SPAR revolt?

[JaxByDefault]

You're right Springfield Girl, SPAR neighborhood meetings aren't as well attended as some other groups in the neighborhood. I was attempting to be inclusive and perhaps even charitable to SPAR.

Actually, I think we do know each other -- and if my suspicions are right, we usually get along quite well. 

[Springfield Girl]

You've got me curious now.

[uptowngirl]

I agree, so as someone who has been attending SPAR neighborhood and board meetings, being a member of many neighborhood organizations and volunteering on an regular basis since 2001 I'm pretty informed. To say that neighborhood meetings are well attended which is not the case makes me question your post. I have been attending board meetings for years and have always been allowed to speak. I am one of the biggest cheerleaders for Springfield and I do know many of the posters on this and the SPAR forum who are continually negative but when confronted with the fact that they do not attend meetings or functions use the excuse that they have to work. I understand that people have different responsibilities but you can't base your opinions on second hand information that is often filled with rumor and innuendo.

I think the point of this discussion is it is even occurring, and there are many giving input. If this was on the SPAR board it would have been locked or deleted by now. People are not always going to agree, that doesn’t mean the conversation shouldn’t happen. By trying to silence even the complainers, you are just letting things simmer and eventually boil over. Why not have the discussion? People are feeling disenfranchised, you can see that from these posts, it needs to be addressed. Also what is wrong with new leadership? What is wrong with transparency? What is wrong with being held accountable? Why should the relationship between SPAR and SRG be so close as to make people wonder at all? I don’t understand the defensiveness.....I am happy the conversation can occur here without being shut down. People should be able to voice an opinion without being called a  whiner or griper, this is part of the issue people ARE complaining about! I am also VERY interested in what some of the urban experts on here think about Springfield and what should be happening.

[jbm32206]

I also agree that we probably all know one another, and have met face to face several times...and at neighborhood activities/functions...and yes, we all do get along.

Uptowngirl, once again, you've nailed it....if this (and a few other threads) were on the spar forum, it would've been locked and probably a few of us banned. Nor do I understand the hostility. Because open discussions such as this can lead to a solution...but then again, it's a matter of the council members not really listening to our concerns. They should be interacting with the members, as a forum can be a great source of information sharing, ideas, etc and as I said, solutions.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with any one of us expressing our dissatisfaction, even our anger over issues, especially when you feel they've been falling upon deaf ears. There's a growing resentment within our community, and it's creating a deeper void because many feel that the council members don't want to hear from us.

[strider]

As one of the "negative" posters, I just wanted to say that what I have posted is not demonizing SPAR Council.  Odd that someone would use that phrase.  What I posted and what I know is based on personal experience.   The negatives posted by all of the "negative" posters about the current SPAR Council is pretty much spot on.  From personal knowledge.  

None of that means that everyone involved is bad and that nothing good comes out of SPAR Council.  It is the few that have the most say that seem to be the issue.  Some, as I stated before, have tried their best, but with the Executive Director seemly in charge instead of a real board, what can you expect?  Having board members that are friendly to the developers, if they do not actually work for the developers, directly or indirectly, doesn't help either.  The developer's agendas rarely coincide with what the community as a whole wants or needs.  The developers biggest concern is normally their own bottom line.  Actually as it should be, but should they have any real influence over the future of the community as a whole?  

[JaxByDefault]

Not all developers are bad for Springfield, either. For example, there are some amazing live/work row buildings being built on 6th. The 3rd and Main project will benefit Main's lagging streetscape.

Developers will likely (eventually) buy and build on 8th and Main. The issue is how SPAR (and the city) will interact with those developers and to what degree developers will be intergrated into a comprenhensive SPR plan. SPAR will have to evolve into a more masterful urban planning entity if they really want to solicit, manage, and hold accountable future neighborhood investors.

[thelakelander]

I am also VERY interested in what some of the urban experts on here think about Springfield and what should be happening.

Springfield has so much potential and the revitalization process is a simple one.  Just typing off the top of my head, here are some things that need to be accepted for commercial revitalization (in no particular order).

1. Accept the market for what it is

The retail studies showcase some interesting information, but if their main purpose is to attract national retailers, they may be a waste of time.  The reason they may be a waste is that major retailers already have this type of information on hand.  No one is going to trick a Publix, Target or even a Panera Bread to come in, based off a small neighborhood study that isolates itself from the surrounding neighborhoods.  If there is really a market for their product, they will find a way to get in on the action.

2. Focus on existing and local businesses

Inner city commercial revitalization techniques typically start with local mom and pops coming in to create a district with a special vibe.  Then the national guys end up following them.  Springfield should rally and infill around its existing local assets.  These would include the places like Shanty, the Pearl, the bike shop, Chan's, Carl's, Jerome Brown's, Three Layers, etc.  Places like KFC, Popeye's, Captain D's, Krystal, etc. should also be embraced, considering these are successful businesses that Downtown can not even attract.  So focus on helping the people already there improve their properties to create that unique Springfield vibe, before going after outsiders.

3. Embrace Density

I once read an article where someone had bragged about the neighborhood's population falling below 6,000, as if it were a good thing.  Springfield is a urban community that was developed to have and support a population density twice as large as it is today.  Main and 8th will never meet their potential if a dense collection of multi-family projects isn't encouraged to rise in the neighborhood.  Btw, when I mean neighborhood, I don't mean just 8th and Main.  A diverse mix of multifamily projects should be encouraged on ALL residential streets.  Afterall, that's how the community originally developed.

4. Push for Connectivity 

Why promote Springfield and Downtown as isolated islands?  If you combine their assets and promote them together, they pack a powerful punch.  This will also make it much easier to take advantage of the traffic traveling down State and Union.  Most see this area as no man's land, but considering those streets carry as much traffic as our suburban highways, they should be filled with a ton of retail serving the entire inner city.  Also, don't forget about the parks lining Hogans Creek.  The urban core was at its best when that park system was viewed as Jacksonville's Central Park.  Btw, the same goes for the neighborhoods to the north.  Some joint redevelopment efforts between Metro North and Springfield would also be beneficial to both communities.  Last, but not least, Springfield residents should really rally around bringing a commuter rail line to the S-Line.  Connecting this neighborhood with the rest of the city by rail will do more for this community then anything currently being pursued.

[JaxByDefault]

Thank you, Lakelander; All excellent points.

Springfield stands to gain a great deal from commuter rail. I would hope that the S-Line would be something that SPAR would really get behind. Since the city and JTA are just warming to the idea of rail, a push in that direction from neighborhood associations like SPAR and RAP would be a boon to the cause.

I would add that SPAR's problems with urban planning are shared, in large part, by the city government. The city itself does not have a robust urban planning vision or an active commitment to positive downtown/Springfield development. While SPAR's job would be easier if the city invested in revamping their planning, this forum demonstrates that SPAR has abundant neighborhood resources that they (for a variety of reasons) choose to under-utilize.

[thelakelander]

I'm still not sold on the idea that going through SPAR is the only way to get some life on Main Street.  Imo, SPAR is not the key player here.  Its the existing businesses and property owners.

[sheclown]

It is the upturning of noses towards those businesses and people deemed beneath them, and the desperate desire to achieve "urban professional" status which harms Main Street and all of Springfield. 

[thelakelander]

What's the general population of residents upturning their noses, verses those who don't and the people who still drive down Main to get to places they enjoy?  For example, Chan's doesn't have "urban professional" status, but they have carved out a niche for their product.  The same goes for Jerome Brown's, Hola and a collection of other businesses.  I think the commercial corridors could be a pretty happening place, if a larger collection of local establishments that appeal to a larger crowd (the true market) operate in a manner where they complement each other.  But we will need to get to the point of where we view Main as the Northside's premier N/S commercial corridor, as opposed to an isolated 12 block strip through Springfield.

[JaxByDefault]

The desire to isolate Historic SPR from downtown and the Northside is highly detrimental, and one of the worst urban planning missteps in SPAR's vision.

The posture that most current Main Street businesses are temporary until "something better" comes along stifles small business growth and alienates a majority of the neighborhood residents.

The laser focus on larger developments on Main and 8th--especially during the economic downturn--is also problematic. Plenty of successful business operate tucked away on the residential streets, increasing the mix of uses and walkability of the neighborhood as a whole.

Many of SPAR's core leaders speak of Springfield in isolation as means of combating crime issues. However, they fail to recognize that economic development that reflects the diversity of the area's residents is the best way to reduce crime. Vibrant, busy neighborhoods tend to be safer neighborhoods.

[Downtown Dweller]

I could not agree more with these posts. I have also been monitoring the discussion on the SPAR forum board. It appears steps have been taken to "squash" the conversation on that side (similar to what has been posted here about volunteers and whining and complaining) here are some exceprts, you be the judge is this how board members (or former board members) should be addressing concerns of the neighborhood?

" I have heard of many of the "evils" of SPAR, and invariably what it boils down to is not what is, or is not in the SPAR Mission (which is extremely broad) it is about who likes or dislikes who, and what personalities get along, or dont."

"To the request to have more board members post I would say that several used to fairly often but quit when it became non productive."

"The problem I have is with the people who complain about SPAR the organization and its volunteers but don't make their presence or their opinions known. We as residents ARE SPAR. Anytime I have had residents come to me with issues I have taken them to the group. So have most of the other board members. The majority though have never given us any more than "SPAR doesn't represent me" or "SPAR needs new leadership"."

"Go to the source, look for the facts, get involved and ask questions instead of complaining about things that are too late to change and accepting as truth everything you hear on the street."

"You're joking right? I think you should be the first to apply to replace one of the ousted VOLUNTEER board members. I'm sure your positive attitude would contribute so much more to the organization than any of the current members possibly could."

"The few vocal, negative posters here that are demonizing and misrepresenting SPAR should look into the facts."

"I'm so tired of hearing people say that SPAR doesn't represent them."

"Work for issues you believe in and quit griping when things don't go your way."

"So you think the studies are invasive and annoying but SPAR doesn't represent you. Maybe they should employ a crystal ball?"


I think you can see a trend in responses, why should the neighbors bring anything up when this is the type of answers they receive? Perhaps if members (besides developers) could speak up at meetings people could get their points, intrests and needs across? As to the very last quote, SPAR has NO business knowing someone's income, none at all. As stated by a former board member on the SPAR forum: It is also my view that SPAR is a tool of people who volunteer, not some sort of government entity that is there to do our every whim and bidding"  So why do we get census requests from SPAR? It seems to be trend here, we are not the government, but when it suits our needs we are.

Now, if you take a step back and look at comments here and try to take your personal sense of offense out of it, you will see people ARE providing feedback to SPAR, in a forum that can not be squashed, that allows them to state it how it is without being shutdown, locked down, or banned. This is an opportunity if you so choose to hear from people in the neighborhood, and work for the betterment of the neighborhood. People don't go to the meetings because nothing comes out of it. Emails sent to SPAR are not answered or answered weeks later. No one (except certain individuals) are allowed to speak at meetings. A list of sub-committees and groups was listed earlier, but who determined these were the issues/groups that would fit the needs of the neighborhood? (btw, the wine club (while fab and fun) is not really something I would consider as a "tool of SPAR" unless SPAR includes in their mission drinking and eating as a goal? SACARC is part of the Woman's Club not SPAR, as are several other groups mentioned. In fact I think you could argue tht these individual groups, and most importantly the Woman's Club actually do MORE for the neighborhood than SPAR.

So perhaps it is not that people are not making their wants and needs known, perhaps it is SPAR who is not listening? Perhaps SPAR is not communicating enough, or listening when neighbors are trying to communicate with you?

Why don't you list at least five major items SPAR has done in the past year right here?

Why don't you address the rumors going around the hood? If we should go to the source, then consider this going to the source:

What has SPAR done for the neighborhood lately?

Why have board members quit?

Why are board members selected and not voted in as replacements? I know of some that were selected by the board just a couple of months prior to a vote.

Why is the community not informed of resignations, and then offerred the chance to throw their hat in the ring, even if the board is going to decide who gets the opening?

Did SPAR use funds from the general fund to pay for "pet projects"?

Why doesn't SPAR at least attempt to get representation from each quadrant for the board? I can think of two quadrants that are almost completley ignored.

Why do the neighbors not receive meeting minutes?

Why are there so many members with actual ties to or quasi ties to one person in the neighborhood?

Why did SPAR decide to not publish how board members vote on items?

Why was Louise given a "lifetime postion" without a vote from the neighborhood?

Why has SPAR decided to concentrate on commerical developement with out input from the neighborhood?

What exactly is SPAR's Urban plan?

What is SPAR working on?

What is goign on with the Crime fund? Where are they patrolling, who are they arresting, why if private funds are being used are the arrests being reported being lumped in with the everyday arrests being made by patrol and vice officers? How does SPAR (and neighbors) know their money is being spent wisely?

Here is a list of questions, no slamming of SPAR. I would think addressing these could go a long way towards creating a cohesive neighborhood. Shouldn't everyone living here have a say in the plans for the neighborhood? Since speaking up at the meeting is not an option for "just residents". forum discussions are squashed, and meeting minutes non-existent, then communication needs to happen in a new way.






Edited becasue I did forget to add that a few of these comments are from former board members*****

[JaxByDefault]

There are some good questions here.

I would add:

How does SPAR see SPR as an essential part of downtown and the surrounding communities?

What large-scale urban planning initiatives would SPAR like to see, and support, for Jacksonville as a whole?

Will SPAR commit to actively support commuter rail in Jacksonville and transit-oriented development in SPR and the urban core?

What are SPAR's plans for working with the city to bring concrete development incentives to SPR? Will these target only large-scale developers? What LISC incentives are SPAR developing and planning to introduce?

What does SPAR define as affordable housing? What is being done to promote affordable housing initiatives in SPR? Does SPAR reach out to the affordable housing programs of surrounding neighborhoods?

How is SPAR reaching out to all existing SPR businesses, even those who do not regularly participate in SPAR?

Many of the posters here have expressed the need for greater communication between SPAR and residents and a desire for greater organizational transparency. However, many board resignations are for personal and family reasons. It is problematic to read all resignations as a referendum on SPAR itself.

I appreciate most all of the posters here contributing to an issues-based discussion. I hope that we all continue to refrain from the rumor, rancor, and name-calling that undermines these types of discussions elsewhere.



__________
Edited for typo.

[Downtown Dweller]

First I would like to give congrats to Met Jax for having an admin that calls out posters on your site and discloses them and their identities on others.

Second, this is typical of the game being played in the neighborhood today. Legit questions asked, childish responses and actions taken. I believe this is the same thing that happened to Stephen (wow same person too!)

How to carry on a civil discourse with people like this? Doesn't Met Jax have some rules?

Since one of SouthernNolaBelles alter egos over at MetroJacksonville asked question specific to our discussion, and since she is temporarily banned, is unable to do so here, I will repost her specific questions, and answer them from my point of view.


Quote:
Why don't you list at least five major items SPAR has done in the past year right here?
These are only things I am aware of, I am certain there is more
The Monthly Roundtable meetings are extemely important. I know Joan is upset about them being during business hours, but that is the only time that SPAR is able to get represenatives from city departments and agencies.

Heritage Days was a pretty massive undertaking

Restore Jacksonville partnership with RAP

Developing a partnership with LISC, and establishing what has to happen to kick commercial development in the butt to get it going

Quite a bit of time was spent preparing for Summertime in the City (a Main St music festival), which due to things outside of our control, did not happen.

Why don't you address the rumors going around the hood? If we should go to the source, then consider this going to the source:
As someone who has spent a significant amount of time trying to flush out many of these rumors it is often a complete waste of time. SPAR should do a better job of communicating what it does. This is a criticism I have always had, but SPAR doesnt have the resources for a full time rumor buster, and those of us dumb enough to have tried, have been time and again sucked into controversies for simply trying to get the questiosn answers.

What has SPAR done for the neighborhood lately?
Redundant question.

Why have board members quit?
As I am the only one who quit recently, I have already stated that family health concerns, and work were the main motivators. I wont claim to know others motivations.

Why are board members selected and not voted in as replacements? I know of some that were selected by the board just a couple of months prior to a vote.
Appointments are a way for SPAR to fill certain voids. It is important SPAR have people from the all areas of the community. Alex, for instance, was appointed. I submitted Alex' name because he is very knowledgeable in technological areas, and I felt he was a strong representative for an area of the neighborhood that felt disenfranchised. I also thought his penchant for whistle blowing would help SPAR stop seeming "secretive" as has been claimed..

Why is the community not informed of resignations, and then offerred the chance to throw their hat in the ring, even if the board is going to decide who gets the opening?
Not all resignations are filled with appointments. I would assume my former seat will be up for a vote in October.
Did SPAR use funds from the general fund to pay for "pet projects"?
Can you be more specific? SPAR has a minut amount of resources, the vast percentage of which goes to employees salarys and day to day bills (at least it used to)

Why doesn't SPAR at least attempt to get representation from each quadrant for the board? I can think of two quadrants that are almost completley ignored.
To my knowledge, there is representation from every quadrant. It used to be (and may still be) in the by-laws that there be a member from each quad.

Why do the neighbors not receive meeting minutes?
Why dont neighbors who want them simply ask for them?

Why are there so many members with actual ties to or quasi ties to one person in the neighborhood?
I assume that you mean we are all somehow tied to Mack. I am not sure how the board members are tied to him. One board member has a long working relationship with him, but she is very much her own person. Is there a reason why people who know or work with him should be excluded?

Why did SPAR decide to not publish how board members vote on items?
A simple yes or no vote doesnt speak to the reasons behind the vote.

Why was Louise given a "lifetime postion" without a vote from the neighborhood?
She was not given a lifetime position, to my knowledge (this may have changed, and I am simply not aware) She serves at the will of the board, and can be replaced or removed at any time by way of board vote.

Why has SPAR decided to concentrate on commerical developement with out input from the neighborhood?
Nothing is done in a vacuum. Nothing is done without input. It is impossible to please 100% of the people 100% of the time, so often, a large percentage of the community will feel the prioroties are all wrong when another large percentage agree. As you are aware SPAR sent out a survey, and the #1 issue on that survey was commercial development. That sounds like a mandate to me

What exactly is SPAR's Urban plan?
As I am not an urban planner, so I wont claim to know

What is SPAR working on?
Not on the board, so I wont claim to be up on things

What is goign on with the Crime fund? Where are they patrolling, who are they arresting, why if private funds are being used are the arrests being reported being lumped in with the everyday arrests being made by patrol and vice officers? How does SPAR (and neighbors) know their money is being spent wisely?
This question has been asked by you before. Accordingly, SPAR has made every effort to get JSO to be transparent, and JSO has stated quite frankly, it would be impossible to give 100% accurate data as they do not break down the arrests and activity in this manner. However, after many long discussions, LT Kenney agreed to bring monthly stats to the monthly roundtable meeting


I should again state, I am no longer a board member, and have not been to a meeting in months, so I wont claim my answers are anything but what I believe to be the answers.