QuoteDispute arises over whether old grants should count toward Friends of Hemming Park's fundraising obligations
By Max Marbut, Staff Writer
The contract for Friends of Hemming Park spells out minimum fundraising and revenue requirements for the nonprofit to receive quarterly payments totaling $1 million from Duval County taxpayers.
The first benchmark came Dec. 1 with the contract saying the nonprofit must raise $25,000 in the three months after the Sept. 1 effective date.
A budget prepared by the nonprofit shows it raised about $1,500 in the first three months, but it still received the $150,000 payment due from the city Dec. 1.
Bill Prescott, who serves on the Friends board of directors, contends the nonprofit reached the goal because of $50,000 in grants it received as far back as seven months before receiving the contract to manage the park.
City Council members who worked on turning the park over to the nonprofit disagree.
"How do you consider that?" asked council member Denise Lee. "That happened way before the agreement."
Lee chaired the committee that drafted legislation to retain the Friends to manage the park.
Council member Bill Gulliford, who chaired the committee handling Request for Proposals for management of Hemming Park, also questioned the interpretation of the contract terms.
"I think that's bogus. I don't know how you count that. The grants aren't the result of the contract," he said. "The reality is they haven't raised the money."
Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=544862
FHP have been doing an amazing job turning around Hemming.
They deserve the benefit of the doubt, especially this early in the process.
What have they done?
I am not in the loop and want the space to succeed. Great space for beer festivals!
Quote from: KenFSU on February 10, 2015, 01:59:08 PM
FHP have been doing an amazing job turning around Hemming.
They deserve the benefit of the doubt, especially this early in the process.
I'm not sure how you can just 'overlook' the finances even if they ARE doing a tremendous job. At what point do you hit the panic button and realize that funding is running out, vendors aren't paid and not having foreseeable influx of cash.
Again, I'm trying to look at this objectively because I personally know, as do many of you, several of the people making this happen, but believe that I remember that one of the main selling points was going to be self-sufficiency.
Not that that won't happen, and while I agree it's extreme knee-jerk to start worrying about eventual funding this early, but $1,500 raised in the first quarter isn't even a drop in the bucket.
If they were assuming the $50K counted towards it, perhaps the focus has been on programming and not fundraising. Definitely need to give them another quarter to prove this was a fluke...
If they aren't raising the money they promised, they aren't fulfilling the contract.
If there's money involved and they aren't performing, "feeling good" doesn't get it.
There are already too many vacant buildings, empty restaurants and lost dreams that have been financed by city government. Don't let another $1,000,000 go down the drain because of a "good idea" that just didn't get a thorough vetting.
So are they not charging Vagabond coffee and the food trucks for space?
Is the $1,500 from one source?
Frankly, I'm surprised by city Council's diligence and trust the Hemming crew will get creative enough not only to meet their promise goal but also turn the park around. A quarter isn't enough time, a year is more than enough.
Otherwise downtown would be better served forming a public/private partnership with property developer to increase housing options so that demand dictates supply, instead of the supply dictating demand equation that doesn't work.
Curious, are food trucks/trailers allowed to operate in Hemming same as Vagabond Coffee? Opening the park to create a food truck food court weekly could be a draw and tremendous bottom line fundraiser (rent). If $1500 for 3months so far, the outlook doesn't look promising despite the job done so far with park upkeep. I would love to see the park operate as a market of some sorts during the days andd select nights to create foot traffic. This could go a long way in activating the park, surrounding businesses like SP's and as an added bonus, help with the homeless issue a bit.
Quote from: Marle Brando on February 11, 2015, 05:41:46 AM
Curious, are food trucks/trailers allowed to operate in Hemming same as Vagabond Coffee? Opening the park to create a food truck food court weekly could be a draw and tremendous bottom line fundraiser (rent). If $1500 for 3months so far, the outlook doesn't look promising despite the job done so far with park upkeep. I would love to see the park operate as a market of some sorts during the days andd select nights to create foot traffic. This could go a long way in activating the park, surrounding businesses like SP's and as an added bonus, help with the homeless issue a bit.
Before these guys took over, there used to be 3 or 4 food trucks in Hemming on Thursdays and Fridays. Now they have the coffee place and one food truck there every day. I suspect that it's not a huge moneymaker for them one way or the other.
I agree they should be given a pass for the first 3 months, though $1,500 is pretty disappointing. That said, hopefully this is a wakeup call and they step it up in the next quarter.
As I understand it, they raised $50,000 while the City was getting all the kinks worked out on the transfer. That money was raised under the guise that the park would be turned over, so IMO it shoukd count toward the fundraising goals.
With all of the walls this park has put up against it i feel maybe we should give time and assistance to anyone trying to keep it open and vibrant...this is our cities center and it deserves due diligence from all involved. Good luck to Hemming.
Quote from: whyisjohngalt on February 10, 2015, 11:08:32 PM
So are they not charging Vagabond coffee and the food trucks for space?
Why would a food truck PAY for space when they are the draw? When things get into full swing...sure...charge, but we're not there yet. Vagabond is not making enough money to pay rent.
INSANELY early to be having this conversation, in my humble opinion.
Hemming was neglected for decades, handed over to the homeless and mentally unstable to use as a toilet. The city is going to need to exercise a little patience if they are serious about turning around what is perhaps the most important address in the city in terms of downtown redevelopment.
FHP didn't move into their offices until October, and I believe they weren't even fully staffed until early November.
In just a few short months, they have:
- Completely rebranded the park
- Moved Jaxson's Night Market to Hemming.
- Performed general cleanup of the park.
- Added a lunch time café
- Added a daily coffee shop
- Brought in a social worker to help with troubled or problem visitors.
- Hosted a performance by the Jacksonville Symphona Orchestra.
- Held free fitness and yoga classes
- Hosted free concerts
- Brought in seasonal attractions (ex: pop-up flower shop for Valentine's Day)
They are absolutely making the right moves and embracing the right principals, but a successful turnaround is going to take both time and money. I would hope that this early in the 18-month commitment, the city would be looking at the park's trajectory first, and the fundraising goal second (particularly in light of the $50k in grants that the group has raised previously). Self-sufficiency isn't going to happen overnight, and realistically, there's no reason that Hemming shouldn't continue to receive whatever annual funds the parks department has allocated for it regardless.
Revenue will come with time, but God himself couldn't turn Hemming into a money-making machine in three months. I really think we should look at the big picture, particularly for the first 18 months, and asks qualitative questions first. Is the park more vibrant? Are more people using it? Is Hemming safer? Does the new Hemming improve perception of downtown Jacksonville? Will this incarnation of Hemming foster positive synergy with other planned developments nearby (Landing renovations, Laura Street Trio, etc.)
Sure, look at the revenue slope and use the fundraising goals as soft benchmarks, but also remember that the improvement of Hemming Park is a vital quality of life investment for the city's core.
And if the park underperforms in terms of the bottom line, I would hope that the city doesn't automatically kick FHP to the curb. Instead, they should ask, 'How can we help you reach these goals?' And until the park gets a badly needed green redesign, any group is going to be squeezing lemonade out of lemons. I view what's going on now as more of a proof of concept than a long-term solution.
Jacksonville has a long history of taking bad ideas and implementing them poorly.
When the right people come along with the right ideas, I think that as a city, we really need to get behind them and provide them with the necessary resources to execute those ideas.
I have full faith in these guys to get the job done.
^Great post Ken. I also think people need to see and experience the improvements to the park before digging into their pocket book, so naturally there will be some lag time for donations. Not to mention the time it takes to get revenue generating deals going.
That said, they have been given a substantial budget and have a robust staff of 7 to manage a 1.5 acre park. They should absolutely be able to create a park that is at least close to being self sustaining in terms of revenue and donations down the road. I hope they are afforded some patience, but also hope they do have some accountability in a few months time regarding required metrics.
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on February 11, 2015, 09:15:46 AM
Quote from: whyisjohngalt on February 10, 2015, 11:08:32 PM
So are they not charging Vagabond coffee and the food trucks for space?
Why would a food truck PAY for space when they are the draw? When things get into full swing...sure...charge, but we're not there yet. Vagabond is not making enough money to pay rent.
I have to contradict myself. Apparently they are paying rent. I'd love to see if that is the $1500. Very interesting indeed.
I'd be interested in paying rent for food truck space in Hemming. I'm sure others would too. What do they have to lose? Art Walk, and Jackson's Night Market are the blueprint, time to fill in the gaps(days).
Just to update those worrying about the sky falling (spoiler alert: it isn't)
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=544885 (http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=544885)
Visited Hemming Park today at noon. No notable improvements; a couple of elevated boardwalks under construction; large fenced area being used as a catch all and storage for all sorts of temporary park do-dads. Central fountain around Confederate monument is empty and in very poor repair. Most (or all) of the electrical outlets appear to be inoperable or broken. No significant landscaping enhancements or added flowers, etc. The pace of improvements does not reflect the anticipated goals of the folks handed the keys and money to re-do this centerpiece. Perhaps it is time for the Friends of Hemming Park to hold a news conference outlining their specific goals, time table and expected expenditures.
Quote from: Glenn OSteen on February 25, 2015, 09:47:55 PM
Visited Hemming Park today at noon. No notable improvements;
really? So you didn't see the new platform stage in the trees? Or the cafe area with the bright green chairs and heaters?
Did you notice a musician performing and a group of people from nearby offices actually utilizing the park? How about a place to grab top end coffee? That's what I've seen.
Just a hunch, but I would imagine any landscaping enhancements would be planned for after winter. Just a hunch though.......
Quote from: Glenn OSteen on February 25, 2015, 09:47:55 PM
Visited Hemming Park today at noon. No notable improvements
I'd say the fact that you can now sit down and enjoy an espresso and listen to live music is a huge improvement.
Hemming isn't going to be transformed overnight. I'd rather they focus on doing a few things well, rather than completely try to re-invent the whole park. Incremental change is the way to go for now...unless the city wants to pump millions into a complete overhaul (which it can't afford to).
They definitely need to show improvement over time and deliver on promises, but I don't think its productive to analyze every move they make and have unreasonable expectations. Give these guys at least 9 months to a year to start implementing their vision.
Quote from: CityLife on February 26, 2015, 10:25:24 AM
Hemming isn't going to be transformed overnight. I'd rather they focus on doing a few things well, rather than completely try to re-invent the whole park. Incremental change is the way to go for now...unless the city wants to pump millions into a complete overhaul (which it can't afford to).
They definitely need to show improvement over time and deliver on promises, but I don't think its productive to analyze every move they make and have unreasonable expectations. Give these guys at least 9 months to a year to start implementing their vision.
Well said, totally agree.
It was pretty gray and dreary yesterday. Not exactly weather that most would hang out outside in.
Live downtown, sadly don't get to see a lot of what happens during the day due to work, but the times I have driven by it looks extremely active/clean. Being neglected for so long it's going to take time but I believe they have a great vision for what it could become. Not something you can just fix overnight.
Went to Hemming for lunch to see what food truck was there. When did they finish getting rid of all the permanent tables and chairs?
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on February 27, 2015, 12:10:45 PM
I agree that the park is looking much better and dont know what dude above is talking about. But, one thing: Anyone else think Vagabond coffee is waaaaaaaaaay overrated? I paid like $4 (with tip) for a very small cup (like the size of a small at Starbucks) and it was pretty average. I have gotten better from the Daily's convenience store.
[opens can of worms]
So did your $4 cup of not-worth-$4 Joe come with free refills or were they charging $1?
;)
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=13172.15
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on February 27, 2015, 12:10:45 PM
I agree that the park is looking much better and dont know what dude above is talking about. But, one thing: Anyone else think Vagabond coffee is waaaaaaaaaay overrated? I paid like $4 (with tip) for a very small cup (like the size of a small at Starbucks) and it was pretty average. I have gotten better from the Daily's convenience store.
Good coffee might not be for you. If you think you've had better coffee from Daily's, then I'm not sure what to tell you.
The park does look a lot cleaner. I was against removing the seating at first but I kinda like the lime-green fold up furniture they have out during the day. It also seems to have lessened the amount of unwanted loitering at certain times. Sweet Pete's has been a blessing to the park from what I see. I swear everytime I walk past that place it's bustling with energy, this could only spill out into the park in the future. I think that place gives visitors a sense of safety/place and could help change negative perceptions of the core.
Lots of work going on in there from my brief walk-by a couple of times today. Agree with Marle Brando on the activity at Sweet Pete's - it's been packed every time I go by, even in the dreary after lunch hours before the end of the work day. Around four this afternoon, there were young people with their younger people (kids!) having fun on the porch, coming and going from the library and around the park.
Defintely a new energy and demographic than usual!
^I think either Lake or TUFSU has strongly advocated for a children's playground area at Hemming in the past on here. With the addition of Sweet Pete's that makes even more sense now.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on February 27, 2015, 12:10:45 PM
I agree that the park is looking much better and dont know what dude above is talking about. But, one thing: Anyone else think Vagabond coffee is waaaaaaaaaay overrated? I paid like $4 (with tip) for a very small cup (like the size of a small at Starbucks) and it was pretty average. I have gotten better from the Daily's convenience store.
Some of the stuff you say just makes my head spin...
Quote from: CityLife on February 27, 2015, 06:44:56 PM
^I think either Lake or TUFSU has strongly advocated for a children's playground area at Hemming in the past on here. With the addition of Sweet Pete's that makes even more sense now.
A childrens area will be opened on Thursday March 19th.
https://www.facebook.com/events/809789015760513 (https://www.facebook.com/events/809789015760513)
(https://austinparks.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/ipbs19-800x0.jpg)
^
FOHP 7
OSteen 0
From another thread:
Quote from: CityLife on April 22, 2015, 11:23:59 AM
Hemming Park received a $100k grant from Southwest Airlines and PPS. Great news for the park.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/news/community/2015/04/22/hemming-plaza-receives-major-grant/26173933/
I took the liberty of fixing your other quote for you City:
Quote from: CityLife on February 27, 2015, 07:31:54 PM
^
FOHP 8
OSteen 0
So it looks like this grant has put them over their last set of benchmarks?
Per the Daily Record:
QuoteTerms of the contract
Friends of Hemming Park is required to raise $250,000 in the first year of the contract. The city can withhold payments if the nonprofit fails to reach its performance standards. The schedule is:
• $25,000 within three months after the effective date of the pact
• $100,000 within six months
• $200,000 within nine months
• $250,000 within 12 months
The city is paying the nonprofit $1 million to manage the park for 18 months. The Downtown Investment Authority is contributing $800,000, with the remaining $200,000 coming from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The payment schedule is:
• $300,000 on Sept. 15
• $150,000 on Dec. 1, March 1, June 1 and Sept. 1
• $100,000 on Jan. 1
mmarbut@jaxdailyrecord.com