Florence Court Apartments: The Power of Paint

[Springfield Girl]

The thing I don't understand is why all these uses come to Springfield. If you check out the jaxoutloud forums you will see a discussion regarding a cool, old, art deco building formerly owned by the school board over on Liberty. The school board sold it to a church at a reduced price when they had a buyer who was willing to pay a higher amount. Now there is a group in the building that is allegedly recieving funds from the city and possibly Jacksonville Journey to feed, clothe and possibly house ex offenders there. This all happened quietly without informing the surrounding neighbors or neighborhood groups but now that the words out involved parties are bashing Springfield residents and SPAR, even calling out Louise by name. They are painting us as evil haters trying to stop "Gods" work. Many people in Jacksonville figured out a long time ago how to get rich by forming non profits and pimping the system. I would be willing to bet a bundle that we wouldn't see too many of these uses if their only reward was a warm, fuzzy feeling. Back to my first question though, why Springfield? There are many other areas of town that are less expensive and where residents would probably embrace and welcome these uses. The demographics in our area have changed and while we are already bearing the brunt of the social service population, we do not want to, nor should we be expected to support any more. Someone even made the ignorant comment that "they" were here first. I'm sorry to break the news but all the poor, homeless, addicted and criminal element in Jacksonville are not from Springfield, they were not here first and they should not all be wharehoused here. We all know people need help and deserve to get it but why is it expected that Springfield be the only place they recieve it?

[thelakelander]

Springfield Girl, where is this building located on Liberty Street?

[Springfield Girl]

It is right next door to the building that you featured on the constuction update. The one being renovated for lofts. The previous owner put the kibosh on his loft plans due to the HOME church and ministry moving in next door. I am worried that the new homeless/ex offender use will keep the lofts and wharehouse district from moving forward. The day I went by there was a non stop stream of people in and out of the place.

[thelakelander]

You mean this one?

[Springfield Girl]

Yep, that's it.

[billy]

I think they sold the back portion to another user.

[Springfield Girl]

That's what I understand from reading the jaxoutloud forums. It seems like the two owners are having major issues with each other.