New Era. Can Springfield Fix what Ails it and Move forward?

[stephendare]

So here we are.

The neighborhood is at a propitious moment in time, with a clear crossroads ahead of it.

It has every asset it needs in order to go on to a greater future, but two things are presently stymieing its forward progress.

1.  The Bubble.  This left millions of dollars of loans outstanding in a neighborhood that is going through the same devaluation as everyone else, putting an effective halt to much lending in the way of homes.   It also put City and State into an awkward position and cut off funding that might have sustained a downturn without any pain.

2.  The Neighborhood politics.  This has been amply demonstrated on the threads for the past few months.   SPAR, the merchants, the politics of social justice, gentrification, racism and classism.  Welcome to America, welcome to the South.  These conversations were covered over with an avalanche of easy money, but without that free flowing cash, they bubbled right to  the surface again.   Add to that a layer of personality driven politics and you have a perfect storm.

So the question is:

How to move beyond the present cluster hump, utilize the assets of the neighborhood, include everyone in the benefits and create that better future and district that everyone really wants at their heart of hearts?

Please contribute solutions.  Real suggestions.  Lets talk about the resources, and lets talk about a plan that everyone can benefit from.

[Springfield Girl]

I like to find the positive in any situation and I have found the positive side of the Real Estate bubble to be the influx of new, awesome residents to the neighborhood. It was a catch 22. I bought in 2001 after many years of watching and pleading with my husband to give Springfield a try. I was glad to see the values rise because it stopped the steady stream of flippers that were robbing the historic homes of their charm. They were ripping out architectural details and replacing them with the cheapest possible replacements so they could turn a nice profit. Now, I don't begrudge anyone a profit but those of us who love old homes and have taken on a restoration know it is more like a money pit than a money maker. Truly restoring a home is a labor of love. Now the prices have fallen but the flippers are also gone and they have been replaced with homeowners. I don't want to speak for others but this is what most of my friends and neighbors say they've wanted all along. Values will rebound, they always do. I always want to be smart about an investment but I buy a home because I want to live in it, not to get rich. It bothers me when I see  negative posts by a few people that others see as a representation of the whole neighborhood. There are hundreds of people living their lives and loving Springfield everyday who have no idea this forum even exists. Springfield is not defined by any one person or group. We are all individuals doing what we love. I just had a party of giggly girls, all recent college grads wind down at my house. Girls who live all over Jacksonville. Some have been here many times before and some were here for the first time. The only thing they know is that we have a cool house where they are all welcome to hang out and have a good time. There are so many good things happening and Springfield will continue to grow. The number of residents keeps growing, Main St. is almost to the finish line and I have no doubt the commercial corriders will follow the residential growth. It may take time and that's okay. Businesses like Three Layers, Hola, The Pearl and Shantytown prove that Springfield is a viable commercial  market. We spend our money now in other areas but new businesses will figure out that we will spend our money here if they offer services that we want and need. Thank you Stephen for starting this thread. I love Springfield and invite anyone to come to one of our First Friday parties, Wine Society, Mommies Club, SACARC, Women's Club, etc. etc. etc. events. Tommorrow we have a clean up at the GLBT center and a Kentucky Derby Party at the Women's Club. Next Weekend we have a Murder Mystery Dinner to Die for and the first weekend in October Three Layers is hosting a two day musical festival. Come out, have some fun and experience the positive things going on in Springfield.

[sheclown]

We need leadership which can unite us, use us and benefit all of us. 

[sheclown]

...and there are leaders like this in the neighborhood.  Doug V. and Alex S. are two that immediately come to mind.

[buckethead]

So here we are.

The neighborhood is at a Propecia's moment in time, with a clear crossroads ahead of it.

Fixed it for you.

[fsu813]

1) not much anyone can do about the housing market. Springfield has actually stood up pretty well with  purchases and construction relatively high.

2) i don't think neigborhood conflicts (i assume that's what you mean when you say 'politics') have a very big impact on things at all. for those involved, sure, but everyone else...not really.

[AlexS]

2) i don't think neigborhood conflicts (i assume that's what you mean when you say 'politics') have a very big impact on things at all. for those involved, sure, but everyone else...not really.

I think politics do have a big impact. We need a neighborhood organization which can unite the different groups and bring them all to the table talking constructively regarding issues and potential solutions. No organization will be able to please everyone as the interests are too diverse. The goal should be to come up with an acceptable compromise to all parties. Then all parties could stand united behind the organization and the reached compromise and be one large joint force to the City. The internal bickering only weakens us as we appear to the City and other organizations as not knowing what we want.
I would like to see a large door to door survey to find out what everyone really wants. What is good, what is bad and what needs most urgently to be improved. Once we know that we could start looking for a compromise.
All groups in Springfield need to be heard and bring their positions to the table in a peaceful and open manner. Some groups that come to mind (and I sure forgot some):
- homeowners
  - new house
  - historic home
  - bought low
  - bought high (at peak of housing bubble)
- renters
- business owners
- landlords
  - special use operators
  - rental unit operators
- different income levels (poor, middle class, upper class)
- long time and new residents
- different age groups
- artists
- GLBT
- single, married, with and without children
- non profit organizations
Some persons may fall into multiple categories. It would also be challenging to come up with a fair set of questions without trying to manipulate the outcome.

[heights unknown]

Despite the lull or halt of real estate and/or lending activity in Springfield relative to housing and construction in general, Springfield is still leaps and bounds above and beyond what it used to be.  Hopefully the engine will re-crank and restart relative to lending to complete the goal(s) of making Springfield a much better neighborhood, than it already is, within Jacksonville.

Heights Unknown

[sheclown]

Alex,
you are right about having all parties meet at the table.  That is step one.  Just being able to have a dialogue would be huge.  Perhaps it can be looked at like this.  First step is getting to a point where there is a willingness to work together.  Second step is finding out the needs of the diverse population (ie.  your survey).  Third step is bringing the ideas to the table.  Fourth step is coming up with an agenda which, while not meeting everyone's needs, will to some extent make peace possible. Fifth step is the beginning of the work of implementing the identified needs and ensuring an equitable plan for Springfield's future.

[sheclown]

11. Strong churches with long-term pastors who have been preaching in this neighborhood for decades.
12. Good bus route
13. Shands/Allied Plastics/Swisher -- close by and growing
14. Lots of mom and pops stores
15. FCCJ at its entrance

[Springfielder]

I don't feel it's necessary to break it down into race, as everyone would be included, as listed in Alex's list. Of which, I totally agree with.

[sheclown]

We could hold a meeting like that at St. Mary's Episcopal on the corner of 9th and Laura.  I'm sure Sue Carmichael would allow us use for something this important.

Just a thought.

And Lisa S. is a leader.  Although we have not always agreed -- matter of fact, rarely agreed I have come to believe that she is a person of integrity.

[untarded]

I am one of those that was able to move into Springfield because of the sharp downturn in home prices.  I bought my house less than a year ago and if not for the downturn the neighborhood would have been far beyond my means.  

I think the neighborhood organizations are missing a great opportunity.  I just don't think we're marketing ourselves very well.

Let's look at some of our available resources:
-A handful of good realtors who know the neighborhood inside out
-Small businesses who know how to market, create buzz, brand (i.e. Three Layers, Zombie, Burro)
-A very diverse group of residents that cover a large spectrum of professional fields.
-Several groups with the ability to mobilize people and organize events.

What if all of the above worked in concert to create a single marketing program for Springfield?  How about a website listing homes for sale only in the historic district (as well as available commercial space for sale or lease)?  A print campaign highlighting all of the benefits of Springfield and distribute it to the media, local large business. Advertise it.  I work for a big company here in town and know a few people who are house shopping right now.  It'd be great to have something to give them.  Leave this information in employee break rooms.  Distribute it to the military personnel who work with those who are relocating.  Promote it on the web for out of towners searching for homes in Jax.

Just some thoughts.  I'm certainly no marketing guru but it looks to me like we have the people to pull this off.

[sheclown]

Still needs inclusion. 

Carl.  Of Carl's on Main Street.  I really don't know him very well, but I admire his tenacity. 

[DavidWilliams]

I am one of those that was able to move into Springfield because of the sharp downturn in home prices.  I bought my house less than a year ago and if not for the downturn the neighborhood would have been far beyond my means.  

I think the neighborhood organizations are missing a great opportunity.  I just don't think we're marketing ourselves very well.

Let's look at some of our available resources:
-A handful of good realtors who know the neighborhood inside out
-Small businesses who know how to market, create buzz, brand (i.e. Three Layers, Zombie, Burro)
-A very diverse group of residents that cover a large spectrum of professional fields.
-Several groups with the ability to mobilize people and organize events.

What if all of the above worked in concert to create a single marketing program for Springfield?  How about a website listing homes for sale only in the historic district (as well as available commercial space for sale or lease)?  A print campaign highlighting all of the benefits of Springfield and distribute it to the media, local large business. Advertise it.  I work for a big company here in town and know a few people who are house shopping right now.  It'd be great to have something to give them.  Leave this information in employee break rooms.  Distribute it to the military personnel who work with those who are relocating.  Promote it on the web for out of towners searching for homes in Jax.

Just some thoughts.  I'm certainly no marketing guru but it looks to me like we have the people to pull this off.

Well thought out comments. Hope your home-ownership experience is pleasant for many years.