Is Springfield Ready for a Car Wash?

[CS Foltz]

stephendare...........I agree! SPAR  says that they represent the general concensus for Springfield and I have seen nothing that supports that misconception. If they did then they would be working with rather than against! The opinions of a select few are masking the opinions of the many! Not really sure just what could be done at this point other than Mr Silas should seek legal representation since he has sunk most of his available money into something that SPAR appears to be totally against.............this is not something that would be operating right on Main Street so I am confused as to why the uproar!

[CityLife]

Unless Silas can transform himself into Bill Cesery (ain't happening) he's not going to get their approval.  

The implication being?

Man you guys are pretty sensitive.  To help you out how about this.....No way in hell that SPAR will approve of a car wash opening in Springfield.  Is that good enough for you?  

With that said, back to the earlier point, he should seek to rally those that do then waste time appealing to those who's minds are set in stone.

That's all you had to say upfront. However you said that if it was Cesery it would have been approved. I think what you were possibly implying is a bit unhealthy, but no big deal. I agree that the exception should be looked at from a strictly land use/zoning perspective. Ultimately that is all that will matter at the Planning Commission meeting.

As for the attorney thing, if he was going to hire one he should have done it a few months ago.

[thelakelander]

That's all you had to say upfront. However you said that if it was Cesery it would have been approved. I think what you were possibly implying is a bit unhealthy, but no big deal.

You don't have to interpret what I have to say.  I've think I've shown in the couple of years I've posted here that I have no problem telling people what I think, regardless of how they may feel on a subject.  I'm not a sugercoater.  With that being mentioned, I made my statement (and have explained it twice now) and if someone does not like it, well that's something they'll have to deal with personally.  

I agree that the exception should be looked at from a strictly land use/zoning perspective. Ultimately that is all that will matter at the Planning Commission meeting.

As for the attorney thing, if he was going to hire one he should have done it a few months ago

I agree.

[thelakelander]

So getting back on topic, Jason mentioned this think is still being recommended for denial.  Does anyone know Mr. Jones' next move if he loses?

[Karl_Pilkington]

not sure why this guy would even consider sinking any of his hard earned money into this hellhole called Springfield, everyone agrees the place sucks and there is no way he'd ever make any money with all the rampant crime around anyway.  He'd be way better off packing up his equipment and making at go of it somewhere where the people aren't complete assholes and there is a competent neighborhood association that is welcoming and supportive.  Anyone who even thinks about opening a business in this neighborhood needs to be committed.

[fsu813]

"Does anyone know Mr. Jones' next move if he loses?"

- hopefully open up a successfull carwash in an area of town where no exemption is needed, and where Zoning & Planning won't deny him.

It's my understanding he has other property that could be used.

[CS Foltz]

But he was approved once! If I were him I would commence legal procedings and sue the pants  of SPAR and the City of Jacksonville just because of that!

[Karl_Pilkington]

But he was approved once! If I were him I would commence legal procedings and sue the pants  of SPAR and the City of Jacksonville just because of that!

you know I'm not really sure what suing SPARS pants would accomplish, but some lawyer would make a little cash and thats not a bad thing.

[CityLife]

But he was approved once! If I were him I would commence legal procedings and sue the pants  of SPAR and the City of Jacksonville just because of that!

So in addition to being a horrible investor do you also double as a land use attorney?

[jason_contentdg]

and also, what's the next step for 25 w 4th street?  A building built in the 50's as a car wash and has been operating as a car wash for the better part of the past 50 years.  It's not particularly set up for any other businesses, being essentially a tunnel....

I assume we'd recommend demolition and let the property sit there waiting for whomever wants to come in and give it a try as long as they show us their full design, proof that they have the money readily available, can guarantee that it looks exactly as designed,  and that there does not have to be a exception, so no mixed use, no restaurant with outdoor seating, no multi-family, no live work lofts, and does not add any vehicular traffic to 4th street...

[Dan B]

He was approved in the 90s, but did not act in the specified time to maintain the exception (1 year).

Nobody even knew who he was when the overlay was passed.

[Dan B]

and also, what's the next step for 25 w 4th street?  A building built in the 50's as a car wash and has been operating as a car wash for the better part of the past 50 years.  It's not particularly set up for any other businesses, being essentially a tunnel....

I assume we'd recommend demolition and let the property sit there waiting for whomever wants to come in and give it a try as long as they show us their full design, proof that they have the money readily available, can guarantee that it looks exactly as designed,  and that there does not have to be a exception, so no mixed use, no restaurant with outdoor seating, no multi-family, no live work lofts, and does not add any vehicular traffic to 4th street...

Well put.

[thelakelander]

The future of 25 W 4th is clear.  What you have seen there for the last decade will be what we'll see for the next.

[Karl_Pilkington]

The future of 25 W 4th is clear.  What you have seen there for the last decade will be what we'll see for the next.

see its true SPRINGFIELD SUCKS!

its not just for the next decade, but the next century, guaranteed.  This area is a curse on this fine city.

[fsu813]

The main commerical corridors (Main Street & 8th Street) are worth worrying about far more than what happens to a lot on W. 4th, in my opinion.

If there is energy and concern to be put to use, let's direct it at those. There are a number of businesses (with sound plans & history) looking into these corridors. Finding ways to encourage and help them would be very beneficial. Hopefully SAMBA will taking a leading role in this, looking down the road.