Risking a hijacking, thought I'd attempt to start a conversation about all of the reasons residents love Springfield. I'll start with a few short ones so others have plenty of room to add their two, on-topic, cents:
- Walkable and convenient to Downtown amenities
- 3 Layers, Uptown Market, Bateh's Pharmacy, Mike & Wafaa's, Tommy's, Hola, Fusion, and on, and on
- Engaged residents creating many fun activities (SACARC, Mommies Group, Garden Club, GLBT Center, Kickball team, etc...)
Where/When/Who about the kickball team? Do you have more information on that?
I don't, but I know someone will chime in with that info for you eventually...
- Unique historical architecture that can't be found at the same scale and density in Florida.
- mature landscape which makes the community more walkable given Florida's climate.
- Home to one of Jacksonville's last remaining historic architecturally significant warehouse districts.
- Home to one of the most unique urban central parks in the South (it just needs a little cleaning).
- One of Florida's original TODs. Bring the real streetcars back, please!
- Main Street's historical urban density gives it, its own special vibe making it a unique place in Jax.
My Neighbors
My House
I have enjoyed seeing so much change in the last decade.
you never need an alarm clock. Big Jim wakes you up at 7am, sends you to lunch at noon, tells you to get back to work at 1pm and yeahhhh it's time to get off at 5pm.
awesooooommmmeee neighbors.
to name a few: my home, neighbors, Three Layers, Waffas and Uptown Market and Holas all in walking distance. The tree canopy, even though JEA butchered much of it. Having a front garden, large back yard, my neighborhood being very walkable at any time of day or night...
The people.
Quote from: GideonGlib on October 26, 2009, 05:11:07 PM
Where/When/Who about the kickball team? Do you have more information on that?
http://www.kickball.com/node/213813
Diversity .... An acceptance of those around you for who and what they are... I am, of course, speaking of the majority here. Walk to lunch from the store....walk from one of the houses... and yes, three layers to Carls to Yangs to A to Z to the pawn shops to ...the next good thing.... the unnown future of Springfield is the best thing to love.
my neighbors
proximity to I-95, I-10 and the airport
Uptown Market
3 Layers
Tree Canopy
My house
The Dog Park
Fusion
All the fun Parties!!!
I have to go with the houses, neighbors, central location, activities, dog park, etc...
I can't leave out Three Layers being approximately 20 yards from my front door steps.
No traffic.
I gotta say "yes" to the Maxwell House coffee smell (part of the reason of 3 Layers success -- the not so subliminal suggestion to get a cup of coffee!)
The alleys for bike riding and dog walking.
The houses, old buildings, hidden surprises, potential for tomorrow just waiting to be discovered.
Tall buildings in the background. Chickens in unlikely places. Carl's french fries. Tons of bus stops for those who can't drive.
Nice sidewalks. Big trees. Front porches.
- having my cat bring in used condoms instead of mouse carcasses
- about 5 stolen bikes
- robbed at gun point once
- finding discarded shell casings after shoot outs outside my house twice.
- getting into fights with hookers after they and the raggedy cars cruising for them kept me awake
- getting maced by those same hookers
- being asked by JSO why I come out of my house at night (after complaining about the mace)
- telling a woman who asks why I live here about the great neighbors, and have her point to the empty lots and houses around me asking "what neighbors?"
- 2 broken car windows, one damaged car door. I should have stayed inside as JSO told me to.
- having to watch out for broken bottles when walking the dog
- trying to avoid having the dog eat too much discarded happy meals on our walk
- having choices: cross pearl street at Klutho "above ground" and get hit by a police cruiser running to Lincoln court, or "below ground" and stepping into human feces under the bridge.
- a neighborhood organization that tells me there is no crime.
- chasing would-be burglars from my porch twice.
sorry. I am done with Springfield. Why am I still here (physically)? Its cheaper to replace a car window here and there then getting a second mortgage and paying extra insurance on a house I can't sell.
Added later:
- having people who live far west tell me how great the east side is.
-The strong sense of community the neighbors of Springfield create and maintain
-The unique, "drool worthy" historic homes of all sizes and design
-Lack of overpopulation which contributes to its' peacefulness
-Riding my bike and feeling safe cruising the streets, gawking at houses
-The people there feel like family
-Three Layers, Tommy's, Mike and Wafaa's, Uptown, etc. etc.
-Lots of parks just steps away
(betting I could go on and on forever. . .)
Hey Moved. . .move to the east side. . .you know it's better ;)
I like it when my neighbors get DART'd and the block is quiet for a few weeks.
I like neighbors that haven't mowed their back yards in months because I've seen some really awesome snakes in my yard and only a few of them have been deadly.
I enjoy discovering new unmarked sunken in potholes- when the bottom of my car makes contact with the pavement, it reminds me that one day this entire area will melt into the ocean.
When someone comes banging on my front door at 3am asking for money, the look in their eyes when they see my rifle is pretty priceless.
But, it could be worse. At least I'm not behind Shands, in Brentwood or worst of all, stuck in some subdivision with ten billion kids and a HOA fee. Springfield is rarely boring and at least the food is really good.
Quote from: movedsouth on October 27, 2009, 12:07:44 AM
Added later:
- having people who live far west tell me how great the east side is.
;-p
In all seriousness, moved, you have had experiences that would make me want to high tail it out of there as well. They are serious experiences. As silly as this may sound, I find the criminals there to be far less brazen than those far west, here. The people in Springfield remind me of folks up north (New England) where I grew up. Not snotty, self-fulfilling, selfish folk who reside here. . .far west.
I love the fact that so many people have such strong opinions on this little neighborhood. I mean you don't see the type of passionate responses for other neighborhoods. I also love leaky roofs and creaky floors, add in the high ceilings and a creepy basement and its a fun place to live, we're also fortunate that the ghosts like us (according to a previous owner) I like that I can blast music outside and not offend anyone (cause noone is there!) I like that SPR is very cliquey so if one group dislikes you there's sure to be one that doesn't. I like that my neighborhood bar is considered a "dive" and has great beers and very cool operators. Its quite the place to call home that is for sure.
+Great community - people get involved
+I consider people who live 8 blocks away from me as neighbors, not like living in the burbs. I actually know the people who live around me and another 100+ people in this 1 square mile
+Proximity to I-95, I-10, airport, downtown, Avondale/Riverside/5points/Murray Hill where several of my friends live
+Always something going on - dinner with friends, parties, wine tastings & dinners, sports, First Fridays, birthday celebrations, etc
+Fusion, Uptown Market, Wafaa & Mike's, Three Layers, Chan's, Shantytown, The Pearl, Jerome Brown's
+Incredibly talented people - artists of all types, brilliant IT minds, chefs, decorators, etc
+Big Jim, Maxwell House breezes, large trees, palm trees I didn't have to plant or pay for, brick roads
+My big old home and all its quirks, nothing is level or square
+Dog Park, the entire park system
Mainly it's the people, I've met some truly incredible people here and I wouldn't want to leave. Does my list mean there aren't things I don't like? No, obviously. But the thread was "Why I love" it. There are more than enough people that are more than willing to tear Springfield apart. Why they find joy in that I don't know, does it make them feel better about their own lives? I don't see a reason to sh!te on their neighborhood. So if I love mine, why do they care? I have no interest in living their life in Mandarin, PVB or wherever. They like it, good for them. Why not show the same courtesy to others? No disrespect to movedsouth (who apparently hates it here) or thekillingwax (who may or may not) but if I hated where I lived so much and it was at all possible I would move regardless of the loss I'd take. If you make any money now, you'll make more. Life is too short to be that unhappy.
I like:
- that every house is unique, few cookie-cutters
- the potential. so, so much.
- the parks
- proximity to everything
- the diversity, creativity, & friendliness of most residents
- the neighborhood organizations & events. few neighborhoods have such active
residents/organizations.
- that it's on the rise. it's fun & exciting.
Quote from: movedsouth on October 27, 2009, 12:07:44 AM
- having my cat bring in used condoms instead of mouse carcasses
- about 5 stolen bikes
- robbed at gun point once
- finding discarded shell casings after shoot outs outside my house twice.
- getting into fights with hookers after they and the raggedy cars cruising for them kept me awake
- getting maced by those same hookers
- being asked by JSO why I come out of my house at night (after complaining about the mace)
- telling a woman who asks why I live here about the great neighbors, and have her point to the empty lots and houses around me asking "what neighbors?"
- 2 broken car windows, one damaged car door. I should have stayed inside as JSO told me to.
- having to watch out for broken bottles when walking the dog
- trying to avoid having the dog eat too much discarded happy meals on our walk
- having choices: cross pearl street at Klutho "above ground" and get hit by a police cruiser running to Lincoln court, or "below ground" and stepping into human feces under the bridge.
- a neighborhood organization that tells me there is no crime.
- chasing would-be burglars from my porch twice.
sorry. I am done with Springfield. Why am I still here (physically)? Its cheaper to replace a car window here and there then getting a second mortgage and paying extra insurance on a house I can't sell.
Added later:
- having people who live far west tell me how great the east side is.
Just goes to show you how diverse the area is obviously, we've had nothing like this happen to us in the sw quadrant. We has someone steal a bike and a push mower from our unlocked garage about 4 years ago and that's all the criminal excitement that we've dealt with.
Love the fact that I can walk to some local establishments that are truly invested in the neighborhood. Which is one of the reasons I'm all for more Mom and Pop's in our 'hood, instead of needing to see any sort of chains opening.
Diverse neighbors, some of the most talented, artists and professionals call Springfield home.
One of the few areas in Jax in '04 when we were looking for a home that didn't have Bush Cheney signs in every other yard.
A chance to make the neighborhood your own, truly exists. You can be as involved or as detached as you want to be.
The oaks.
And of course the homes and architecture.
Quote from: iloveionia on October 27, 2009, 10:44:54 AM
Quote from: movedsouth on October 27, 2009, 12:07:44 AM
Added later:
- having people who live far west tell me how great the east side is.
I find the criminals there to be far less brazen than those far west, here.
i saw the look on moved's face when the thugs had a gun pointed at him and i have tried to figure out what the look was - it must have been "these guys aren't brazen at all sticking a gun in my face right in front of my front door while being video taped."
who wants to play dodgeball?
Quote from: movedsouth on October 27, 2009, 12:07:44 AM
- having my cat bring in used condoms instead of mouse carcasses
- about 5 stolen bikes
- robbed at gun point once
- finding discarded shell casings after shoot outs outside my house twice.
- getting into fights with hookers after they and the raggedy cars cruising for them kept me awake
- getting maced by those same hookers
- being asked by JSO why I come out of my house at night (after complaining about the mace)
- telling a woman who asks why I live here about the great neighbors, and have her point to the empty lots and houses around me asking "what neighbors?"
- 2 broken car windows, one damaged car door. I should have stayed inside as JSO told me to.
- having to watch out for broken bottles when walking the dog
- trying to avoid having the dog eat too much discarded happy meals on our walk
- having choices: cross pearl street at Klutho "above ground" and get hit by a police cruiser running to Lincoln court, or "below ground" and stepping into human feces under the bridge.
- a neighborhood organization that tells me there is no crime.
- chasing would-be burglars from my porch twice.
sorry. I am done with Springfield. Why am I still here (physically)? Its cheaper to replace a car window here and there then getting a second mortgage and paying extra insurance on a house I can't sell.
Added later:
- having people who live far west tell me how great the east side is.
Im sorry, I know that most these things are horrbile
but I nearly spilled my coffee in my lap from laughter reading this
Why do I love Springfield?
- I dont live there
- Stories like these make me giggle a bit (knowing you are still alive of course)
Quote from: nvrenuf on October 27, 2009, 11:22:57 AM
+Great community - people get involved
+I consider people who live 8 blocks away from me as neighbors, not like living in the burbs. I actually know the people who live around me and another 100+ people in this 1 square mile
+Proximity to I-95, I-10, airport, downtown, Avondale/Riverside/5points/Murray Hill where several of my friends live
+Always something going on - dinner with friends, parties, wine tastings & dinners, sports, First Fridays, birthday celebrations, etc
+Fusion, Uptown Market, Wafaa & Mike's, Three Layers, Chan's, Shantytown, The Pearl, Jerome Brown's
+Incredibly talented people - artists of all types, brilliant IT minds, chefs, decorators, etc
+Big Jim, Maxwell House breezes, large trees, palm trees I didn't have to plant or pay for, brick roads
+My big old home and all its quirks, nothing is level or square
+Dog Park, the entire park system
Mainly it's the people, I've met some truly incredible people here and I wouldn't want to leave. Does my list mean there aren't things I don't like? No, obviously. But the thread was "Why I love" it. There are more than enough people that are more than willing to tear Springfield apart. Why they find joy in that I don't know, does it make them feel better about their own lives? I don't see a reason to sh!te on their neighborhood. So if I love mine, why do they care? I have no interest in living their life in Mandarin, PVB or wherever. They like it, good for them. Why not show the same courtesy to others? No disrespect to movedsouth (who apparently hates it here) or thekillingwax (who may or may not) but if I hated where I lived so much and it was at all possible I would move regardless of the loss I'd take. If you make any money now, you'll make more. Life is too short to be that unhappy.
Well said, I didn't go into quite as much detail, but you have added some points that I would be foolish to forget....
I hate to hear that moved is having that much drama. I can honestly say that over here on the east is nothing close to what you are experiencing and it's sad that you are. The worst I have had was my motorcycle tipped over a couple of years back. I think that was actually someone sitting on it and not realizing how heavy it was and it fell, being a 1500 cc and weighing over 600 lbs and all. Either way, I hope it either changes for the better or you are able to find a way out of the house soon. Good luck!
Quote from: cindi on October 27, 2009, 06:58:21 PM
Quote from: iloveionia on October 27, 2009, 10:44:54 AM
Quote from: movedsouth on October 27, 2009, 12:07:44 AM
Added later:
- having people who live far west tell me how great the east side is.
I find the criminals there to be far less brazen than those far west, here.
i saw the look on moved's face when the thugs had a gun pointed at him and i have tried to figure out what the look was - it must have been "these guys aren't brazen at all sticking a gun in my face right in front of my front door while being video taped."
Cindi,
I'm on your side. In LA he would have been shot and killed without hesitation. It happens all too often. In my opinion, Springfield is not like some of the scary neighborhoods in LA and its vicinity. Yes, I know, people get shot and killed there (Jax) too. I am thankful you both did not on that evening in Hampsterdam.
Easy access to just about anywhere in NEFL, as Springfield/Downtown is smack in the middle of the region.
Easy access to MOCA, Main Library, Times-Union Performing Arts Center, FL Theater, Bay St clubs (when our own S'field clubs are too crowded).
And a timely one, easy access to the Stadium, Baseball Grounds and Arena via A. Philip Randolph -- WALKING. Great for Jags games, concerts, Suns and, of course, FL/GA!
Easy access to work, nice bike ride to the Sports Complex for games, great neighbors, cool parties, new and old mixed together, my house and my yard!
--Creaky floorboards
--That great smell that only comes from hundred-year-old heart pine
--The support I got from complete strangers (wait, no such thing in this one-square-mile) when I needed it the most. :)
I must preface my post with, I don't live in Springfield. With that said, I love Springfield for its architecture and the unexpected finds in the folds of the neighborhood. Earlier this year I happened upon Vanderleigh Antiques on East 10th Street and was delighted to find such a great resource, especially being in the trade myself. I am now happy to be part of Vanderleigh, showcasing my merchandise while in between antique shows. Another great find was Three Layers! With businesses of this nature, I can see why those that live in Springfield choose to do so.
The Peaceful Mornings and Evenings
The trees, and birds.
All the stray cats that follow you when you walk, nudging your legs.
The old people who sit on their porches, speaking to everyone who walks by.
The Superette.
The late night silence.
My neighbors
The central location, being close to everything i do.
Kids playing in the street that don't move outta the way for cars :D
The morning fog at the park across the street.
The geese i see every morning on the way to work.
The diversity.
The architecture
The fact that everyone says hello, except the newbies.
That one guy who's been running for years with his German Shepard.
The old folks from the towers in their electric chairs, drinking beers while driving.
The sunday evening B-ball players yelling at each other.
The teenage girls who flirt with me when I'm in the yard working.
All the not so perfect things, make it perfect in my opinion. Springfield will never be Avondale or San Marco, and nor should it be. Allow the neighborhood to evolve organically, and stop trying to make it a replica...I'd rather have the authentic.
p.s....how ignorant do all of us sound? "West side vs. East side" are we gang members? All of that rivalry sounds great to those on the inside...but to all the other hundreds of thousands of people who don't live in springfield, it makes us sound like we live in a 3rd world country. How about we work to improve the neighborhood as a whole, neither side is better, safer, or cleaner...they both need work. A coffee shop does not equate to being better. :)
Stephen, what a great memory of Springfield. You have a beautiful family.
In the early 60s JFK drove down Main Street in Springfield. Ms. Ruby had a picture of him from a local newspaper hung up in her rooming house.
I believe he later ate lunch that day at what is now Alco House on First and Hubbard.
I believe that photo of him will be featured in the next issue of the SPAR newsletter. If you haven't seen it, stop by SPAR and ask Brenda to have a look...
Quote from: zoo on October 28, 2009, 08:07:15 PM
I believe that photo of him will be featured in the next issue of the SPAR newsletter. If you haven't seen it, stop by SPAR and ask Brenda to have a look...
Maybe you could get a copy and print it here.
Quote from: GideonGlib on October 26, 2009, 05:11:07 PM
Where/When/Who about the kickball team? Do you have more information on that?
Springfield's kickball team Klutho Kickers finished this season 4th out of 16 teams. Playoffs are Thursday night at 7 p.m. St. Nicholas Park. Heading east on Beach Blvd turn right on the block after Havana Jax. The park is a couple of blocks down on the right. After party every week is at Burrito Gallery. Come hang out with a couple hundred kickball kids who have a blast every Thursday listening to Ian Ranne spin some awesome music. Meet the Springfield residents and hang out with the rest of the party people in the league.
Quote from: Omarvelous09 on October 28, 2009, 06:37:35 PM
p.s....how ignorant do all of us sound? "West side vs. East side" are we gang members? All of that rivalry sounds great to those on the inside...but to all the other hundreds of thousands of people who don't live in springfield, it makes us sound like we live in a 3rd world country. How about we work to improve the neighborhood as a whole, neither side is better, safer, or cleaner...they both need work. A coffee shop does not equate to being better. :)
I think you may be referring to my post about not having the issues that moved spoke about... If so, sorry Omarvelous, but I haven't been robbed at gunpoint, I haven't had my car vandalized or broken into, I haven't had any of the issues moved stated since I've lived here (5 years). From my understanding though, moved lives in a rougher area in the NW quad (I may not be 100% correct on that, but I believe it to be true). If anyone is in any area of Springfield or anywhere in this city for that matter and experiencing those same issues, well I am sorry for them as well, as I truly hope (and thought I was clear in it) moved's problems go away or the house is able to sell. I hate the idea that someone doesn't feel safe or happy regardless of where they live. It can't be a good feeling. I however do feel comfortable sitting on my porch at night drinking a glass of brew or wine. I have good neighbors and that stretches for blocks, when me and my wife and child walk the neighborhood we are greeted by many older people sitting on their porches as well. Sometimes welcomed up to have a chat, even tour their home. It is very quiet here at night as you also stated.... oh and the coffee shop is a major plus, whether you like it or not. ;)
Quote from: Johnny on October 29, 2009, 12:26:33 AM
Quote from: Omarvelous09 on October 28, 2009, 06:37:35 PM
p.s....how ignorant do all of us sound? "West side vs. East side" are we gang members? All of that rivalry sounds great to those on the inside...but to all the other hundreds of thousands of people who don't live in springfield, it makes us sound like we live in a 3rd world country. How about we work to improve the neighborhood as a whole, neither side is better, safer, or cleaner...they both need work. A coffee shop does not equate to being better. :)
I think you may be referring to my post about not having the issues that moved spoke about... If so, sorry Omarvelous, but I haven't been robbed at gunpoint, I haven't had my car vandalized or broken into, I haven't had any of the issues moved stated since I've lived here (5 years). From my understanding though, moved lives in a rougher area in the NW quad (I may not be 100% correct on that, but I believe it to be true). If anyone is in any area of Springfield or anywhere in this city for that matter and experiencing those same issues, well I am sorry for them as well, as I truly hope (and thought I was clear in it) moved's problems go away or the house is able to sell. I hate the idea that someone doesn't feel safe or happy regardless of where they live. It can't be a good feeling. I however do feel comfortable sitting on my porch at night drinking a glass of brew or wine. I have good neighbors and that stretches for blocks, when me and my wife and child walk the neighborhood we are greeted by many older people sitting on their porches as well. Sometimes welcomed up to have a chat, even tour their home. It is very quiet here at night as you also stated.... oh and the coffee shop is a major plus, whether you like it or not. ;)
Johnny, there's no need for you to apologize...especially for such an uninformed comment, suggesting that our harmless east side-west side rivalry.
When I first moved to the neighborhood, I lived on the west side...where I had countless car covers stolen, a variety of items stolen from my porch and back yard...and in the area where moved lives...it was always a bit more rough, because of the close proximity to 8th street and Lincoln court behind Shands. However, when I moved to the east side, there were hookers strolling up and down the streets here too...and it took a lot of effort to finally chase them away. I experienced threats, but never the armed robbery or car jacking as moved.
However, as the houses are purchased, renovated and then occupied, the crime went down...and sadly, this is a major problem with where moved lives, as there's the blodgett housing just across the park and still a vast majority of abandoned properties...that are a magnet for criminal elements.
As for the whether or not the coffee equates better....it does in a sense, because now there's activity of the positive kind in the area...more decent people coming and going does equal more of a safety factor.
Quote from: Springfielder on October 29, 2009, 07:08:19 AM
Quote from: Johnny on October 29, 2009, 12:26:33 AM
Quote from: Omarvelous09 on October 28, 2009, 06:37:35 PM
p.s....how ignorant do all of us sound? "West side vs. East side" are we gang members? All of that rivalry sounds great to those on the inside...but to all the other hundreds of thousands of people who don't live in springfield, it makes us sound like we live in a 3rd world country. How about we work to improve the neighborhood as a whole, neither side is better, safer, or cleaner...they both need work. A coffee shop does not equate to being better. :)
I think you may be referring to my post about not having the issues that moved spoke about... If so, sorry Omarvelous, but I haven't been robbed at gunpoint, I haven't had my car vandalized or broken into, I haven't had any of the issues moved stated since I've lived here (5 years). From my understanding though, moved lives in a rougher area in the NW quad (I may not be 100% correct on that, but I believe it to be true). If anyone is in any area of Springfield or anywhere in this city for that matter and experiencing those same issues, well I am sorry for them as well, as I truly hope (and thought I was clear in it) moved's problems go away or the house is able to sell. I hate the idea that someone doesn't feel safe or happy regardless of where they live. It can't be a good feeling. I however do feel comfortable sitting on my porch at night drinking a glass of brew or wine. I have good neighbors and that stretches for blocks, when me and my wife and child walk the neighborhood we are greeted by many older people sitting on their porches as well. Sometimes welcomed up to have a chat, even tour their home. It is very quiet here at night as you also stated.... oh and the coffee shop is a major plus, whether you like it or not. ;)
Johnny, there's no need for you to apologize...especially for such an uninformed comment, suggesting that our harmless east side-west side rivalry.
When I first moved to the neighborhood, I lived on the west side...where I had countless car covers stolen, a variety of items stolen from my porch and back yard...and in the area where moved lives...it was always a bit more rough, because of the close proximity to 8th street and Lincoln court behind Shands. However, when I moved to the east side, there were hookers strolling up and down the streets here too...and it took a lot of effort to finally chase them away. I experienced threats, but never the armed robbery or car jacking as moved.
However, as the houses are purchased, renovated and then occupied, the crime went down...and sadly, this is a major problem with where moved lives, as there's the blodgett housing just across the park and still a vast majority of abandoned properties...that are a magnet for criminal elements.
As for the whether or not the coffee equates better....it does in a sense, because now there's activity of the positive kind in the area...more decent people coming and going does equal more of a safety factor.
Uninformed? Actually I've been here longer than most of you, and have witnessed the re-gentrification first hand. So many people have put in hard work over the past 20 years, to make the neighborhood what it is today. Personally i have never had any serious problems in the neighborhood. Yes I've had a bike stolen, or a plant taken off my porch...but that kind of stuff can and does happen everywhere. It's unfortunate that a few people have had such bad experiences, but i don't think living close to Blodgett has much to do with it. I live across from that park...and have never had any problems. No, i don't think Springfield is for everyone...it is an urban neighborhood, and comes with its baggage. Also, i have no problem with 3 Layers. I only mentioned it because so many Springfield residents (especially newer ones) seem to believe that because a business is successful, it makes one part of THE SAME NEIGHBORHOOD better. I'm glad its there, and thriving...but that shouldn't make people think ill of the "west". It should excite and motivate us to spread those kind of businesses to all parts of the neighborhood. What homeowners have done with east of Main St. is great, i remember when people avoided that side.
My comment was not meant to upset, but rather to open your eyes to the bigger picture.
I understand what you're saying, and for the most part agree that crime can happy anywhere, as evidenced by the armed robberies that took place last winter, along Market street, and of course, there was the homicide that happened on Walnut by 1st.
Living near Blodgett is most certainly has a negative impact, as does living near Lincoln court behind Shands. Especially when the armed carjackers were found to be living there (Blodgett)....so yes, it does impact the area. Not to mention neighbors who witness drug sales by those in the park and then take off across the wooden bridge back to Blodgett. There's also the problem locations such as the apartment building on 6th, just west of Main (can't think of it's name off hand) Or the hookers along 8th street that cause problems throughout the night. Are there problems on the east side, I'm sure there are...but it's pretty well known and documented that the west has very specific problems....hence the hiring of the off duty JSO personnel to patrol the area. Hence the SHADCO meetings where the neighbors complain about the ongoing problems.
I'm glad to hear that you've not had much in the way of problems...and thankfully, neither do I. As for the east vs west, as I said, it's basically a friendly neighborhood rivalry, but stats do show that there's more crime taking place on the west side, those cannot be disputed.
Quote from: Springfielder on October 29, 2009, 12:21:41 PM
I understand what you're saying, and for the most part agree that crime can happy anywhere, as evidenced by the armed robberies that took place last winter, along Market street, and of course, there was the homicide that happened on Walnut by 1st.
Living near Blodgett is most certainly has a negative impact, as does living near Lincoln court behind Shands. Especially when the armed carjackers were found to be living there (Blodgett)....so yes, it does impact the area. Not to mention neighbors who witness drug sales by those in the park and then take off across the wooden bridge back to Blodgett. There's also the problem locations such as the apartment building on 6th, just west of Main (can't think of it's name off hand) Or the hookers along 8th street that cause problems throughout the night. Are there problems on the east side, I'm sure there are...but it's pretty well known and documented that the west has very specific problems....hence the hiring of the off duty JSO personnel to patrol the area. Hence the SHADCO meetings where the neighbors complain about the ongoing problems.
I'm glad to hear that you've not had much in the way of problems...and thankfully, neither do I. As for the east vs west, as I said, it's basically a friendly neighborhood rivalry, but stats do show that there's more crime taking place on the west side, those cannot be disputed.
[/quote
If you look for it, you'll find it...
Most of those problems arent as bad as they used to be, cant say i've seen anything more than people smoking weed at the park. As far as the Prostitutes go, havent really seen them since early this year...thanks to residents and JSO. Dont know how long you've been over here, but i remember when the stroll was 5th & Hubbard-Walnut...so i'm sure they'll turn up wherever there's room. As far as which side has more crime, i'd like to see some statistics backing your statement. Honestly i'd rather have the park to look out at, than some nosey, pretentious neighbors starring back.
I've been here well over 10 years, and you're right...when I moved to the east side, it was crawling with hookers. It took a long time to finally get most of them to move on.
As for statistics to back up what I said...check out the SHADCO meetings, check out the spar forum...check out JSO
The only time I use the "east vs west" terminology is during the throwback baseball game. There are good blocks and better ones...but no bad ones as far as I'm concerned. ;)
I agree, and only use it as a friendly rivalry thing....it's never my intention to say the east side is better....even though it is ;)
I was roobed at gunpoint a couple of years ago on Silver Street in front of my house and had my car stolen. I don't hold it against the neighborhood.
Back on topic?
- Running into neighbors, AND friends from other parts of Jax, in all our local businesses.
Quote from: zoo on October 29, 2009, 01:10:30 PM
Back on topic?
- Running into neighbors, AND friends from other parts of Jax, in all our local businesses.
Right, back on topic.
Love that my neighbors are concerned and well informed ;-)
The random(?) payphone on east 6th. What's that about? lol.
i've thought about taking a pair of wire cutters to that thing......
Shuffling Jimmy. Dictates seasonal fashion trends and allows us the chance to evaluate the ability of JSO to truly evaluate a "danger" or not. If you see 3 cruisers around Jimmy, we just got a bunch of new recruits.
Quote from: cindi on October 29, 2009, 01:50:26 PM
Shuffling Jimmy. Dictates seasonal fashion trends and allows us the chance to evaluate the ability of JSO to truly evaluate a "danger" or not. If you see 3 cruisers around Jimmy, we just got a bunch of new recruits.
I haven't been acquainted with Shuffling Jimmy yet ;D
I'm sure you have seen him. He is the rather pathetic soul who often crawls down the sidewalk. There is quite a bit of urban legend about him.
I use to live right next door to that pay phone. The guy who lives in that house, that is his business. He owns and operates pay phones all over the city. You dont know how many times I wanted to destroy that thing.
Quote from: untarded on October 29, 2009, 01:30:02 PM
The random(?) payphone on east 6th. What's that about? lol.
Seeing the neighborhood coming back to life as more people decorate there houses for holidays. when i first started to renovate my house very few decorated. but as the years went on halloween display got better, 4Th of July is good and Christmas are getting huge. maybe one day we will be know for that and it will draw people to the neighborhood. when I lived in Mobile there was an older subdivision that every house was deck out to the max and drew people in for miles. I even decorated for Mardi gras last year
Quote from: samiam on October 29, 2009, 02:29:41 PM
Seeing the neighborhood coming back to life as more people decorate there houses for holidays. when i first started to renovate my house very few decorated. but as the years went on halloween display got better, 4Th of July is good and Christmas are getting huge. maybe one day we will be know for that and it will draw people to the neighborhood. when I lived in Mobile there was an older subdivision that every house was deck out to the max and drew people in for miles. I even decorated for Mardi gras last year
I moved in right before the holidays last year and didn't have time for decorating. But I did go out and buy 6000 lights right after Christmas.
I'll be requesting donations for my Dec JEA bill this year ;D
Shuffles is fun sometimes, he always asks me for cigarettes...then curses me out after i give him one. Gave him shoes one time, but he never wears them...guess he didnt like them. :-\
I saw someone give him a coffee one morning. He took a sip then threw it at their feet!
Omar - did you give him a pair of adidas?
When I was spending a lot of time up and 9th and Main, he had this little ploy where he would come up, and lay down in front of the door and loudly curse until someone gave him a cigarette. He is a sly little bastard!
I don't live in Springfield, so my fond memories are limited to the neighborhood preservation tours when the Archibald Inn was still in business, in the early 1990's. What struck me the most was how you could see the houses in the process or just before the process began, of being restored. That gave me a real taste of history I didn't find on the Riv/Av tour where you only got to see the houses after the decorator left. It was a very nice difference. For me, Springfield felt like it had a more authentic vibe. It wasn't just something pretty put on a shelf to admire, so to speak. From what I've read so far from the people who live there and are investing their lives and their dollars to bring it back, maybe they feel the same vibe. It can only get better and better. I'm sorry to hear of some less than favorable experiences and conditions, but that happens almost everywhere, now. Best of luck to those who need to find a safer quadrant...
I hope all areas of the neighborhood can one day be a slice of heaven for every single resident, heck that hope goes out to the entire world to be honest. We love the park and you are lucky to look out at it. I don't feel like I have "nosey, pretentious neighbors" but others may. Of course, my block isn't full of occupied houses, I just have a couple of homes & the coffee shop. Hopefully Three Layers decorates for Christmas, for the past few years it was only us putting up lights and stuff. I do have a new neighbor though, maybe he will decorate...
Quote from: Johnny on October 29, 2009, 03:55:03 PM
I hope all areas of the neighborhood can one day be a slice of heaven for every single resident, heck that hope goes out to the entire world to be honest. We love the park and you are lucky to look out at it. I don't feel like I have "nosey, pretentious neighbors" but others may. Of course, my block isn't full of occupied houses, I just have a couple of homes & the coffee shop. Hopefully Three Layers decorates for Christmas, for the past few years it was only us putting up lights and stuff. I do have a new neighbor though, maybe he will decorate...
I try to bounce between nosy and pretentious, and being a lower middle class assknob... Its a tough balancing act, but I feel confident I can pull it off.
Quote from: Dan B on October 29, 2009, 04:31:35 PM
Quote from: Johnny on October 29, 2009, 03:55:03 PM
I hope all areas of the neighborhood can one day be a slice of heaven for every single resident, heck that hope goes out to the entire world to be honest. We love the park and you are lucky to look out at it. I don't feel like I have "nosey, pretentious neighbors" but others may. Of course, my block isn't full of occupied houses, I just have a couple of homes & the coffee shop. Hopefully Three Layers decorates for Christmas, for the past few years it was only us putting up lights and stuff. I do have a new neighbor though, maybe he will decorate...
I try to bounce between nosy and pretentious, and being a lower middle class assknob... Its a tough balancing act, but I feel confident I can pull it off.
You do Dan! You truly Do! ;D
More things I love
--finding weird/interesting things in the dirt (like an entire chrome car bumper and the original kitchen sink)
--SACARC
--not being in a flood zone!
--old wavy glass windows
Quote from: hooplady on October 29, 2009, 04:38:55 PM
More things I love
--finding weird/interesting things in the dirt (like an entire chrome car bumper and the original kitchen sink)
--SACARC
--not being in a flood zone!
--old wavy glass windows
the peace bubble. don't forget the peace bubble.
finding weird/interesting things in the dirt (like an entire chrome car bumper and the original kitchen sink)
1921 peace silver dollar
Quote from: cindi on October 29, 2009, 04:41:37 PM
Quote from: hooplady on October 29, 2009, 04:38:55 PM
More things I love
--finding weird/interesting things in the dirt (like an entire chrome car bumper and the original kitchen sink)
--SACARC
--not being in a flood zone!
--old wavy glass windows
the peace bubble. don't forget the peace bubble.
lol, thank you from the center of the peace bubble :D
1868 gold one dollar coin
Quote from: Sigma on October 29, 2009, 02:47:21 PM
I saw someone give him a coffee one morning. He took a sip then threw it at their feet!
Omar - did you give him a pair of adidas?
I think it was a pair of old superstars...lol
Quote from: untarded on October 29, 2009, 04:45:45 PM
Quote from: cindi on October 29, 2009, 04:41:37 PM
the peace bubble. don't forget the peace bubble.
lol, thank you from the center of the peace bubble :D
Ahhh...I was afraid to mention the PB since of course it's only on one side of Main (oh that would be the best side of course - oops, broke my own rule)
7 horseshoes and and multiple 38 & 22 shells
Quote from: hooplady on October 29, 2009, 05:05:03 PM
Quote from: untarded on October 29, 2009, 04:45:45 PM
Quote from: cindi on October 29, 2009, 04:41:37 PM
the peace bubble. don't forget the peace bubble.
lol, thank you from the center of the peace bubble :D
Ahhh...I was afraid to mention the PB since of course it's only on one side of Main (oh that would be the best side of course - oops, broke my own rule)
What's the Peace Bubble? Not really hip to all the Springfield lingo...
Quote from: Omarvelous09 on October 29, 2009, 07:45:18 PM
What's the Peace Bubble? Not really hip to all the Springfield lingo...
Itz cuz you aint hip yo!
..no really glad someone asked becuase I was thinking the same thing lol
the peace bubble is the area of springfield that is imperveous to hookers, druggies, and pretty much violence overall. the largest area of peace bubbleness is found on the east side although it was urban legend that there was a small peace bubble annex on the west side. rumor has it that the peace bubble does have a huge issue with termites. the peace bubble is kinda the ying to the hampsterdam yang.
...ok I want pictures of the peace bubble
Quote from: cindi on October 29, 2009, 07:58:26 PM
the peace bubble is the area of springfield that is imperveous to hookers, druggies, and pretty much violence overall. the largest area of peace bubbleness is found on the east side although it was urban legend that there was a small peace bubble annex on the west side. rumor has it that the peace bubble does have a huge issue with termites. the peace bubble is kinda the ying to the hampsterdam yang.
Oh ok.. in La La Land? cute
Yes, it's kind of a la-la land. The PB came out of a discussion on the SPAR forum where I was not particularly informed nor supportive of my neighbors to the west. They were talking about their issues with hookers, crack dealers, etc., and in my ignorance I said something like "well I must live in a peace bubble because nothing like that ever happens around here!" And that led to an invitation to get a bit more edumacated in what 8th & Pearl can be like at 2am.
And sorry, no photographs can be created of the magical place.
Sooo...take heart all ye who have ever typed something stupid in a public forum. Not only is it never forgotten, but a little humble pie is good for making new friends.
Oh yeah, make that another thing I love about Springfielders - believe it or not, they (mostly) have a great capacity for openmindedness and forgiveness.