New Residents/Preservation Group to Replace SPAR?

stephendare · April 16, 2009, 12:54:13 PM

I was asked to join the Springfield Historic Area Restoration and Preservation (SHARP) group last night.

Its a group that wants to either replace or reenergize the original mission of SPAR.

Its dedicated to the Historic preservation of the neighborhood as well as its adaptive reuse along sustainability policy.

Architecturally, Preservation is their highest priority followed by Restoration, followed by Renovation, followed by Infill. They are against any more structures being demolished to make way for the developer driven infill projects.

They are also committed to the cultural preservation of the entire history of the neighborhood, including its upper class white, blue collar, Jewish, African American and ghetto years. (which I think is awesome btw) There was even the suggestion of a museum or landmark dedicated to the 70s on 8th and Main.

They are asking for input and are adamant about not being dominated by commercial interests.

Has anyone else got the invitation?

fsujax · April 16, 2009, 01:16:46 PM

Wow. who are they outreaching to? this is the first I have heard of it and I live in Springfield. In a small ONH house.....

fsu813 · April 16, 2009, 01:34:08 PM

1) how is their mission any different from SPAR's?

2) what do you mean by "developer driven infill projects", when refering to demolishing old homes ?

I'm curious......

Karl_Pilkington · April 16, 2009, 01:46:13 PM

I'd be willing to donate an 8track and some tapes to the ultra retro, sounds cool not really 70's museum along with some homemade buck.

Springfielder · April 16, 2009, 04:11:04 PM

This is also the first I've heard of it.....like someone else asked...whom are they asking to join, other that you, Stephen?

thelakelander · April 16, 2009, 04:12:33 PM

I've never heard of this either. Who is officially representing this SHARP group, Stephen?

samiam · April 16, 2009, 06:03:55 PM

Hmmmm

Springfielder · April 16, 2009, 06:17:28 PM

you still haven't responded to our questions.... $:-\$

AlexS · April 16, 2009, 06:31:23 PM

Quote from: stephendare on April 16, 2009, 06:23:00 PM
they would be freer to pass protection ordinances.

We actually have protection ordinances. They just need to be enforced.

Springfielder · April 16, 2009, 07:01:44 PM

Quote from: stephendare on April 16, 2009, 06:20:35 PMoops. sorry. I don't know who else has been asked as the group has only just started forming. Im not one of the 'insiders' so....

My post was actually an inquiry to find out if anyone else knew more about the group.

The couple that asked me has asked me not to reveal them on this board yet as they are a little worried about being sabotaged in their personal lives.

This, I believe...and it's something that has been a concern for others....

vicupstate · April 16, 2009, 07:38:29 PM

Quote from: stephendare on April 16, 2009, 06:41:51 PM
what is homemade 'buck'?

Homemade alcohol made from fermented food. At least that's what it means in prisons. Supposedly very disgusting, if you drink it, you HAVE to be a serious alcoholic.

BridgeTroll · April 16, 2009, 07:40:59 PM

Does SPAR have connections to FBC?

mtraininjax · April 17, 2009, 02:47:03 AM

QuoteAnything I missed?

Yes you did:

How about the City controlling ALL permitting in your historic district? That means that all doors, windows, roofs, power, plumbing, AC, wiring must be permitted in your "historic district".

How about restricting the color you can paint your exterior? How about restricting fences on corners of properties next to streets? How about the issue that you MUST get the city to sign off on allowing any work to be done to the outside of your house, and if you do something without their approval, they can go after you with Code Enforecement and make your life miserable.

SHARP would be a nightmare for most residents, and you would have code enforcement out looking at everything. You may like it now, but remember, once its in, you can't get rid of it.

Springfield Girl · April 17, 2009, 04:40:54 AM

Anyone that is truly interested in preservation might want to show up at the monthly HPC hearing. I always hear people complaining about the demos but month after month code enforcement asks to have properties placed on the formal demolition track and nobody shows up to speak against them. JBM, who can't make the meetings due to work sent a letter in last month that helped save a house near her. The April hearing is next Wednesday. It starts at 3 but lasts for hours.

thekillingwax · April 17, 2009, 05:43:48 AM

How is the permitting currently done? I just remember hearing about all these permits and certificates you need to get work done. I never cared and we've never gone through spar with any of our repairs. Although I do remember someone on the spar board once talking about how they liked to cruise through the neighborhood and report houses with non-historical windows. I thought that was adorable.