptacles is The specific style and location of this combined provided in the cost feature needs to carefully harmonize with the estimate. All old historic quality of the surrounding buildings, and benches and trash probably necessitates a custom design. receptacles should be removed and Typical street A new bus shelter should be installed on the furniture new benches and southeast side of the street, near the intersection trash receptacles with Dancy Street. This shelter should be de- installed near each signed to match the proposed larger, kiosk shelter. intersection and at The graphic plan at the end of this section identi- each bus stop where fies recommended locations for a new media space allows. kiosk/bus shelter and a new stand-alone bus Where new bump-outs are installed, benches shelter. Final design and location of these struc- should be located in that available space. Specific tures will occur during Phase II. street furniture types, colors, and locations will be irrigation system must be resolved prior to identified during the Phase II design process. completion of Phase II plans.

Media Kiosk and Bus Cost Estimate Shelters The Project Team prepared a cost estimate for the projects described in this section. It is based Install new media kiosk and bus shelters 17 upon current construction trends and material Two new bus shelters should be installed within and labor costs. It is also based upon a conceptual the district to enhance corridor aesthetics and plan. Dimensions and takeoffs are averages and encourage use of public transit. In addition, a based upon some assumptions. This estimate new media kiosk should be constructed that must be accepted as such and not be interpreted integrates one of the proposed bus shelters. as absolute. A more accurate budget will be developed during the Phase II construction plan During both the walk-through and workshop, development. An effort has been made to give the community participants expressed a strong desire sponsoring association the widest range of options to improve the look and function of a “media in Phase II by providing the costs for individual center” located between Ingleside and Talbot. components of a project. This center is simply a paved island that has become an informal home to over a dozen newspa- A note on methodology: Each project was per, pamphlet, and flier stands. While perhaps broken into its major components and calculated serving a useful purpose, the hodge-podge assem- with fixed unit costs representative of current bly of these construction averages. Unit costs include labor stands is and installation hardware. Quantities were taken unsightly. A from the plan shown at the end of this section. new structure All totals include a 15 percent contingency to should be allow for non-included and unforeseen costs, such erected that as mobilization, permitting, and buried hazards. combines the All totals are rounded to the nearest thousand function of a dollars. media kiosk Existing “media center” and bus stop

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Cost Estimate Avondale Town Center Estimated Budget: $828,000 Project Type Quantity Unit Unit Cost Sub- Total Ingleside Parking Improvements $23,000.00 Pavement removal 200 SY $20.00 $4,000.00 Concrete curbing 1000 LF $15.00 $15,000.00 Signs and pavement marking 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Contingency 15% $3,000.00 Bump-outs and Islands $78,430.00 Pavement removal 677 SY $20.00 $13,540.00 Concrete curbing 960 LF $15.00 $14,400.00 Brick paver paving 3660 SF $11.00 $40,260.00 Contingency 15% $10,230.00 Sidewalk Curbing $310,339.00 Pavement removal 9,533 SY $20.00 $190,660.00 Curb removal 2,640 LF $5.00 $13,200.00 Concrete curbing 3,000 LF $15.00 $45,000.00 New pavement 2000 SF $8.00 $16,000.00 Signs and pavement marking 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Contingency 15% $40,479.00 Sidewalk Replacement $380,121.00 Pavement removal 2,777 SY $20.00 $55,540.00 Brick paver paving 25000 SF $11.00 $275,000.00 Contingency 15% $49,581.00 Landscaping $46,250.00 18 Shade trees 31 EA $750.00 $23,250.00 Groundcovers 5000 SF $4.00 $20,000.00 Contingency 15% $3,000.00 Crosswalks $28,520.00 Brick Paver Crosswalks 310 LF $80.00 $24,800.00 Contingency 15% $3,720.00 Entry Monuments $84,500.00 Small entry monuments 2 EA $15,000.00 $30,000.00 Large central monument 1 EA $50,000.00 $50,000.00 Contingency 15% $4,500.00 Street Light Replacement $161,550.00 JEA "Teardrop" streetlight fixtures with banner arms 18 EA $6,500.00 $117,000.00 JEA "Teardrop" pedestrian fixtures 18 EA $1,500.00 $27,000.00 Contingency 15% $17,550.00 Street Furniture $46,000.00 Benches 20 EA $1,200.00 $24,000.00 Trash receptacles 20 EA $800.00 $16,000.00 Contingency 15% $6,000.00 Media Kiosk/ Bus Shelters $69,532.50 Media kiosk/ bus shelter 1 EA $50,000.00 $50,000.00 Bus shelter 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 Contingency 15% $9,532.50 Subtotal $1,228,242.50

Tree Mitigation Reimbursables $26,737.50 Trees $23,250.00 Contingency 15% $3,487.50 Total Estimate $1,201,505.00

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Avondale Town Center Town Avondale Plan Concept Vision

19

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 4 Expanding the Vision Non-Town Center Program Projects

he following projects and improvements development. Burying existing wires in an older are listed outside of the primary group of neighborhood, however, presents major chal- Tprojects because of their dependency on lenges. The technology exists to “jack and bore” outside elements, budget constraints, or unknown the wires underground without disturbing the variables. They are important projects that were surface, but is a costly procedure. Additionally, identified and discussed in the workshops, and other service providers that share the overhead they should continue to be considered for coordi- lines with JEA (telephone and cable) must also nation, funding, design, and implementation. If agree with this direction for it to occur. It is not political and financial support is found for some clear who would be responsible for paying for this or all of these projects, they could be designed and service; no one party feels they should assume the installed at the same time as the primary projects full cost. described in Section 3. Alternative and supple- mental funding options are listed in Section 5 to In other areas of town, JEA has participated in give the AMA and the community alternatives. burying their overhead lines when major road or utility work has occurred. Repair or replacement 20 of existing underground utilities, like storm sewers Overhead Utilities or water lines, are prime examples of projects that Relocate overhead utilities to rear alleys and require major roadway construction ideal for underground relocating utilities underground. As stated before, Workshop participants unanimously agreed that the most likely scenario for procuring under- locating overhead utilities underground would ground corridor utilities would be during the improve the aesthetics of the corridor. Aging planning stage of the next major roadway con- utility poles could be removed, sidewalk space struction. Placing utilities underground is a very expanded, ugly wires buried from sight, and trees effective way to improve aesthetic conditions along would no longer require severe pruning. As roadways and is included as part of the long-term mentioned previously, however, this is an expen- vision for Avondale. sive process when not coupled with other infra- structure improvements, costing roughly $1 Traffic Signals million per mile. Traffic Signal Replacement Traffic signals at the Ingleside intersection should JEA, as the electrical be replaced with new single mast-arm type signals. utility provider, has These fixtures are attractive, and would improve indicated in word and the appearance of the intersection, but they are practice a desire to locate also expensive. Their installation cost would their wires underground, quickly consume potential Town Center funding and this is their general and so this project is located in this section. The preference with new Existing overhead utilities in Avondale City has instigated a regular replacement program

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan for hanging signals with the recommended single Roundabouts within Avondale is a questionable mast arm type. As a way to leverage available application. Avondale was platted over 100 years funding, the AMA should coordinate replacement ago on a grid pattern with narrow right-of-ways with the JEA and the Public Works Department and lots. The network of interwoven streets through this program. allows for ample movement of traffic and there is little congestion even today. Roundabouts are Traffic Signal Removal circular features and require a different right-of-way layout than currently exists. To retrofit new Workshop participants considered two options roundabouts into the Avondale grid would with regard to the traffic signals within the dis- require the purchase of expensive right-of-way and trict: complete removal, or relocating to the a significant departure from the traditional spacing Talbot and Dancy intersections. A traffic study and setbacks of the neighborhood. At major would be required to support either alternative. intersections, traffic signals are more appropriate In looking closely at the traffic and pedestrian and do not disrupt the right-of-way physically or character of the district, however, it is not appar- aesthetically. Roundabouts also can create more ent the such a drastic change would benefit the difficult pedestrian crossings. Town Center. In fact, the The major reason for considering roundabouts existing signals during the workshop, appeared to be their traffic at the Ingleside calming ability and not their ability to ease Avenue intersec- congestion or their aesthetics appeal. The bump tions help outs, crosswalks, and landscaping recommended reduce the in Section 3, however, would provide equivalent traffic speeds traffic calming without disrupting the neighbor- 21 Single mast arm signal type in Deerwood significantly. hood character. Aesthetically, the existing signals solidify that intersection as the heart of the district and functionally provide the Alley Improvements safest and most logical place for crosswalks. The Alleys run behind most of the commercial build- proposed bump-outs recommended in Section 3 ings along the corridor. Workshop participants would improve the appearance and function of identified the need to improve their function and these intersections without removing the primary appearance. They are within the public right-of- traffic calming element in the district, and a way, a 15-foot corridor, and would be suitable for feature that is a positive district focal point. Town Center funding. However, workshop participants had differing visions for what kinds of improvements were most suitable. Some envi- Roundabouts sioned Several workshop groups envisioned roundabouts conversion to within the district, either at both ends of the public district or at the center. Roundabouts are unique parking space, traffic control devices with European roots. They some envi- have gained popularity and acceptance in the sioned United States over the last two decades, but conversion to remain relatively obscure. Nevertheless, they are employee- useful and appropriate in the right circumstances. only parking space, while Improved alley in Richmond, VA

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan others favored conversion to a more pedestrian- forsaken for new construction. In addition, oriented space. Given the constrained space and current building codes are written with new the current shared and industrial nature of the development in mind and can complicate or limit space which generally provides for loading and the process of renovation. Still, if a viable Town trash, all of these considerations seem difficult at Center is sought, these difficulties must be over- best. Aesthetic improvement with better paving come through encouragement programs that ease and some appropriate landscaping might serve as financial and permitting burdens. The following the best compromise. Because the community’s recommendations are among the most important preferred alternative for the existing alleys is not for creating an appealing Town Center: clear, this project is located outside of the primary Town Center program. • Awnings for commercial storefronts that abut the right-of-way. Building awnings add visual interest as well as much needed Private Property Building shelter from the elements, especially at building entrances. Awnings that project Improvements out from the building facade are preferable In addition to projects within the right-of-way, over ones that hang vertically. Awnings but outside the Town Center funding parameters, should extend a minimum of 4 feet to opportunities exist for private property owners to provide adequate shelter for pedestrians. make improvements that would complement the • Restoration of storefront windows. Tradi- recommended projects. tional storefront windows should be preserved and alteration with metal frames Buildings are one of the primary elements defining or excessive paint should be avoided. the Town Center corridor. Their architectural • Removal of burglar bars on windows. 22 style, history, arrangement, and use create a sense Invisible security measures, such as auto- of place more than any other single corridor mated electrical systems, should be imple- feature. Buildings older than 40 or 50 years (from mented in place of metal window burglar the date of this report) were built in an era when bars that are visually unappealing and raw materials, especially lumber, were of a much promote the perception that crime is a problem in the area. higher quality. Craftsmanship had a higher social value at that time, and attention to form and • Traditional door replacement. Traditional detail was important. Location of these buildings building doors are wood with possibly a is also significant; they typically were built with glass insert. Replacement doors if made of modern materials such as metal or fiber- storefronts facing the primary road and close to glass should be manufactured to appear the right-of-way. This placement is in contrast historically correct or at least in keeping with development trends that evolved with the with the prevailing historic theme. automobile and shifted priorities toward parking convenience, resulting in buildings being pushed • Do not paint exposed brick. Many of the storefronts along the corridor are un- toward rears of lots. The placement of buildings painted brick. They should remain un- close to the road is a visually defining element that painted to preserve the original appearance. is desirable from a pedestrian point of view. Painting of brick is most often irreversible Buildings from the older era are visually apparent and should be avoided whenever possible. and an immediate indicator of a historic place. • Dilapidated buildings should be Older buildings are usually worth preserving and demolished. renovating, especially in a historic district. Preser- vation and renovation can be tedious and expen- • Dumpsters and trash containers should be sive, however, which is why old buildings are often screened from public view.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 5 Implementing the Vision

he previous two sections describe many the National Main Street Center Four Point projects that make up the overall Vision Approach and with assistance from the Nation Tfor Avondale. Those projects described in Main Street Center. Section 3 qualify for Phase II funding* and fit within the established budget. At least some of “Design improvements alone will not bring about the Vision elements could be realized within a meaningful change; effective marketing, a strong organi- relatively short time, probably 2 to 4 years from zational base and solid economic development strategies the date of this report. Nevertheless, these mea- are all necessary to reverse the cycle of decay from which sures alone are not enough to ensure that Avon- many downtowns suffer and to sustain preservation dale will grow into the energetic, pedestrian- activity.” (Florida Main Street) oriented community envisioned by the workshop participants. Several implementation measures Organization remain to be considered by the AMA and the community. Fortunately, a model exists that “Organization means building consensus and cooperation provides an established framework on which the among the groups that play roles in downtown. Many AMA could base their own Town Center initia- individuals have a stake in the economic viability of the tive. downtown, including: bankers, property owners, city and 23 county officials, merchants, downtown residents, profes- sionals, chamber of commerce representatives, local The Florida Main Street industries, civic groups, historic societies, schools, consum- ers, real estate agents, and local media.” (Florida Main Approach Street) The Town Center corridor that is the heart of Avondale functions similarly to a small town Main Form a Steering Committee Street. The Florida Main Street program provides Organization is at the heart of Main Street success. a useful model for developing implementation Main Street programs always have a dedicated strategies. manager. Often this is a full-time paid position. The AMA, the Phase I sponsor, is already a Florida Main Street is a program of the Depart- dedicated organization. To ensure that needs ment of State, Division of Historical Resources, specific to this Vision are met, however, a Town Bureau of Historic Preservation. The program Center steering committee should be formed that provides training and technical assistance to local is dedicated to overseeing its implementation. Florida Main Street programs in accordance with The steering committee would be responsible for enacting the other three points of the program. * Funding for Phase II and Phase III requires a separate application and approval process through the Planning and Development Design Department. Satisfactory completion of Phase “Design involves improving the downtown’s image by I Visioning does not guarantee funding for enhancing its physical appearance—not just the appear- Phase II and Phase III of the Town Center Program. ance of buildings, but also that of street lights, window

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalks, promotional Promotion materials and all other elements that convey a visual Promotion involves marketing the area’s unique message about the downtown and what it has to offer.” characteristics to shoppers, investors, new busi- (Florida Main Street) nesses, residents, tourists, and others. Effective promotion creates a positive image for the area Of the four points, design is the one most fre- through retail promotional activity, special events quently addressed in this report. Through this and ongoing programs. study and its subsequent Town Center phases, major design initiatives will be implemented. Other important issues however, remain to be The AMA has already taken advanced steps toward addressed. promotion and involving the local merchants by creating events such as an annual Christmas gathering and “Dancing in the Streets of Avon- Develop a Logo dale”, very successful events that bring hundreds of The AMA should commission a design competi- people to the Town Center. tion or hire a professional graphic designer to create a new logo for Avondale. The logo should be simple and recognizable, ideally incorporating Economic Restructuring some visual element of Avondale that best embod- “Economic restructuring means strengthening the existing ies the Town Center. The logo should be used by economic base of the downtown while diversifying it. the AMA on all marketing materials. While Economic restructuring activities include helping existing initially useful for promoting the Town Center, a downtown businesses expand, recruiting new businesses to successful logo also will help strengthen the entire provide a balanced mix, converting unused space into community’s identity. productive property and sharpening the competitiveness 24 of downtown merchants. By strengthening the Develop a Handout downtown’s economy, communities are able to support the ongoing use of historic commercial buildings, preserv- The AMA should design a handout dedicated to ing unique community assets.” (Florida Main Street) the Avondale Town Center that outlines Vision goals and progress to date and solicits involvement and input. This handout could be distributed by Conduct a Market Study members of the AMA and local merchants and A market study would examine in detail the offices. economic and demographic conditions specific to Avondale. Initial efforts might include identifying Form a Subcommittee Dedicated to Future sources of funding to pay for a professional Programming analysis. Alternatively, the AMA could conduct their own market study (using volunteers to Projects listed in Section 4 are not funded under the City’s Town Center Program. A Town Center research available data) and draw conclusions regarding the current and potential conditions of subcommittee should be formed to be responsible for coordination with Parks and Recreation, City the environment. In either case, this would be a significant first effort toward economic restructur- Council representatives, the Planning and Devel- opment Department, area business representatives, ing, lending the necessary information to make informed decisions. and other stakeholders affected by the proposed projects. Additionally, this subcommittee should identify alternative funding sources to create more development options.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Town Center Program Other Funding Phase II Opportunities On completion of this report, the Avondale Several funding opportunities could be used by community is eligible to apply for Phase II fund- the AMA (or other viable party) to help imple- ing through the City’s Town Center Program. ment the Future Projects described earlier in The AMA, as the Phase I sponsor, is the logical Section 4. The following list is meant to be a choice to make the Phase II application. The starting point. Numerous other opportunities types of improvements found in Section 3 of this exist and may provide the best fit for implement- report and their estimated costs can serve as the ing one or more of these projects. guide for the Phase II application.

Phase II will continue development of the Vision, City of Jacksonville generally resulting in construction plans and a The following City programs are accessible but final cost estimate. Additional community input often competitive, requiring the sponsoring agent to refine the plan is also a part of the Phase II to be organized and persistent, as recommended process. Phase II will require continued coordina- earlier. Nevertheless, the projects outlined in this tion by the AMA and the community with area report as community building initiatives are ideal stakeholders, District Council representatives, the candidates for funding from many of these City, and other affected agencies such as JEA and sources. The following list is meant to be a JTA. starting point as other opportunities exist and may provide a better fit for implementing one or more of these projects. Phase III 25 Once construction documents are complete and Small Business Development Initiative Program approved by the City and other permitting This program is aimed at small and start-up agencies, the AMA would be eligible to apply for businesses, providing low interest loans to quali- Phase III funding through the Town Center fied applicants for up to 30% of the project cost, Program. With approval for Phase III funding, a not to exceed $250,000. final budget would be established, the construc- tion package would be put out for bid, and a contractor selected to implement the plan. Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants Program The plan may be implemented all at the same time “The Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants or in phases, depending on what the plans call for (MNMG) Program makes awards of up to $5,000 to and if there are other factors affecting construc- specific neighborhood projects that build relationships tion, such as other planned construction. The and enhance the community. As part of the city’s AMA may wish to coordinate a phased construc- continuing efforts to improve and strengthen Jacksonville tion approach, such as allowing one side of the neighborhoods, the Mayor will propose to the City street to be constructed at a time, to limit whole- Council during the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 budget cycle sale disturbance to the district and maintain access an appropriation of $250,000 for projects that promote to the shops. Appropriate and realistic construc- stronger, healthier neighborhoods. If authorized, the funds tion approaches will be considered during Phase II will become available October 1, 2003. and at the onset of Phase III. Based upon typical construction sequences, Phase III construcion is likely to span 12 months.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Any neighborhood association, civic organization or eligible for CDBG funding. Local information community group that has been in existence for at least about the program can be obtained at 630-7030 six months and is located in Duval County is eligible to or on-line at www.coj.net. submit an application.” (http://www.coj.net) Historic Properties “In November 1992, the State of Florida authorized The Matching Grant Program offers neighborhood local governments to provide a partial tax exemption on organizations the opportunity to initiate and historic properties. The City of Jacksonville approved an implement smaller scale projects and manage the ad valorem tax exemption for locally designated properties projects themselves. This program may offer that undergo a substantial rehabilitation.” (http:// opportunities to develop some of the smaller www.coj.net) projects identified in this report or pieces of larger ones. Information about the program can be To be eligible for Historic Property benefits, the obtained at 630-7041 or on-line at www.coj.net. property or area must have a historic designation. Properties can seek landmark status at the local Community Development Block Grant level or apply for a listing on the National Register “The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is of Historic Properties through the Trust for an entitlement grant awarded to the City of Jacksonville Historic Preservation. Avondale is not part of an through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban established historic district; therefore, each Development (U.S. HUD) that is based upon need building or property would apply individually. factors including population, income, unemployment level and housing conditions. Tree Protection and Related Expenses Trust Fund 26 CDBG grants are to be used for a wide range of housing The Jacksonville City Council approved the and community development activities directed toward creation of the Tree Protection and Related neighborhood revitalization, economic development and Expenses Trust Fund to provide for the establish- improved community facilities and services, and must ment and care of new trees within the public right- give “maximum feasible priority” to activities that will of-way. These new trees would help mitigate the benefit low-and moderate-income persons or aid in the loss of protected trees (as defined by the Jackson- prevention or elimination of slums or blight. Funds may ville Ordinance Code) throughout the county. also be used to meet other community development needs Contributions to the fund come primarily from that present a serious and immediate threat to the health property owners that remove protected trees from or welfare of the community.” (http://www.coj.net) their property and elect to pay for them (at $107 per caliper inch for 2004) instead of replacing Use of CDBG funds is limited to those census them with new trees that meet code requirements. tracts defined as low- to moderate-income. These Property owners include both private and public tracts have at least 51% of residents classified as entities, with the exception of the FDOT which is low- to moderate-income, defined by U.S. HUD exempt statewide from local ordinance require- as having household income less than or equal to ments. The new trees proposed in this report are 180% of the federally defined poverty level. The located in the right-of-way and may be eligible for area south of Merrill Road contains census tracts funding through the Tree Protection and Related meeting this criterion. Some of the projects Expenses Trust Fund. outlined in this report in this area could be

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan State of Florida TEP Activities Defined - The following resources and contact information 1. Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles. are listed for potential state funding and assis- 2. Provision of safety and educational activities for tance. pedestrians and bicyclists. 3. Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or Florida Department of Transportation historic sites. The current Transportation Enhancement Pro- 4. Scenic or historic highway programs (including the gram (TEP) provides enhancement funds for provision of tourist and welcome center facilities). improvements that are recommended in this 5. Landscaping and other scenic beautification. report as well as other improvements not specifi- cally addressed, such as provisions for bike lanes. 6. Historic preservation. 7. Rehabilitation and operation of historic transporta- ISTEA Enhancement Program tion buildings, structures, or facilities (including Transportation enhancement projects, including historic railroad facilities and canals). bike and pedestrian trails. 8. Preservation of abandoned railway corridors Robert Crimm (850) 487-3985 (including the conversion and use thereof for 605 Suwannee Street pedestrian or bicycle trails). Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450 9. Control and removal of outdoor advertising. “The Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) is a 10. Archaeological planning and research. federal program administered by the Florida Department 11. Environmental mitigation to address water pollu- of Transportation (FDOT). TEP guidance and direction tion due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle-caused are provided by the Environmental Management Office, wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat 27 whereas the selection and implementation of most connectivity. enhancement projects are handled by the FDOT District 12. Establishment of transportation museums.” Offices with input from Metropolitan Planning Organi- (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov) zations or County Commissions.

Funding for transportation enhancement projects is Florida Communities Trust (Department of provided by the Federal Highway Administration Community Affairs) (FHWA) through the Federal Transportation Equity Act This program could provide another funding for the 21st Century (TEA-21). This funding is intended mechanism to acquire land for the proposed parks for projects or features that go beyond what has been described in Section 4. customarily provided with transportation improvements. This program is for projects that are related to the “Florida Communities Trust (FCT) is a state land transportation system but are beyond what is required acquisition grant program housed at the Florida Depart- through normal mitigation or routinely provided features ment of Community Affairs. FCT provides funding to is transportation improvements. TEP is not a grant local governments and eligible nonprofit environmental program, rather projects are undertaken by project organizations for acquisition of community-based parks, sponsors, and eligible costs are reimbursed.” open space and greenways that further outdoor recreation and natural resource protection needs identified in local government comprehensive plans.” (http:// www.dca.state.fl.us)

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Janice Browning (850) 922-2207 Cultural Facilities Program (Department of 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard State) Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 Funding for acquisition, construction and renova- tion of cultural facilities. State Historic Preservation Grants-in-Aid Program (Department of State) Don Blancett (850) 245-6483 Historic and archaeological site identification, 1001 DeSoto Park preservation, restoration and education. Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Fred Gaske (850) 487-2333 Challenge Grant Program (Department of 500 South Bronough Street State) Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250 Funding to support unique or innovative cultural projects. Historical Museums Grants-In-Aid Program (Department of State) Dr. Gaylen Phillips (850) 245-6482 Development of exhibits on Florida history. 1001 DeSoto Park Tallahassee, Florida 32301 David Gregory (850) 487-1902 The Old Capitol, Room B-11 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250

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Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 6 Maintaining the Vision

aintenance is a significant issue deter mining the success or failure of pro Mposed improvements, whether on public or private land. Maintenance represents care, and the care of a place is visually apparent even from a fast-moving car. The degree of care offered to a place, whether a building or a land- scape, is usually a factor of time and money, but also depends greatly on varying attitudes about what is visually acceptable to a community. Roadside maintenance in Deerwood, a public/private partnership The broad design measures recommended in this mented with volunteer labor, donations, and report are prepared with the benefit of training other resources not available to the public entity. and expertise. The use of certain materials and their arrangement will create a more ordered and The City of Jacksonville is the public agency that appealing environment, even with minimal maintains jurisdiction over the right-of-way along ongoing maintenance. Where a more manicured New Berlin Road and St. Johns Avenue. To move 29 appearance is desired, an additional level of this Vision forward, the AMA must coordinate maintenance will be required. The recommenda- the implementation goals of this plan with the tions in this section are aimed at providing the City. To achieve a consistency in maintenance necessary coordination and practice to achieve a along the entire corridor, a contract may be higher quality appearance and longer lasting required between all public agencies, the residents, product for the proposed corridor improvements. and the businesses

Partnerships Landscaping With regard to public right-of-ways, the immediate Landscape plants are one of the most visible clues solution for elevated maintenance is the creation to the degree of maintenance an area or place of partnerships. Partnerships between public and undertakes. Basic landscape maintenance is private entities allow for a win-win situation. relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost Public agencies aim to please the community of roadway, infrastructure, utility, building, or while maintaining a budget; private entities desire other maintenance efforts. Typical landscape a higher degree of control over the look and routines for public sector entities are limited to upkeep of their shared environment. In many regular mowing with occasional edging and partnerships, all or a percentage of the public trimming. maintenance budget is allotted to the private entity for maintenance purposes under a contract Extended Maintenance Period clearly stating minimum requirements. In some The critical maintenance period for landscape cases, the established public budget is adequate to plants is the first year following installation. fund the desired maintenance when supple-

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan Typical City of Jacksonville landscape contracts Sidewalks, Crosswalks, require a 90-day maintenance period. This is not long enough to ensure proper plant establishment. and Seating Areas The duration of maintenance through the estab- Paved areas outside of the roadway itself need to lishment period is further necessitated when there be inspected annually for cracking, settlement, and is no automated irrigation system, and this plan other conditions that pose a hazard to pedestrians. has been developed to not be reliant upon such a Weeds that appear in cracks and spaces should be system. Therefore, installation contracts should spot-treated with herbicide as needed. include an extended maintenance program for a minimum of one year to allow proper establish- ment of new plants. Light Posts and

General Maintenance Practices Signal Posts Light and signal posts should be inspected General maintenance practices should conform to annually and damage should be reported to JEA. industry standards. While the plants recom- Repainting should occur when fading or peeling mended in this report are hardy and should do is visible. well with little attention once established, they will grow faster, be healthier, and be more attrac- tive with regular attendance. Buildings Plants should be fertilized according to their Older buildings require continual maintenance. specific need. Plants should be inspected annually Facade treatments, storefronts, and street-facing, for pests or disease, and pesticides should be publicly visible features are the primary areas of 30 applied as needed to infested or diseased plants. concern in this report. Exposed wood materials Pruning should be accomplished only by licensed should be painted, stained, or treated to maintain personnel and according to ANSI A-300 pruning the quality of the wood and a well-kept appear- standards. Pruning should only be performed to ance. Jacksonville’s climatic conditions necessitate remove dead or low-hanging branches. Crape repainting on a five-year average. Faded or torn myrtles especially should not be cut back severely awnings, or other cloth or plastic material from the top but instead allowed to achieve a mounted to the facade, should be replaced with natural, small tree form. Weeds should be re- new material. Property owners should keep their moved at least twice per year during establish- sidewalks in good repair and free of litter and ment, and after shrubs and ground covers have debris. Graffiti should be removed immediately been established, on an as-needed basis. To limit from sidewalks or building walls. Graffiti that weed intrusion, an annual application of mulch lingers signals to residents and vandals that the and pre-emergent herbicide is recommended for all neighborhood does not care, while prompt planting beds. Pine straw and pine bark are removal has the opposite effect. recommended mulch selections. Cypress bark should be avoided as a nonrenewable resource and artificially colored mulches avoided due to their unnatural appearance.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 7 Final Recommendations

As a final measure of ensuring the ongoing realiza- through the involvement of CPTED trained law tion of the Avondale Town Center Vision, some enforcement officers in the planning, development, and recommendations are offered to address other design review of community projects. issues discussed by the group. How does CPTED impact me? CPTED impacts each citizen by increasing safety, CPTED promoting secure environments and improving the “CPTED is the acronym for Crime Prevention Through appearance of neighborhoods and public amenities. Environmental Design. CPTED is defined as “the CPTED improves existing services by working with proper design and effective use of the built environment neighborhoods, businesses, community groups and law that can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of enforcement.” (http://www.coj.net/jso/) crime and an improvement in the quality of life.” CPTED addresses crime problems through controlling the Called “septed,” this City of Jacksonville Sheriff’s environment. Office (JSO) program helps communities identify crime-causing elements in the environment and CPTED is based on these three overlapping strate- solutions to rectify them. The JSO has designated gies: specially trained officers to communicate this 31 process to the community and to find solutions 1. Natural Surveillance - The placement and design or specific to the area. Many of their observations physical features to maximize visibility. This includes are intriguing and escape notice by the layperson. building orientation, windows, entrances and exits, Small changes to the environment can make big parking lots, walkways, guard gates, landscape trees and differences in reducing crime. The AMA should shrubs, fences or walls, signage and any other physical take advantage of this free service and coordinate a obstruction. CPTED survey through the JSO.

2. Natural Access Control - The use of sidewalks, Officer Laurie Dill (904) 630-2160 pavement, lighting and landscaping to clearly guide the JSO Community Affairs Division public to and from entrances and exits. Also, the use of 501 East Bay Street, Room 204 fences, walls or landscaping to prevent and/or discourage Jacksonville, Florida 32202 public access to or from dark and/or unmonitored areas.

3. Territorial Reinforcement - The use of pavement Code Enforcement treatments, landscaping, art, signage, screening and fences Workshop participants cited greater code enforce- to define and outline ownership or property. ment as a very high priority to ensure a cleaner and more appealing corridor. Significant prob- Program Goals lems noted by participants included: The goal of CPTED is to reduce opportunities for crime that may be inherent in the design of structures or in the design of neighborhoods. The goal is accomplished

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan • Private property maintenance, especially concerning deteriorating residences and yard maintenance • Trash removal from the right-of-way • Cars parked in front yards • Vandalism and graffiti • Crime

The Jacksonville Ordinance Code provides for minimum acceptable social practices to maintain a consistent appearance and a pleasant, healthy living environment. Citizens may register com- plaints and violations directly with the City through City Link and the C.A.R.E. system.

City Link 17 W. Duval Street Suite M-150, City Hall Jacksonville, FL 32202. (904) 630-2489 or [email protected] 32 JaxPride, a Coalition for Visual Enhancement, is another resource available for assisting with local code enforcement through their Neighborhood Inventory of Visual Pollution (NIVP) program. This program provides assistance to local commu- nities for identifying code violations in their neighborhood that cause visual blight. The program has been very successful in helping inform and empower concerned citizens, as well as improving the visual quality of the city.

JaxPride 904-398-4646 [email protected]

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan 8 Conclusion

he Avondale commercial district has a The Vision Plan illustrations provided in this viable opportunity through the City’s report are intended to be a guide for developing TTown Center Initiative to restore and construction drawings. They should be utilized by revitalize its character, provide better, safer shop- the Phase II consultant until more accurate survey ping, service, and entertainment alternatives for and base information is developed. Where area residents, and create a more meaningful and changes must occur due to unforeseen circum- aesthetically pleasing environ- stances, the Phase II consultant ment. This report represents should make needed adjust- the first step in affecting those ments while keeping the theme changes. The Vision for Avon- of the Vision in mind. dale as conceived in this plan through data collection, com- The AMA has taken a strong munity input, Vision concepts, first step in pursuing this and implementation recommen- program to create a revitalized dations, is a fundamental Avondale Town Center. This requirement for moving for- Vision plan is an outgrowth of ward. that effort and responds 33 directly to the needs and desires This report meets Town Center Program Phase II of the community. Through the fulfillment of funding requirements and contains the necessary this Vision, the Avondale community will become ingredients to steer development of construction more attractive, safe, and prosperous, recognized drawings. Phase I recipients, however, are not as a unique and desirable place within the greater guaranteed Phase II funding through the program. city of Jacksonville. If selected by the City for Phase II funding, the Phase II design consultant should use this report to identify the primary themes and recommenda- tions developed for Avondale.

Avondale Town Center Vision Plan