S.O.S. Old Homes & Large Trees -- history going, going....gone?

[sheclown]

“SPAR SPEAK” the Weekly Update

We have heard the concerns about Large Tree Removal as part of the Ash Remediation.  According to Jim Manning, ash was located in some parts of Klutho & Schell Parks. It is the intent of ash remediation not to remove large trees; however, an arborist determined there were some trees in these parks which are in decline and the owners of the parks (Jacksonville Housing Authority and City of Jacksonville) authorized their removal. Residents can refuse remediation to protect existing trees. The ash remediation funds are for 3" trees (for the expected replacement of trees in a residential area); however, due to the size and location of this tree removal, the city is looking into Tree Mitigation funds and possible Streets & Drainage to get large growth replacements.

from "SPAR SPEAK" email sent out today.

[sheclown]

I saw a new green tag today.

[ChriswUfGator]

WTF does tearing down 250 year old trees have to do with ash remediation exactly?

I'm not a scientist, but maybe someone can explain this one to me? Hopefully there's an explanation besides for COJ/JEA's typical crap where they just want them gone to cut the costs of having to trim them annually in order to keep the branches away from powerlines, so they just cook any convenient excuse they can think of to chop them down...

[sheclown]

^It is easier to tear them down than to deal with remediating around them? 

Just as it is much easier to tear down an old house than to deal with the time/money and effort in restoring an old one. 

[iloveionia]

The photo of the house is one E. 6th Street/Hubbard.  Today there are 2 trucks in front of it (one said A/C, which makes no sense,) but it appears as though they are starting the disconnect process.  I couldn't stop and talk with them, but will head over as soon as I can and see what's up.  In regards to houses, it is apparent that homes owned by banks haven't the first clue about what a historic district is and what the "rules" are.  Going back to S.O.S. I think it would be beneficial to draft a letter to bank owned homes in eminent danger of decay and ultimate demolition and give them the 411.

[sheclown]

The sewer lines were cut from this home today.  

The bulldozers will be next and I expect it will be demo'ed first part of the week.  From my licensed contractor eyes, this does not look to be a public safety concern.

I don't understand why it is being demolished.



You can see the straight lines on the siding.  No bulges or dips.  No swayback.

East 5th Street

[Timkin]

Unbelieveable .   Nope.  totally believable in Jacksonville.  I would be the first to admit its not the prettiest house but it doesnt look like a canidate for a wrecking ball.

[sheclown]

The porch needs to be opened up and then you would see some of the architectural detail. 

[CS Foltz]

Just one more glaring example of the City disconnect from an Historical point of view! They don't have any! The developers/Nifty Fifty decide to do something and poof..............its done! Not good for the long range point of view!

[sheclown]

Revitalization & Restoration, are often by their nature, at odds.

[sheclown]

What is ugly about this house is the enclosed front porch.  There is a house, in great shape for being 100 years old, behind that plywood.


The inside looks fine.  I've restored many in worse shape.

[Timkin]

The Porch was probably enclosed WITHOUT obtaining a permit. ( This usually pisses off the City ) I am pretty sure I was in this house a few years ago and it is far from being structurally unsound.   The home we sold in Ortega that was my Granparents house was buckling and sagging..  This one is nowhere close to as bad... and it should definitely NOT be demolished.. Although I will say if I were buying it, the first thing to go would be that Plywood-enclosed front porch...  I do hope this one does not get razed....or the Garage beside it.. it would be a waste to tear this down.

[sheclown]

The floor is even, the walls are in good shape.  There was a drop ceiling which was pulled down, but the ceiling on the first floor is in adequate shape.  The second floor ceiling has some issues with the plaster.

It flies against the face of the National Historic Designation to tear this down.  If it can't be fixed up right now, then board it and keep it until it can be.  That's what has been done in Springfield for decades before the neighborhood began to focus on "revitalization" instead of preservation.  It will take political pressure to get back to where we once were.

Revitalization comes and goes.  Preservation lasts.

[Timkin]

You won't get a dispute here, Sheclown.  This just unfortunately is not the mindset of the majority.

[sheclown]

You won't get a dispute here, Sheclown.  This just unfortunately is not the mindset of the majority.

Then...they need to go live in the suburbs