New Convenience Store

[thelakelander]

I agree with Jason and have stated the same position earlier in this thread.  If the only public street that abuts the property is 4th, its also against the law to deny it access. 

[sheclown]

When is the meeting?  Will there be an opportunity to speak for the car wash?

[sheclown]

where?

[ChriswUfGator]

I can't see why anyone would have had a problem with this place to begin with.

Especially after the Lem Turner carwash closed down, how long do you have to drive to get the car washed if you live in Springfield? I guess there are a few of those places on Main where it's all hand-washed, but those are really more like detail shops and it takes an hour and a half, so it's not real practical on an ongoing basis.

The closest real carwashes I know of are way down by Roosevelt Mall, or on Beach Boulevard. Who wants to drive 30 minutes each way to get the car washed? You'd think people would be lining up to support this thing...

[fsu813]

I do lean toward supporting it, sure. And I hope it's a positive and successful venture (in that order).

Cindi, yes, if it were on Main & not 4th then noone would have a problem with it. call me psychic i guess.

[thelakelander]

If this is how people really feel, they can go ahead and give up on the dream of Main becoming a walkable vibrant commercial corridor.  For infill development to overcome all the existing negativity and be walkable, access to parking from side streets are a must.

Walkable (parking behind buildings and accessible from side streets like 4th)






My guess is that the 4th Street thing is a cop out. If it were a Panera Bread, facing Main with the parking lot behind the building, meaning direct access to 4th, no one would have a problem behind.  The proof.....3rd and Main.  I don't remember there being a huge outcry of negativity around a project three times the density and size, with a drive directly to 3rd Street.  If the thing faced Main, people would still complain.

Anyway, I have a copy of the report.  The planning department is listening to those who don't want it and recommending denial.  I'll try and post it later today.

[ChriswUfGator]

Anyway, I have a copy of the report.  The planning department is listening to those who don't want it and recommending denial.  I'll try and post it later today.

That's a complete shame. Springfield is going to develop a nasty reputation for making it as hard as possible to open a new business. I guess people must enjoy all their empty buildings and having to drive forever to get to a carwash, grocery store, etc.

[thelakelander]

It already has, which is a shame.  There's a reason revitalization has been so long and it has to do with more than just road construction.  My take is everyone wants to see change, but most have no idea of what change is and how it naturally evolves.

[jason_contentdg]

So far, this is the difference to the site just in new landscaping and sidewalks, obviously there is a ton left to do, but this should give an idea of the improvements to the lot shown on the prepared site plan.

Currently:



Proposed:

[Springfield Girl]

It already has, which is a shame.  There's a reason revitalization has been so long and it has to do with more than just road construction.  My take is everyone wants to see change, but most have no idea of what change is and how it naturally evolves.

Its a shame but its true.  Whats really tragic is that this handful of people that has poisoned the groundwater truly doesnt represent anyone in the neigborhood except for their own overgrown egos and the sense of entitlement of under 100 people.

The rest of the neighborhood craves a great little commercial district and is appalled at the shenanigans of the SPAR group.

I think that is a false misrepresentation. The neighbors who live behind the carwash oppose it and they aren't involved in any neighborhood organizations or politics.
Lake, I didn't see any carwashes in the pictures you posted of great walkable neighborhoods.
Jason, The drawing you have done is great but how can we guarantee that the owner will use the plan and incorporate your ideas?

[Springfield Girl]

I am curious as to what the proponents will say if the carwash is approved and becomes a negative factor for the neighborhood? I have been in this position in the past of believing and supporting the positive plans an owner proposed only to see none of them come to fruition and become a negative instead of a positive. I felt very betrayed and base a lot of my cynicism on past experiences.

[Springfield Girl]

Jason, I have a couple more questions. It looks like you guys have placed some kind of wall around the site. Is that a proposed concrete wall or just a wood privacy fence? It seems to obscure the building from view which might be good for neighbors but also from potential customers. I wouldn't think the owner would accept cutting off visability to his business. Have you guys addressed signage with Mr. Jones? There is the very large structure that I assume was a sign post at one time still standing at the E. side of the carwash. There is unattractive signage on the building N. of the carwash that Mr. Jones placed there last time he tried to open. Just curious because the past actions and condition of the site are the only things we have to go on other than what he is now saying he will do if he gets approval.

[jason_contentdg]

It already has, which is a shame.  There's a reason revitalization has been so long and it has to do with more than just road construction.  My take is everyone wants to see change, but most have no idea of what change is and how it naturally evolves.

Its a shame but its true.  Whats really tragic is that this handful of people that has poisoned the groundwater truly doesnt represent anyone in the neigborhood except for their own overgrown egos and the sense of entitlement of under 100 people.

The rest of the neighborhood craves a great little commercial district and is appalled at the shenanigans of the SPAR group.

I think that is a false misrepresentation. The neighbors who live behind the carwash oppose it and they aren't involved in any neighborhood organizations or politics.
Lake, I didn't see any carwashes in the pictures you posted of great walkable neighborhoods.
Jason, The drawing you have done is great but how can we guarantee that the owner will use the plan and incorporate your ideas?

He's got to go through the COA process, and he has to get the site plan approved.  He has also, if approved, have construction documents for permit.  Once the finalized plans are finished the final floor plan and elevations would have to go back to Historic Preservation staff for final approval.  Once the site plan is through 10 set review and approved, it has to be constructed per the documents.

[jason_contentdg]

Jason, I have a couple more questions. Have you guys addressed signage with Mr. Jones? There is the very large structure that I assume was a sign post at one time still standing at the E. side of the carwash. There is unattractive signage on the building N. of the carwash that Mr. Jones placed there last time he tried to open. Just curious because the past actions and condition of the site are the only things we have to go on other than what he is now saying he will do if he gets approval.

We'll specify nice, approved signage for the renderings. It's going to fall on the city to a point, making sure he follows ordinances.

[Springfield Girl]

Thanks Jason. I had these questions because in the past Mr. Jones did not have plans, he did not get a COA or approval for signage or anything else. He just opened up. He was shut down the second day after neighbors complained.