S.A.M.B.A.

fsu813 · November 12, 2009, 12:54:39 AM

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.

thelakelander · November 12, 2009, 06:11:30 AM

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.

fsu813 · November 12, 2009, 08:41:09 PM

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?

thelakelander · November 12, 2009, 09:57:33 PM

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.

sheclown · November 13, 2009, 08:03:49 AM

Thank you for posting this information.

fsu813 · December 08, 2009, 12:08:53 PM

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.

Sigma · December 08, 2009, 07:21:55 PM

Is the hearing on the car wash this Thursday? I have not seen any updates. Thanks

thelakelander · December 08, 2009, 09:19:11 PM

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.

Sigma · December 08, 2009, 10:00:56 PM

thanks

fsu813 · February 09, 2010, 11:17:39 AM

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

thelakelander · February 09, 2010, 11:21:49 AM

This should be good. I'm looking forward to hearing what she has to say.

Springfielder · February 09, 2010, 12:21:07 PM

will SAMBA also be hosting the other candidates?

tufsu1 · February 09, 2010, 12:56:31 PM

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

fsu813 · February 09, 2010, 02:51:45 PM

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?

fsu813 · February 11, 2010, 10:36:30 AM

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.