SPAR Council Communty Q & A handout from SPAR

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15.) What is SPAR's plan to ensure racial and socio-economic prejudice will not become prevalent during the Commercial 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.

It has been SPAR's policy always to have concern for, and to help all residents.  It is spelled out in the Code of Ethics, and equality is posted in the SPAR office.  Service has never been refused to anyone who came to seek it out.  SPAR is certainly limited in what it is able to do (there is no funding available), but we do offer consultation and commitment to do all that is possible.  We offer consultation on a number of issues, from care complaints, crime, help with research of properties, and actual completion of COA forms.

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16.) What is SPAR's 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 Street?

The construction is not completed on Main Street, and it is not currently walkable.  When it is completed though, it will have medians and traffic lights, and be just as walkable as San Marco or Riverside or other neighborhoods.

The plan for Springfield streetscape was laid out years ago, with plans going from 1977 through the eighties and nineties, up to current plans.  There have been Springfield residents involved every step of the way.  Phil Neary was deeply involved as Director of HSCC, Rita Reagan, Jim Osteen, and many other SPAR Board members and residents were also involved.  Residents were given the opportunity to vote on a plan for the medians.  The City of Jacksonville has consistently worked with Springfield; the current administration has had a working partnership with us, and our Councilman, Dr. Gaffney has supported the neighborhood in many, many ways.

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17.) 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?

The Dozier went through several owners who did nothing to save the structure until it was to the point of "demolition by neglect" and had to be taken down for safety reasons.  Safety is ALWAYS a priority with the City, and when an owner will not adhere to Codes, the only option remaining is demolition.  SPAR investigates grants ongoingly, and applies for as many as possible.  Grants are not easy to get, as they are targeted to specific needs, and hundreds of organizations also make application.  If anyone could come up with a grant to fix Dancy Terrace, the whole neighborhood would be grateful.

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oopps

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18.) 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?

SPAR has had a parks committee which has worked with the city on clean up and maintenance.  That has been in place for many years as is evidenced by the work that has been done.

The Dog Park is moving along thanks to the efforts of SACARC, and the Skateplaza of Springfield group is making great progress on its plans for the Schell Park area at the corner of 5th and Boulevard.  SPAR can provide some funding support to these groups, and other groups with approved projects, though the CCTP program (for example plant material and aggregate for the Skateplaza).

SPAR has been coordinating the efforts of volunteers to research the extent of the challenges with the parks.  They are copious and range from creek contamination, to soil contamination, to the need for storm water management for the park system AND the commercial corridor, to historical relevance, to connectivity, to safety, beautification and amenity improvement.  SPAR has had access to, and made copies of, the ORIGINAL Klutho/Imeson engineering and architectural drawings for the creek/park system, and is working toward having them temporarily displayed at the Karpeles (more volunteer help is needed for this).

Several meetings have been held with the Parks Dept., Public Works/City Engineering, and Waste Management to get any aspect of the park system moving.  The city has been trying to tackle parts of the Springfield park system for more than a decade, but has run up against funding roadblocks.  COJ is thrilled that SPAR has been approved for, and supports exploring further, alternative funding sources.

The Greenway project, which was scheduled to begin this past summer, was delayed due to JEA withdrawing from its portion of the project.  This has resulted in the project having to be rebid by the City to include that section, and elements of the design being modified as a result of the reduced budget.

SPAR has had multiple meetings with our Councilman, Dr. Gaffney, re the importance of the park system to Springfield's revitalization.   He has recently agreed to fund master plan development for the system, from 8th to Market, so it can be looked at comprehensively as a Central Park-like public space with a variety of uses, connections and amenities,.  Just this week, the Project for Public Spaces out of New York, who has planned successful public spaces internationally, submitted to the city's engineering firm a scope for the master plan.

Once the project is planned, which we hope will be completed in early spring '09, SPAR can assist in pursing ALL possible funding avenues to get the park system completed.

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19.) Whatever happend to the tree canopy study?  What is being done 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.

The study was used to determine where trees were, and where trees needed to be replaced. Many trees have been replaced, and many new ones planted. It is true that some flowering trees have been planted; many were requested by residents who live in the area.  The bottom line is that trees that have large root systems, and that grow very tall can not be placed in the way of utilities.

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20.) 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?

SPAR has been sponsoring cleanups in Springfield for many years, and asking for volunteers to come out and help.  Response has been really good, and many positive things are being accomplished.  The SPAR Block Captains have been right out in front on this effort, and are to be commended for getting trash out, street lights replaced, broken sidewalks fixed, and many other things. They are always looking for more volunteers.  If anyone is ready to help, please call the SPAR office (353-7727) and let us know.  We will be happy to pass names along to Matt McVay, the current Block Captain chair.

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22.) Why is SPAR in such financial trouble?

SPAR has had financial difficulty always, however it became worse three years ago when City Grants were cut for us as well as many other deserving organizations.  Form that time it became necessary for the neighborhood to support the organization.  SPAR, through so many of its' efforts, i.e. supporting zoning and Property Safety Codes, the voluntary security fund, and constant marketing of the neighborhood, has caused an increase of property values for all, however not everyone sees the need to support the organization.

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23.) What is SPAR Council's plan to insure future transparency in its decision making process as well as its dealing with JSO, the developers and the city?

SPAR is as transparent as it can possibly be.  Other neighborhoods look to us for answers as to communications through the website, written and verbal communication.  There is no other neighborhood that puts out a weekly update to inform residents of activities!  We can not make people read, and we cannot force them to attend meetings.  We will work harder and smarter in the future though, to get information out.  Good and exciting things are happening, and the more people know, the better the community will be.

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24.) Are the minutes to every board meeting, the voting details and even the "minutes" from the special "e-mail" votes going to be readily made public?

The meetings are open, minutes are posted for reading.

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25.) Why is the governance committee made up of only board members?

The governance committee of any organization is made up of those members who are the most knowledgeable relating to the workings of the organization, its mission and purpose.  It would make sense therefore to select those members who had been the most active and involved, so that there would not be a cessation of activities while others were being oriented.

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26.) What positions have expired and when?

Some positions expired in October.  Some could have been reappointed, but chose to step down for a variety of reasons.  No Executive positions have expired, as they are to continue to serve until they have been replaced, or reappointed.

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27.) When and how will those open positions be made public, and how would the governance committee decide who meets the requirements of said open position?

The Board will advertise for specific positions, and those who qualify may apply, or someone may nominate them through the correct nomination process.  Some positions will be appointed because those qualified could not, or would not be expected to run in an election.  Example: a college president.

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28.) 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.

That position would make sense, do you know of anyone?  Remember though, that the owner is not required to give access to any one unless they choose to do so.  Also, it is ultimately the City's responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents, and they would be able to overrule any individual engineer.

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29.) Why did the board not notify the community of positions that need to be filled?

There were no positions that specifically had to be filled.  However there has been a recognized need for positions such as marketing, communications, and education for quite a long time.  The bylaws state that the Board may have between 10 and 15 members.  There were currently 12 in October. The Executive positons are filled by the Board which elects its own Officers.  This has been in effect for a number of years, and was based on the way the Jacksonville City Council holds elections.  The citizens elect the councilpersons to represent them, but the council elects its executive officers.  It is done in this manner because the members know those that should be the most qualified to serve.