Live Blog: Riverside/Avondale Parking Committee 9/16

[ChriswUfGator]

Allan DeVault, who is on the Board of RAP, is the managing partner of Blacksheep and Chair of the 5 Points Merchants Association.

Well, yes.

Didn't he get to build his building serving alcohol and with outdoor seating?

I note that Kay still hasn't answered the question everyone is asking of her: Why does RAP take one position with one set of folks, and a completely contradictory position with another set, over the same issues in the same area? Other than the fact that the latter are RAP members and the former weren't, what's the difference?

Or is that kind of thing just supposed to be considered acceptable?

[Stephen]

StephenDare...do you have any idea why Kay hasn't answered that question?

[mtraininjax]

Kay should not be speaking for RAP, Carmen is quite intelligent and can speak on behalf of RAP, she is the director.

I am just thinking about the reality that a vibrant Avondale center is far superior to one filled with empty storefronts.  I remember times when this was the case and the reality to me at least is that more restaurants is a good thing and into that I weigh the reality that many of the shops will be closed when evening patrons arrive. 

+1000

[ChriswUfGator]

I am just thinking about the reality that a vibrant Avondale center is far superior to one filled with empty storefronts.  I remember times when this was the case and the reality to me at least is that more restaurants is a good thing and into that I weigh the reality that many of the shops will be closed when evening patrons arrive. 

+1000

+1

[MEGATRON]

Bump for Kay

[Gators312]

I wouldn't hold my breath for Kay to answer this one.

Has MetroJacksonville as a news organization asked RAP the question we all are asking so that it
can be on record? 

Maybe there is more to it than double standards and we just don't have the information?

[Cheshire Cat]

I wouldn't hold my breath for Kay to answer this one.

Has MetroJacksonville as a news organization asked RAP the question we all are asking so that it
can be on record? 

Maybe there is more to it than double standards and we just don't have the information?

Which specific question is that? 

[Tacachale]

I wouldn't hold my breath for Kay to answer this one.

Has MetroJacksonville as a news organization asked RAP the question we all are asking so that it
can be on record?

well we regard them as kind of part of our news community, to be honest.  And we do a lot of dialogue.  In any case, simply demanding that someone answer a question doesnt guaranty that they have to answer it, especially if they are a private organization, which RAP is.

Thats why you get so many 'declined to comment' or 'no comment's.

However here on the forums their silence is deafening, obviously.

This:

One cannot have a rationale conversation. 

Why is supporting a J-Bill that promotes the 'intensification of use' of what could be maybe 4-5 dozens of commercial structures ok?  Doesn't that kind of go against the whole 'moratorium on bars and restaurants' philosophy- which is grounded in 'intensification' concerns?

That's an honest question.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Which specific question is that? 

Pretty sure this one: (in bold)

One cannot have a rationale conversation. 

Why is supporting a J-Bill that promotes the 'intensification of use' of what could be maybe 4-5 dozens of commercial structures ok?  Doesn't that kind of go against the whole 'moratorium on bars and restaurants' philosophy- which is grounded in 'intensification' concerns?

That's an honest question.

Jabbing aside, this is the question  of the hour.

Still no answer on the question of the day?

[Cheshire Cat]

Well folks, I just removed a post I had put up generally defending RAP and Kay Ehas.  Someones not happy about being questioned or about opposing views and has stated as much to me. Now I see more clearly why RAP is seen to be headed down a road that has some questioning their aims and whether or not their opinions are meted out fairly. Some recent dealings appear to say that all is not fair depending upon who knows who.  We have an organization that may have moved beyond serving the community with care and balance as well showing respect for the views of all citizens in the community. Recent attitudes and groups born of RAP members like WLA are creating divisiveness and this is not a good thing for Avondale.   I was mistaken to think there was balance in the mix here.  It appears to be lacking I continue to see and it may well be time for the RAP leadership to make sure that whoever on their board that speaks with "authority" to RAP issues is the authorized spokesperson.  Kay Ehas does not speak for RAP, but for herself and right now "herself" is furious at having anyone question RAP, their involvement in the St. Johns project or the mention of Wayne Wood or his connection to RAP.  She feels the newspaper was stupid to say Wayne Wood is the founder of RAP. He does not speak for them anymore.  Okay, the history of him being the founder of an agency to moderate what happens in Riverside/Avondale has nothing to do with his attempts to scuttle the St. John's project.  The reality is that Mr. Wood is a person whose past history with RAP as it's founder is in fact very much a factor when he is voicing an opinion against a development with RAP right on his heels.  It is what it is. 

[Cheshire Cat]

As another poster stated earlier Carmen Godwin speaks publicly for RAP.
Johnathan Oliff, the board chair
Kay Ehas is a "vice" chair.


You can get more info and contact them via this link:
http://www.riversideavondale.org/

[Cheshire Cat]

Now this is interesting to me considering Kay's stance that Wayne Woods connection to RAP means nothing in the issue of the St. Johns development and that the newspaper was stupid to say as much.  Well don't ya know that Mr. Wood himself has used the news article on his FB page that points him out as the found of RAP.  Gosh, one would think that if Wayne had a problem with him being associated to the RAP organization or being identified as the founder of the self same organization he would not have used this piece on his own FB page. 

Fishweir Creek development scaled down, but RAP founder still says it's 'monstrous

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/business/2013-10-08/story/fishweir-creek-development-scaled-down-rap-founder-still-says-its#ixzz2hGXlmKZ1

[mtraininjax]

Someones not happy about being questioned or about opposing views and has stated as much to me.

Someone is generally not happy with what is being posted on MJ, and its OK, as far as I am concerned to STIR the pot.  After all, if we wanted to sing Kumbaya, we would never have an original thought, we'd just recycle those from Stephen. 

I see Dr. Wood and Kay all around town and at many events. The fact that Kay is probably seen more frequently leading events or participating in city related events, makes her more of a candidate to speak on RAP related issues. I would like to see her more at the RAM events where RAP has its booth, but its a choice. She is passionate, and I respect her views.

Dr. Wood is equally passionate, and I see him around the area, but I really doubt many new people to Riverside Avondale really know who he is. Yeah he founded RAP and brought RAM to under the Fuller Warren Bridge, yeah, yeah, and he is a passionate pioneer, but then so is Tommy Donahoo who founded WLA and decided to upset everyone's apple cart in and around the shops of Avondale.

Like the sides or not, I am happier to live in an area where people question the spaghetti that gets thrown against the wall for stickiness. I know our community is a better place when we pull together as neighbors and work to resolve our issues rather than taking it "you know where" from city hall.

Diane - I appreciate your views and your passion as well. Keep 'em coming! - Jack

[sheclown]

... if you don't stir the pot, your bottom will get burned.