Springfield groups join

[John P]

Never understood why diff groups in a small area dont consolidate. I guess those strong personalities have taken a back seat so work and can get done.  Good for them http://myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=15975#p15975

[avs]

Get a clue.  Different organizations have different missions.  SAMBA isnt a 501c3 - SPAR is, the two groups have some overlapping interests as well - makes partnering a good idea for those two organizations.  Doesn't mean all the groups in SPR need to consolidate.  They don't all have similar missions.

[John P]

Get a clue. I didnt say all. Hows the urban agri push going? Too busy stalking Coj employees while they do their job?

[strider]

At first we heard that SPAR had given up the commercial corridor stuff to SAMBA.  Now that they are working together.

The truth is, SPAR couldn't seem to get things moving and I would be worried if I didn't know the people at SAMBA are strong enough to keep SPAR in check and to get things done.  And yes, the joint effort is all about the 501 c 3 status and the fact that SPAR has received funding for commercial stuff (from LISC) in the past, even if they lost it a couple of years ago.  With the SAMBA people leading the way, perhaps the funding for Springfield will return and be used to truly move Main Street forward.

As to the comment about working together, get real here.  SPAR has always been the issue and it is only the most recent leadership that is trying and struggling to improve things.  Frankly, the best solution is that SPAR HELPS other organizations rather than trying to be in charge. Perhaps then they can slowly win back the trust they lost during the past decade.

Oh, and avs is moving her organization forward just fine. Keep the insults to yourself.

[John P]

Yes avs should keep her GET A CLUE insults to herself. agreed. Thank you for such a 'fair and balanced' opinion strider. You are above it all and omniscient as usual. Damn Rap and Spar for their meddling. Neighborhoods would be so much better without them.

[strider]

Sorry the facts don't agree with you, John P.

I do, however, agree that her "get a clue" was perhaps a bit in your face, but you did return that favor, but should have stopped there.

And, yes, I do think Springfield would have been better off without the SPAR of a few years ago, but as to the future?  I think the jury is still out.

[mtraininjax]

That is great news. I know RAP works with the Avondale Merchants Association, AMA closely on issues. I only wish the MHPA was still able to work with its merchants, but I think the Merchants Association in Murray Hill is no more. Commercial and Residential should work together to strengthen the community, and should remain independent of the other.

Ahhh, the old saying, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other."

[Springfielder]

SPAR had been a major obstacle, and as Strider said, the newer board members are the ones who actually have tried to move things forward and work on a make over for their soured reputation, let alone regaining the trust of the community. The reason for various groups, as AVS said, they have different missions, and unlike you suggest, it's not strong personalities taking a back seat.

SAMBA has indeed, taken the reigns when it comes to the business corridor. However, there's been so much neglect and the fact that there's still many, many buildings still owned by worthless owners, that it's an extremely tough fight to change. Yet, new businesses have opened, and events such as the Main Street Cruise has brought new life onto this roadway. This is all a collaboration, and not one single organization or person.

As for other organizations, they all have their own missions. Such as Preservation SOS, who is strictly working towards saving the historical fabric within the historical district. They do what SPAR has not. SACARC (Springfield Animal Care and Rescue Club) is strictly saving animals within Springfield.