New proposed convenience store in Springfield

[hanjin1]

I just got this email from SPAR:

SPAR has received notice that on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 1:00., the Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers at City Hall St. James; 117 West Duval St, 1st Floor



Reference: E-10-03

Exception Sought: Convenience Store

Application Filed by: Joe Joseph, 6818 Mad Rid Avenue; Jacksonville, FL 32217; 904-463-5889



Site Location: 2104 Liberty Street; Jacksonville, FL

[02roadking]

I saw a sign but did not stop to read it the other day. That would put it at 11th & Liberty where an old Jiffy building is.

[sheclown]

That is good news.  A convenience store there would bring some life to that section of SPR.

[thelakelander]

Does anyone have a map of the historic district's boundaries?  I'm wondering if that site is actually in the historic district.

[thelakelander]

The boundaries get pretty crazy in certain spots.  For example, a significant chunk of Main between 12th & 8th and 8th between Main and Ionia is not a part of the official historic district.  I don't think certain sections of the warehouse district are either.  Just wondering if this non-contributing site is.  The city's site is down and I can't find a historic map on SPAR's site.  Does anyone know where one online might be?

[Dan B]

The boundaries are 1st to 12th, Boulevard to Ionia.

The actual historic district isnt quite that cut and dry. This is the map from the city.



http://web5.twitpic.com/img/62103681-74b732a437676ac3afc17d6bf7484c69.4b67ab74-scaled.jpg

[iloveionia]

http://www.coj.net/Departments/Regulatory+Boards+and+Commissions/Historic+Preservation+Commission/Springfield+Historic+District+.htm

Here is the map from COJ.  Just click the Adobe PDF icon and there you go.

Personally, I am not thrilled.  I have a house on the corner of Redwing/11th and I can see this store from the yard. The property on Liberty is well kept, clean, and currently vacant.  It is large like a 7-Eleven large with plenty of parking in the front.  It's across from the warehouse (currently for sale,) that was recently redone by a Riverside business owner.

According to the map, this address is NOT in the historic boundaries. 

Let me state again, I am not thrilled.  New business or not, not thrilled.  Say what ever you want.  I prefer it quiet like it is now.  Crap.  Not thrilled.

[sheclown]

How can having a boarded up convenience store returning to its life be a bad thing for a downtown area?

[sheclown]

Light industrial zoning means that this convenience store could end up being a light factory with  outside storage.  Surely a less intensive use such as a convenience store is better than the traditional light industrial use.

[strider]

 A large reason that actual Historic District is not this perfect "square" is the to insure places like the warehouses and factories did not fight the historic designation.

An interesting fact is that while the actual boundaries of the historic district follow those erratic lines, the boundaries under which the Springfield Overlay is enforced does follow the basic boulevard, first, tracks and 12th lines. So even property that is outside of the actual district still has to follow some of the rules of the historic district but can not take advantage of any programs that are for historic districts.

The entire “warehouse” area that some have hopes for is mostly IL, meaning that it can be high intensive uses without seeking anyone’s approval.  The redone building at 2111 Liberty is very nice and very empty. It is a PUD to be residential. A convenience store seems like a much better use than the possible uses without exception.  And a much better use than an abandoned and empty space.  Without some kind of business up and operating in that part of town, other than the by right industrial uses, it will remain as it is…pretty much unused.

[iloveionia]

While I actually agree and "get" all that, one might gather that a convenience store proposal brings flashes of "The Shell Station" in Hampsterdam or other scary monster convenience locations which we can argue about (which I am not looking to do.)
Yeah, yeah, they are not asking to sell gas.  Yup, is it zoned to do what the request is asking.  Oh joy.  Loitering, an absolute pet peeve no matter where I am.  Panhandling, another peeve, no matter where I am.  These last 2 I am sure to expect.  Like we really need another convenience store in Springfield.  Sorry folks.  There is a zip zillion of them. 

[strider]

It always boils down to fear of the people who may or may not use a store like this.  Someday we will all learn. But then again, maybe we won't.....

And, it does seem that at least a few of the stores like this are being well run and well looked after.  Who's to know if this one will be or not?

[iloveionia]

And, it does seem that at least a few of the stores like this are being well run and well looked after.  Who's to know if this one will be or not?

True.  But I only have to ask myself one question.  "Would I allow my 11 year old to walk into the store by himself and pick something up." The answer will be determined by loitering and panhandling (or the absence of.) As long as the service is kind, the store clean, the food/items fresh, the exterior and interior of the establishment safe; cool.  If they sell drugs behind the counter, uh, no. 

I am amazed that some stores I have come upon when I travel in various cities are able to stay open with what they sell, then I realize that the store is a front for the sale of something else.  NOT suggesting that this convenience store will sell drugs.  NOT suggesting that.  Just the criteria (stated above,) a mom uses to "test" a store for shopability. 

A neighborhood is only as good as those who live within and those who visit.  Proactiveness is vital.  IMHO it is not prudent for someone to take the Pollyana approach to much of anything.  The gathering of valid information is key and is what I am in the process of doing. 

Honestly, there isn't much on that block.  Redwing Street and Liberty will be effected, as everything else is abandoned factory or empty lot.  Not much on 11th Street where this proposed convience store is potentially going to be.

[tpot]

I agree with iloveionia.  SPR does not need another convience store.  It will add trash, and a new place for the drunks to buy their colt 45.  Yes, I would rather see the building empty given what will stream in and out af that store.................

[FLDrifter]

It always boils down to fear of the people who may or may not use a store like this.  Someday we will all learn. But then again, maybe we won't.....

And, it does seem that at least a few of the stores like this are being well run and well looked after.  Who's to know if this one will be or not?

you are SOOO right about this.

http://www/youtube.com/watch?v=XDAaTzccCik