JUMPDATE! Now Hiring: “Board of Dreamers”
My good friends over at Rizen Creative have the whole JUMPDATE over on their blog, but I couldn’t help comment on one of things that struck Jeff and Ron. They were encouraged by Project Manager Maggie Sodderberg who “said the project team was looking for input from the community in the form of a “Board of Dreamers.”"
More pipe dreams are exactly what the JUMP project doesn’t need.
In the last meeting I attended, the JUMP spokesperson could not state how this non-profit venture was going to stay afloat financially, and very clearly did not understand the development process. Several people asked about access to JUMP, and what the plan was to improve it. The response was the same each time: “I am sure that is getting worked out at the City.” No, Mr. Cuoio, access doesn’t just “get worked out at the City.” If the Simplot Foundation wants some sort of traffic calming devices, crosswalks, lighting, or whatever, it needs to ASK FOR THEM FROM THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY. And that would be ACHD.
I hope to Pete that things are shaping up with the project and that some new light was shed at the meeting at City Hall, but so far, I am afraid. Very afraid.
Tags: JUMP
Development, Simplot | admin July 31, 2009
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By Jeff Reynolds, August 1, 2009 @ 10:12 am
I completely understand where you’re coming from, Chris. Very fair points.
We believe that transformative projects rarely come from people who see the world the same way as those who created all the dull, uninspiring projects many of us abhor. (Many which have been failures, btw).
The bottom line: your operating capital issues will have to be addressed. But I think you are simply ahead of the curve. While Rizen has taken an early interest because JUMP will be directly across the street from our office, most stakeholders are still learning the details of the project. Many of which are still being worked out — not unusual for a project of this scope.
Give it time. If the questions aren’t answered, stay on the powers that be. But let’s not complain that Boise lacks in vision, leadership and innovation and then squash it the moment it rears its head.
By Chris Blanchard (@LGM1), August 3, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
Jeff: Agreed. This project has vision in spades, and we should be grateful for that!