Working Group: Questions for the SPAR Board

[strider]

Phil, are you concerned that it may be true? No matter, it is a good question and you need to quote it so the facts are out there:

[9]* What is SPAR's plan to ensure racial and socio-economic prejudice will not become prevalent during the Commerical Corridor's Revitalization?

The question is not just about racial, but economic prejudice and if there is a plan to avoid it. Unfortunately in today's world, they both often go hand in hand.

[FinnegansWake]

That's cool. Having a plan, or thinking ahead to insure equality, is way different from a current mind-set. I just wanted to make sure JaxDefault's comment pertained to the Board being pro-active.

Which I agree with by the way...

Phil

[JaxByDefault]

I did not ask the question.  I stated that it is problem of perception and that  I hope the board answers the question.

[sheclown]

Yeah, it was me. 

I'm always harping on gentrification, given half a chance.  It is a worry and any neighborhood or city going through what Springfield is, ought to have a plan to avoid the pitfalls.

Then again, if the economy keeps going the way it is, it is a moot point. 

[uptowngirl]

21) What are SPARS Plans to address the by-laws issues? Will SPAR fix the transgressions or change the by-laws?  If the by-laws are changed, will a neighborhood vote for ratification be held to gain by-in?

22) What is SPARs plan for walkability of the neighborhood? The new construction on Main does not address walkability or bikeability. Since the neighborhood is touted as a "walking neighborhood" what are the plans to bring walkability back to Main St. ?

23) Since "specialized" board positions are given as the reason for not holding elections for board positions, what strides has SPAR taken with finding a structural engineer to join the board or volunteer time to inspect houses up for demolition? Houses have recently come down that have been "questionable", having a structural engineer to inspect and counter city/owner claims seems to make sense.

24) What work has been done to research grants/funds for restoration/preservation/revitalization of vacant homes or clusters such as Dancy Terrace or apartment buildings such as the Dozier that was demolished?

25) How is SPAR reaching out to new and existing businesses in the district? I have noticed the new BP opened up but not heard much (this is a nice, clean gas store with no riff raff hanging out front we should try and encourage this stays that way). I have also noted a new chiropractor on Pearl. What is being done with the current businesses we now have? Are there any grants or tax incentives to help them clean up their store fronts? IS there any type of plan for businesses, clustering? Themes for buildings such as bright colorful paints jobs as seen in other neighborhoods such as Five Points?

26) For beautification purposes what is planned? Is there a donation plan for paint or time to paint that could potentially be pulled together for businesses/homes? Trade schools/groups that may be willing to work at a lower cost or donate their time/skills to people in need?

27) What is the plan for the city lots? Recently the city has been donating these to ONH, which is great IF anything is ever built or done to the properties. Maintenance is not so great. Is there a plan to try and work out a deal with the city to let the neighborhood use/maintain these properties until such time a buyer is found or ground is broken? Many neighbors have expressed interest in doing something with these vacant lots such as pocket park/community gardens. Why not? It is better than an overgrown lot and would add to the neighborhood!

28) What is being done about the parks? I know the dog park is moving along and is fantastic, the skate park seems to be ramping up, but what about all the other green spaces? What about Klutho? ARE there any plans to do anything with these spaces? Is there an opportunity for the neighborhood to purchase and install picnic tables, benches? Landscaping? We have been out to trim and clean the parks, I am wondering if we can install our own landscaping and furniture if enough people are interested?

29) Whatever happened to the tree canopy study? What is being down to preserve our tree canopy? The recent plantings of small short growing trees do not address this issue. Our older trees are dying (or being butchered beyond belief) and small flowering trees are being planted in their place. It may be pretty in a couple of years, but does not make sense for the long term.

[JaxByDefault]

There is some progress being made on question 22's issues. We're stuck with the Main St. plan that was developed long ago, even though its flaws became obvious long before ground was broken or bids were accepted. It may look pretty, but it is not the most urban development friendly design.

Kenny Logsdon from the city neighborhoods department has lobbied (I believe successfully) for pedestrian cut throughs on the medians at every block. He's reported on this at several Roundtable meetings, as well as addressing the issue of making Main between State and Union two-way so that the commercial corridor is not cut off from downtown. That is a huge issue, and if the city is too slow to address it, then SPAR should lead a more agressive push to the necessary state transportation authorities. It's a tiny, easily overlooked issue that has a large impact on Springfield's relationship with the rest of the urban core.

It isn't a perfect solution and connectivity patterns will forever suffer under the current design.

[JaxByDefault]

FinnegansWake will be collecting questions posted on this thread and submitting them to the SPAR board by the December 1 deadline.

Many thanks to him for the additional time and effort!

[FinnegansWake]

FinnegansWake will be collecting questions posted on this thread and submitting them to the SPAR board by the December 1 deadline.

Many thanks to him for the additional time and effort!

Actually, just to make sure all questions are submitted and reviewed, I am submitting what we have so far right now. I will submit any additional ones that Monday.

Keeping in mind that a question that does not make it to the list will still be answered. This is a Q & A Session after all.

Phil

[fatcat]

[30.] How does SPAR board view its relationship to its membership? to the residents?

*Moderator note: added numbering in[]. No content changes made.

[Pi]

With hostility? Not all of them but enough. Gerry Troy thought SPAR should do away with members altogether. Now that would be a fine neighborhood organization wouldn't it?

[uptowngirl]

What???!!!

Well it really does not surprise me, based on my histroy with that member. Of course he was appointed, not elected most likely because of the Shands connection...

[JaxByDefault]

Thanks for posting your questions, MovedSouth.

[Pi]

36. Why did the board vote down the recommendation to list in meeting minutes which board members voted yea, nay or abstain? Transparency?

[FinnegansWake]

CHANGE IN VENUE...

just in case, because I missed this earlier, be sure to remember that the meeting on December 4th at 7pm will be at the SPAR Building downstairs, NOT the Karpeles Museum.

Phil

[uptowngirl]

Damn it I am going to be out of town that whole week!