Team Recovery, a small part of Barbara & Grace, Inc., is about to open their new thrift store on Main Street, Springfield! Currently, the inventory is mostly clothing with a few things like DVD’s, Books and a few pieces of furniture mixed in. The store will officially open this Saturday, August 15, 2009.
Store hours are going to be:
Monday thru Friday - 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed Sundays
Team Recovery Thrift Store
1728 Main Street.
Stop and say Hi to Tom, our store manager.
On street parking is, of course, available on Main even with the construction and we will soon have off street parking available just around the corner.
All proceeds benefit Team Recovery, part of Barbara & Grace, Inc, a 501 (3) ( C) non-profit. Barbara & Grace, Inc. provides transitional housing for men with substance abuse problems. Through Team Recovery, we are able to offer educational and vocational opportunities. In addition to the thrift store, Team Recovery operates a welding and metal shop that builds items like A/C cages and awnings. Team Recovery also introduces these men to the sport of sailing and is currently building boats as part of its program.
Donations are always welcome.
Yea, another junk shop. Thanks for your contribution to the community, Strider.
Zoo, as you are a SPAR Council board member, and as their badly needed appointed marketing contributor (Per Louise DeSpain) , is this the official welcome to a new business that takes a chance and opens up on a devastated Main Street? Way to go Zoo and SPAR Council!
Thrift stores, by the way, are not just “junk†stores. Their expected clientele ranges from those that do truly need a bargain to the well off who just like to find that bargain. Used furniture; some antique, some not, DVD’s and books, clothing; some designer, some not, and all sorts of collectables and such can all be found in a thrift store. Some have fancier names, but in the end, most used clothing places and most antique stops are just thrift stores after all.
And, think about the fact that thrift stores are a great way to recycle. Think Green and Thrift at the same time!
Quote from: zoo on August 14, 2009, 07:32:01 AM
Yea, another junk shop. Thanks for your contribution to the community, Strider.
One man's junk is another man's treasure.
Quote from: zoo on August 14, 2009, 07:32:01 AM
Yea, another junk shop. Thanks for your contribution to the community, Strider.
??? >:( ??? >:( ??? >:(
So what commercial ventures are acceptable to SPAR?
(http://blog.internetnews.com/apatrizio/do-not-want-dog.jpg)
Ummmm................ Deuce?? I can't stop laughing at that picture, but what on earth does it mean??? What side are you on?
Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 14, 2009, 11:40:58 AM
Ummmm................ Deuce?? I can't stop laughing at that picture, but what on earth does it mean??? What side are you on?
LOL same here
It's in reply to the new thrift store/junk shop. It's a common image on social boards. If you do a google image search, you'll see that there are others.
I was going to write this big long response but I don't have time so this succinctly sums up my thoughts on the matter. I should have also posted this in the boarding house threads.
so i assume that by NOT buying things from your store and going elsewhere to buy thrift store-type goods, then this would mean less revenue for you to keep supporting the many halfway/boarding houses in our neighborhood.
got it.
Real nice welcome for a new biz there, guys...
Honestly, what do you all think Springfield is? Manalapan? Fisher Island? Brickell Key?
I'm just sure we'll see Saks and Lord & Taylor opening up on Main Street any day now, right? But in the meantime, someone just brought in new jobs and filled a vacant space. I can't believe the amount of hate for something that is improving your own neighborhood.
speaking of Manalapan have you seen this awesome home for sale by Frank McKinney, truly incredible.
http://www.frank-mckinney.com/acqua_liana.aspx
Quote from: Deuce on August 14, 2009, 11:25:25 AM
(http://blog.internetnews.com/apatrizio/do-not-want-dog.jpg)
What do you want on Main Street?
Why is it so bad for someone to want something better for Main St? I am a resident, I have invested all of my income into my house and yard, I have invested hard work, sweat and blood into cleaning my property and trying to add to the neighborhood. I for one would love to have something like a Walgreens or CVS without freaking bars, bullet proof glass or having to ask a worker to unlock the case so I can buy a stick of Axe deodorant. I don't think that is asking for too much is it?
Fsujax, you have to generate some economic activity before anything like that will ever come...
But this means filling all the vacant buildings (with whatever you can get to go in there) first. After enough places get established and make money, then more will come, and it just builds on itself. Nobody wants to take the risk until they see someone else do it and make money. So you're never going to get anything, so long as most of the commercial property in the neighborhood is vacant or falling in on itself.
And I still don't see how a thrift store is somehow worse than a vacant space. Before, there was nothing. Now, there is something. It's a step forward.
I think some people missed Stephen's article on cycling.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-aug-redevelopment-strategies-cycling (http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2009-aug-redevelopment-strategies-cycling)
I'll pose the question one more time to the naysayers; what do you want to see on Main Street?
QuoteWhat do you want on Main Street?
(http://www.contentdg.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/uptownmarketjpg.jpg)
(http://imagezion.com/images/retrokenshin/moar.jpg)
Don't get me completely wrong here. I understand the concept of cycling. I know we have to have something before we can have anything approximating the stores that Stephen mentions in his post above. But we have already cycled through thrift stores. It's now time for something else!
QuoteIts just a few of them though, its not like the majority of the neighborhood that feels this way.
Be that as it may, but I can't make the money I want from my house, when I sell it years down the road, if it's anything else. I will lose money (real and opportunistic) and compromise my future, my family's future, and my ability to not be a slave for someone else for the rest of my life. (see fsujax's post above)
I would prefer to recreate 5 points with a little Shoppes at Avondale thrown in.
Quote from: Deuce on August 14, 2009, 02:00:19 PM
Be that as it may, but I can't make the money I want from my house, when I sell it years down the road, if it's anything else. I will lose money (real and opportunistic) and compromise my future, my family's future, and my ability to not be a slave for someone else for the rest of my life. (see fsujax's post above)
I am also a Springfield resident and have put a lot of blood and sweat into my home (as well as money). I'm also not the biggest fan of a thrift store. But we must recognize that business and traffic are needed to attract other business and more traffic. If you bought in Springfield thinking that developers were going to swoop in and build up most of Main Street with fancy/trendy new commerce then you didn't invest in Springfield, you speculated. There's a big difference. A few other people recently did this, they just bought a lot more property and their names are now vilified here.
Support the local businesses and others will come, don't support them and none will come.
Actually a thrift store is exactly what I would like to see on Main Street. And yes, it is in my backyard - or two blocks from it, to be precise.
If they sold used stuff and called it "Antiques & Collectibles" we'd be salivating.
I don't want the foot traffic that thrift stores will bring. No offense to hooplady. I don't believe that they will increase my home value. I believe that 3rd and Main will. I believe that 3 layers will. I can even see value in Zombie Bikes, i.e. it attracts young, urban, hipster types (or at least I think it does). Which is the type of cycling that leads to young, urban, hipster types with lots of money to spend.
To me all home buying involves a degree of speculation, call me a speculator if you wish but my long term strategy was to remain in Springfield for 10-20 years. I didn't believe that a transformation to main street would happen overnight but I did believe it would happen quicker. I did not know all the dynamics of JAX (I am not a native) nor the personalities of those involved (that guy who promised to build all that stuff at 8th & Pearl). I see those as weighing heavily on the progress that Springfield has made it the last few years. I moved here from a large city, I watched neighborhoods worse than Springfield turn into yuppie havens in a shorten time span than I have lived here.
I have a lot of thoughts on this issue, but as certain blowhard jackasses will no doubt send the whole discussion spiraling into the abyss of personal grudges I will refrain, except to say, I personally am willing to give the store the benefit of the doubt for now. Good thrift/vintage stores are often staples of resurgent communities.
Springfield must go through the mom and pop phase of things if it ever hopes to get national chains (if thats what you want, personally, I prefer mom and pop and local chains)
No offense taken, Deuce. It is interesting how different people react though. To me, thrift stores are funky and interesting, and obviously you perceive them negatively. And to hear you worry about "foot traffic" is kinda funny, since I thought that's what we were trying to develop - a walkable, vibrant, lively environment that draws people out of their houses.
I'm not discounting your concerns, they are quite valid. I guess this just isn't one of my hot buttons.
When it comes to what people want to see in Springfield, it is ultimately personal. There's no getting around that. I want businesses that my household will use. We won't be using a thrift store. It's as simple as that. I will be using the new urban market at 3rd and Main.
I worry about certain types of foot traffic. Not all foot traffic is good, e.g. tranny prossies walking the block late at night. Ultimately there will be no pleasing me until Main street Springfield looks more like Main street Greenville, S.C. (just one example & also my home town).
Deuce, I also came to Jax from a bigger city and have witnessed the transformation of neighborhoods. But they still took time and they occurred in a different economic climate.
There are numerous factors that affect home values the biggest factor right now being supply and demand, economics 101. A thrift store's traffic is not the issue. Our home values have continued to decline despite the success of Three Layers and the recent additions at 3rd and Main.
If you don't like the products and services the store provides then give them constructive feedback. Help them forge a successful business that brings the traffic you seek. Keep in mind that these businesses can mature and change with the demands of its audience and if they don't they will fail. How many pawn shops do we now have on Main? Fewer than we did a year ago.
Those who open businesses do so against very unfavorable odds. We need to work with them.
QuoteThere are numerous factors that affect home values the biggest factor right now being supply and demand, economics 101. A thrift store's traffic is not the issue. Our home values have continued to decline despite the success of Three Layers and the recent additions at 3rd and Main.
I realize that but I'm still going to fight for what I want in Springfield!
Quote from: Deuce on August 14, 2009, 03:52:48 PM
I realize that but I'm still going to fight for what I want in Springfield!
As we all should.
The question is will we work with local businesses in a constructive manner or destructively by voicing opposition before they've even opened. We have the opportunity even now, only a few hours after the announcement, to contact the owners and engage in dialogue about our concerns and what we'd like to see. Wouldn't it be great if they knew what their potential customers were asking for before they even opened their doors? Give them a chance to win your business.
I think a new thrift store beats the pants off of a new pawn shop, new check-cashing joint or an old empty lot. Really I'm hopeful for just about any business owner with the nads to open a place on Main Street in its current condition.
Welcome to our neighborhood, Team Recovery Thrift Store! Now, who wants to open a new / used record shop next door? Give me your $$$ and I will!
Quote from: brapt on August 14, 2009, 04:40:42 PM
Really I'm hopeful for just about any business owner with the nads to open a place on Main Street in its current condition.
Amen.
Some of these guys amaze me, it's like they really expect that Bloomingdales is just going to open right up in Springfield. Time for a reality check. We're talking North Main here, and it "is what it is". They should be counting their blessings that;
A: ANYTHING new opened up over there at all (because that represents progress in the neighborhood, and progress that has been VERY slow in coming), and
B: That it IS a thrift store, instead of a liquor store, check cashing place, or pawn shop (which are all more than plentiful over there, and which do nothing to help revitalization).
For chrissakes' I live on the water in R'side and my neighbors are nowhere near THIS snotty. This whole thing reminds me of Stephen's photo of those prohibitionists holding up a sign that said something like "No lips that touch liquor will touch ours!", and the irony is that they're all 100 years old and 300lbs. ROFL!
Stephen, maybe we can get a repost of that pic?
Chris, I suspect it has more to do with who is opening it and the recent drama around them, than what is being opened. Had an unknown quantity come in and announced this, it would have been better received.
I dont understand why there is opposition to opening a business where there was absolutely nothing .
I guess we should let our Main steet retail space just rot and mold . Just let it recycle itself and ooze into ground .
i
Quote from: zoo on August 14, 2009, 07:32:01 AM
Yea, another junk shop. Thanks for your contribution to the community, Strider.
it aint junk...its urban funk.
Quote from: zoo on August 14, 2009, 07:32:01 AM
Yea, another junk shop. Thanks for your contribution to the community, Strider.
Zoo, as you are a representative of SPAR, I think this statement should be retracted. We've got a long way to go before the businesses you dream about come to main street. Having some thriving businesses there already is a key to attracting other business.
We should be focusing on absent land owners to clean up and at least put a coat of paint on their store fronts. We have larger problems. Some of these empty buildings are home to all types of vermin.
I'm not a fan of pawn shops that buy items stolen right out of the neighborhood, and attempts to equate Strider's thrift store as the same is in poor taste.
QuoteChris, I suspect it has more to do with who is opening it and the recent drama around them, than what is being opened. Had an unknown quantity come in and announced this, it would have been better received.
First, Dan, I will thank you for your considered response to our store. This quote of yours sort of says a lot. I really do not 100% agree with it as I really do think some do not know who we are or what we do, but you have gotten to the basis of the problem. Some just do not like certain groups of people and so anything they believe that helps those groups of people is automatically bad. They see a group care home as bringing the “wrong kind†of people into “their†neighborhood. The Thrift stores bring in the “wrong kind†of foot traffic. One and the same thing.
By the way, what recent “drama†around us? The city hall thing that was almost 2 years ago now? The unfounded campaign against us that is being conducted by SPAR Council? What is this drama? That I spoke out and put out supported facts about the house opening on Boulevard or just rooming houses in general? That I was one of the people speaking out against the illegal internal shenanigans within SPAR Council? Just wondering.
If you are right, then it shows just how blinded by their prejudices some really are.
QuoteI don't want the foot traffic that thrift stores will bring. …. I worry about certain types of foot traffic. Not all foot traffic is good, e.g. tranny prossies walking the block late at night.
And what kind of traffic does a thrift store bring? People who need that bargain price to be able to afford the “new†set of good clothes to attend church on Sunday? Or that cheap pair of jeans to wear while they dig that ditch or pick up your garbage? How about that fairly well to do man who stopped in and bought one of the neighborhood kids a bicycle because the single mother couldn’t afford to herself? Let’s not forget the young women who were buying the retro cloths for a big party? (all real as they happened at our temporary location) So, are all of these people the ones you do not want walking down the streets of Springfield? And yes, we will sell to that “tranny prossie†just like we would sell to the person who posted that quote. It is called recognizing everyone is a person and should be treated as such.
QuoteI would prefer to recreate 5 points with a little Shoppes at Avondale thrown in.
We chose Main Street to open our store just for this reason. As has been pointed out, even 5 points had plain thrift stores once. Now some are still there but are now called used clothing boutiques or antique shops, which are, when you get right down to it, specialized thrift stores. As the community and Main Street evolves, so will we. The market is king and will dictate what it wants. Right now we know it wants a plain old fashioned thrift store. Which does, by the way, have a few records and I believe more are coming in. As I said, the market is king...what do you want to buy!
Welcome to the neighborhood! Main needs all the infill it can get. Cultural and economic diversity are two of Springfield's best features, imo. While a thrift store may not appeal to a segment of the local population, there is also another half of the neighborhood that may not like paying $6 for a gallon of milk or $10 for a ham sandwich and chips. However, Main stretches 12 blocks through the historic district, so there is room for all. As some have already stated, the key to moving forward is to embrace and support what's already in place. If the businesses in place have a trend of succeeding, more will follow to fulfill the market's needs.
Looks ridiculous when pompous people make a huge deal of withholding something nobody wants in the first place:
(http://doctorfuckwit.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/lips-that-touch-liquor.jpg)
Springfield should be happy for its new thrift store. Before there was nothing, now there's something. Progress.
Thanks for the support, guys! We are excited. I never thought we would have a thrift store...seems an unlikely turn of events, but I try to keep up with God's plan and go with the flow.
And people -- who like what we are doing and want to help -- have been bringing in their stuff for us...jeans, shoes, comic books, you name it.
Each and every day is a surprise. If it works...great....if it doesn't....well ...we had fun trying.
And...wait...I think a convenience store is moving in across the street. Cool huh?
Wow, Joe, how were you able to get in on a piece of property on Main Street? I mean really, big business owners all over Jacksonville are killing for that prime real estate - NOT. I am also curious as to how we are going to be able to sort the foot traffic? Maybe a big machine like those new X-Ray machines at the airport except instead of looking for weapons they will do a wallet scan. Perhaps another bar? What kind of foot traffic would you predict that would draw? Shanty, The Pearl and The Cellar don't seem to have an issue, do they have their wallet scanner hidden?
Quote from: enuffalready on August 17, 2009, 12:48:59 AM
Wow, Joe, how were you able to get in on a piece of property on Main Street? I mean really, big business owners all over Jacksonville are killing for that prime real estate - NOT.
Enuff -- That's the problem; no one is falling all over themselves to snap up property on Main Street. The simple fact that someone is willing to do something should be encouraging.
I grew up in St. Louis where the suburbs are deteriorating and the city is gentrifying again. There was a neighborhood we hung out in that was on the cusp of revitilization. It had a bar, a restaurant, a movie theatre and a whole slew of thrift stores. It also was a notorious prostition stroll and drug area.
Over the years the bar turned in to a very popular venue for live music -- any one from George Thoroughgood to BB King. The resaurant became an icon for diner style food. The movie theatre began showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show and became a draw to young, hipsters looking to cut loose and have fun every Saturday night. And the thrift shops began morphing into vintage clothing stores catering to the urban, rock-a-billy, kitchy lifestyle set. The result was a unique, urban neighborhood which became a destination in and of its own.
Did this happen over night? No. It took years. But, the point of the matter is is that it happened. A few core businesses made some really good decisions about who they wanted to draw to the area. They began marketing towards that group and slowly affected change on the area.
To those of you who take issue with the new thrift shop, I ask you; what do you want on Main? We have heard from you about what you don't want. Now, put your ideas -- and your money -- into something you do want. Instead of belly-aching here, take action to bring the kinds of businesses you want to main Street and the many other retail locations throughout the neighborhood. A few suggestions might include: an up-scale pub to the abandoned Spanish style building at the corner of Pearl and 6th, a bakery to the small building on the corner of Laura and 6th, a festival-style market to the group of buildings at 5th and Main, a white table-cloth restaurant to the building at 7th and Walnut, a live performance venue to Ninth & Main, and artisit's boutique and loft spaces to the buildings along Main. Just to name a few ideas.
Who among you -- the naysayers -- has the time, money and intestinal fortitude to do this? While I wish with all my heart I could -- I have dreamed of owning my own restaurant for years, I cannot. Not in this economy. Perhaps someday, just not today.
Zoo -- if you are on the SPAR board, shame on you for your callous remark at the beginning of this thread! Your board membership should be revoked for such nonsense. At the very least you owe Strider an apology. New businesses should be encouraged, not ridiculed before they even begin. And certainly not publicly.
the person said it best previously.............that if this were not going to support the haflway/boarding houses in the neigborhood then it would be much better received.
I don't live in springfield, although in 2000 I looked extensively and wanted to refurbish a lovely old house for myself and my family. I chickined out. I bought in Ponte Vedra instead. (commence piling on procedures)
Those who determine that a certain type of business is needed, wanted and bound to be profitable are wise to open those businesses for themselves. Why let Town Center make all the money?
As for Team Recovery, I wish to thank you for your efforts on behalf of those you are helping toward a better life. It's a dirty job, and noone really has to do it, yet you have made it your mission.
Listen to your neighbors and try to deliver goods and services that will sell at a profit. Don't get caught up, however, in thinking that when a person says to open a gourmet restaraunt, they will actually support it.
Smart people shop at thrift stores. Fashionable people shop at thrift stores. Poor people shop at thrift stores.
Thrifty people shop at thrift stores. We can already see a customer base.
Quote from: fsu813 on August 17, 2009, 09:01:37 AM
the person said it best previously.............that if this were not going to support the haflway/boarding houses in the neigborhood then it would be much better received.
To pretend drug abuse is not a huge problem in springfield is dangerous. Helping crackheads become neighbors is the best possible thing for springfield.
Quotefsu813: the person said it best previously.............that if this were not going to support the haflway/boarding houses in the neigborhood then it would be much better received.
QuoteFrom our annoucement: Through Team Recovery, we are able to offer educational and vocational opportunities. In addition to the thrift store, Team Recovery operates a welding and metal shop that builds items like A/C cages and awnings. Team Recovery also introduces these men to the sport of sailing and is currently building boats as part of its program.
So you think supporting a program that strives to help employee needy people, helps them get back the self esteem they need to be good citizens and at the same time provides a service many need is a bad thing? By the way, it isn't about supporting the halfway houses, it is about supporting the men and women who suffer from this disease we call addiction and truly want to help themselves. Whether you believe it or not, we are also supporting Springfield, much more so than the few who complain rather than do.
We didn’t have to move the store to Main Street. There are other options in Jacksonville and we considered them. But contrary to what some say, we do actually care about Springfield. We have lived here. We have worked here and we still have large investments here and we are not the “absentee owners†as some would like to call us. We are very much hands on.
The truth is we will be fortunate if this store just pays it’s own way for some time to come. The economy is a mess and Main Street looks a lot like Main Street, Berlin, Circa 1946. But that’s the fun of it. The challenge of making something worthwhile where there is almost nothing now. It’s why many of us came to Springfield to start with.
We will have a grand opening celebration soon. It will be announced here and all are invited, even the naysayers. But why wait? Come on in and see what we have. Talk to Tom, our store manager, and we can see if we can accommodate what you would like to see in our store. I will tell you, it will always be something for everyone, for that is what Springfield should be about, something for everyone.
actually went by the thrift store and have to say its pretty cool! but then again I love to go to stores like solomans too.
Thanks Karl.
I am surprisingly nervous about it. (And I'm rarely nervous about anything). Sitting there and watching the world go by on Main Street is really an experience.
I hope that the space across the street becomes a convenience store.
Quote from: stephendare on August 17, 2009, 10:53:59 AM
Its a seafood restaurant, Sheclown.
They are going to sell fresh seafood as well.
What? That's TERRIBLE!!!!!! Just one more place for "those kind of people" to get food at. A crackhead might eat there!
For the good of Springfield, we should shut it down until such time as it either falls down or becomes a Ruth's Chris. ::)
Quote from: stephendare on August 17, 2009, 10:53:59 AM
Its a seafood restaurant, Sheclown.
They are going to sell fresh seafood as well.
Something smells awfully fishy about this whole thing...
^ I was under the impression that enuff's post was entirely sarcastic....
Quote from: stephendare on August 17, 2009, 04:07:54 PM
What merchant would want this kind of person as a customer? I wonder if youve thought about that?
Merchants do.
I'm guessing in this economy most merchants care more about someone paying them for their services rather than whether or not they approve of the customer's personality. Isn't that what we've been told in the recent past? Merchants cater to who will buy their products and if that means they carry rose in a tube, rolling paper and scrubbies at the front counter then its because that's who pays their bills not because its someone they want to invite to dinner at the old homestead.
Maybe they'll ask Three Layers or AAA Auto or Shanty or... well you get the idea. Again, I always hope for the intelligence in others and hope that any merchant would get their info from something other than a site such as this with a whopping maybe 50 - and I think that's damn generous - residents of Springfield. There are hundreds upon hundreds of residents who support local business and do not post here. Didn't you always mention how supportive the residents were of Boomtown - aside from SPAR?
If someone honestly took what's said on here as their one and only decision maker then they probably wouldn't be bright enough to keep the business going anyway. Just my elitist opinion about brain usage.
nvrenuf not nvrenuff (contrary to the name, 1 f is enough) ;D
Quote from: stephendare on August 17, 2009, 04:07:54 PM
Quote from: enuffalready on August 17, 2009, 12:48:59 AM
Wow, Joe, how were you able to get in on a piece of property on Main Street? I mean really, big business owners all over Jacksonville are killing for that prime real estate - NOT. I am also curious as to how we are going to be able to sort the foot traffic? Maybe a big machine like those new X-Ray machines at the airport except instead of looking for weapons they will do a wallet scan. Perhaps another bar? What kind of foot traffic would you predict that would draw? Shanty, The Pearl and The Cellar don't seem to have an issue, do they have their wallet scanner hidden?
What a terrible and mean post. These kind of spiteful responses alone do enough negative damage that they might as well be a crack dealer.
What merchant would want this kind of person as a customer? I wonder if youve thought about that?
Merchants do.
Terribel and mean? This was entirely sarcastic - sorry Dare was too big of a jack to see it.
My point was - (let me use really little sarcastic comments from now on so it is obvious to even Dare) - foot traffic of any kind should be welcome and it sure beats an empty store front, because we know what kind of foot traffic that draws.
fyi - no sarcasm used in above post.
Quote from: stephendare on August 17, 2009, 07:59:08 PM
sure enuff. sure.
And what kind of meter do you suggest to gauge the traffic then?
There is a link to all your previous posts, which taken together would make you the most misunderstood person in the entire world if you were just being sarcastic.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1588;sa=showPosts
But hey!
Im open to learning experiences. Especially when it comes to previously unheard of sarcasm technigues.
Cant wait in fact.
8)
Oh!.........Hey!.......I was just 'being sarcastic' as well.!
Small world. :D
Damn!
Stephen: 01
enuffalready:00
That post summary really kind of says it all.
Clearly, Stephen, he's got some issue with Strider (that he lets be known at every opportunity)...
Ahh, since I don't want boarding houses on both sides of me I can't possibly believe a new business (regardless of who is opening it) can be good for Main Street. I'm not misunderstood, just because you didn't get it doesn't mean everyone else didn't. You are just being a jack - now, in that regard, some things never change.
I think the business can do great (not being sarcastic), it has worked quite well in Riverside etc so aside from the elitist attitude that many of Springfield have taken (not sarcastic, just an observation) there is no reason it can't work here. Well, no reason other than the fact that Main Street is just about as un-pedestrian friendly as it comes right now (not really sarcastic, again, kind of an observation). Actually un-pedestrian and un-driver friendly.
Quote from: stephendare on August 17, 2009, 08:32:20 PM
lol. so feisty.
(yawns and stretches, then considers the post....)
All of your new points are excellent and only a real jackass would disagree with them out of conversational inertia.
I think you should stay away from sarcasm and leave it to the profesionals, enuff. Its not for amatuers.
There are plenty of awful stories of novice level sarcasm users who ended up in tragedy. Its a gateway drug to Smartassery you know. Once you get hooked, well....... Its a terrible life, take my testimony for it. ;)
Main Street is indeed pedestrian unfriendly right now. Perhaps we can all work on making that change
Wow, a bit snippy. Is it because as you obviously proclaim to be the master of sarcasm you didn't recognize it in it's rawest form. It's alright, even a pro slips every now and then.
It is sad to think you are such an assumpter - cause you know what assuming gets right?
ChriswUfGator - I have no issue at all with Strider, there are just areas where I do not agree with him. I didn't know that meant I took issue with him as an individual. I actually applaud the majority of the "in SPAR's face" stands he takes.
Not tonight. I don't think the Thrift Store is open at this hour and I'm not really in the mood for chicken. Thanks for the offer.
Duece. Why don't you open one of your ideas up for business on mainstreet. Plenty of space available! Buy a franchise off of the Cheesecake factory; love their food!
The seafood market at 7th & Main is really coming along. It appears that they are putting a lot of time and effort into cleaning that space out. I'm looking forward to it opening and adding some light on that side of the street.
Me too! They are sure working hard over there.
Just to correct some mis-information: SRG owns the building that Zombie, Burro Bags and Royal Treatment (or Inertia?) records are using. SRG has asked that they pay utilities and keep the lot/exterior tidy. SRG does not subsidize or aid any other business owners in the area, so they are making it on their own with support from the community, the larger institutions in the area, and patrons from Downtown and other surrounding areas.
Zoo, it didnt seem like a correction was needed. Free rent can be called "subsidizes". Not sure why you even posted this...
But I will take advantage that you did and say that SRG subsidizing a few small businesses like this is a good thing. They recognize that a building being used is much better than that empty building. Many of the landlords on Main actually know this as well. Now is a good time to try to open that business you've been thinking about.
I'm glad SRG does this for those few businesses. I would think, though, that if SRG does this, then SRG would find our store a very good thing as well. So, if you work for SRG or even just live in a SRG built home, just stop in and tell us that and we will extend you a 10% discount for the rest of August. (Yes, we will do this on the Honor System.) Hope to see you in the store! Oh, heck...just tell us your read about us on Metrojax and I'll give you the same discount.
nvrenuf
QuoteRe: Team Recovery opens a thrift store in Springfield.
« Reply #61 on: August 17, 2009, 05:31:07 PM »
Quote
Maybe they'll ask Three Layers or AAA Auto or Shanty or... well you get the idea..."
QuoteRe: Team Recovery opens a thrift store in Springfield.
« Reply #62 on: August 17, 2009, 05:58:28 PM »
Quote
All of those businesses are owned by local residents, nverenuff, it bears remembering. And Mack subsidizes the rent for a few of those even at that.
It was this bit of info that was incorrect. 3 Layers, AAA Auto and Shanty do not receive free rent from SRG. 3 Layers and AAA Auto are owners, and I'm fairly certain Ian and Maryanne pay rent on their place if they don't own it.
Those businesses, along with Hola Mexican, Baker Klein Engineering, Meeks, Ross, Selander, Premier Pharmacy, Fortec Jeep, Catlin Truck Accessories, The Pearl, and Walgreen's to name a few more, are all evidence of non-subsidized commercial viability in the area.
We agree that SRG offering its property for use by the BBB cooperative is a good thing. I hope a few more property owners might consider it.
I'm just jumping into this from my perch on the Klatu Nebula...
Just what we need, another junk store!
Seems to me that the little people in Springfield are not as well traveled as the San Marco or 5-Points urbanites. Anyone ever hear of Beverly Hills, CA? Uh? Hello? When you visit don't miss:
Beverly Hills Junk-Second Hand Store & Used Jean Outlet
Awesome. I know some very rich folks in Orlando that ONLY buy clothes at the thrift shops. His hobby is collecting MONEY through a number of enterprises, hers is homemaker and sewing. I honestly found this out when she took good wife Libby on a shopping spree. WOW.
As to "Junk Store", hey a couple of my favorite places on earth are Big Lots and Harbour Freight Tools. Now what was that argument again? PISH!
"RIVER CITY, STATION STOP, RIVER CITY..." Brass band anyone?
OCKLAWAHA
I wasn't certain if Steven Dare was saying all of those businesses are owned by local (as in Springfield) residents (which is wrong) or if he meant Jax residents and I wasn't certain how that would be germane to the discussion. I was going to correct him but in the end decided it would turn into a giant hissy fit like any other minor disagreement on this forum and I had other more enjoyable things to do, like toe lint mining or root canal.
Quote from: Ocklawaha on August 21, 2009, 12:29:53 PM
I'm just jumping into this from my perch on the Klatu Nebula...
Just what we need, another junk store!
Seems to me that the little people in Springfield are not as well traveled as the San Marco or 5-Points urbanites. Anyone ever hear of Beverly Hills, CA? Uh? Hello? When you visit don't miss:
Beverly Hills Junk-Second Hand Store & Used Jean Outlet
Awesome. I know some very rich folks in Orlando that ONLY buy clothes at the thrift shops. His hobby is collecting MONEY through a number of enterprises, hers is homemaker and sewing. I honestly found this out when she took good wife Libby on a shopping spree. WOW.
As to "Junk Store", hey a couple of my favorite places on earth are Big Lots and Harbour Freight Tools. Now what was that argument again? PISH!
"RIVER CITY, STATION STOP, RIVER CITY..." Brass band anyone?
OCKLAWAHA
Thanks Ock. Harbor Freight has gotten some of my money too! And as a tribute to you...what we need now is that street car to bring all those customers to our Thrift Store on Main!
Quoteauthor=strider link=topic=5752.msg92243#msg92243 date=1250874069
Thanks Ock. Harbor Freight has gotten some of my money too! And as a tribute to you...what we need now is that street car to bring all those customers to our Thrift Store on Main!
Thanks Strider, I couldn't agree more with that last line. But of course I got spanked for bringing up "Streetcars," in the same threads as Springfield's Main Street, even though it would make sense.
So knowing how Springfield folks feel about streetcars, I'll try not to mention them along with Main Street, even though that would be the premium location historically. I'm certain with a wider median, we would be able to create the Main Street of the roaring twenty's, but we can't talk about that here. Yep, stay off the streetcars, you know that JTA just did a story in 904 business magazine where they explained why we can't ever have light rail. Good thing Light Rail is not Streetcars in their little heads or we couldn't say that phrase either. So a beautiful vintage historic district with diesel buses roaring past every 30 seconds, and some of them, the PCT'S, certain people really think are trolleys. Note the use of the word Trolleys, which PCT'S are NOT. It was a clever ploy to use that word rather then Streetcars, because we can't say Streetcars on the Main Street threads... DING...DING...DING!OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Ocklawaha on August 21, 2009, 01:30:48 PM
I got spanked for bringing up "Streetcars," in the same threads as Springfield's Main Street, even though it would make sense.
So knowing how Springfield folks feel about streetcars, I'll try not to mention them along with Main Street,[/color][/b]
OCKLAWAHA
Huh? Who from Springfield said anything bad about street cars??? Most people in the hood that I know would love to see that happen. Dont paint us all with so broad a brush, Ock.
Quote from: downtownparks on August 21, 2009, 01:52:38 PM
Quote from: Ocklawaha on August 21, 2009, 01:30:48 PM
I got spanked for bringing up "Streetcars," in the same threads as Springfield's Main Street, even though it would make sense.
So knowing how Springfield folks feel about streetcars, I'll try not to mention them along with Main Street,[/color][/b]
OCKLAWAHA
Huh? Who from Springfield said anything bad about street cars??? Most people in the hood that I know would love to see that happen. Dont paint us all with so broad a brush, Ock.
Um, yah. I'd love to see streetcars on Main. I just don't think it is likely anytime soon with all the money being put into adding medians. Would I rather those medians magically turn into rails? Yep.
Just having some fun poking at the ones who sent me nasty grams last time we got into a "Springfield Business" discussion. It went to the tune of, "We are not talking about streetcars we are talking about business."
OTAY!
OCKLAWAHA
Anyone know if the seafood restaurant on Pearl is still a go?
We are trying to set up for our grand opening and are thinking that Saturday, September 12th, 2009 would be a good date. We'll make a official announcement soon. We are hoping that a few of you who are concerned about us come and see what we are really about. And, for the rest of you, we will try to have some really good bargains!
I also have a question about hours. We purposely set our hours to be open later than other businesses on Main Street, but we are thinking that we may have been a little premature and should back the hours down a bit. We can then add hours as Main Street become more viable.
We are now open until 8:00 PM. Main Street becomes pretty much a ghost town by 6:00 PM. We are thinking that we should call it at either 6:30 or 7:00PM. So, what would it take to get you out on Main Street after 6:00PM?
I do go on Main Street after 6pm, mainly for Waffa & Mikes or a neigborhood meeting at the SPAR building.
As far as more traffic? Umm.....more things people want. That seems obvious.
Except that FSU813, as others have pointed out, we have heard from several what you do not want, but little of what you want. Are you saying restaurants are what will bring you out?
just a guess....restuarants people like, stores people like, art & music that people like...ya know.....the same stuff that brings people out everywhere else in town.
Unfortunately, what brings me out after 6pm is exactly what you can't have there...beer! ::)
Quote from: hooplady on August 27, 2009, 12:40:40 PM
Unfortunately, what brings me out after 6pm is exactly what you can't have there...beer! ::)
Why can't we have beer on Main? >:(
^^I meant Team Recovery can't serve beer.
Quote from: hooplady on August 27, 2009, 01:49:51 PM
^^I meant Team Recovery can't serve beer.
Ah yes, I guess that would be a bad idea for them specifically.
Yes, it would not be a good idea to serve beer at the thrift store...for a variety of reasons. But hey, we have such a large selection of jeans...and for only $4.00 each. All of our items are donated to us, so we can sell cheap!
And we get some really great stuff including a pair of classic 80s jeans, with the gathered ankles (anyone remember those?). I just giggled when I saw them, put on the ABBA CD and danced around the joint.
Who needs beer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aafqLOOI4o
OK, cheap jeans and ABBA might work too.
But back to your question - I think 8:00 is too late. Your competitors close a lot sooner than that: Salvation Army 7:00, Hubbard House 6:00, Humane Society 5:30 or 6 (yes I do know my thrift stores). When you have a few more neighbors on Main you can re-evaluate.
We are modifying our hours somewhat and will be closing at 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and still open until 6:00 on Saturday for now.
For the time being, our end of Main Street is deserted by 7:00 with even the pawn shop closing at 6:30 at the latest. As we are still open later than others, perhaps we can still help drive some additional foot traffic on Main. We will add more hours as other businesses open up and are open later.
Someone asked me the other day what interesting things we had gotten in. We do have a few collectable pewter figurines and we just got in some wonderful mid eastern? Jilbabs? (longer dresses and two piece pants suits). We have lots of nice clothes with Jeans, for instance at $4.00. We are in need of electronics though. If you have any TV’s, DVD players, VCR’s or even an old computer, please consider making a donation. There are a lot of people out there that can only afford these inexpensive electronics. All donations are, of course, tax deductible. And we will be happy to pick up. PM me and arrangements can be made.
Hope to see you in the store!
Team Recovery Thrift Store
New Hours:
Monday through Friday - 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday - Normally closed, but Tom may try a couple of different times on Sundays to see if anyone is interested in Sundays. If you are driving by and see us open, feel free to stop on by.
Strider, I think they are called "kameez", and we have about a dozen of them. Beautiful colors, yellow, purple, blue, green. Very colorful, and some have beads.
Finally saw the store today...don't need much so don't shop much. The exterior looks great. Bright fanciful colors make an attractive addition to the streetscape. Nicely done. Maybe it will rub off on more of your neighbors. :)
thanks!
OK, some help...we got this older JACKSONVILLE Monopoly game donated to the store - do you know what year? I'm thinking the 70's...am I right?
(//)
Ahhhh......OK, so I just realized I have no idea how to get a picture from my file to this post...but if I did, you would see a picture of the board with the city of Jacksonville on it. There are still freighters at the ship yards, 95 is still the lift bridge and the second tall building on the southbank is halfway done.
Also, I mentioned that one thing we are doing is building a boat. If you are interested, here's a link to a blog about it.
http://teamrecoveryi550.blogspot.com/ (http://teamrecoveryi550.blogspot.com/)
At least I can insert that link!
I read about the i550 class on Sailing Anarchy a couple of months ago. Your boat looks a lot better than anything I could pull off.
Let me know if you need crew, I raced a lot before I moved to Jacksonville.
Ditto......I know abit about boats...........need some crew let me know!
We actually sold the race boat, the blue boat in my picture, a very sad day, but we also used some of the funds to kick off the shop and the i550 builds so not so bad after all.
If anyone really wants to go sailing sometime, just PM me and we can probably help you out. There is a pretty good race series here on the river and there is a race a month at least, sometimes two. Many in Jacksonville do not even know it goes on.
A short but true story.... one of our guys became regular crew for us last year and the first time we went into Epping Forest Yacht Club for a race, he was amazed. Amazed because he got treated like a regular guy and that he wasn't the only one not partaking of the free beer. He bought a bottle of water, which was privately labeled as water from Epping Forest and kept that bottle for over a year, just always refilling it over and over again. A reminder, I guess, that he was a regular person afterall.
Which is the purpose of Team Recovery afterall.
One of our guys, Jeff, got a job today! Needless to say, in this economy, it is tough for anyone, especially someone trying to start over, to find work. He is a waiter and needs a white "tux" shirt size 16 and a black vest. We have pants for him at the store. He is schedule to start early next week.
Any waiters out there willing to donate a well-used shirt? Or does anyone know where we can find him these things... cheap?
PM me if you can help. Thanks!
Congratulations to Jeff! Keep moving in the right direction!
Quote from: sheclown on September 25, 2009, 08:28:28 PM
One of our guys, Jeff, got a job today! Needless to say, in this economy, it is tough for anyone, especially someone trying to start over, to find work. He is a waiter and needs a white "tux" shirt size 16 and a black vest. We have pants for him at the store. He is schedule to start early next week.
Any waiters out there willing to donate a well-used shirt? Or does anyone know where we can find him these things... cheap?
PM me if you can help. Thanks!
I will try to find something. Is a tux (pardon my ignorance on this subject) shirt different than just a dress white shirt? And, God Bless Jeff. Sounds like he is doing the right things.
Thank you so much. I really don't know about it either. I think it has special flaps or pleats or something. I'll try to be more specific and get back to you.
I got him a dress white shirt, but that wasn't what he needed.
Perhaps something like this ?
http://www.formaltux.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=31 (http://www.formaltux.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=31)
yes, I think that's it!
An update on Jeff: we got him the outfit, he wore it to his part-time job, which turned into a full time job today! He is doing great, still sober, attends his meetings, and sometimes, even, when no one's looking, he smiles...
That's great news. Hope he continues doing well.
Good decisions have a tendency to increase random smiles.
Who knew?
most definitely.
Just thought that it would be nice to bump this up so anyone who might be interested can read the first few pages and see just how "welcomed" people like ZOO and company can make a new business taking a risk and opening on an all but deserted Main Street in Historic SPringfield.
All I have to say is "Charge".............damn the SPAR ingrates!!
Quote from: strider on January 09, 2010, 10:45:44 AM
Just thought that it would be nice to bump this up so anyone who might be interested can read the first few pages and see just how "welcomed" people like ZOO and company can make a new business taking a risk and opening on an all but deserted Main Street in Historic SPringfield.
Nooooooooo...they're really just 'misinterpreted'. Don't you know about that Bloomingdales that's just about to open up on N. Main any day now?
Springfield residents, this is a great thread to read a bunch of posts by non residents insulting us and making rude and idiotic comments about us and our neighborhood. Strider, I guess only Springfield residents posting on the Springfield forums are expected to be nice and welcoming but it's ok for your buddies and defenders to be asses.
Quote from: Springfield Girl on January 10, 2010, 02:12:59 AM
Springfield residents, this is a great thread to read a bunch of posts by non residents insulting us and making rude and idiotic comments about us and our neighborhood. Strider, I guess only Springfield residents posting on the Springfield forums are expected to be nice and welcoming but it's ok for your buddies and defenders to be asses.
Well I am not sure just how you think I am insulting you or Springfield by commenting on "Louise and Company"? I have said nothing derogetory, I have not been rude and I have not called you or anyone else an animal! What I have done is asked a plain and simple question............for the 4th time - can you explain why the SPAR membership numbers have declined over the past two years? Since you admit to being a SPAR Board member that should be something easily verified. By the way, I like to go to Three Layers, been there several times...........do I need to get permission to do so since I don't live in Springfield?
Quote from: CS Foltz on January 10, 2010, 07:00:13 AM
I like to go to Three Layers...........do I need to get permission to do so since I don't live in Springfield?
Probably you should ask SPAR for permission first.
Otherwise, you might be subject to a Louise drive-by. And don't try bringing any foster kids...that's a no-no.
Your probably right big guy! I was think more along the lines of a trailer full of goats, with the intent to start a farm! Think that would get someones attention?
Hey have ya'll changed your inventory up some? Inventory that included nick knacks, old lighting, chairs, etc would be great and I think would sell here....old clothes not so much, some cool retro stuff would hop off the shelves, and select cool retro/vintage clothing would rock. We had a place like that in DT Minneapolis and it was a hot spot, all itmes were donated or found, or made with found objects.... THAT would certainly add to the neighborhood - a destination place, and making furniture and art out of found/donated items would also be great for all the guys, I know ya'll have some skilled clients....
Our inventory changes constantly. For a while we had some extremely expensive women's shoes, but since we sell all shoes for $5.00 -- they were scarfed up pretty quickly.
We have origami pieces made by Mrs. Yang (the Chinese restaurant up the street). She is very talented. We had art pieces made by a man, one of which is entitled "Berkman". (He was working in the garage when it collapsed). We had a chair entitled "Autumn blooms in Springfield", a chair/art made by Simone, a local artist. We have vintage records, oriental clothing, NASCAR stuff, books, but mostly clothing. Tons of women's jeans. Sometimes we get exotic dancer wear which puts a little bling into the store :)
All of our inventory is donated, so we get what we get and appreciate all of it.
I'll have to come and check it out, I am looking for some old chairs right now, I was going to hit some stores over in Riverside and Murray Hill, but I will try your place first.
Quote from: uptowngirl on January 10, 2010, 09:36:34 AM
I'll have to come and check it out, I am looking for some old chairs right now, I was going to hit some stores over in Riverside and Murray Hill, but I will try your place first.
It's tough to find good chairs, but JAX is kind of a treasure trove on that. Sometimes you run across shaker stuff, and I saw an old wheatback in that antique mall on Park in 5 points awhile back. If you're into the retro 1950s stuff, you will find a lot to your liking around here. Downtown has been a ghost town for so long a lot of those old office buildings have been empty for 30-40 years, and they get cleaned out or torn down, and the stuff left over inside then shows up on the market around here for cheap. Happy hunting!
Thanks for the tips! Some of the retro 50's stuff is great, a little refinishing, a little recovering and you have a fabulous chair for under $100.... can't even buy cheap made in gautamala chair at Target for that, recycling at its best (no ! as to not offend sensibilities LOL)
We have these regular people who come in and look to see if we've gotten in anything valuable -- one guy comes in and looks at our costume jewelry in case something of value has landed in there (really, we would never know). Others have specific things in mind. It is kind of fun to watch them. They don't speak much, are very serious, and leave. I think there are quite of few people who "hunt" stuff this way. That is one benefit of a donation-only thrift store. Some thrift store buy lots from the Salvation Army or other places -- which we considered doing. But we get so much in the way of donations, we haven't felt the need to. Consequently we have less control over what we get, but many more surprises as the donations have not been picked over first!
It's a live and learn deal. And it is a lot of fun.
I know just what you mean and I do some hunting too. In fact I had found a wonderful antique set of candle holders that were shaped like trumpets, in 3 sizes...which were clearly a set, but were located amidst the wide array of stuff on tables at Goodwill. I bought them for a few bucks, cleaned and polished them and they looked beautiful. I ended up giving them to a friend, and they adore them.
So you really have to be watchful when thrift store hoping, there are indeed, gems to be found.
Last week a kind and generous soul donated a turn-table and speakers to the thrift store which we haven't had (and probably won't have) the heart to sell. I dug out some of my old albums that I haven't been able to listen to for decades.
I really never realized how whinny Neil Young was. Geez.
But, I gotta tell ya...Mountain's Mississippi Queen has got to be the BEST rock song of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KszD_MfB798
If you come to the store, I'll play it for you, but I won't sell it.
Is there anywhere local that sells vintage albums?
I adore the "imperfect" sound of an LP -- I hadn't realized what's been missing all these years -- it's those little echos and ticks.
Sort of like the difference between eating mom's soup and Campbells.
I don't know if the music shop on McDuff at Edison still does or not...of if it's even still open. I can't recall the name, but it's been there for years and could get older stuff...worth a ride over to check it out.
just...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcPdzsL0kMQ&feature=related
Well they do have something for everyone there! Stores of that type are needed and just where the "Team Recovery Thrift Store" resides...............Go Team!
CS you are very encouraging. All players are on board for flop house dogs. We have site control. Now we need to get in touch with the owners of the old subway car.
Thats one option sheclown...........another might be to contact "Ock" to see if there are other options available! If there is something out there in this region, more than likely he would have a line on it or other options!
Thanks Stephen! :)
Team Recovery Thrift Store is donating a $20.00 gift certificate to Kenneth's MAKE IT HAPPEN! event to be presented at the end of the day. Kenneth can either purchase items for himself or for his home.
We'd like to challenge other businesses in Springfield to do the same.
Let's show this family some L O V E !!
Post it if you'll do it.
The thrift store, (and me), was on TV tonight. Whoo Whoot!
Did you have warning? Or did they just show up?
First Coast News just showed up. I saw this guy, handsome and well dressed, walking down the sidewalk holding a camera on a tripod. I thought to myself "my, the pawn shop clientele are really looking up."
He came into the store and asked me some questions about Main Street, shook his head as he looked across the street and said "this place has so much potential." I really think he wants to understand, what we all want to understand...why?
Then he whipped out his camera. I happened to be ironing at the time, so he took some film of me ironing (now, how exciting is that!) and asked me a few questions.
Bottom line is that business is basically worse this year than last, even with Main Street finished. In our block, alone, we have one less business than we did last year.
Many of us (some of us with business experience in Springfield) have long thought that SPAR ought to get out of the Main Street Revitalization biz and hand that over to a CDC that knows what it is doing perhaps one like Metro North.
I'd like to see a Main Street revitalization project run from river to river. Only then will Main Street stand a chance.
Losing the bus stop on the corner of 7th and Main didn't help anything either.
A Main Street revitalization project needs to fight to keep the bus stops on Main Street (not lobby to get them removed).
Main Street has SOOOOOOOOO much potential. No offense to the businesses out there, but it is so desolate. If I may boldly say we have saved the houses through persistence and hard work in these last months, Main Street MUST be next. Someone/some group HAS to take it back. We need little restaurants, eateries, and shops.
And yup, From the St. John's to the Trout River. Bring it.
What are you doing next summer?
Don't tempt me.
Remember the moon is easy to reach.
Quote from: iloveionia on November 16, 2010, 09:37:39 PM
Don't tempt me.
Remember the moon is easy to reach.
It certainly does seem reachable for you, darlin' :-) We are all awed by your super powers. Why not?
Quote from: stephendare on August 17, 2009, 05:03:12 PM
The two things are pretty much hand in hand, nverenuff.
In springfield there is no proof of commercial viability, but there is proof that you can lose your ass and all your savings on main street.
Anyone in their right mind deciding to open up a shop can see that.
Can you imagine what the person who is deciding whether or not to open a shop thinks when they see this kind of spiteful neighborhood activity?
"Next Please!"
And heaven help them if they go ask the existing shops that are there now (the only ones left are the pawn shops) about the neighborhood.
Quote from: nvrenuf on August 17, 2009, 05:31:07 PM
Maybe they'll ask Three Layers or AAA Auto or Shanty or... well you get the idea. Again, I always hope for the intelligence in others and hope that any merchant would get their info from something other than a site such as this with a whopping maybe 50 - and I think that's damn generous - residents of Springfield. There are hundreds upon hundreds of residents who support local business and do not post here. Didn't you always mention how supportive the residents were of Boomtown - aside from SPAR?
If someone honestly took what's said on here as their one and only decision maker then they probably wouldn't be bright enough to keep the business going anyway. Just my elitist opinion about brain usage.
nvrenuf not nvrenuff (contrary to the name, 1 f is enough) ;D
Well, speaking personally, these are my two favorite quotes from this thread. For a couple of reasons.
#1: SPAR initially supported, then ultimately boycotted Shantytown and 3 Layers, when the owners didn't tow the nazi party line about who and what should be "allowed" in the neighborhood. And;
#2: MetroJacksonville wound up being completely correct about SPAR and Louise DeSpain. Thankfully, the public attention that was reflected on SPAR's activities surrounding the back-room business deals, bogus code-enforcement complaint call-in campaigns, SPAR's demolitions for "social reasons" (COJ's Head of Building/Planning Dept.'s words not mine), and SPAR's general shadiness, not only demonstrated that far more than 50 people read MetroJacksonville, but the public attention (thankfully) also wound up ushering in a new era in Springfield and bringing about Louise DeSpain's resignation.
And of course, I would be remiss not to mention that, in 20-20 hindsight, posters/documents posted on MetroJacksonville actually proved that SPAR itself had <50 members at the time those statements were made, notwithstanding their claims to COJ to represent the entire neighborhood.
Comical.
Quotei·ro·ny1 /ˈaɪrəni, ˈaɪər-/ Show Spelled
[ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er-] Show IPA
â€"noun, plural -nies.
1. the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning