OUR NEXT STEPS WITH PS4 - PLEASE READ

[kgore]

I have been keeping track of all of the progress on PS4 for quite some time.  I have fallen in love with the building and nothing would make me happier to restore it. My dream is to turn it into a museum or something one day.  I am very interested in actually DOING SOMETHING asap about this.  It seems that there is alot of talk of restoration, however no mass attempt.  Everyone that posts here is obviously passionate about the building and the area, as I am.  Together I am sure that we can make something happen. 

I don't want this to be another "lets get motivated about nothing" posts.  I don't want to be just sitting around.  I am not in Jacksonville at the moment, however I will be from the 21st to the 30th of November.  I want to organize a clean up or something, just to get started.  I am extremely passionate about this and I am ready for ACTION.

[deathstar]

Some gears need to start turning, instead of being talked about and left sitting on a shelf. School Four could be gone tomorrow, IF the gears don't start moving.

Do we really want to say.. could of, should of, would of, IF PS4 is indeed torn down.

[jbm32206]

The owner needs to step up to the plate and take some action. Thus far, it's been just a few volunteers doing all the work. People are more willing to pitch in, if there's at least something positive on behalf of the owner...and more than just saying he wants to do something. I've yet to see where he's done much of anything but talk....it's time for him to show some action.

I've been out there, I've given my time and effort...and wouldn't mind doing so again, but just how long must this owner rely only on the blood, sweat and free labor of the volunteers before he actually does something?

[kgore]

I am meeting with a few important people hopefully this week.  I know the history of the building very well, although I am confused when it comes to the exact current state of the building.  What is the Jacksonville government currently doing about it? Why hasn't the man that is planning on turning it into senior living done anything yet? Basically what is the reasoning behind lack of progress, aside from the expense.  Are there any laws stopping anyone from taking action? I will admit I am quite illiterate when it comes to government and etc.  I have never been one to get too involved, so I am pretty uch in the dark.  If someone could try to answer any of my questions, that would help us all quite a bit. Thanks.

Kate

[Coolyfett]

Wasn't that dude Tim cleaning it up? He has not been on here in a while. But a few month ago there was a dude named Tim who also wanted to clean up that school, and was cleaning it solo to my understanding. Maybe you should PM him.

[Ocklawaha]

Wonder what a huge friggin banner along the fence "SUPPORT PS-4 SKYWAY-MULTI MODAL TRANSIT STATION." OR "CITIZENS FOR A FINISHED SKYWAY"

Looking at the Original Skyway thread, brought me back to when I had the early reports in my library and the all showed a jog over toward PS-4. (Not quite right mind you, but damn close!)

Speaking of a CITIZENS GROUP, did you know most of our blue-chip companies in Riverside, including ST VINCENTS, are rabid Skyway supporters? What pressure would it take to get them to step up and as a team, we could bat this ball out of the park?


OCKLAWAHA
Where TRANSIT is always a live subject!

[I-10east]

^^^That "cat monorail" definitely looks more worthwhile, and efficient than the "unfinished folly on wheels" that we currently have.

Hey, I'm I that only one to think that this thread was to talk about a "Playstation 4"; I know, the Annie Lytle school__Hehe.

[deathstar]

Well, since this thread got a lot of views, and very little replies, just sit back and watch.

"Do, or do not, there is no try."

That building WILL stand, and WILL become something. I'm done worrying about it, I'm ready to DO something about it. I absolutely applaud the efforts of the individuals who have gone down there and cleaned up and around the building. You have polished something that has potential beyond what words could ever say. Dammit, if Lynyrd Skynyrd could come back from devastation, then by God that building WILL become something useful. I honestly don't believe a 55+ living facility is the best idea for that area, I mean who wants to live in noisy building?

That's the damn problem with this day and age, everyone always "talks" about doing something, but never gets shit done. Yes, I know, I was born in the 80's, what do I know? I know history, and with everything that everyone here has talked about with buildings, with rail, etc.. it's not doing any of us a bit of damn good just "TALKING" about it.

[jbm32206]

I don't understand your hostility, and that will certainly not provoke others to step in and help. Even though many would like to see the old school be saved and turned into something vibrant, not everyone wants to do the physical work to maintain it until the owner steps up to the plate. The owner should've been taking care of all of this, instead of relying upon the volunteers. Tim has done a fantastic job, there's no doubt about it. I know there's been others who have donated their time and effort, I being one of them.

However, the fact remains, that we cannot keep donating our time...many of us lead very full and busy lives...and weekends are usually stretched to the limits as it is. So even though there's good intentions to want to pitch in and help more, we do have other obligations in our lives. There's a wide range of reasons why people may express their support, but cannot donate the time and or labor. It's not fair to put them down for it.

I admire Tim and those who have made this a personal commitment, and have always remained a supporter. I've also been quite vocal about how I feel the owner has been lacking in his commitment. Ultimately, the ball has always been in his court and ultimately, he's not really done very much about it. He talks a nice game, but I've yet to see where he's stepped up to the plate, and instead has left all the hard work to Tim and anyone else who volunteers their time and efforts.

Has the owner even considered paying Tim for all he's done? Has the owner given him the materials needed to keep the grounds and building clean and secured? Has he reimbursed him for all he's dished out for those materials? I know the day I spent out there, I used my own materials such as trash bags, etc. I don't recall Tim saying that the owner gave anything other than requiring everyone to sign that waiver of liability.

So don't jump on us for not being out there to work on Saturdays....as I said, people may express support, but there's reasons as to why they may not be able to donate their time to do the work.

[Ocklawaha]

JBM, I didn't read DeathStar's post that way. I think the point was being made to, "as a city", get off our collective "a**es" and DO SOMETHING! I don't even thing it was ment just for PS-4, but for Hogans Creek, McCoys Creek, Streetcars etc...DO SOMETHING JACKSONVILLE!

Ya know, THAT kind of has a ring to it... "DO SOMETHING JACKSONVILLE". A 501C3 with such a title could change our lives or perhaps help.

It's not that folks don't help at PS-4, it's just that how can so many, "Owe so much, to so few?" (Curchhill)
We need more DEATHSTARS and TIM's in this city. People willing to put the effort into backing up their mouths. Certainly JBM, we all know that Tim, you and many others have helped, but what about the other 1.2 Million? Can we awaken the dead? the undead? the living?

Keep up the great posts y'all and we'll move that damn mountain! PS-4 Skyway/Streetcar/Bus Transit TOD center... now THAT sounds cool and I already know Tim and the TU agree.

OCKLAWAHA

[jbm32206]

That's the damn problem with this day and age, everyone always "talks" about doing something, but never gets shit done. Yes, I know, I was born in the 80's, what do I know? I know history, and with everything that everyone here has talked about with buildings, with rail, etc.. it's not doing any of us a bit of damn good just "TALKING" about it.

Well, I did take it that way, and it certainly seems directed at us on this forum...and I stand by what I responded with. The truth is, the owner hasn't stepped up to the plate, instead he continues to rely on volunteers to do the work, which he should be paying someone to do.

The city cannot do anything with the building but knock it down...the ball's in the owners court.

[Ocklawaha]

That's the damn problem with this day and age, everyone always "talks" about doing something, but never gets shit done. Yes, I know, I was born in the 80's, what do I know? I know history, and with everything that everyone here has talked about with buildings, with rail, etc.. it's not doing any of us a bit of damn good just "TALKING" about it.

Well, I did take it that way, and it certainly seems directed at us on this forum...and I stand by what I responded with. The truth is, the owner hasn't stepped up to the plate, instead he continues to rely on volunteers to do the work, which he should be paying someone to do.

The city cannot do anything with the building but knock it down...the ball's in the owners court.

I'll agree. Certainly the City is powerless and the owner either "spineless" or "dollarless"...  I just didn't think it was aimed at you and I personally. Maybe because I post so many "Wake the Hell Up" messages, I just don't take them personal. If it WAS intended as personal then certainly the poster has some explaining to do --- did he/she show up at any work day? Interview? Make any effort on this?

OCKLAWAHA

[jbm32206]

I didn't take it personally, but did take it as a bit of a slam against those of us who have discussed it on the forum. I just don't want people to assume or get the impression that just because they don't go out and work at the school grounds, that they don't care and haven't worked in different capacities to help promote the restoration. My message was intended to say that and for the poster to understand that, and know that not everyone works in the same ways.

[Ocklawaha]

You make a great point JBM, frankly we all don't and SHOULDN'T work in the same ways. For our example it sounds like you were with Tim down in the school yard. So you were part of the hands on, clean up crew. Meanwhile I was with Tim at the TU and to carry the concept to JTA and Company as far as City Hall. Tim was acting as the over all project organizer. A city needs a collection of people and buildings, but a community needs many hands and voices, all with one heart.

OCKLAWAHA

[jbm32206]

Tim's work in all of this, has been unbelievable...he's put so much time, money and hard work into it. He's also been doing this work for all of the right reasons, and has nothing to gain or profit...words cannot describe the depth of my admiration for him. It angers me that the owner, although talks a good game, has so far...failed to keep his end and maintain his level of responsibility.

The only manner in which the city is involved, is that they're dragging their feet with making any progress with light rail...and can be the driving force behind the demolition of the building, if the owner doesn't make good on keeping the structure sound/safe.