Left behind in Springfield

[Lunican]

Left behind in Springfield

By Joe Light,
The Times-Union

Frustration tinges Victor Rodriguez's remarks as he rattles off reasons the Springfield neighborhood has remained nearly devoid of shops and restaurants.

His restaurant, the Springfield Station Bar & Grill, opened eight months ago, and he says it's struggled to become profitable.

"The neighborhood doesn't seem to support itself," he said. "People would rather go to San Marco or Riverside or wherever. They don't look in their own backyard."

A recent housing renaissance was supposed to change all that.

Developer SRG Homes & Neighborhoods began to rapidly construct new, retro-looking houses in 2004, and now has built more than 60 in a neighborhood that hadn't seen new construction in years. Neighbors began to renovate their own historic homes in turn, and at one point, Barbara Corcoran, a real estate expert, named Jacksonville and, specifically, Springfield one of the top five real estate investments in the country on Good Morning America.

Other Jacksonville neighborhoods, once also considered rundown, began to flourish. San Marco real estate became so high-priced that the hip and trendy crowd that brought it to life had to move elsewhere. Five Points began to follow, supported by the up-and-coming Riverside neighborhood and its own strip of niche retailers.

Springfield seemed like it might follow suit.

Full Article:
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/061807/bus_177736006.shtml

[Steve]

This is so ridiculous - if this guy would just develop his stuff, he would be worth even more.  He is literally holding himelf back.

[jbm32206]

There's no doubt about that! He's hurting our neighborhood by allowing these properties to sit and remain undeveloped. Not only does he own what seems to be most of Main street...but with what's left, who would want to restore or build next to property that's abandoned and in bad shape? Plus, the pricing for purchases or leases is totally out of reasonable.

[thelakelander]

While he's certainly plays a huge role in what Main Street's image is today, all other property owners along that strip, are just as responsible.  Screw Hionides... find a way (like Cesery) to move forward with your own improvements/projects.  Find that niche and run with it (even if it's just making sure your property is visually appealing).  In addition to this, when someone puts their butts on the line to go out a do such things, support them.  We have to make sure there's a viable market for our mom & pop shops before the corporate chains come knocking.