Appeal Filed Against Mellow Mushroom's Avondale Plans

[tufsu1]

What is being applied to MM should also apply to all of the existing businesses, with regards to time of operation, and when and where they can sit, drink, eat, park, etc.  This is so unfair.  It also makes WLA win, which is the worst part.

it was a solution agreed to by all parties....many businesses have to negotiate with neighborhood groups when moving into areas....now maybe some of the tactics used weren't appropriate, but I would hardly characterize the outcome as unfair.

[thelakelander]

MM agreed to these conditions so now it's time to move on and enjoy some pizza......... after the orgy at Mojo's.

[cline]

MM agreed to these conditions so now it's time to move on and enjoy some pizza......... after the orgy at Mojo's.

Well since MM is being forced to stop serving outside early, maybe it should be pizza first and then orgy at Mojo's. 

[Gators312]

I saw WJXT out there interviewing John Valentino today around 10:30am.

[mbwright]

Just because parties agree, does not mean they are both happy with the outcome.  I do think it is great that John is now able to move forward.

[strider]

" We feel like we got as fair a deal as we could,” said Alicia Grant, who helped found We Love Avondale. " We still feel it's an inappropriate development for the neighborhood. It certainly doesn't fit in with the character of the other shops and restaurants. But we got the best we could get.”

And:

Grant said the effectiveness of the agreement will depend on the restaurant following the terms so residents don't have to play code enforcement.”

Those are a couple of scary statements.  It means this is not over for Mellow Mushroom.  And that is what happens when you try to compromise with the likes of those who founded WLA.  Once you give them a inch, they smell blood and it (the harassment) might never stop.  Frankly, while I get it that MM hoped to have an easier time in the community by making the consessions, it really made no difference in the end.  It would have been better never to have given anything and fight for what they originally wanted, which, by the way, was legal and fair to start with.  The few they would have pissed off are the same ones who are pissed off still and never would have been real customers to start with.  Perhaps next time .... like if they try to open one in Springfield .... they will remember that.

[Timkin]

Geez.  You would think that the neighborhood was getting a house of ill repute, the way this organization is putting up such a stink about this.    It is annoying and disheartening that they are so hell-bent on opposing Mellow Mushroom. Grow up, WLA!   You're acting like a group of 6 year olds that are not getting their way 

[rjr120]

I, for one, can't wait to bring my business to MM when it finally opens.  It will give me a reason to bike into to Avondale more often!

[Timkin]

+1.  It would be the first business I patronize in Avondale.   Love me some Mellow!   Boo Hiss , WLA   

[thelakelander]

Mellow Mushroom construction pending in Avondale

by Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor

After more than a year of plans and negotiations, Mellow Mushroom is preparing to build its proposed Avondale restaurant in Jacksonville at 3601 St. Johns Ave.
The City is reviewing plans for the project to include site work, a "ground-up" building and interior build-out at a project cost of $1.4 million.

The seat count is limited to 204 seats "per City requirement," according to the documents.

Tenant Contractors Inc. is the contractor and Design Cooperative LLC is the architect.

full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=539685

[Overstreet]

What will happen is that MM will open up and it won't be a problem. Then the dust will settle.

I am reminded of a HOA that protested a church school going in across the road. Their fears of crime, noise and traffic were unfounded. They later started having their meetings in the church meeting room.

[fieldafm]

What will happen is that MM will open up and it won't be a problem. Then the dust will settle.

I am reminded of a HOA that protested a church school going in across the road. Their fears of crime, noise and traffic were unfounded. They later started having their meetings in the church meeting room.

Just like all the people that opposed Black Sheep that now spend 2-3 days a week there 

[grimss]

What will happen is that MM will open up and it won't be a problem. Then the dust will settle.

I am reminded of a HOA that protested a church school going in across the road. Their fears of crime, noise and traffic were unfounded. They later started having their meetings in the church meeting room.

Just like all the people that opposed Black Sheep that now spend 2-3 days a week there 

[nighthawksjax]

I honestly don't know what the big fuss is about. If Valentino had proposed to take Fuel, we would have welcomed it. It's not like the Avondale strip popped up around these houses overnight. You CHOSE to move next to it. You CHOSE to live in the area. If you are so bent on living in an urban setting, move to middleburg or Lake city.

[JayBird]

I honestly don't know what the big fuss is about. If Valentino had proposed to take Fuel, we would have welcomed it. It's not like the Avondale strip popped up around these houses overnight. You CHOSE to move next to it. You CHOSE to live in the area. If you are so bent on living in an urban setting, move to middleburg or Lake city.

+1000 agree with you completely ... and I think that every town in every county in every state has this same issue. People move next to airport and complain about safety, next to a school and complain about idling buses, next to a nightclub and complain about noise. Bottom line, some people love to complain while others do not like change. Build it, dust settles, still happy community.