Metro Jacksonville

Marc McCullough brought this to Preservation SOS's attention earlier today. 


Mr. Foster will begin being fined $250 a day in June for peeling paint.  He has been a Springfield resident for 41 years.

Mr. Foster's home on Market Street.

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/mrfostershouse.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/mrfostershouse.jpg.html)

Wow, good thing the city stays out of my neighborhood in St Nicholas. My 75 year old neighbor has peeling paint, rotted woodwork, and a half demolished garage.... but no notices from the city or from code enforcement or anything.

So what's the end game here? If there's lead paint, they can't just pressure wash it off and re-paint, right? And obviously this guy isn't paying a $250 a day fine. So he'll be forced to leave his home of 42 years? And then what? It will sit vacant and be torn down? Or will some investor buy it, throw a little money into it, and then try to flip it? Or are those days gone?

What is really sad is that the city could elect to help rather than just threaten and hinder but MCCD doesn't roll that way. Just like they can fine and eventually demolish with tax payer dollars and then lien the property, they have the authority to repair things and then lien the property.  The city simply chooses not to do that, much better to hinder than help anyone after all. This is also a great example of how a seemingly innocent idea like an anti blight initiative can have huge negative impacts on a community. MCCD in this case is causing far more blight than it is preventing.

Gloria DeVall has a Facebook page started to get the painting done. Donations of paint and primer, or funds to purchase, and offers of help to scrape and paint will be welcome, I'm sure.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-It-Happen-Mr-Foster/1419794464962698?notif_t=page_new_likes (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-It-Happen-Mr-Foster/1419794464962698?notif_t=page_new_likes)

Plans are being formulated.  This weekend pressure washing and scraping.  People are coming when they can and doing what they can do. 

Hopefully next weekend we begin priming and painting.

Doesn't Lutheran Social Services have a home repair group that helps the elderly with this and many other issues?  No point to vilified the Gov. When preservation group demand strict codes for a good reason. She clown is the only post that addresses this blown out of proportion news. Call the local city council person, draw up ordinance to address this issue. They have funds to tear down homes, some monies for people (like sheclown) or groups Neighbors helping Neighbors etc. great personal interest story, so, the outcome. And I'm sure the $250 a day fine this nice gentleman will be waived.

Make sure you don't pressure wash that lead paint all over the neighborhood!

Quote from: mrmakersmark on May 20, 2014, 08:48:44 AM
Make sure you don't pressure wash that lead paint all over the neighborhood!

We will use the pressure washer on its lowest setting ( rinse off the dust)  and use lead-safe work practices --

We have tried in the past to get help from both the service organizations and the city for another person in Springfield without success.  The various services available to help folks like Mr Foster are often steeped in bureaucracy and have long waiting lists.  The issue isn't with the ordinances as the ordinances already are written to allow the city to help it's residents and do repairs like this but the policy set by MCCD leadership is one of hindering rather than helping.  In their eyes, it is better to fine, chase off and make it difficult to even get onto your property if they condemn it as the end game is to demolish the blight. Perhaps it is because they want the admin of keeping track of hundreds of cases to justify their jobs or something more sinister, I do not know.  Either way, it is more harmful to this city than a little peeling paint ever will be.

All that said, yes, a new ordinance it what is needed to link the needed services to Municipal Code Compliance so that rather then fine a Mr Foster in the future, the house and the person's home is preserved.  The real way to eliminate blight from a urban community is by repairing and preserving not by destroying a community one rolling fine or one demolition at a time.

We setup a page to send donations via paypal to Preservation SOS (Preservation SOS is a 501(c)3 charity and donations are tax deductible)

http://m.preservationsos.org/mrfoster.html (http://m.preservationsos.org/mrfoster.html)

If you use the link above, the donations will be earmarked for this project.

Is the blight initiative funded with federal money?

Should you want to help at Mr. Fosters and don't exactly know what to do...a case of water dropped off on the porch anytime would be a great blessing. Doris Foster (his daughter) has cleared out a shelf in the fridge to cool water for the workers. I put her in charge of hydration.

1521 Market Street.

Here is the code enforcement case file: http://m.preservationsos.org/mrfoster/1521%20Market%20Street%20-%20Case%20Recap.pdf (http://m.preservationsos.org/mrfoster/1521%20Market%20Street%20-%20Case%20Recap.pdf)

The house was originally cited on April 1st as part of "Operation Urban Blight" for peeling paint. He was granted one 30 day extension on April 30th.

The next inspection is scheduled for June 5th after which this would go to "special masters" if the house is still not in compliance.

If you are planning on coming, please sign up here so we have an idea how many people will show up:
http://vols.pt/9LYN5X .

Saturday and/or Sunday, 9am-3pm.

we need:
- tables
- coolers
- any paint supply you have (but we got some brushes/scrappers and such)

Promise to help in some way in this positive project.

a message from Marc:

Steve Heykins of the Palace Company -- a neighborhood contractor -- has offered to do some work for Mr. Foster. 

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/SteveattheFosters.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/SteveattheFosters.jpg.html)

From MySpringfield.org!  Thank you Erick!

QuoteMySpringfield.org will be offering free advertising on its site for businesses or groups donating cash or materials as follows:

1 month for donations of at least $100
3 months for donations of $250 or more

Donations can be made to Preservation SOS (PSOS) at http://m.preservationsos.org/mrfoster.html
(Preservation SOS is a 501(c)3 charity and donations are tax deductible)

For questions about the offer please contact me at admin@myspringfield.org


**Of course there has to be some fine print...
The deadline to donate is 6/23/2014 and the number of ad impressions will vary depending on the number of qualifying donations.

http://myspringfield.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=2514&p=17651#p17651

I want to thank Marc for not only finding out about this but stepping up to the bat. Mr. Foster not only do we need to respect you for your service but help you as a neighbor. Normally would be able to help out on the weekends due to my job at the zoo but vacation starts on Sunday and Mr. Foster you get my Sunday. I hope others will help the more hands in makes a community. 

Not on our watch:

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/springfield/2014/05/23/veteran-neighbors-volunteer-jacksonville/9500283/

To receive a letter from code in April, that says paint and repair or else. . . . .
To list your home for sale out of fear of $250/day fines. . . . . . .

There is absolutely something very, very wrong with this picture. . . . .

So we help. . . . .
We support. . . . .
We give. . . . . . .
We love. . . . .

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/makeithappen--MrFoster.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/makeithappen--MrFoster.jpg.html)

40 plus people showed up today to help scrape and paint Mr. Foster's house.  We had a wonderful lunch prepared for us.  From time to time, we'd run out of something and I'd post on facebook "NEED WATER" or "NEED BROOM" and in a matter of a few minutes cars would pull up and drop stuff off.

Mostly scraped, 1/2 primed, tomorrow we finish priming and begin the painting.

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/kimPryor.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/kimPryor.jpg.html)

Miss bad ass herself, Kim Pryor

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/phil.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/phil.jpg.html)

See you tomorrow at 9:00 am.

Good coverage on 6pm First Coast News.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/springfield/2014/05/23/veteran-neighbors-volunteer-jacksonville/9500283/

Terrific story

Great to see so many people responding. It really looks good for Springfield, which is a unique and special area of town that holds good memories for many of us. There are no other homes in Jax like some of these.

Good job, everyone!

James Eddy, candidate for district 7, worked at Mr. Foster's today. 

http://www.youtube.com/v/aDmrnaspEmo?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=

This local hero stopped by to lend a hand:

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/mikefield.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/mikefield.jpg.html)
me & Mike Field

Because of his Springfield cash mob, Preservation SOS had plenty of supplies for this project:

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/supplies.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/supplies.jpg.html)

Mid afternoon, a car pulls up, a couple steps out..

"Hi, we're from the Home Depot Foundation -- we saw your story on the news -- what can we do to help?"

Where we are now:

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/endofthedaysunday.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/endofthedaysunday.jpg.html)

We will have some small activity happening there this week, but the next real push is next Saturday. 

Most of the work next Saturday will be off of extension ladders.  If you are comfortable working up high, come on by.

Quote from: stephendare on May 25, 2014, 04:22:26 PM

Quote from: sheclown on May 25, 2014, 04:21:25 PM
Mid afternoon, a car pulls up, a couple steps out..

"Hi, we're from the Home Depot Foundation -- we saw your story on the news -- what can we do to help?"

wow!

Get them to underwrite the ongoing projects!

They are interested in the Make It Happens, yes.

And interested in helping Mr. Foster with a roof.

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/womanonporch.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/womanonporch.jpg.html)

It was absolutely necessary that Mr. Foster and his daughter have an American Flag to fly this Memorial Day!!

(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii36/JaxUnicorn/Mobile%20Uploads/20140525_193335.jpg)

I just got a call from Home Depot Foundation.  I'm picking up some supplies tomorrow.  They are working on the grant proposal for the other work.

What a blessing!

We've been working on the house all week and made it an early day today.

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/facia.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/facia.jpg.html)

Some of our volunteers were beginning to rebel.

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/mrfostersaturday.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/mrfostersaturday.jpg.html)

Getting there.

Re-inspection should happen this week.  I think we are in good shape.

Home Depot came through with the materials -- that was so quick and such a blessing!

Thanks to the people that stepped up on this project. Mr Foster is lucky to live in Springfield and have his neighbors come to his aid.

In spite of the fact that we are 99% done, code enforcement is still insisting on taking Mr. Foster to special master. Of course, we will be there with him when he has to appear. I will let you know the date and will copy the case file here as soon as I can.

Quote from: sheclown on June 23, 2014, 06:53:12 PM
In spite of the fact that we are 99% done, code enforcement is still insisting on taking Mr. Foster to special master. Of course, we will be there with him when he has to appear. I will let you know the date and will copy the case file here as soon as I can.

Like we discussed just finish up and codey said request re-inspection and he won't have to go. They won't be able to put him on docket until after July. I have no doubts you guys can get it done by then :) if there's any way I can help let me know!!

No offense AE, but code says a lot of things -- like when they told him if he just made progress before the next inspection, that it would be okay.  Apparently not, considering we are almost done.  And he is not okay.

In the meantime, we have an elderly gentleman, who has never run afoul of the city before, sitting on his front porch scared to death that he is going to be put out of his home.  This is crap.

I have no doubt that we will be done by the time the special masters hearing is held.  In the meantime, a lot of undue stress is put on a man for his peeling paint.

Awesome, urban blight initiative.  >:(

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/fostercaserecap0001.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/fostercaserecap0001.jpg.html)

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/fostercaserecap0002.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/fostercaserecap0002.jpg.html)

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/fostercaserecap0003.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/fostercaserecap0003.jpg.html)

Jacob Long, First Coast News

(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/jacoblong.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/jacoblong.jpg.html)

This should be a good news segment. I'm glad he's getting all this positive attention!

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/springfield/2014/06/25/jacksonville-veteran-springfield-blight-urban/11358043/

Saw you again on TV last night Gloria!  As always... great job!

Quote from: sheclown on June 24, 2014, 06:58:07 AM
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/fostercaserecap0001.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/fostercaserecap0001.jpg.html)

Here's part of my problem with how Code Compliance does it's job.  Look up the referenced ordinances and you find that while the first one is sort of OK, 518.412[c] does refer to Cleanliness and Sanitation,  the second one refers to the incorrect ordinance, 518.412[g] is the section about venting the heating equipment rather than anything to do with peeling paint and the third one, well, that language simply does not exist as quoted anywhere in 518.412.  How can you ever hope to deal reasonably with people either that incompetent or that egotistical that they feel they can make up the law as they go? People depend upon these city employees and officials to accurately present the issues, when they do not, folks can easily find themselves losing their homes for no good reason.

QuoteJACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Volunteers in Jacksonville's historic Springfield neighborhood are facing what they call a major setback.

"It makes me angry," said Gloria DeVall with Preservation SOS (Save Our Springfield).

For about one month, close to 100 people have been giving up their own time and money to help John Foster and his daughter, Doris, 53.

First Coast News first told you about Foster, 87, in May when the Korean War veteran found himself on the brink of having to sell the house on Market Street he's lived in for 41 years.

"We've been nervous about this ever since it came up," he said.

Foster is disabled and lives on a fixed income. As a result, he said he hasn't been able to pay or make repairs to the more than 100-year-old house in several years.

In April, the City of Jacksonville warned Foster he was going to be fined $250 a day if he did not comply with its new Urban Blight code enforcement initiative.

The initiative aims to clean up unsightly properties around the city that do not comply with city code.

Knowing he could not afford the penalties, Preservation SOS, a local non-profit, organized helpers to paint, prime and pressure wash the home out of the goodness of their hearts.

Each person was touched by Foster's story and hoped their work would bring him back into compliance with the city.

"All throughout this process, he's been very afraid that he was going to end up homeless," DeVall said.

But First Coast News has learned the exact opposite has happened.

"They're saying what we've done isn't good enough," DeVall said.

The city's neighborhoods department issued a report this month that stated Foster's house was still in violation of three city codes. Specifically, it said the house needed more exterior repairs, including paint and a pressure wash.

DeVall said that's work that's already been completed.

"They don't need to bully anybody into compliance. They need to help people come into compliance," said said.

Now, the Fosters are on edge all over again. They said they don't want to pick a fight with the city.

Their primary goal is keeping the place they love to call home.

"I just want to live here. I've been sitting on this porch for 41 years," Foster said.

Jacksonville Public Communications Officer Kristen Sell issued this statement to First Coast News in response to our request for comment:

The City appreciates all the work that has been done at the home at 1521 Market St. and the progress that has been made. However, there are minimum code standards that still need to be met, as outlined in the notice. The notice allows the work to continue up until the date that will be given for the homeowner to appear before the municipal code special magistrate. These standards protect the quality of life in the neighborhood.

It's expected Foster's hearing before the special magistrate will be held later this summer. DeVall remains confident all fines and penalties will be dropped.

"I'm confident he won't be fined," she said.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/local/springfield/2014/06/25/jacksonville-veteran-springfield-blight-urban/11358043/

These standards protect the quality of life in the neighborhood.

This quote really makes me laugh. 

Neighbors on both sides of Mr. Foster as well as across the street joined in with the other 80 plus neighbors who sweated in the heat to paint his house.  Now THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is "quality of life."

Quote from: strider on June 26, 2014, 10:13:17 AM

Quote from: sheclown on June 24, 2014, 06:58:07 AM
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g374/sheclown2/fostercaserecap0001.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/sheclown2/media/fostercaserecap0001.jpg.html)

Here's part of my problem with how Code Compliance does it's job.  Look up the referenced ordinances and you find that while the first one is sort of OK, 518.412[c] does refer to Cleanliness and Sanitation,  the second one refers to the incorrect ordinance, 518.412[g] is the section about venting the heating equipment rather than anything to do with peeling paint and the third one, well, that language simply does not exist as quoted anywhere in 518.412.  How can you ever hope to deal reasonably with people either that incompetent or that egotistical that they feel they can make up the law as they go? People depend upon these city employees and officials to accurately present the issues, when they do not, folks can easily find themselves losing their homes for no good reason.

Couple the above with the vague way that Code Enforcement tells you what you need to fix, and you have a recipe for failure.  Using terms like "entire" and "south side" in no way, shape or form tell the homeowner EXACTLY what Code Enforcement expects him/her to fix.  This also leaves the door open for them to say you've missed something.  Well of course you have - because the City failed to tell you specifically what needed to be fixed.

Update: The house is painted!

514 Volunteer hours painted Mr. Fosters home in 33 days.

Indeed, Jacksonville, we Made it Happen.

Mr Foster's home was cleared yesterday by code enforcement.  We passed our inspection with the city and he is out from under the threat of rolling fines.  Additionally, he will not have to go before the special master.

^Congratulations to everyone. Positive news.

Quote from: sheclown on August 05, 2014, 07:43:41 AM
Mr Foster's home was cleared yesterday by code enforcement.  We passed our inspection with the city and he is out from under the threat of rolling fines.  Additionally, he will not have to go before the special master.

Always good to hear positive news such as this!!  :)  So glad we as a community were able to offer assistance when it was needed.

Congratulations to all who worked hard on this! And for the activists on this forum.

Quote from: sheclown on August 05, 2014, 07:43:41 AM
Mr Foster's home was cleared yesterday by code enforcement.  We passed our inspection with the city and he is out from under the threat of rolling fines.  Additionally, he will not have to go before the special master.

Congrats P.S.O.S. you guys/girls did a fantastic job and your dedication to the community will forever be in that mans heart I am sure! Keep it up!

Huzzah!  Good work everyone!

UPDATE:

Kuddos to the City of Jacksonville's Housing Department.  They are in the process of installing a new roof on Mr. Foster's house!!!

Now, THAT's what those funds are SUPPOSED to be used for!  Good work Jacksonville Housing Division!!