[The numbering is mine.]
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1.) What is SPAR doing to improve their relationships with existing business owners in the area?
SPAR features businesses constantly in the weekly update, and in the Newsletter. SPAR belongs to the business association, and makes it a point to encourage business, and to participate and encourage others to do so. A SPAR representative visits every new business that opens in the area, welcomes them, and encourages good stewardship of their business, and of the community. Example: the new Family Dollar Store on Main, and Walgreen's. SPAR supports small business (David/The Ark) to the very largest (Shands).
2.) How is SPAR reaching out to new and existing businesses in the district? I have noticed the new BP opened up but not heard much (this is a nice, clean gas store with no riff raff hanging out front we should try and encourage this stays that way). I have also noted a new chiropractor on Pearl. What is being done with the current businesses we now have? Are there any grants or tax incentives to help them clean up their store fronts? Is there any type of plan for businesses, clustering? Themes for buildings such as bright colorful paints jobs as seen in other neighborhoods such as Five Points?
The gas station at 8th and Liberty was written up two different times in the weekly update, and SPAR personnel have encouraged residents to go in and try it out, just as they have with many other businesses in the neighborhood.
We meet with anyone who is considering opening a new business in the area and help them understand what opportunities may be available for leasing or for new buildings. We plan to maintain contact with a number of businesses, brokers and developers and support their bringing new businesses to Springfield.
3.) The LISC grant is a matching fund. How much does SPAR currently need to raise, and by what deadline, to obtain the full grant from LISC?
The grant was for $50,000. The LISC money was not granted until the $50,000 had already been matched. That happened in June, and the money was raised through the efforts of volunteers through the Community Contribution Tax Credit Program.
4.) It was stated somewhere that LISC moneys will match any donations provide for some sort of development, if so who will audit the transactions, is there an application process where a record will be kept for everyone to see who received or who was denied and why.
LISC will not match any other donations. They have given the grant for the year, which is all they will give. None of us know how much, or if they will continue to give a grant in the future. If they do, they will also specify the use of the grant money. SPAR has an annual audit which ensures sound financial practices, as does LISC and each CDC to which it offers support.
5.) Will the neighborhood have input as to what and where that money will be utilized?
The neighborhood does have input as to where the money is used through the elected Board members. Before LISC gave the money the past year, a strategic plan had to be approved by LISC and by the Board which stated specifically where the money would be spent. LISC set the guidelines and the Board voted on them.
6.) How exactly will the LISC grants be used? Will any of the money go to existing business owners to fix or paint their properties? Will any be used as start up grants for new businesses? Please explain how the LISC funds will be used to promote the opening of 10 new businesses as is stated in the goals for next year.
As with any grant, the grantor is very specific as to how grant monies may be used. The LISC grant is specific to commercial corridor revitalization. They designated the money to pay for the revitalization coordinator and for marketing and recruitment of retail for that purpose. They also pay for the revitalization assistant through AmeriCorps. No money is available for specific renovated projects.
The LISC funding promotes new business through the above mentioned personnel whose job it is to bring new businesses to Springfield. This does not mean that SPAR will open business, but will simply help to promote it, through specific activity.
7.) What is being done with the current businesses we now have?
We expect to do more to support existing businesses in Springfield. We currently support and participate in SAMBA and support their efforts to maintain healthy businesses in Springfield.
8.) Are there any grants or tax incentives to help them clean up their store fronts?
There is a possibility of some facade fix up money if the business qualifies. We have informed businesses about tax credits that are available for those businesses that donate goods at retail value to SPAR sponsored projects.
9.) Is there any type of plan for business clustering?
We are developing a leasing and development strategy to encourage clustering of related businesses in targeted areas of Springfield.
10.) Has SPAR received a map from the workshop with Larissa Ortiz?
Larrissa Ortiz, of LISC, is preparing a summary report of the focus groups and workshop that will be available soon. We will hold a public open house on December 16, from 11 to 2 pm, which will have maps of Springfield and potential themes and business categories for commercial areas in Springfield. Public comments are welcome as we develop a draft commercial leasing and and revitalization strategy.
11.) Bus Rapid Transit is coming to Boulevard. What is SPAR's position on this proposition by JTA?
SPAR has been in dialogue with JTA for the past two years concerning a variety of transit opportunities, such that residents and business owners. [typed as stated]
SPAR has not indicated its support on BRT on Boulevard, though it has not opposed it either. To be included in the BRT system would make the Springfield area more multi-modal and less car reliant, and would serve not only residents, but employers in the area. During JTA's route planning input sessions, there was no resident opposition to the proposal as it existed. It is estimated that, at most, 4 BRT vehicles in each direction would use Boulevard in a one-hour time period, and no stop locations have been determined at this time. SPAR remains in contact with JTA as system planning continues in the event any plans justify concern.
In fall '07, planning meetings with JTA's service dept., which included providing SPAR's various study results and input from major employers and developers, resulted in an April '08 FDOT grant application for a Downtown/Springfield trolley route. The application was one of 5/6 out of 12 denied by FDOT, but JTA's service dept. is pursuing exchanging with an approved project, borrowing operational funding from another source, or re-submitting the request. SPAR has offered any assistance to JTA and is awaiting further conversation with them re: next steps.
The feasibility study that JTA had undertaken, hoping to ultimately replace the trolley route with a streetcar system is on hold until summer of '09 for funding reasons.
JTA is exploring internally the use of the S-Line, which is City owned right-of-way, as a pilot program for implementation of at-grade light rail in the city of Jacksonville. This pilot program would be based on the O-train system constructed in Ottawa in 1988 at a cost of $24M (current cost estimates are $30-40M)
12.) What is SPAR's position on public transit in Jacksonville? Does SPAR currently endorse a transit plan (JTA'S BRT, the MetroJacksonville Commuter Rail Plan, etc.)?
See previous answer.
13.) Has SPAR had a hand in saving any historic structures from demolition in the last 5 years? If yes, where and how was it accomplished?
SPAR has been instrumental in saving many structures in the past five years. Letters have been sent to negligent owners, and follow up has been constant to ensure that every house could be saved if the owner would do so. SPAR has worked consistently with Property Safety to try to encourage, or to force compliance. Unfortunately, if an owner chooses to let a property sit and deteriorate, there is nothing we can do. SPAR does not have the authority to take over a property from an individual who has no concern for their own property or for the community in which it sits.
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14) What is SPAR's plan to save the remaining structures from demolition and neglect?
See above. We will continue to work diligently.
15.) What is SPAR's plan to ensure racial and socio-economic prejudice will not become prevalent during the Commercial Corridor's Revitalization? The question is not just about racial, but economic prejudice and if there is a plan to avoid it. Unfortunately, in today's world, they both often go hand in hand.
It has been SPAR's policy always to have concern for, and to help all residents. It is spelled out in the Code of Ethics, and equality is posted in the SPAR office. Service has never been refused to anyone who came to seek it out. SPAR is certainly limited in what it is able to do (there is no funding available), but we do offer consultation and commitment to do all that is possible. We offer consultation on a number of issues, from care complaints, crime, help with research of properties, and actual completion of COA forms.
16.) What is SPAR's plan for walkability of the neighborhood? The new construction on Main does not address walkability or bikeability. Since the neighborhood is touted as a "walking neighborhood" what are the plans to bring walkability back to Main Street?
The construction is not completed on Main Street, and it is not currently walkable. When it is completed though, it will have medians and traffic lights, and be just as walkable as San Marco or Riverside or other neighborhoods.
The plan for Springfield streetscape was laid out years ago, with plans going from 1977 through the eighties and nineties, up to current plans. There have been Springfield residents involved every step of the way. Phil Neary was deeply involved as Director of HSCC, Rita Reagan, Jim Osteen, and many other SPAR Board members and residents were also involved. Residents were given the opportunity to vote on a plan for the medians. The City of Jacksonville has consistently worked with Springfield; the current administration has had a working partnership with us, and our Councilman, Dr. Gaffney has supported the neighborhood in many, many ways.
17.) What work has been done to research grants/funds for restoration/preservation/revitalization of vacant homes or clusters such as Dancy Terrace or apartment buildings such as the Dozier that was demolished?
The Dozier went through several owners who did nothing to save the structure until it was to the point of "demolition by neglect" and had to be taken down for safety reasons. Safety is ALWAYS a priority with the City, and when an owner will not adhere to Codes, the only option remaining is demolition. SPAR investigates grants ongoingly, and applies for as many as possible. Grants are not easy to get, as they are targeted to specific needs, and hundreds of organizations also make application. If anyone could come up with a grant to fix Dancy Terrace, the whole neighborhood would be grateful.
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18.) What is being done about the parks? I know the dog park is moving along and is fantastic, the skate park seems to be ramping up, but what about all the other green spaces? What about Klutho? ARE there any plans to do anything with these spaces? Is there an opportunity for the neighborhood to purchase and install picnic tables, benches? Landscaping? We have been out to trim and clean the parks, I am wondering if we can install our own landscaping and furniture if enough people are interested?
SPAR has had a parks committee which has worked with the city on clean up and maintenance. That has been in place for many years as is evidenced by the work that has been done.
The Dog Park is moving along thanks to the efforts of SACARC, and the Skateplaza of Springfield group is making great progress on its plans for the Schell Park area at the corner of 5th and Boulevard. SPAR can provide some funding support to these groups, and other groups with approved projects, though the CCTP program (for example plant material and aggregate for the Skateplaza).
SPAR has been coordinating the efforts of volunteers to research the extent of the challenges with the parks. They are copious and range from creek contamination, to soil contamination, to the need for storm water management for the park system AND the commercial corridor, to historical relevance, to connectivity, to safety, beautification and amenity improvement. SPAR has had access to, and made copies of, the ORIGINAL Klutho/Imeson engineering and architectural drawings for the creek/park system, and is working toward having them temporarily displayed at the Karpeles (more volunteer help is needed for this).
Several meetings have been held with the Parks Dept., Public Works/City Engineering, and Waste Management to get any aspect of the park system moving. The city has been trying to tackle parts of the Springfield park system for more than a decade, but has run up against funding roadblocks. COJ is thrilled that SPAR has been approved for, and supports exploring further, alternative funding sources.
The Greenway project, which was scheduled to begin this past summer, was delayed due to JEA withdrawing from its portion of the project. This has resulted in the project having to be rebid by the City to include that section, and elements of the design being modified as a result of the reduced budget.
SPAR has had multiple meetings with our Councilman, Dr. Gaffney, re the importance of the park system to Springfield's revitalization. He has recently agreed to fund master plan development for the system, from 8th to Market, so it can be looked at comprehensively as a Central Park-like public space with a variety of uses, connections and amenities,. Just this week, the Project for Public Spaces out of New York, who has planned successful public spaces internationally, submitted to the city's engineering firm a scope for the master plan.
Once the project is planned, which we hope will be completed in early spring '09, SPAR can assist in pursing ALL possible funding avenues to get the park system completed.
19.) Whatever happend to the tree canopy study? What is being done to preserve our tree canopy? The recent plantings of small short growing trees do not address this issue. Our older trees are dying (or being butchered beyond belief) and small flowering trees are being planted in their place. It may be pretty in a couple of years, but does not make sense for the long term.
The study was used to determine where trees were, and where trees needed to be replaced. Many trees have been replaced, and many new ones planted. It is true that some flowering trees have been planted; many were requested by residents who live in the area. The bottom line is that trees that have large root systems, and that grow very tall can not be placed in the way of utilities.
20.) For beautification purposes what is planned? Is there a donation plan for paint or time to paint that could potentially be pulled together for businesses/homes? Trade schools/groups that may be willing to work at a lower cost or donate their time/skills to people in need?
SPAR has been sponsoring cleanups in Springfield for many years, and asking for volunteers to come out and help. Response has been really good, and many positive things are being accomplished. The SPAR Block Captains have been right out in front on this effort, and are to be commended for getting trash out, street lights replaced, broken sidewalks fixed, and many other things. They are always looking for more volunteers. If anyone is ready to help, please call the SPAR office (353-7727) and let us know. We will be happy to pass names along to Matt McVay, the current Block Captain chair.
22.) Why is SPAR in such financial trouble?
SPAR has had financial difficulty always, however it became worse three years ago when City Grants were cut for us as well as many other deserving organizations. Form that time it became necessary for the neighborhood to support the organization. SPAR, through so many of its' efforts, i.e. supporting zoning and Property Safety Codes, the voluntary security fund, and constant marketing of the neighborhood, has caused an increase of property values for all, however not everyone sees the need to support the organization.
23.) What is SPAR Council's plan to insure future transparency in its decision making process as well as its dealing with JSO, the developers and the city?
SPAR is as transparent as it can possibly be. Other neighborhoods look to us for answers as to communications through the website, written and verbal communication. There is no other neighborhood that puts out a weekly update to inform residents of activities! We can not make people read, and we cannot force them to attend meetings. We will work harder and smarter in the future though, to get information out. Good and exciting things are happening, and the more people know, the better the community will be.
24.) Are the minutes to every board meeting, the voting details and even the "minutes" from the special "e-mail" votes going to be readily made public?
The meetings are open, minutes are posted for reading.
25.) Why is the governance committee made up of only board members?
The governance committee of any organization is made up of those members who are the most knowledgeable relating to the workings of the organization, its mission and purpose. It would make sense therefore to select those members who had been the most active and involved, so that there would not be a cessation of activities while others were being oriented.
26.) What positions have expired and when?
Some positions expired in October. Some could have been reappointed, but chose to step down for a variety of reasons. No Executive positions have expired, as they are to continue to serve until they have been replaced, or reappointed.
27.) When and how will those open positions be made public, and how would the governance committee decide who meets the requirements of said open position?
The Board will advertise for specific positions, and those who qualify may apply, or someone may nominate them through the correct nomination process. Some positions will be appointed because those qualified could not, or would not be expected to run in an election. Example: a college president.
28.) Since "specialized" board positions are given as the reason for not holding elections for board positions, what strides has SPAR taken with finding a structural engineer to join the board or volunteer time to inspect houses up for demolition? Houses have recently come down that have been "questionable" having a structural engineer to inspect and counter city/owner claims seems to make sense.
That position would make sense, do you know of anyone? Remember though, that the owner is not required to give access to any one unless they choose to do so. Also, it is ultimately the City's responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents, and they would be able to overrule any individual engineer.
29.) Why did the board not notify the community of positions that need to be filled?
There were no positions that specifically had to be filled. However there has been a recognized need for positions such as marketing, communications, and education for quite a long time. The bylaws state that the Board may have between 10 and 15 members. There were currently 12 in October. The Executive positons are filled by the Board which elects its own Officers. This has been in effect for a number of years, and was based on the way the Jacksonville City Council holds elections. The citizens elect the councilpersons to represent them, but the council elects its executive officers. It is done in this manner because the members know those that should be the most qualified to serve.
30.) Why were there no elections?
There are elections each year because the Board does elect officers, however, there may or may not need to be an election for other Board members depending on the number currently serving. The bylaws do state that current executive Board members will serve until such time as they are replaced. There are no Board members who are not official currently.
31.) If the changes in the leadership structure were suggested by LISC, what prevented informing the membership of LISC's recommendations, the needed changes, and then calling a special election or having a membership meeting to reorganize the board?
The membership does not act in an official capacity except to elect its directors, who represent the entire community. Otherwise, the Board conducts business which is in the best interest of all. However, information is available in a variety of places. The meetings are open meetings and minutes are made public. It is a very transparent organization, with Board members who live and work all over the community, and are happy to answer any questions they can. Even Board members may need to research answers at times; this is a volunteer organization, and Board members have other obligaitions.
32.) What are SPAR’s plans to address the By-laws issues. Will SPAR fix the transgressions or change the by-laws? If the by-laws are changed, will a neighborhood vote for ratification be held to gain by-in?
There are no transgressions. Bylaw changes may be suggested. They will be reviewed, and the Board will vote on whether the changes actually happen. The past changes were reviewed several times by all of the Board members, changes were suggested and implemented. The Board voted unanimously to accept the bylaws that are current.
33.) Why has a group of elected and appointed board members, mostly the executive and Governance Committee, held a hostile take over of SPAR Council?
There is a group of dedicated volunteers, working very hard to do the best they can for the organization, and for the neighborhood which it serves. One has only to look at the accomplishments over the years to understand that SPAR is not only beneficial to the Springfield neighborhood, but is essential to the continued success and revitalization. Other organizations look at us as a model, and ask for help on particular issues.
The present Bylaws were adopted after months of meetings and consultations with a profession board consultant LISC provided free of charge in order to modernize the organization and make its governance more consistent with that of other non-profit community-based organizations. The SPAR Board adopted the bylaws unanimously after much discussion and several amendments suggested by Board members. They were adopted in compliance with State law and the SPAR Articles of Incorporation.
There has not been a takeover, hostile or otherwise; you cannot takeover yourselves. All actions of the Executive and Governance Committees have been consistent with their duties under the Bylaws.
34.) Why did a non-profit that is supposed to represent this entire community force a particular board member, the only one that seems to 1.) Want to follow the by-laws, 2) listen to the entire community and 3) bring accurate and public information to that community, off of the board? What gives them, in particular, Jack Meeks, the right to do that?
There was no Board action taken related to any Board member. The person chose to resign.
Quote from: sheclown on December 06, 2008, 09:15:01 AM
5.) Will the neighborhood have input as to what and where that money will be utilized?
The neighborhood does have input as to where the money is used through the elected Board members. Before LISC gave the money the past year, a strategic plan had to be approved by LISC and by the Board which stated specifically where the money would be spent. LISC set the guidelines and the Board voted on them.
Did LISC actually approve the strategic plan, or did they help to generate what the Board actually approved? Can an outside organization actually approve the direction of another organization, even if they are a major funder?
Quote from: sheclown on December 06, 2008, 01:18:47 PM
33.) Why has a group of elected and appointed board members, mostly the executive and Governance Committee, held a hostile take over of SPAR Council?
There is a group of dedicated volunteers, working very hard to do the best they can for the organization, and for the neighborhood which it serves. One has only to look at the accomplishments over the years to understand that SPAR is not only beneficial to the Springfield neighborhood, but is essential to the continued success and revitalization. Other organizations look at us as a model, and ask for help on particular issues.
The present Bylaws were adopted after months of meetings and consultations with a profession board consultant LISC provided free of charge in order to modernize the organization and make its governance more consistent with that of other non-profit community-based organizations. The SPAR Board adopted the bylaws unanimously after much discussion and several amendments suggested by Board members. They were adopted in compliance with State law and the SPAR Articles of Incorporation.
There has not been a takeover, hostile or otherwise; you cannot takeover yourselves. All actions of the Executive and Governance Committees have been consistent with their duties under the Bylaws.
The answer poses a good question - can the board, officially or otherwise, approve the by-laws? Voting on by-laws should be a membership function, not a board function. The Board should be the body that reviews them periodically and propose changes as needed. However, they should not be able to approve them. Only the membership should have that power. Consider the US Constitution. Congress may suggest and approve changes (amendments) to the constitution, but it takes a 2/3 vote of the states to ratify any changes. They cannot simply decide on and change the governing document.
City Slicker, you've nailed it. These are points of which many of us have wondered about and questioned ourselves. The way the board is running, they've made themselves all inclusive, cutting out the need for membership...aside from their dues. I have said all along that the bylaws should be ratified by the membership.
Quote from: City Slicker on December 07, 2008, 11:21:10 PM
Quote from: sheclown on December 06, 2008, 09:15:01 AM
5.) Will the neighborhood have input as to what and where that money will be utilized?
The neighborhood does have input as to where the money is used through the elected Board members. Before LISC gave the money the past year, a strategic plan had to be approved by LISC and by the Board which stated specifically where the money would be spent. LISC set the guidelines and the Board voted on them.
Did LISC actually approve the strategic plan, or did they help to generate what the Board actually approved? Can an outside organization actually approve the direction of another organization, even if they are a major funder?
And doesn't this answer say elected board members? If the members are appointed or stay past their regular terms, doesn't the community begin to lose that input? And, in a normal situation, while the board handles the normal and regular business of the organization, would it not be assumed that new types of business requires new input from the membership? Isn't this the question that Louise said No, the membership did not have any input? Only the board? Sorry, if she said it that way, she believes it to be that way. What actually disturbed me was that others seemed to indicate the only input would be to go to meetings involving LISC in the future like something else was already approved....