I was watching the renovation of the Speedway store at 8th/Perry St which was going on for weeks. I saw them upgrade electric, redo the insulation, pressure wash and paint the building and install additional lighting. All in all very good things. Although now that it opened back up I am also a bit disappointed.
Instead of the original open counter where you get served, there is now one of these bulletproof surrounded counters with a small pass through slot to pay. What kind of message does that send about the safety of Springfield ?
Additionally the owner needs some education about Jacksonville Sign Laws. Some large cigarrette posters stapled to the neighboring fence. Maybe the printout and link to the COJ page will help.
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Planning+and+Development/Building+Inspection/Sign+Laws.htm#11 (http://www.coj.net/Departments/Planning+and+Development/Building+Inspection/Sign+Laws.htm#11)
I am also curious and will be watching very closely if the trash around the store will increase now that it reopened. Although I have to say so far it appears rather clean around the store. One can only hope.
he appears to cater to the same audience that his predecesor did. his coolers are stocked full of beer and no milk. doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results????
I will refrain from comment since I have never owned our run a retail establishment in or outside of the hood.
Don't throw Metro Jacksonville under the bus on this one. You guys posting are just as much discussion board members here as those you don't agree with. Opinions discussed in the forums are just that......opinions of the individuals posting. However, you can thank Metro Jacksonville for allowing a venue for dialogue on a variety of issues to take place.
Quote from: danno on October 31, 2009, 03:58:46 PM
I will refrain from comment since I have never owned our run a retail establishment in or outside of the hood.
and you only have 47 post.
the upside of the speedway is the fact that they are not open 24/7. the "cage" keeps the bad guys from getting to the clerk, however, in the instance of the shell - the "boy in the bubble" is at a disadvantage, especially at night, they can't get to him, but they rob him blind and he can't leave to go after them because then it's all wide open. honestly not sure why they don't have off duty jso there.
What will happen is what the old ABC liqour used to do, and that is block off 75% of the store, and put everything of value behind it. It makes for a warm and fuzzy shopping experience.
That said, The few months between when I graduated HS, and left for bootcamp, I worked over night at a gas station in the small town of Acton Mass, and we shut down the front door, and made everyone go to the window, and that was 16 years ago, in an area NOT known for any problems.
dan, i am really surprised that they don't do that. the nightly loss from shoplifting has got be be incredible.
Quote from: Matt McVay on October 31, 2009, 04:59:51 PM
Yeah, of course. I conceded your point several posts ago as evidenced by my amendment of the posting. This isn't anything mind blowing.
Matt, your conciliatory tone will get you nowhere.
stephen, I think the better person to answer that question would be you. You already know all of the answers. Your post count and many posts over the years reek of self importance. So, seriously, what is your personal objective? Besides making sure that Louise resigns from SPAR and all of the elitists in the neighborhood are stoned.
Oh, and all of the people you apparently do not like quits posting on this forum.
I do not doubt that you have some good feelings about the hood and have done positive things in the area, however blowing on embers is as bad as lighting the match. I think what you overlook on many of the topics you get involved with and thrash those that post in them is this... we have many passionate folks living in this neighborhood. Their words on the forum may not convey the feelings they have, they may sound much more harsh then they truly mean to be. I don't believe any of them are truly elitists. Regardless, when someone opens something in a neighborhood that people live in, the neighbors do have the right to have an opinion on that. They do have the right to discuss it, complain about it, etc... This is done in other neighborhoods as well. There was recently a neighborhood that fought Wal-Mart being opened near it. People do this... conversation and debate is ok. There is no need to make the other side look like a bad guy. That's all I'm saying.
Quote from: stephendare on October 31, 2009, 05:19:05 PM
I do think that Louise should resign. You can tell because I said so openly.
And I thought you were the one advocating to stay on topic on the other thread. After all, this is MetroJax which has it's standards.
Quote from: stephendare on October 31, 2009, 05:19:05 PM
Quote from: Johnny on October 31, 2009, 05:13:21 PM
Oh, and all of the people you apparently do not like quits posting on this forum.
Thats a pretty unfair statement johnny. I can't answer for Matt, just as Dan can't answer for me. And I don't think that Matt should quit posting on the forum. However he thinks he should tell me what and how I should post and seems to be under water because I keep challenging his entitlement viewpoint.
I do think that Louise should resign. You can tell because I said so openly.
But surely you grant me that I have put my money, time and work where my mouth is on this subject. I opened four main street businesses, and brought another 10 friends with shops out there. Ive worked positively on Main Street for 10 years, and me and john spilled our own blood in order to do it.
I havent just posted on a forum about it after all.
I obviously want the street to become a district. A vibrant wonderful place to live.
And yes, the elitism bothers me. More than that, it offends me. I find some of it shocking.
Sorry, not related to "Convenience Store neighborhood effect" at all. Can't even the MetroJax partners stay on topic ?
Quote from: stephendare on November 01, 2009, 02:10:49 AM
You are more than welcome to join us at our public meeting again on tuesdays if you like.
Im not sure if you are aware or not. But this is not SPAR forums.
Last time I was at Hola you were not there. The comment about the SPAR forum, I am truly lost. Not sure where you are going with that. Obviously I know that the SPAR forum is shut down and that I am posting on MetroJax. But then, I did so before. Can you explain ?
Stephen, I am still lost, even after your PM ???
Quotealex are you drunk or just trying to be an ass hole?
Quote from: stephendare on November 01, 2009, 02:29:48 AM
well you are up late, posting repetitive nonsense and aggressively trying to act like a moderator, when you arent.
Since you are making crazy posts, clearly having not read the threads before posting them it made me question.
Knowing you in real life, I figured you were either drunk, but I thought I would ask.
Thats why there are private messages, you know.
So what should I assume since you are up late too and aren't a moderator either ? Knowing you in real life, I thought I would ask ?
civil debate 8)
The last few days have been new to me. I've never seen a period of time in which adults can't seem to stay on topic in the threads. Its getting to be quite annoying.
With that said, you guys are off topic again. In an effort to get this back on track, I have a question. How is the convenience store on the corner of 7th & Pearl viewed? Is it considered an asset or liability? I ask because it does not seem to have a lot of the issues people have equated to the Speedway or Shell station.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/Neighborhoods/Springfield-Historic-District/P1300372/698573419_d7awS-M.jpg)
since it doesn't have most of the same negative issues, i view it as a net positive.
Lake, I view the store on the corner of 7th & Pearl, the Superette, as a small-scale grocery, not so much a "convenience" store, as it carries many grocery items even beyond basic convenience items like milk, eggs, paper towels, aspirin, tp, etc.
I think many of the "convenience" stores in the community stock primarily alcohol, tobacco products and condoms. Nothing wrong with these products, but also nothing wrong with wanting the convenience stores to be convenient to a more diverse audience.
As we are in the most health-challenged area in Duval County, Health Zone 1, it also wouldn't hurt to reduce the quantity of plastic-wrapped junk foods whose wrappers end up all over the neighborhood (even Gates and Daily's usually have apples and bananas).
I don't consider the Superette a convenience store, it's a grocery store. It's been there for as long as I can remember, and it's not like the actual convenience stores in which their main source of income is from the singles and tobacco they sell. The store is clean and offers a fair variety of foods.
^Cool, understood. They look like they have a successful model in a city dominated by large chain retailers.
I will walk over when I need a basic staple that I may have run out of.
The Superette does not seem to focus primarily on selling cigarettes and singles of beer. This does not encourage people to loiter around the store and leave their trash behind.
many in the neighborhood that do not have a car use it as their primary source for shopping, especially now that quality foods closed. they also carry fresh meat etc.
The physical structure of the building may limit the loitering -- small door opens on a corner right into the street. Loiter in front and you'll get plowed under by round-about traffic.
There is a bus stop across the street, and a halfway house. Doesn't seem like these cause a problem.
A question we should be asking ourselves "Why does the Superette work?" Maybe we should ask the owners what they think?
i think the owner keeps the flow of the traffic moving along, and like you said, there isn't a lot of room for error if you step off of the sidewalk in the wrong direction - squish. i don't believe the majority of his income comes from selling singles or crack smoking equipment so not a real good reason to go out of your way unless he has something you want (real food etc), he is not open during good "loitering" hours either. there is also not a large overhang to protect them from the elements (sun, rain etc).
1. physical structure of the building
2. hours of operation
3. selection of merchandise.
When a new business opens in Springfield, I think we should welcome them in the neighborhood, do all we can to support them understanding that it takes tremendous gonads to open a biz anywhere in this economic climate and that we appreciate the fact that they have done so in Springfield.
I think we could also list the above three things as concerns of the neighborhood to just let the new owner know -- keeping in mind that it is his choice whether or not to follow our suggestions.
When we first opened the thrift store, a major concern came from some in the neighborhood that we would buy goods from people and therefore open up to dealing in stolen goods. We were quite clear with our policy based upon common sense and neighborhood concern that we use only donated goods with the occasional item bought from "Bobby" who has a warehouse of sofas. In other words, we won't buy off the street.
I think this is an example of working together.
SPAR has ignored our presence, and that is okay too. If they would have given us a list of their concerns, trash, lighting, or whatever, we would have made a decision and if what we decided fit with how it should be managed matched with theirs, we would have decided to do that, too.
What is bothersome about "neighborhood concern" is when it goes too far. And really, that is what is being brought up here on these boards. We need to keep things in balance.
Concern can turn into an ugly war pretty quickly. And then, everyone loses.
pretty much if 95% of your sells are from singles, smokes and those pretty little glass rose bud things please don't be surprised if you are filled with drunks and the like and all of their wonderful little shoplifting loitering habits. again, i would bet 75% of potential sales at the shell walks out the door at night shoplifted.
if you want people to spend money in your store (collectively speaking) you have to fill it with items that they wont/need without having to drive outside of the neighborhood for. example - the "new improved speedway" has already shown where his priorities are, his smoke signs are up and coolers of beer filled, don't go looking for a basic like milk, he doesn't have it.
I completely disagree with supporting all businesses unconditionally. One of the owners of the Superette was my neighbor at my last home. When I worked across the street I went into the store everyday. I used to joke with him that as new residents were moving into the neighborhood he would need to stock more upscale products. His response was to shake his head and say , "we'll just move". I understand that businesses have a business model that they like to adhere to but when they admit they do not want to change why are we the bad guys for not supporting them? I have said it a hundred times, if you have a good or service I want or need I will support you, if not I won't. That being said, the Superette isn't perfect but it's not bad either. It's kind of charming in it's own way. If I need something in a pinch I'll run in there, I'm just more careful since I have purchased a few stale or out of date items when I wasn't paying attention.
I adore the Superette and find its produce better than I can get anywhere. Huge eggs, ripe tomatoes, crisp apples, firm potatoes.
And how about those sodas for 33 cents a piece!
This has to be the most polite "scorn" thread that I have ever seen, everybody's talking around the subject. Gotta sell hookahs, and carburetors, somewhere. Where else to get run-proof Chocolate rolling papers, Zigzags, sheers, digital scales, steel wool pads, straws, stir sticks, pocket mirrors?
The Difference in Springfield and Nocatee, is the folks in Nocatee, buy their supplies from a reputable tobacconist, in an exclusive mall. The Mirrors, are from Clinique, straws and steel wool come from Publix. What a crock of crap, to blame this guy, or these guys for a situation that is more of a tax-revenue problem (Pot) then a health risk. The other stuff, it's addiction, illness, and fed by deep depression...
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/48/136122991_6d026db0dc.jpg)
...and the Coca leaves I chewed while track walking in Colombia, didn't do a damn thing!
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Springfield Girl on November 01, 2009, 05:37:23 PM
I completely disagree with supporting all businesses unconditionally. One of the owners of the Superette was my neighbor at my last home. When I worked across the street I went into the store everyday. I used to joke with him that as new residents were moving into the neighborhood he would need to stock more upscale products. His response was to shake his head and say , "we'll just move". I understand that businesses have a business model that they like to adhere to but when they admit they do not want to change why are we the bad guys for not supporting them? I have said it a hundred times, if you have a good or service I want or need I will support you, if not I won't. That being said, the Superette isn't perfect but it's not bad either. It's kind of charming in it's own way. If I need something in a pinch I'll run in there, I'm just more careful since I have purchased a few stale or out of date items when I wasn't paying attention.
So, if I read this right, because he didn’t forsake his mainstay clientele, because he keeps on his shelves what his mainstay clientele wants instead of stocking what you want, this store should not be supported? Give me a break, this store has changed what it stocks a lot over the last ten years. They have done a good job of keeping the clientele that made it successful and adding to their inventory a few items for that few who live in the area who want more “upscaleâ€.
And to his statement, as we know the store has changed, perhaps like your comment being a “joke†so was his….
The store hasn't changed much at all in the 8 years I have been here and I never said I didn't support it. Go back and read my post. I said if a business has a good or service I need, I will support it, if not I won't. I just used the Superette as an example because he told me they did not want to change. Their business model is more suited to clientele that has been here a while instead of the newer residents moving to the neighborhood and that is okay. I do go to the Superette but I have a big family and purchase a large amount of groceries. It is more convenient and cost effective for me to do my shopping at Publix. I like to patronize businesses that have what I need at a good price in an attractive and clean environment. My money, my choice, no matter what part of town I'm in.
Joe, stop being so damned black and white. All that Springfield Girl was asking was if he would consider carrying items he didn't currently offer that might appeal to a different demographic, not to replace items, or forsake anyone.
The same was done with the little market at 3rd and Market, and now they have a nice beer and wine selection, on top of all of the normal stuff.
Not sure why it has to be all or nothing with you, but I dont think anyone expects businesses to forsake anyone, except perhaps the criminal element.
On a related side note, I went to the Superette yesterday to buy some beer. Nothing too outlandish. Just some domestic lite beer.
They had one tiny section, and it was mostly Malt beers.
It would be nice to be able to go in there with some belief they might have what I am looking for. If I am going to have to go to three places to get my stuff, I may as well just keep going to the Winn Dixie or Publix.
I went through three stores yesterday till I gave up and went over to Market and 3rd to get my beer. Between not stocking the beer, two of the three places I went didnt take check cards.
I understand that there is a cost to that for the store, but we live in a world where you can use a check card almost anywhere, and most people who have the pay done through direct deposit tend to carry less cash.
Just another reminder everyone. Here is the original post:
Quote from: AlexS on October 31, 2009, 03:09:42 PM
I was watching the renovation of the Speedway store at 8th/Perry St which was going on for weeks. I saw them upgrade electric, redo the insulation, pressure wash and paint the building and install additional lighting. All in all very good things. Although now that it opened back up I am also a bit disappointed.
Instead of the original open counter where you get served, there is now one of these bulletproof surrounded counters with a small pass through slot to pay. What kind of message does that send about the safety of Springfield ?
Additionally the owner needs some education about Jacksonville Sign Laws. Some large cigarrette posters stapled to the neighboring fence. Maybe the printout and link to the COJ page will help.
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Planning+and+Development/Building+Inspection/Sign+Laws.htm#11 (http://www.coj.net/Departments/Planning+and+Development/Building+Inspection/Sign+Laws.htm#11)
I am also curious and will be watching very closely if the trash around the store will increase now that it reopened. Although I have to say so far it appears rather clean around the store. One can only hope.
Stay on topic!
No such thing Stephen. It's just simple preference. I have a friend who owns a dry cleaning business. He got mad at me because he said I didn't support him. I had to explain to him that I only wear machine washable clothes and don't use dry cleaners. I'm actually a pretty simple, non consumer type so when I do spend money I want to have the best experience I can.
Sorry Lake. I don't shop at the Speedway or Blue Fronts. See above posts for reasons.
If a "nice" convenience store / gas station opened up on 8th or Main how well do you think it would do?
I'm wondering if it could survive.
I think on Main Street, across from 3rd & Main it would do just fine, as it gets more traffic, and there's a built in clientele just across the street. But i'm not sure the Shell, BP, Speeday, etc would do very well if it went to a higher standard.
Quote from: fsu813 on November 02, 2009, 07:27:07 AM
If a "nice" convenience store / gas station opened up on 8th or Main how well do you think it would do?
I'm wondering if it could survive.
I think on Main Street, across from 3rd & Main it would do just fine, as it gets more traffic, and there's a built in clientele just across the street. But i'm not sure the Shell, BP, Speeday, etc would do very well if it went to a higher standard.
it's a little disturbing to think that low ghetto standard is all we can hope for then. Why would the Shell station not do well if it got rid of its hooker/dealer loiterers that block the door, switched out the expired spam and put in power bars or something. i can't imagine that "learning curve" loss of business could be any worse than the revenue lost daily from the shoplifting of beer that goes on there now.
frankly, they could be giving gas away and i will not get it there and it is a stone's throw away. that place is dangerous and beyond nasty.