Instead of making new SAMBA threads, let's just have one on-going for regular meetings, follow-ups, and what not.
SAMBA (Springfield Area Merchants and Businesses Ass) is meeting tonight: Thursday, 6pm @ City Kidz Cafe (at 3rd & Main).
Amanda Searle, local realtor & community garden pioneer, will be speaking about a couple things I beleive, among other things on the agenda.
All are welcome, but only paying members get the secret handshake.
Its also board election time. There will be at least three seats available for anyone looking to possibly join the board. The actual election will take place at the December meeting, but it will also be discussed tonight as well.
SAMBA meeting 11-12-09. Some mental notes for those who didn't attend.
- looks like there will be 3 new spots on the SAMBA board up for grabs. Nominees are being slected now, Jason from Content Design (and local resident) is one of them. The others are yet to be determined. Voting will take place December 10th, the other nominees will be released well in advance.
- the community garden is moving along. the front fence was put up today and Sunday more work will be done. 23 plots available, but most are spoken for. They are still in need of donations -material or monetary- to fully complete the project. Business sponsers get a plot and signage for $250, if the business doesn't want the plot they can donate it's use.
- Silas Jones, owner of the much talked about 4th Street Carwash spoke at length about his plan. Content Design is and will be heavily involved. Final renderings aren't quite ready yet and will be availbale on MJ and Content Design's site relatively soon. Seemed like SAMBA membership favored the project overall, if done right. Don Downing, who holds dual posts on SAMBA and SPAR was the voice of the loyal opposition, persay. At least for now. SPAR's positon is basically that Mr. Jones may be a great additon to the area, however they don't want to set a precident that makes it easier in the future for others to get exemptions.....others that may not be desirable. Seems like there could potentially be some wiggle room there though and SPAR's position could hypothetically change depending on what they see and hear from Mr. Jones & Content Design. Noise was cited as an important issue to address.
I can see it both ways. It's pretty clear that Mr. Jones is willing to bend over backewards to work with whomever to be accepted in the neighborhood and to eventually open his buisness (it would be a year or so before he opens if everything goes smoothly from here on out). I do lean towards supporting Mr. Jones in this case. SAMBA itself won't take an offical postion at this time, perhaps in the near future. Mr. Jones exception meeting in front of city officials was posponed today, rescheduled for December 10th - no set time yet.
- also, there will be a new vintage and fine clothing botique opening very soon on Main Street (tomorrow?), just across from the 3rd & Main complex. The business owners were in attendance and seemed nice. A husband and wife team, with thier adult daughter. Linens, wools, silks, etc and new vintage-style clothing. I think they called it "American Celebrity Fashion Botique" or something like that. It was news to most everyone there.
did i forget anything?
Pretty good notes! I'm glad Silas Jones attended the meeting tonight. For a change, people got to learn about a project from the owner and more about SPAR's position, at the same time. There was back and forth dialogue, giving the community a chance to here things for themselves and come to their own conclusions. While, SAMBA can't really address the issue or take a position until the board meeting, I will work to get as much information on this project on Metro Jacksonville as possible. There appears to be a gulf and a difference in opinion in what many people in the community want and what's being represented as a community position at the city level. I stated it earlier today but this meeting pretty much confirms the idea that more dialogue is needed from all sides.
Thank you for posting this information.
The next SAMBA meeting is this Thursday evening, 12/10, from 6pm-7:15pm
The topics will include a year end review, a discussion on what SAMBA members would like to gain out of SAMBA in 2010 and the election of three new board members for 2010.
Location: City Kidz Cafe, corner of 3rd Street & Main Street (1303 Main Street).
Anyone who is interested in the commerical development/revitalization of Springfield is welcome to attend.
Is the hearing on the car wash this Thursday? I have not seen any updates. Thanks
From what I've been told, Mr. Jones is still working with his design team to develop a plan that is as much as compatible with the neighborhood as possible. So, they are taking some extra time to develop their plans, meaning this agenda item has been deferred.
thanks
Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) Meeting
2/11/10 - 6pm - City Kidz Cafe on the corner of 3rd & Main.
Mayoral Candidate Audrey Moran will be presenting her "Vision for Springfield and Downtown"
Any business owner in the area or those concerned about business/commerical development in the area are invited to attend.
Only 30 seats are available, so get there early.
Bring questions.
More information is here: http://myspringfield.org/bb/viewtopic.php?p=1706#p1706
This should be good. I'm looking forward to hearing what she has to say.
will SAMBA also be hosting the other candidates?
Quote from: thelakelander on February 09, 2010, 11:21:49 AM
This should be good. I'm looking forward to hearing what she has to say.
I think you'll be quite impressed
Quote from: Springfielder on February 09, 2010, 12:21:07 PM
will SAMBA also be hosting the other candidates?
We'll see who's available and who wants to come speak. I don't think any Democratic candidates have officially filed yet, have they?
Just a reminder, if you are coming to....
"Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) Meeting
2/11/10 - 6pm - City Kidz Cafe on the corner of 3rd & Main.
Mayoral Candidate Audrey Moran will be presenting her "Vision for Springfield and Downtown"
Any business owner in the area or those concerned about business/commerical development in the area are invited to attend.
Only 30 seats are available, so get there early. Bring questions.
More information is here: http://myspringfield.org/bb/viewtopic.php?p=1706#p1706"
get there a little early this evening, if you can, to grab a seat.
Talk is cheap.........show me the money honey! Something concrete, other than road, something I can touch and feel!
Quote from: CS Foltz on February 11, 2010, 07:16:12 PM
Talk is cheap......
so is constantly commenting in the blogosphere but not actually showing up to take a stand in public.
it would be very interesting to attend one of her speeches on the Southside and see what she has to say there.....she knew her audience tonight....
Next SAMBA meeting is March 11, 6pm at City Kidz Cafe (3rd & Main):
Brent Staton, Head of MetroNorth CDC and loooong time Main Street business owner, will be talking about what has changed in commerical Springfield through the years, where we are now, and what lies ahead for Springfield businesses.
And as always, business networking, mentoring, and guidance will be availble as well.
BE THERE!
Quote from: fsu813 on November 12, 2009, 08:41:09 PM
SPAR's positon is basically that Mr. Jones may be a great additon to the area, however they don't want to set a precident that makes it easier in the future for others to get exemptions
I'm still amazed at the sheer gall...
Where was that alleged precedential concern when SPAR stood behind the bajillion other people who wanted exceptions, variances, or worse, permanent PUD's? I'm sorry, but I just can't swallow this one, it's the most disingenuous bunch of B.S. I've ever heard.
SPAR has no problem standing behind exceptions to the overlay whenever it's for its own members or Louise's buddies. But when someone else comes along wanting one, but who hasn't properly kissed SPAR's azz first, well THEN, all of a sudden, they "don't want to set precedent"? Gimme a break.
Anyone want to make a list of how many exceptions, variances, or PUDs that have already been supported by SPAR or approved with SPAR's blessing?
tufsu.........16 months plus is too early! Besides I don't remember seeing you at any Ethics Legislation Meetings
and I know I did not run into you at the NFTPO at Twin Lakes nor have I seen you at the DSCB Meetings so I guess I should ask...........whats your point?
"It was also nice to see Rita Reagan back out in public, even though it was clear she was in a lot of pain."
- she said that she stepped back from being so involved in the neighborhood to focus on her 2 passions: Springfield Heritage Center website, which she hopes to be THE place to go for local neighborhood history and to be very intereactive, and the Norman Studios silent film museum, off Normandy.
The Heritage Center is a great and important idea.
Quote from: CS Foltz on February 12, 2010, 06:39:51 AM
tufsu.........16 months plus is too early! Besides I don't remember seeing you at any Ethics Legislation Meetings
and I know I did not run into you at the NFTPO at Twin Lakes nor have I seen you at the DSCB Meetings so I guess I should ask...........whats your point?
well I was at SAMBA tonight...and attended quite a few of the LRTP meetings hosted by the NFTPO.
Quote from: stephendare on February 11, 2010, 08:19:22 PM
Audrey was wonderful.
The question and answer period was great.
It was interesting to see John Snyder get put right back down into his jack in the box.
It was also nice to see Rita Reagan back out in public, even though it was clear she was in a lot of pain.
John asked if SPAR could be looked to as The ONLY Voice for Springfield, (one of the oddest statements I've heard in a public meeting, given it was a SAMBA meeting and leadership of the Women's Club was there as well), she stated that Springfield was too diverse in nature and needed a variety of voices to be heard.
Yeah, that comment was a little.....uh.......i dunno. Intense?
I loved her answer though. Short, sweet and direct to the point. She nipped it straight in the bud. She gained a few points with me on that one.
I agree with you, Lakelander! Think maybe she was prepared for the question, as strange as it seemed?
She had great comments on siting of social services agencies and we had a good conversation after the meeting in which she indicated her strong support of improvements to the Hogans Creek Park System.
Really enjoyed listening to her last night and came away impressed...
One of the most interesting comments to me, was about not only needing to focus on what we need to bring to downtown Jacksonville, but also what needs to leave downtown Jacksonville...
Quote from: thelakelander on February 12, 2010, 09:54:56 AM
I loved her answer though. Short, sweet and direct to the point. She nipped it straight in the bud. She gained a few points with me on that one.
It was a really dumb question in the first place. I don't think any SPAR board members, employees, or supporters would want SPAR to be considered the "only" voice for Springfield. I was pleased with her answer.
As FSU813 said and a few others commented after the meeting, she knew her audience and hit on points that would resonate with the crowd. I too will be interested to hear a little more about her citywide answers. I did like a lot of what she said and think she sort of has "it". Overall I was impressed...
Glad to hear that a positive impression was made. Are the other candidates going to speak at future SAMBA meetings? Invitations should be extended if they haven't already.
We'll see. Hopefully at least 1 other, preferabley of the other politcal party (for fairness sake). Just depends on future schedules and what not.
Howver, Spar Council will be hosting a major Mayoral meeting April 15th, of all the declared canidates at that time. Pretty cool, huh?
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 11, 2010, 09:15:33 PM
Quote from: CS Foltz on February 11, 2010, 07:16:12 PM
Talk is cheap......
so is constantly commenting in the blogosphere but not actually showing up to take a stand in public.
HaHa, pretty funny.
Like I said tufsu..........there are other things than interest me and I have yet to run across you at one of them! Maybe one of these days, Jacksonville is not the darn big! By the way, trying to keep an open mind about the people running for Mayor.............Grorious is heading the pack by my standards but am open to other views!
Email:
Hello Everyone,
Just reminding everyone that Brent Staton, chairman of MetroNorth CDC and long time owner of An Olde Time Hardware on Main Street, will be presenting at the upcoming Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) meeting on Thursday, 3-11-10 @ 6pm.
He'll be discussing the progression of Main Street, where it is now, where it's going, and how to get there. Integrated into this will be how to take lessons learned from MetroNorth CDC and apply them to Springfield.
Anyone interested in local business networking, small business mentoring, or simply in the commerical revitalization of Springfield is encourcaged to attend.
As always, SAMBA meetings are held at City Kidz Cafe, on the corner of 3rd Street & Main Street.
Thanks a lot and we'll see you there,
SAMBA Board
www.sambajax.org
What a great idea! Thanks for doing this SAMBA
Don't forget...
Brent Staton, chairman of MetroNorth CDC and long time owner of An Olde Time Hardware on Main Street, will be presenting at the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) meeting this evening from 6-7pm.
He'll be discussing the progression of Main Street, where it is now, where it's going, and how to get there. Integrated into this will be how to take lessons learned from MetroNorth CDC and apply them to Springfield.
Anyone interested in local business networking, small business mentoring, or simply in the commercial revitalization of Springfield is encouraged to attend.
As always, SAMBA meetings are held at City Kidz Cafe, on the corner of 3rd Street & Main Street.
Thanks a lot and we'll see you there,
Bill Hoff
Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association
www.sambajax.org
last minute bump.
Good meeting tonight.
Metro North really knows what they are doing.
It was interesting to hear that they got FDOT to agree to a new median moratorium between MLK and Evergreen Cemetery.
Quote from: Lunican on March 11, 2010, 08:24:19 PM
It was interesting to hear that they got FDOT to agree to a new median moratorium between MLK and Evergreen Cemetery.
Like they said, medians kill businesses.
Not a fan of medians, but when I was young, I used to shop at Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Not only did they have a median, but no U-turns were allowed. Still, the shops did fine. Of course, the 50's and early 60's were different...no big malls.
San Marco is doing OK with that big median down the middle. They've been added to 3rd Street at the Beach as well. Between the ENDLESS journey to get Main St. finished, some of the Main St landlord issues I've read about on the forum (just hearsay I know) and the erroneous perception in Jacksonville that Springfield is still a scary dump, maybe that's the real issue...not the median. If I'm coming north on Main, and want to get to Chans or Mike and Waffa's, I'm going to go around the median, for sure. :-)
Still...I'm glad Metro North was able to get them nixed. I wish we could have. We asked about it at that meeting at the church at 8th and Main a couple of years ago, and we were told a big NO.
From what I have heard, it is more difficult to get financing on a building/business if it has lost its access to traffic because of a median.
But what is done is done and it looks beautiful.
Medians help keep traffic moving. Medians that block most intersections make it harder to develop those intersections to most people in today’s must drive everywhere world, that is true. But most will agree that they want a walk able Main Street commercial corridor. To that end, medians can become our friends. The lack of left turns on every intersection can become an asset in promoting the walk ability of the corridor.
Rather that worry about something we can not change, we need to find a way to work with it and help developers and the financial people embrace those ideas. Park and Walk to Shop becomes the motto (Hey, I know, if I was good at mottos and such things, I’d be in show business…..) and we even have the possibility of the off street parking at the left turn streets to help make it work.
Strider is absolutely correct - we need to view our Main Street medians as an asset, not a liability. One of the biggest selling points of Springfield as a neighborhood is walkability. Off-street parking, behind the commercial storefronts, is something the merchants need to keep in mind as we plan for the future.
Quote from: Lunican on March 11, 2010, 08:24:19 PM
It was interesting to hear that they got FDOT to agree to a new median moratorium between MLK and Evergreen Cemetery.
Excellent. The medians are HORRIBLE and UNSAFE.
I am so sick of having to drive 4 blocks out of my way and then cut an unsafe U-turn across two lanes of oncoming traffic, just to get where I'm going. Seriously, what the @#$% is FDOT thinking?
Wouldn't a good compromise be to eliminate the medians at intersections but leave them in place between intersections?
I am so sick of having to drive 4 blocks out of my way and then cut an unsafe U-turn across two lanes of oncoming traffic, just to get where I'm going. Seriously, what the @#$% is FDOT thinking? oye
unquote
Does that mean that if the medians go away so does the oncoming traffic?
Seriously mediams were part of the historic fabric hence them being put back. Don't we all wish for the historic features to stay? If some day they decided to put back the trolly system down the middle of the street would that cause problems also, I would love to see that.
Trolleys on Main were brought up as item that both Springfield, and it's organizations, and Metro North can work together on in the future.
I know I brought it up but the onces considered are on rubber, I would love to see the old trolly - electic brought back down the middle, but that is dreaming.
Running the trolley's down the middle would do away with the center median......would it not? Perfect place to run tracks, power.....but would have to add stops with covers, so forget that idea?
Quote from: chris farley on March 12, 2010, 01:31:17 PM
Seriously mediams were part of the historic fabric hence them being put back. Don't we all wish for the historic features to stay?
Those medians (the new ones) have nothing to do with historic fabric or sentiment and everything to do with moving vehicular traffic. The original medians were much wider. Nevertheless, I do agree with Strider's statement earlier today about the presence of the medians.
Quote from: chris farley on March 12, 2010, 01:41:36 PM
I know I brought it up but the onces considered are on rubber, I would love to see the old trolly - electic brought back down the middle, but that is dreaming.
Three years ago, HSR in Florida was a dream. Now that dream just got a $1.25 billion down payment for it to be up and running in four years. In 2006, stopping JTA from running BRT down Adams Street was a dream but after a band of online misfits stood up and challenged those plans, the bus mall is DOA. When we put together the Lighting Laura Street presentation for the Downtown Action Committee in 2006, the concept was a dream. Now the city is currently reconstructing Laura Street to include many of the pedestrian features mentioned in that presentation.
If Springfield wants "real" trolleys, the economic development benefits and image boost that come with them, Springfield should fight for them. PCT's aren't going to do anything for the neighborhood that the regular bus can't do right now. The money, time and effort wasted to get them would be better applied to things that bring real results. Don't automatically settle for second class or believe that dreams can't quickly become reality. Especially with a major local election coming next year.