253 east 2nd st: Another "emergency demo". Happening now

[sheclown]

They will say "general funds" but I'm sure federal money is going into the general fund.

[sheclown]

http://www.youtube.com/v/HmeRd-AF7gI

[jaxequality]

Why is SPAR staying so quiet about all the demos going on?

[ChriswUfGator]

Why is SPAR staying so quiet about all the demos going on?

They're normally the ones behind it.

[jaxequality]

^^ If they aren't going to do what their mission statement claims, isn't a lawsuit or some kind of official complaint in order? Wells Fargo gives them something like $10,000 a year and has a Historical center set up for Christ's sake. Do they realize they are lending their name to an organization that conducts itself like this?

[Cheshire Cat]

A complaint or complaints can always be made but in order to know where to lodge that complaint you really have to investigate and understand whatever process is being used to condemn these properties and then have "proof" that the legal process is being circumvented and abused which is why I asked the questions earlier in this thread about how the demo's are paid for, who authorizes them, the criterion used (should it be challenged and changed) etc. Someone seriously needs to go and view the records at city hall in Scott's department to see if every step of the process to demo including recent emergencies has been followed and that the process is not being abused.  That of course is what happened in the situation where Kimberly Daniels called a meeting to discuss a recent demo.  You have to show a pattern of action that is "improper".  You need to find out how the demo contracts are awarded, how the pending demo of a house is advertised and is that being done in a timely manner and most importantly whether or not "emergency" demo is in fact needed. You need to understand who is awarding the contracts for demo.  Are they legally bid out?  What is the proper criterion to award these demo jobs to private contractors?  Clearly, homes are being taken down that are not at danger of immediate collapse and proving that via statements of contractors, engineers and others with expertise can be used to mount a challenge to this destruction.  Remember, for some of those in power like Scott, discussion of historic value means nothing because she frankly doesn't care about that.  You must show that rules and regulations are being abused and that the criterion for demolition needs to be altered as well as the process.  I frankly think we are currently seeing the result of someone, in this case Kimberly Scott, who has an exaggerated sense of their own power taking an in-your-face attitude with the citizens and taxpayers of Jacksonville.  She needs to be reminded that she is an employee of the citizens and taxpayers and to do that you need to find where the abuses in the department are taking place. It is also worth looking into what if any connections the contractors have to Scott herself.  It has been my past experience that this can also impact the type of actions officials take.

[jaxequality]

^^^Agreed. I still want to know if SPAR has picked up the phone or formally notified Kimberly Scott as to their thoughts?

[Cheshire Cat]

Perhaps you should just ask them. 

[JaxUnicorn]

^^^Agreed. I still want to know if SPAR has picked up the phone or formally notified Kimberly Scott as to their thoughts?

I've not seen anything about it if they have....

[fsquid]

Why is SPAR staying so quiet about all the demos going on?

Follow the money

[jaxequality]

Perhaps you should just ask them. 

Bill Hoff has yet to respond. I just find it comical that when SPAR is opposed to the renaming of a street the dogs are called out, but when houses and structures are being torn down there isn't one peep.

[JFman00]

I really just want to know who to call to yell at. I don't particularly care about the legalities or decisionmaking or meetings/lack thereof. That it happened is complaint enough. Is it Kimberly Scott? I really don't care what she thinks, she needs to hear what *I* think as a citizen/taxpayer/voter. If she really thinks she can just steamroll citizens with her personality/power then it's up to citizens to prove her wrong.

[sheclown]

City council. All of them. Voice your concerns. Include the mayor

[Cheshire Cat]

True Gloria, but if you have documentation, video and proof that proper procedure was circumvented or ignored, the council will listen more readily. The mayor however I do not think will care one bit about this issue. It's not high profile and not flashy enough.

One thing that needs to be remembered is that even things like demolitions are money generators and as such a small industry has risen up in Jacksonville surrounding them, which is why investigation is needed.  You can only slow down a Kim Scott and her willing minions with facts and documentation that point to wrongdoing or abuse of authority.  I know from long experience that this is the case.   Abuse of authority needs to get a serious look here.

[iloveionia]

No excuses.  Cut and paste the addresses.  Type.  Send.  Speak your passion for preservation.  Get to it!

CLAY@coj.net
WBISHOP@coj.net
RCLARK@coj.net
REDMAN@coj.net
LBOYER@coj.net
MATTS@coj.net
GAFFNEY@coj.net
EDLEE@coj.net
WAJONES@coj.net
RBROWN@coj.net
HOLT@coj.net
DOYLEC@coj.net
GULLIFORD@coj.net
JIMLOVE@coj.net
KIMDANIELS@coj.net
JRC@coj.net
JOOST@coj.net
GANDERSON@coj.net
RLUMB@coj.net