Mayor Deegan has set aside millions of dollars for improvements to our infrastructure. Money is important and the way it is spent is more important. Just like when you are preparing for guests to visit, Jacksonville can spend some of the allocated infrastructure dollars to emulate southern hospitality and a welcoming city. Here are a few ideas that cost little but bring big dividends:
1. Cleaning up the Streets: In our homes, we tidy up and ensure everything is in its place when guests are on their way. Similarly Jacksonville should maintain cleanliness to create a positive impression. Regular street sweeping, trash pickup, and graffiti removal can keep the streets clean and beautiful. By taking pride in the appearance of our public spaces, it shows its commitment to providing a pleasant environment for everyone.
2. Brightening up Downtown and Public Areas: Just as we light up our homes to create a warm ambiance, Jacksonville can invest in well-designed, bright, and energy-efficient lighting for its downtown and public spaces. Proper illumination not only enhances the beauty of the city but also ensures safety during nighttime hours, encouraging people to explore and enjoy the city at any time. Bright lights keep crime down too! Criminals love the darkness of downtown.
3. Showcasing the City’s Beauty: We love to showcase the best aspects of our homes when guests visit. Jacksonville can highlight its natural and architectural beauty. Parks, gardens, and green spaces should be well-maintained, and historic buildings should be preserved and celebrated. This allows visitors to appreciate the unique character of Jacksonville and our heritage. Dark buildings with wood on the windows are not inviting and there are way too many of those buildings in downtown. Let’s find out who owns them and get their help in sprucing them up and if the city owns them — that should be our first priority.
4. Ensuring Safety and Security: Safety is a top priority for when guests come to town. We must invest in measures to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. Increased police presence, well-lit streets, and a well-designed urban layout can help reduce crime rates and instill a sense of security among the people.
5. Regular Maintenance and Pressure Washing: Just like keeping up our homes to maintain their value and beauty, we must regularly maintain our city’s infrastructure. Pressure washing sidewalks, bridges, and public buildings can keep them looking fresh and attractive, enhancing the overall appeal of the city. There is way too much trash on our streets and that too is an easy fix.
6. Simplifying Navigation: Have you seen the crazy one way streets in downtown? Have you ever gotten lost? Ended up where you didn’t feel safe? How about a serious discussion to turn those one way streets into two way. That’s an easy fix and probably the price is minimal. Simplifying street layouts seems like a no-brainer and should seriously be considered.
Let’s make sure the infrastructure money has some set aside for these simple ideas. By maintaining cleanliness, enhancing beauty, prioritizing safety, and ensuring easy navigation, Jacksonville can create an inviting and comfortable environment for everyone. A well-cared-for Jacksonville will leave a lasting impression on our guests, making them feel at home and encouraging them to return again.
That’s my opinion. What say you?
