Is Springfield Ready for a Car Wash?

[jason_contentdg]

I think if Springfield only looks to businesses with history, we're turning our back on quite a few prospects, new businesses.

[CityLife]

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.

Not necessarily true. MetroJacksonville seems to champion the idea of adaptive re-use. Surely the building could be converted to a non-automobile related use. Didn't 9th and Main use to be a gas station? Was there anything at 3rd and Main a few years ago?

Its a bit alarmist to suggest that the lot will remain vacant for 10 years if the exception isn't granted.

This is coming from someone who is torn on the whole issue...

[CS Foltz]

jason_contentdg............I would agree! Not all business's are for a Historical District setting and SPAR should be doing more about attracting such, but thats just my take!

[fsu813]

"I have found many times in the past that for all the talk, no one really wants or has a dime to spend on a local business."

- Have you heard of the Main Street enhancement project?

Thousands of dollars worth of materials have been secured for businesses.

SAMBA will be formulating an easy to use/understand "road map" on how to navigate the various hurdles needed to open in our historic district. This should be very helpful.

The UNF Small Business counsel is also available to assist businesses with guidance...they come weekly to the SPAR office to meet.

In fact, they will be presenting at this weeks SAMBA meeting (Jan 14th , 6pm-7:15pm @ City Kidz - corner of 3rd & Main).

Though in need of continued development, there is support for small businesses in the area that is more than chit chat.

[CityLife]

I think if Springfield only looks to businesses with history, we're turning our back on quite a few prospects, new businesses.

No doubt, I know of one prospective business that doesn't have a track record, but a sound plan and is being actively encouraged.

Its nothing personal, strictly based on uses.

[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.

Not necessarily true. MetroJacksonville seems to champion the idea of adaptive re-use. Surely the building could be converted to a non-automobile related use. Didn't 9th and Main use to be a gas station? Was there anything at 3rd and Main a few years ago?

Its a bit alarmist to suggest that the lot will remain vacant for 10 years if the exception isn't granted.

This is coming from someone who is torn on the whole issue...

I'm just going off what's been expressed here.  Those against have stated commercial traffic on 4th and getting an exception as being a part of the reason they are against.  Considering its a commercially zoned property, those two statements rule out a lot of creativity.  Even going residential would require a rezoning (even 3rd & Main had to be rezoned), which has been frowned against in during this discussion.

[sheclown]

I would imagine that the planning commission is only the first step.  My experience tells me that it goes to the LUZ committee after planning commission's recommendation and then to full city council for a vote.  But this may be only for ordinances and not for exceptions. 

If the above case is true, the public has at least three opportunities to be heard...planning commission, LUZ committee and full council.

Anyone have clarity on this?

[fsu813]

"Even going residential would require a rezoning (even 3rd & Main had to be rezoned), which has been frowned against in during this discussion."

- i think you'd find little legit opposition to re-zoning certain properties from commerical to residential, unless i'm missing something.

Also, a commerical property isn't THE issue, at least to me. It's what was proposed and how it was/is being done. Besides, selectivity is promoted when an excemption is needed.

If a garden/nursery were to be proposed for that location by someone with the funds and a clear vision for it, i would wager that there would be a lot of support for it. Or an office. Or a bike store. Or a cafe. Etc.

How it's done is just as important as what it is, in my opinion.

[jason_contentdg]

So, how has it been done so wrong and why do you think it has been done wrong out of anything other that the owner not knowing all of the loops he had to jump through?

Obviously something has been done to change your way of thinking becasue it's gone from this:

Ultimately, after meeting Mr. Jones and listening to him on several occasions, I have confidence that he wants to do right by the neighborhood and won't willing let the property slip into disrepair.

The precedent issue is tougher. You just can't predict what will happen in the future.

In the end I support it (fingers crossed).

To where you are now....

[CS Foltz]

I concur stephendare!

[02roadking]

I say give it an opportunity. I'm going to try to speak for it, if I can get out of work early. We have to start somewhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8Vs-KMuqjI

[cindi]

I say give it an opportunity. I'm going to try to speak for it, if I can get out of work early. We have to start somewhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8Vs-KMuqjI

this is springfield damn it - we will start at the very top.  i hear that Macy's is chomping at the bit just waiting for this to fall through.

[fsu813]

"To where you are now...."

Instead of listening to others as my sole source of info to make a judgement, I did some research. And I went outside my ususal circle and spoke/listened to people that have a depth of knowledge about such issues.

I looked at the proposal in totality, as the hearing is only 2 days away and I doubt they'll be any other surprises or last second changes, and can't say I have confidence in it.

I don't feel good about it. Wish I did.

As I mentioned before, some information (of a more personal manner) came to light as well, that I don't feel comfortable discussing in public.

[thelakelander]

fsu813, obviously, I don't agree with your opinion on this issue, but I can't fault you for doing your homework and coming up with your own opinion based off the information you seeked.  Jacksonville would be a completely different place if the majority of people did the same.

[jason_contentdg]

fsu813, obviously, I don't agree with your opinion on this issue, but I can't fault you for doing your homework and coming up with your own opinion based off the information you seeked.  Jacksonville would be a completely different place if the majority of people did the same.

Totally agree...