New Avondale Restaurant Proposed: Not Everyone Happy

[Metro Jacksonville]

New Avondale Restaurant Proposed: Not Everyone Happy



A 250-seat restaurant is proposed in Avondale that will require the demolition of an existing non-contributing building. Not everyone is happy about it.


Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2014-dec-new-avondale-restaurant-proposed-not-everyone-happy

[ChriswUfGator]

I'm really starting to take issue with the near-wholesale exclusion of commercial structures from the R/A and Springfield overlays. Respectfully, someone screwed the pooch.

[strider]

As it is a non-contributing structure (circa 1948), they really can not stop the demolition.  The new building pretty much is open to design changes at this point and the actual report is consistent with the design guidelines and addresses what needs to be addressed.  The windows will be required to meet the guidelines and to be more constant with the contributing structures in scale.  Basically, the Staff and the HPC only can be concerned with design, the Planning Commission should only be concerned with zoning issues and so as to the number of seats, ETC., if it meets the criteria, it should be approved. We all have seen what happens in cases like this so it will be interesting to see if it turns into another Mellow Mushroom.

[thelakelander]

I'm really starting to take issue with the near-wholesale exclusion of commercial structures from the R/A and Springfield overlays. Respectfully, someone screwed the pooch.

The building was constructed in 1950 after the historic district's period of significance (1909-1936) and was identified as having no historic significance under the National Register criteria.

http://www.coj.net/departments/planning-and-development/docs/historic/historic-preservation-guidelines-for-riverside---a.aspx (page 13 in link)

[spuwho]

Does this mean more posts on the end of the world and orange tree urinals?

[jcjohnpaint]

I live two blocks from this structure and it looks like shit!  Anything would be an improvement. 

[benfranklinbof]

Its an urban neighborhood lol get over it! This is a great idea!

[PeeJayEss]

I live two blocks from this structure and it looks like shit!  Anything would be an improvement.

Anything? What if it was an actual pile of feces?

[TPC]

What property does Thad Crowe own? Also, WTF, he lives in Palatka.

[tufsu1]

^ He works in Palatka...doesn't mean he lives in Palatka

[fieldafm]

doesn't mean he lives in Palatka

And he doesn't live in Riverside/Avondale either... but as he notes in this letter, 'he plans on moving back soon'.

Just in context: Mellow Mushroom's main professional detractor was a hired planner from Clay County. Southern Kitchen's opposition is now being spearheaded by a planner from Palatka. In full disclosure, he should note as to whether he is receiving any compensation for these professional opinions.

[fieldafm]

Also for context, the recommendation from COJ is consistent with the zoning approvals given to Mellow Mushroom Avondale.

[fieldafm]

Not related to zoning considerations, but Southern Kitchen and Spirits is a concept from the founding Executive Chef of Restaurant Orsay, Brian Siebenschuh.

[Gators312]

Thad Crowe - Former Nocatee planner, Former Clay County Planning & Zoning Director

A bit of irony.

Also as Field alluded to, he worked closely with Susan Fraser during his time in Clay.

[camarocane]

I live two blocks from this structure and it looks like shit!  Anything would be an improvement.

I also live two blocks away... As long as it is not a club similar to Fat Cats (Catz, Kats, whatever) I'll welcome whatever plans they have to demolish the structure. As long as it will bring a tennant.