A grass lot?

The administration’s proposal for the Landing is dominated by passive green space

Unfortunately, the likelier scenario is that the mayor simply doesn’t plan on replacing the Landing in the foreseeable future. That is, the real plan is to take out the Landing, lay down some sod, and call it a day. That is essentially what the city’s only released proposal shows; it features a large green space along with a few commercial buildings that would have to come at a later phase, if at all.

Signs point to a grass field at the site of the old marketplace well after the mayor has left office.

The administration has been clear that the Stadium District is its focus for entertainment uses, and the Landing is a potential competitor. The mayor knows the people will expect him to act if a plan for replacing the Landing is crafted, or if the building is left standing while one is developed. A grass field, on the other hand, can stay empty for years or decades. Downtown, currently home to more empty lots and dead spaces than actively used buildings, is full of examples demonstrating that point.

Perhaps Curry envisions some kind of land swap with Metropolitan Park to push development there, or perhaps he just wants to leave the space open to deal with (or leave his successors to deal with) at some undetermined future time. Frankly, even if the city were to make good on its suggestions of creating a plan after demolition, it would take years to formulate said plan, break ground on the project, and open to the public. Either way, signs point to a grass field at the site of the old marketplace well after the mayor has left office.

In other words, those advocating for demolition of the Landing can look forward to another empty downtown field on the site for years to come. Let the mayor and City Council members know what you think.

Editorial by J.D. McGregor. Contact J.D. at jdmcgregorjax@gmail.com.