That is a good use for tax dollars that I would not object to.
Unfortunately, the "current, but temporary administration" won't allow such a thing to happen.
Perhaps it's time for the private sector to take this on as a project.
Ever wonder how we...the United States Government...ended up with so many "czars" in our government? I grew up during the Cold War, and always thought czars (who were pretty much Russian, in those days) were our enemies. In looking over the list of czars imbedded in the current administration's government, perhaps I was right in my thinking.
Ever wonder why city and county governments steal/purchase viable, tax-producing businesses, and create more government wasted space? When a privately owned, tax-producing property (the "tax base) is bought by a local government, it no longer generates tax dollars. And, of course, the "need for additional space" results in expensive building projects, fraught with government delays, along with the additional heating, air conditioning, lighting and other costs. In order to compensate for the 1) loss of tax base 2) construction of offices that may not even be needed, especially in these economically challenging times, and 3) perpetually increasing expenses to operate the offices, local governments will have to increase the tax rate. Afterall, someone's gotta pick up the tab.
I point to Jacksonville (NC) as an example. A retail business, located adjacent to the Police/Fire Hqs, was purchased a year or more ago. The building was demolished. A very nice chain link fence was erected around this vacant lot for some future purpose or another. Word is that additional office space was needed.
So, for a year, no taxes have been collected on the property/business. It cost taxpayers to have the building removed and a very nice chain link fence to be erected. I guess, with a little razor wire at the top, it could serve as a temporary holding facility while the county's jail is being constructed.
All-the-while, just a few blocks away, within walking distance (and, goodness, walking would certainly help a lot of us), there sets a lot of vacant buildings. Yes, many, if not most/all, should be flattened. But, the point is, they set there. Doing no one any good. Not only are they ugly, they're unsafe. Perhaps safe havens for bums and junkies. I don't know, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to go through one with a weapon loaded with rat shot. And, maybe more.
Ahhh...a solution comes to mind. Light bulbs are lighting up. Why not sell, to the highest bidder, the current Police/Fire Hqs, along with that vacant lot that was once a pawn shop, and MOVE the whole mess downtown, occupying the now empty spaces along Court Street, New Bridge Street, and Old Bridge Street? The Law Enforcement community...Police and Sheriff...could be close together. Separate, but close. The City, I'm sure, could get a pretty penny for the property along US 17. And, it could be a real beginning to the revitalization of Downtown Jacksonville, sans the topless bars, tattoo parlors, and massage parlors.
But, I'm absolutely sure that an historic group would object as places like Jazzland, the Twilight Lounge, and countless other historial landmarks would be lost forever.
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