With the implosion of the housing market and the subsequent bankruptcy of so many developers what will happen to Springfield if SRG goes under? What impact could this have on SPAR? What about all of the vacant lots currently owned by SRG?
Lets not turn this into a SPAR bashing thread please.
If every concerned homeowner in S'field paid $50-150 a year, would that not cover the budget?
How long has SPAR been funded by developers? Is this documented or speculation?
Quote from: vicupstate on October 16, 2009, 03:45:20 PM
If every concerned homeowner in S'field paid $50-150 a year, would that not cover the budget?
How long has SPAR been funded by developers? Is this documented or speculation?
Currently a single membership is $50. Assuming SPAR currently has 120 members (was about accurate when I was on the board a year ago) this would make $6000 annually. I would estimate the current non restricted funds required to operate at about $60k annually. So membership fees would only be about 10%.
What are the expenses of the organization?
Quote from: vicupstate on October 16, 2009, 03:45:20 PM
How long has SPAR been funded by developers? Is this documented or speculation?
I think you know the answer.
If anyone would like to see where the funding comes from, at least as reported to the IRS, the non-profits 990's are public record. There is a site on the net at which you call up any 990 there is (Or at least close to all). Some of the info is hard to decipher though as it seems to be in CPA Speak.
http://dynamodata.fdncenter.org/990s/990search/esearch.php (http://dynamodata.fdncenter.org/990s/990search/esearch.php)
Input Springfield Preservation And Revitalization, Florida and 32206 and they should come up.
Page 13 of 20 for 2005 is what we are looking for, if I understand what it is about correctly.
What is interesting is that it does appear that there is a fairly large jump in income from 2001 to 2003, but, of course, you can not tell where the funds come from (At least I can't...) . Part of this is that the merger happened in July of 2002 and SPAR went from no grant to a 50K per year grant from the HSCC side of things. Then there is another jump between 2003 and 2004. SRG, for instance, got SPAR Council to start the "Security Fund" I believe in early 2003. Then there is another jump in 2005. It levels off pretty much until 2007 when the 50K grant was no longer received. I suspect that it drops again for 2008 as the developers begin to have issues themselves. Of course, it could be nothing but a coincidence....
You can also see a list of the directors. I looked up my year and didn’t recognize several of them. Old age perhaps?
Well first off I will say SRG is still building and selling homes, albiet at a slower pace. The biggest problems I see is that there would be no more $10,000 donations to restore the fountain or large sponsor dollars for the Holiday Tour (Women's Club) or Spring Tour (SPAR). People love to bash the developers but who do you think everyone goes to when they need funds for something. Guess who sponsors the tours, The Women of Springfield Calendar (whose proceeds go to The Bridge), the crime fund, the litter patrol, the symphony in the park, Dog Days or anything else that goes on in the neighborhood. SRG has donated money to just about every organization and fundraiser in Springfield. They did this because they lived in the neighborhood and believed in it. The main shareholder has moved out of Springfield (he was bashed relentlessly for every real or made up ill in the neighborhood) mainly to live a normal life like we all want, free of hateful intrusions into his and his families lives. He still believes in Springfield and will continue his business ventures but was tired of everything always being about him. He is a smart man and knows Springfield does not need him to succeed. He just wanted to be part of the revitalization of this neighborhood that we all see so much potential in. I don't know what is wrong with Jacksonville and our society in general that it always wants to focus on the negative and petty instead of reaching for the sky.
You are right. He gave a lot of money to SPAR.
A quick look at the 990s tell us that contributions to SPAR for the year 2002 were $54,956. In 2003, they jumped to $120,502. In 2004, the contributions totalled $178,604. In 2005, they were $170,998.
Previous to Mack's entrance into the neighborhood, SPAR operated on about $50,000 a year, more or less.
If you figure, at the height of property values, an empty lot in Springfield cost about about $50,000.
...for a little bit more, he got a whole neighborhood.
But this isn't about a developer who was very good at what he did. He developed. He never pretended to be something he wasn't.
This is about an organization that lifted its skirt and let him have his way. And pretended to be something they weren't.
after reading these boards for a while I figured I'd have to jump in to give my 2cents, especially on this issue. It definitely appears that the "hero" posters on this neighborhood aren't even residents and it would appear that these people, sheclown, strider and stephendare really want to bring down SPAR and this neighborhood. It appears that there is definitely some kind of vendetta going on between these individuals and this organization. It would also appear that these people have some kind of coordinated effort going on to disparage this neighborhood and its actual residents. (i.e. your either with us or you're with the terrorists [spar])
I am not a resident of this neighborhood or of Jacksonville, but have to say that this whole thing is hilarious to an outsider like myself. Running a rooming house for recovering addicts because you have a 'calling from god' much like the Blues Brothers, thats just plain funny. I would guess that these advocates would like to turn this neighborhood into a big recovery center run from the comfort of a big easy chair in a gated suburban enclave somewhere. All the while laughing as they are at the bank cashing their HUD subsidy checks and/or their "rent" checks from their addict/tenants. Then getting on some message boards like this one and accusing people who actually live in this neighborhood of being hateful bigots because they don't want to live next door to a house full of 'recovering' addicts. Its pretty ingenious actually. Kind of reminds me of a Joseph Goebbels quote ""The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly - it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over" which seems to be the mantra on this message board that being SPAR is bad and you are good. With the amount of time spent on this message board by these three posters it would appear to someone like myself that you three don't really have much else to do, but I guess if I was collecting rent checks from people that I was on a mission from god protecting from themselves I would have a lot more time to post on message boards also.
So there it is, I've got no doubt that the many "friends" of these three and these three themselves will have a field day going after me and pointing out in excruciating detail the folly of my logic afterall its either their favorite pastime or career. Whichever one it is have at it, I will end with this, nobody wants to live next door to a half-way house full of recovering addicts, thats the truth, but I've got no doubt that these moral relativists will spin it another way, so go!
So...this is your first post? And you just joined?
hummm.....this thread has made quite a few people "join".
Point One: I've answered this before...I live a mile down the road. Hardly a gated community.
Point Two: I'm in recovery myself, so this is part of my deal.
Point Three: You cannot pick and choose your neighbors. You do not have the right. Especially true when you live in an urban area.
Point Four: Let's hope I can collect rent and pay the bills or everyone will be sitting in the dark.
Quotenobody wants to live next door to a half-way house full of recovering addicts, thats the truth, but I've got no doubt that these moral relativists will spin it another way, so go!
This type of statement is often used as almost a battle cry by many who oppose what we do. Odd, it is not, that I have yet to actually hear that statement from someone who actually does live next to one of our legal rental houses. We have had a few bake cookies and pies for our renters though.
Quote from: Springfield Girl on October 17, 2009, 02:53:00 PM
Well first off I will say SRG is still building and selling homes, albiet at a slower pace. The biggest problems I see is that there would be no more $10,000 donations to restore the fountain or large sponsor dollars for the Holiday Tour (Women's Club) or Spring Tour (SPAR). People love to bash the developers but who do you think everyone goes to when they need funds for something. Guess who sponsors the tours, The Women of Springfield Calendar (whose proceeds go to The Bridge), the crime fund, the litter patrol, the symphony in the park, Dog Days or anything else that goes on in the neighborhood. SRG has donated money to just about every organization and fundraiser in Springfield. They did this because they lived in the neighborhood and believed in it. The main shareholder has moved out of Springfield (he was bashed relentlessly for every real or made up ill in the neighborhood) mainly to live a normal life like we all want, free of hateful intrusions into his and his families lives. He still believes in Springfield and will continue his business ventures but was tired of everything always being about him. He is a smart man and knows Springfield does not need him to succeed. He just wanted to be part of the revitalization of this neighborhood that we all see so much potential in. I don't know what is wrong with Jacksonville and our society in general that it always wants to focus on the negative and petty instead of reaching for the sky.
I have consistently said that what SRG has done with SPAR Council was smart business. I have always been concerned though that what was good for their business may not always be what was best for Springfield.
Yes, some of the donations have gone away, but there may be positives in that. Perhaps a more sensible source for funding various projects will be found. Ones that have potentially fewer strings and that promote more inclusively than we have seen so far.
As far as focusing on the negatives….SPAR Council needs to look inward on that one.
for an "outsider" I think fiatlux33 sees it VERY cleary.
So because he doesn't agree with you he must be a a relative of one of the speculators? I'm not a relative of speculator but agree with his view point.
Well every city that I have lived in has had a similar regulation, so I'm not worried that SPAR has taken sides with the Nazi's, if that is what you are asking.
In my experience 5 college age girls living in a home is MORE than enough :)
Quote from: iluvolives on October 17, 2009, 11:06:47 PM
for an "outsider" I think fiatlux33 sees it VERY cleary.
totally agree
Quote from: stephendare on October 17, 2009, 11:08:25 PM
I think fiat lux is most likely a relative of one of the speculators who lives in either atlanta or st johns county, and his post was hilarious. Not many people can equate historic preservation and the golden rule with hitler.
But retards arent limited to duval county or springfield.
because he disagreed with you, he is retard?
Strider,
you stated..... "This type of statement is often used as almost a battle cry by many who oppose what we do. Odd, it is not, that I have yet to actually hear that statement from someone who actually does live next to one of our legal rental houses. We have had a few bake cookies and pies for our renters though. "
I didn't purchase 2 houses b/c they were next to recovery houses. Corner of Hubbard & 2nd and on Silver Street, b/t 2nd & 3rd (i think). Nice to meet you. I bought a house about 3 months ago, not one of those two. Good luck trying to convince anyone that living next to a rehab house is just peachy. But you do try, i give you that, you do try.
FSU813, it was very nice of you to prove you have no knowledge of what our legal rentals houses are really like. And that you just didn’t like a couple of houses you looked at and then bought another one. Good for you.
Now, Stephen, what about that 82K? You don't suppose it was funds spent from petty cash, do you?
$83,596.00 to be exact
QuoteQuote from: iluvolives on October 17, 2009, 11:06:47 PM
Quotefor an "outsider" I think fiatlux33 sees it VERY cleary.
totally agree
ditto...
Strider,
you said that you hadn't met anyone / spoke to anyone who didn't buy a house b/c it was next to a rehab house. I was just marking that off your list, now you have.
it'd be interesting to get a realtor's point of view (ha), though i'm sure you know what they'd say...
Quote from: fiatlux33 on October 17, 2009, 05:43:51 PM
after reading these boards for a while I figured I'd have to jump in to give my 2cents, especially on this issue. It definitely appears that the "hero" posters on this neighborhood aren't even residents and it would appear that these people, sheclown, strider and stephendare really want to bring down SPAR and this neighborhood. It appears that there is definitely some kind of vendetta going on between these individuals and this organization. It would also appear that these people have some kind of coordinated effort going on to disparage this neighborhood and its actual residents. (i.e. your either with us or you're with the terrorists [spar])
I am not a resident of this neighborhood or of Jacksonville, but have to say that this whole thing is hilarious to an outsider like myself. Running a rooming house for recovering addicts because you have a 'calling from god' much like the Blues Brothers, thats just plain funny. I would guess that these advocates would like to turn this neighborhood into a big recovery center run from the comfort of a big easy chair in a gated suburban enclave somewhere. All the while laughing as they are at the bank cashing their HUD subsidy checks and/or their "rent" checks from their addict/tenants. Then getting on some message boards like this one and accusing people who actually live in this neighborhood of being hateful bigots because they don't want to live next door to a house full of 'recovering' addicts. Its pretty ingenious actually. Kind of reminds me of a Joseph Goebbels quote ""The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly - it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over" which seems to be the mantra on this message board that being SPAR is bad and you are good. With the amount of time spent on this message board by these three posters it would appear to someone like myself that you three don't really have much else to do, but I guess if I was collecting rent checks from people that I was on a mission from god protecting from themselves I would have a lot more time to post on message boards also.
So there it is, I've got no doubt that the many "friends" of these three and these three themselves will have a field day going after me and pointing out in excruciating detail the folly of my logic afterall its either their favorite pastime or career. Whichever one it is have at it, I will end with this, nobody wants to live next door to a half-way house full of recovering addicts, thats the truth, but I've got no doubt that these moral relativists will spin it another way, so go!
Hey there Louise...glad you could make the party!
Quote from: stephendare on October 19, 2009, 05:53:19 PM
They would say," Mr FSU, let me show you a house in Baymeadows, I think we can find a street with mostly straight rich white families who will care deeply about your gaseous obsession with property values."
so, as a homeowner, i am not suppose to care about my property value? you seem obsessed with people that want their property value to go up not down.
Quote from: cindi on October 19, 2009, 06:18:22 PM
Quote from: stephendare on October 19, 2009, 05:53:19 PM
They would say," Mr FSU, let me show you a house in Baymeadows, I think we can find a street with mostly straight rich white families who will care deeply about your gaseous obsession with property values."
so, as a homeowner, i am not suppose to care about my property value? you seem obsessed with people that want their property value to go up not down.
Another newbie jumping right into this debate to defend SPAR-think...hmm...
No offense to you Cindi, if that really is your name, but this is starting to remind me of the sudden influx of newbies when the MRP thread got going.
excuse me??? defend SPAR???!! yes, my name is cindi and you obviously don't know my deep love for spar (NOT!!!) so just back your little red wagon up since you have absolutely NO clue. i simply asked a legitimate question, i didn't know you had to be old and crusty (forum age) to ask a question on this forum. you obviously didn't answer my question so, you either have no answer or just wish to be rude.
Quote from: fsu813 on October 19, 2009, 05:51:32 PM
Strider,
you said that you hadn't met anyone / spoke to anyone who didn't buy a house b/c it was next to a rehab house. I was just marking that off your list, now you have.
it'd be interesting to get a realtor's point of view (ha), though i'm sure you know what they'd say...
I don't think that Realtors can really comment about such things to their customers, since people in rehabilitation are under fair housing law protection. It's up to the buyer themself to do a little bit of their own due diligence to find answers to those types of questions before moving forward on such an important transaction as buying a home.
Quote from: fsu813 on October 19, 2009, 05:51:32 PM
Strider,
you said that you hadn't met anyone / spoke to anyone who didn't buy a house b/c it was next to a rehab house. I was just marking that off your list, now you have.
No, what I said was:
QuoteThis type of statement is often used as almost a battle cry by many who oppose what we do. Odd, it is not, that I have yet to actually hear that statement from someone who actually does live next to one of our legal rental houses. We have had a few bake cookies and pies for our renters though.
You also have said you didn't buy a house by Alco and that "you thought something was up when you looked at a house on Liberty, but now you know what it was". (Different thread) You didn't know it was one of our rentals (not a rehab house) then.
So, you have this sixth sense do ya now? What does it tell you about that 83K?
Quote from: cindi on October 19, 2009, 06:31:38 PM
excuse me??? defend SPAR???!! yes, my name is cindi and you obviously don't know my deep love for spar (NOT!!!) so just back your little red wagon up since you have absolutely NO clue. i simply asked a legitimate question, i didn't know you had to be old and crusty (forum age) to ask a question on this forum. you obviously didn't answer my question so, you either have no answer or just wish to be rude.
No, not SPAR outright.
But you ARE kind of going down SPAR's rails when it comes to the "property values are everything, and damned the torpedos!!!!" mantra. There is a lot more to making up a good neighborhood than just property values.
And for the record...Welcome back Cindi!(play theme from "welcom back Carter"?) You know, that while we often agree to disagree, we lov ya.
And no, she is far from a newbie and far from a "friend and defender no matter what" of SPAR Council. She is, however, very opinionated. And still very welcomed here.
And you, Cindi, may certainly care about housing values. I certainly do. I do, however, know the right things to blame and what is important and what isn't. Some here have a widely different opinions of what or who to blame and many look for easy targets. Our houses are often easy targets and perhaps in some cases, the actual special use houses do impact the values to a few people...like FSU813. However, this is Sprinfield and it has had these houses here from the worst of times to the best of times and to now...somewhere in between. You make those choices of what you can live around as much as you can before you move into a neighborhood or you live with what you did. Look for the real issues, and Cindi, I know you know what I mean, and try to get those improved. A few rentals that are legal are not the issue.
And all of that is not what this thread is supposed to be about. But a few keep bringing it back here and we let them.
Now, how about that 83K?
Quote from: strider on October 19, 2009, 08:05:36 PM
And for the record...Welcome back Cindi!(play theme from "welcom back Carter"?) You know, that while we often agree to disagree, we lov ya.
Alright, well if she has you as a character reference, she's well vouched-for then.
This forum is just starting to reek like the moon river pizza thread did, with 20 new screenames with 0 post count popping up out of nowhere to defend SPAR. I'm sorry, I mistakenly lumped her in with the others. My apologies, to you, and to Cindi.
Children play nicely or dont play at all.
How long someone has signed up on the forum should be a none issue if they are fighting their point in an adult manner.
Can we please stay on topic and stop the bashing?
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on October 19, 2009, 07:59:36 PM
Quote from: cindi on October 19, 2009, 06:31:38 PM
excuse me??? defend SPAR???!! yes, my name is cindi and you obviously don't know my deep love for spar (NOT!!!) so just back your little red wagon up since you have absolutely NO clue. i simply asked a legitimate question, i didn't know you had to be old and crusty (forum age) to ask a question on this forum. you obviously didn't answer my question so, you either have no answer or just wish to be rude.
No, not SPAR outright.
But you ARE kind of going down SPAR's rails when it comes to the "property values are everything, and damned the torpedos!!!!" mantra. There is a lot more to making up a good neighborhood than just property values.
gee, and you got from my question, that property values are everything?? i would demand my money back on that on-line mind reading course you took because you are a failure at it. seriously, only card carrying members of SPAR worry about property values?? i simply asked what is wrong with being concerned about property value (regardless of the reason).
i do live in springfield and am well aware of what it takes to make up a good neighborhood.
i have personally been to one of joe's houses as a guest and live close to it and actually have no problem at all with it, i can not say the same about the one on the opposite corner from him. they have residents that deal drugs, solicit the hookers on the corners and one that is a registered sex offender - recovery seems to have a different meaning to those people. even if it was not a "recovery" house - i would still have huge issues with it, it's not "what it is" that is the issue it is what is festering in it.
i am actually more concerned about the thug factories that border springfield on jefferson than any of the houses within our square mile.
as for what will happen to SPAR if SRG leaves? was there not a springfield before SPAR or SRG?
Quote from: cindi on October 19, 2009, 08:34:05 PM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on October 19, 2009, 07:59:36 PM
Quote from: cindi on October 19, 2009, 06:31:38 PM
excuse me??? defend SPAR???!! yes, my name is cindi and you obviously don't know my deep love for spar (NOT!!!) so just back your little red wagon up since you have absolutely NO clue. i simply asked a legitimate question, i didn't know you had to be old and crusty (forum age) to ask a question on this forum. you obviously didn't answer my question so, you either have no answer or just wish to be rude.
No, not SPAR outright.
But you ARE kind of going down SPAR's rails when it comes to the "property values are everything, and damned the torpedos!!!!" mantra. There is a lot more to making up a good neighborhood than just property values.
gee, and you got from my question, that property values are everything?? i would demand my money back on that on-line mind reading course you took because you are a failure at it. seriously, only card carrying members of SPAR worry about property values?? i simply asked what is wrong with being concerned about property value (regardless of the reason).
i do live in springfield and am well aware of what it takes to make up a good neighborhood.
i have personally been to one of joe's houses as a guest and live close to it and actually have no problem at all with it, i can not say the same about the one on the opposite corner from him. they have residents that deal drugs, solicit the hookers on the corners and one that is a registered sex offender - recovery seems to have a different meaning to those people. even if it was not a "recovery" house - i would still have huge issues with it, it's not "what it is" that is the issue it is what is festering in it.
i am actually more concerned about the thug factories that border springfield on jefferson than any of the houses within our square mile.
as for what will happen to SPAR if SRG leaves? was there not a springfield before SPAR or SRG?
LOL, Cindi, calm down.
I already apologized for my mistake. There have been a bunch of new screenames pop up on here the last day or do, all saying the same pro-SPAR stuff. It's a bit suspicious, to say the least, and I saw your post count and wrongly lumped you in with them.
Strider corrected me, I offer my apologies, and welcome to the forum.
actually i am sure that SPAR was much more upset with you "lumping" me in with them than the other way around.
Quote from: cindi on October 19, 2009, 08:45:59 PM
actually i am sure that SPAR was much more upset with you "lumping" me in with them than the other way around.
...few survived engaging Cindi in blogging battles on SPAR's forum!
I'm glad you are here, even though I'm sure I'll be cussin' you soon ;D
i'm totally ok with that, i know i have a puppy or a kitten with your name on it. ;)
Well one can hope that they go under real soon!! I posted long ago..........remove ones self from SPAR, let them sink themselves and start over with an organization that is responsive to who they are supposed to represent! You know kinda like our glorious City Council..............NOT! Round file them also!
It looks like SRG owns 126 properties in Springfield. Mack owns 8 personally. (from COJ property appraisers web site.)
Last I heard there are 1825 properties in Springfield.
That's like 7.3% of Springfield.
Most of those are vacant lots aren't they? I heard he bought approx 200 when he first arrived.
I don't know how many are empty lots and how many have houses on them.
Hionides owns 32 properties in Springfield.
Wouldn't it be a twist of fate if after being totally defunded, that ugly ass SPAR building fell into disrepair & had to eventually be demoed. That would probably be the only demo over there that I'd be cool with.
Oh, it would be like the exploding swastika in Nuremberg after the war. KA-BLAM-O! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzEBp9EV2pg
Quote from: stephendare on November 27, 2011, 12:01:27 PM
In the meantime, Preservation SOS has taken over many of the community needs that SPAR was too busy to do when it was flush with cash, most notably historic preservation.
I love those words. "Historic Preservation." Love, love, love them. Save the houses, right? Walnut Court is owned by us, under our corporate arm "This Place Matters," and we have just begun (after receiving our COA, Whoot!!) our 90 day journey to mothball her.
A nondescript, condemned, stand-alone carriage house on Ionia Street, recently procured, is getting the love she deserves under a corporation entitled "I Love Ionia." Hmmmmmmm.
PSOS was thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssss close to taking ownership of a condemned home on E. 3rd Street, but the owner opted not to put it in the hands of preservationists.
One by one, as best as we can, with the (honestly) zero funds we have, we shall save the houses. I will say it is very difficult to get in touch with owners. VERY difficult. This week I am sending off 100+ personalized, handwritten letters to homeowners in Springfield who need to give their homes a new lease on life. For the cost of a stamp, and a little bit of creativity and time, it can't hurt.
Quote from: iloveionia on November 27, 2011, 07:56:26 PM
Quote from: stephendare on November 27, 2011, 12:01:27 PM
In the meantime, Preservation SOS has taken over many of the community needs that SPAR was too busy to do when it was flush with cash, most notably historic preservation.
I love those words. "Historic Preservation." Love, love, love them. Save the houses, right? Walnut Court is owned by us, under our corporate arm "This Place Matters," and we have just begun (after receiving our COA, Whoot!!) our 90 day journey to mothball her.
A nondescript, condemned, stand-alone carriage house on Ionia Street, recently procured, is getting the love she deserves under a corporation entitled "I Love Ionia." Hmmmmmmm.
PSOS was thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssss close to taking ownership of a condemned home on E. 3rd Street, but the owner opted not to put it in the hands of preservationists.
One by one, as best as we can, with the (honestly) zero funds we have, we shall save the houses. I will say it is very difficult to get in touch with owners. VERY difficult. This week I am sending off 100+ personalized, handwritten letters to homeowners in Springfield who need to give their homes a new lease on life. For the cost of a stamp, and a little bit of creativity and time, it can't hurt.
I truly admire you and your group's efforts, Iloveionia :)
Quote from: peestandingup on November 27, 2011, 01:05:10 PM
Wouldn't it be a twist of fate if after being totally defunded, that ugly ass SPAR building fell into disrepair & had to eventually be demoed. That would probably be the only demo over there that I'd be cool with.
considering many Springfielders recently volunteered their tme to pressure wash the building, that would be incredibly unfortunate!
Quote from: tufsu1 on November 27, 2011, 09:29:11 PM
Quote from: peestandingup on November 27, 2011, 01:05:10 PM
Wouldn't it be a twist of fate if after being totally defunded, that ugly ass SPAR building fell into disrepair & had to eventually be demoed. That would probably be the only demo over there that I'd be cool with.
considering many Springfielders recently volunteered their tme to pressure wash the building, that would be incredibly unfortunate!
Ah, so it begins.
;)
There is a new spirit of cooperation in the neighborhood. There is new blood, new ideas, and new willingness to work together from every group including SPAR.
Springfield has been reborn.
Preservation SOS is only interested in saving the houses. We'll leave the rest of the issues to other groups, including SPAR.
In my opinion, it is about focus. Springfield has many different groups doing excellent work in their areas of expertise. SPAR lost its way by trying to do everything and representing everybody. You can't in a diverse neighborhood like Springfield. I think SPAR got great things going with its Block Captains for example.
And while we are at it: Preservation SOS hasn't been "defunded", since it never really had any funding ;-) But we now made it simpler to donate. See the Paypal button at http://forum.preservationsos.org .
Quote from: sheclown on November 28, 2011, 07:24:30 AM
There is a new spirit of cooperation in the neighborhood. There is new blood, new ideas, and new willingness to work together from every group including SPAR.
Springfield has been reborn.
Preservation SOS is only interested in saving the houses. We'll leave the rest of the issues to other groups, including SPAR.
Thank you!
Quote from: iloveionia on November 27, 2011, 07:56:26 PM
Quote from: stephendare on November 27, 2011, 12:01:27 PM
In the meantime, Preservation SOS has taken over many of the community needs that SPAR was too busy to do when it was flush with cash, most notably historic preservation.
I love those words. "Historic Preservation." Love, love, love them. Save the houses, right? Walnut Court is owned by us, under our corporate arm "This Place Matters," and we have just begun (after receiving our COA, Whoot!!) our 90 day journey to mothball her.
A nondescript, condemned, stand-alone carriage house on Ionia Street, recently procured, is getting the love she deserves under a corporation entitled "I Love Ionia." Hmmmmmmm.
PSOS was thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssss close to taking ownership of a condemned home on E. 3rd Street, but the owner opted not to put it in the hands of preservationists.
One by one, as best as we can, with the (honestly) zero funds we have, we shall save the houses. I will say it is very difficult to get in touch with owners. VERY difficult. This week I am sending off 100+ personalized, handwritten letters to homeowners in Springfield who need to give their homes a new lease on life. For the cost of a stamp, and a little bit of creativity and time, it can't hurt.
& this is how Nicole spends her Thanksgiving vacation:
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/nicolesassignment-1.jpg)
I am revisiting this topic to merely mention that PSOS is still contacting owners of condemned houses in Springfield. We are still receiving phone calls from folks who have hung onto the letters that were sent back in November/December. This as near as 3 weeks ago. It is an extreme struggle, even a battle, to get (honestly) good people to give up their homes or to do something productive with it. But we have been successful. We have convinced local condemned homeowners (2) to mothball their homes and the COAs are rolling through the HPC meetings slowly. (I hope we have also been inspirational to the folks who submitted their mothball COAs on their own.) I listed 1 home on Silver Street from the condemned list for the owner. $16k FYI. I picked up a condemned property and just earned that mothball COA. We discussed donations with owners of 12 other homes. Yes. 12. But, for whatever the reason (not us) it is a struggle. BUT, we persist. Another mailing will go out in a few weeks to compliment the previous mailing that I know folks have kept.
The letters/notes are personal and kind and say clearly: "let us help you" and provides resources for love.
Save the houses. That's it.
We will have a few mixer events this summer and will be sure to share those events with everyone.
We've got a bungalow on Dancy Terrace to mothball, we'd love help.
A duplex on Walnut Court we hope to place in the hands of an able owner.
And lots of love to share in the hood to help reduce blight.
Wells Fargo recently (within the last year) gave SPAR $10,000.
Quote
SPAR Awarded Wells Fargo Grant
March 26, 2013
It is our pleasure to announce that the Wells Fargo First Coast Community Investment Committee has selected Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) as a 2013 grant recipient. The support is in the amount of $10,000.00 and will help continue the community development work that SPAR has facilitated for over three decades.
In addition, we’re proud to have Wells Fargo as the title sponsor of our 35th Annual Spring Home & Garden Tour, on May 11th & 12th. The Tour will feature a variety of unique venues in the Springfield historic district, including gardens, labyrinth, churches, and signature homes.
In 2011, Wells Fargo demonstrated its commitment to the Springfield neighborhood by opening the Historic Springfield Community Learning Center inside the Main Street banking branch. This generous pledge of support continues the Wells Fargo commitment to invest in the Springfield community as a partner for positive change in our community.
They also sponsored a baseball game at Klutho this past holiday weekend.
I hope only the good parts of "community development work that SPAR has facilitated for over three decades" are being supported.
Quote from: mbwright on July 08, 2013, 09:08:38 AM
I hope only the good parts of "community development work that SPAR has facilitated for over three decades" are being supported.
when you throw money at an organization, it's difficult to track or control how they spend it. that said, SPAR seems to be a somewhat better beast these days.