“SPAR SPEAK”
the Weekly Update
HISTORIC STREETSCAPE DESTRUCTION
At the August SPAR Board meeting, a number of residents questioned the City's policy on replacing the few remaining brick paved streets. This issue, which has been simmering for some time, came to a boil because, when the City recently repaired Pearl Street, it asphalted over the pavers at the roundabout at 4th. This article will address that issue and the broader issue of preservation and restoration of all of our historic architectural streetscape materials such as granite curbing, brick pavers in our streets and on alley aprons and sidewalk pavers.
After a number of inquiries, we found that in 2008, the issue of preserving the brick pavers was raised with the City. The City at that time stated emphatically that they would not repair or replace brick pavers because it was too expensive compared to asphalt. They did concede, however, that removed pavers would be preserved for Springfield uses such as ally aprons and roundabouts. We also know the City will not replace the historic granite curbs and sidewalk pavers, presumably because of cost, but instead uses ordinary concrete.
The "concession" to save the pavers is, of course, meaningless if the City paves over the pavers. We also know that previously "saved" pavers have disappeared. In any case, we firmly believe that brick pavers and other historic streetscape materials are an integral part of an historic neighborhood. Many other cities such as St. Petersburg, Tampa and Orlando have conscientiously sought to preserve their historic streets. In fact, Winter Park is tearing up its asphalt streets and replacing them with pavers! Many also argue that, in the long-run, pavers are more cost effective and better for the environment than asphalt.
The SPAR Board unanimously adopted a resolution urging the City to reconsider its position and replace all brick pavers that it removes. This resolution was presented to the HPC on August 25, and they adopted a similar resolution. The HPC was also asked by SPAR Executive Director Brenda Boydston to create a subcommittee to study the streetscape issue. Next we will be meeting with the Public Works Department.
Claude Moulton, SPAR President
(A scan of the HPC letter is attached to this email.)
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Painting the region
October 4 – 10, 2010
Join North Florida Land Trust and Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville for a week filled with art-related events.
Meet the artists and watch as they capture the natural and historic areas of Downtown, Riverside and Springfield. Attend activities and daily public events. Free all week long.
Springfield residents have the opportunity to host an artist for the week! Ten to fifteen host homes are needed. Please visit the website for a host family application.
http://paintingtheregion.com/index.html
Painting the region would really appreciate your help on the planning committee or during the week of the event. Please contact the SPAR office to volunteer for this fun-filled, exciting event.
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Thank you, Marc Wisdom and the Brew Crew, for raising funds for the Springfield Off-Duty Officer Program. SPAR must have donations in the amount of $1,500 per month in order to continue this invaluable resource. Please make checks payable to SPAR Council. Our mailing address is: 1321 N. Main St., Jax, FL 32206. All donations are tax deductible.
If you are interested in keeping Springfield safe from crime be sure to attend the monthly SHADCO and Block Captains meetings.
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Block Captain News
Due to popular demand, the Block Captain's monthly neighborhood clean ups are now taking place on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The "Second Saturday" clean ups will still be 10am-12 Noon each month, and will continue to focus on cleaning up neglected or abused pockets of the neighborhood.
The focus for the September clean-up (9/11/10 from 10am-12 noon) is Confederate Park, in preparation for
SACARC’s “Dog Days in the Park” event later on in the month.
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The New SAMBA
(Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association)
General Meeting – September, 9 at 5:30 PM
Please join Springfield businesses and friends for a happy hour and brief meeting at
Baker Klein Engineering, 1334 Walnut Street in Springfield.
The topic is The New SAMBA
Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 8 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 904-388-1350.
SAMBA will soon launch an effort to recruit Springfield area merchants to participate in the national program the 3\50 project, which encourages residents to spend $50\month in support of our local businesses.
Our new mission statement -- The mission of the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association is to support commercial revitalization, to strengthen commercial business activity and to provide a forum for business improvement.
Don Downing, President
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SPAR Facebook Fan Page
Please join and stay up to date on Springfield.
SPAR will post information about community events, meetings, and news.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jacksonville-FL/Springfield-Preservation-and-Revitalization-SPAR/307036889004
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Please contact SPAR with the location of any cave-ins and potholes that you see in Springfield. Tell us how long it has been there and the approximate size. Greg Corcoran of JEA let us know that if the pot hole/cave-in lines up with the sanitary sewer (it will be in line with a manhole cover that has a sanitary sewer imprint), it is probably a sewer cave in. He cautioned that it might take some time to fix the problem as they “can’t just throw some dirt into the hole.” We will submit the locations to the City and track the repairs. Also, if any barricade gets knocked down, please contact us again.
353-7727 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Recycle for Springfield!
Every ton of recycled paper conserves 3 cubic yards of landfill space, saves 4,000 kilowatts of electricity, 7,000 gallons of water, almost 4,000 gallons of oil and reduces your carbon footprint. Please bring newspapers, magazines, office and school papers, catalogs, mail, shredded paper in clear plastic bags, envelopes, folders, and paperback books to the yellow and green bin. It’s a great way to keep the clutter out of your home and support Springfield programs and the environment at the same time!
The bin is in the large, open field beside the Jacksonville Printing shop at 1326 N Main (west side of Main St.). Thank you so much for supporting your community by bringing your paper to this location. Paper only, please. No cardboard, plastic, metal, glass or trash.
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Notice of Public Meetings and Hearings
Urban Core CPAC tonight
Monday, August 30, 2010
5 p.m. - Ed Ball Building, Training room 110
Among other things, JEA’s “temporary” chain link fence near the bridge on 1st & Laura Streets will be discussed.
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The Jacksonville Public Library is developing plans to better serve the residents of Duval County.
We are looking for your ideas to provide the quality programs and services you expect and deserve, delivered in the most cost-effective way possible. We are hosting a series of public meeting and want to hear from you – your ideas, comments on our services and suggestions for greater efficiency. Please join us!
Log on to jaxpubliclibrary.org for meeting times and locations or to send your comments about Jacksonville’s Public Libraries
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the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum (101 W. 1st St.)
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 12pm-4pm
The manuscript exhibit "Milestones in Medicine" begins Sept. 1st and runs through the end of December.
The art exhibit "Images of Dignity", a juried exhibition by the Jacksonville Consortium of African-American Artists, opens September 1st and runs through October 2nd. An art opening reception will be held on Friday, September 3rd from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission is Free.
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Springfield 4-H Club – Fall Projects
1. Geocaching with Kids. Come learn how to treasure hunt with a GPS unit. Rescheduled to October, Klutho Park, 9am – 11am. Free.
2. Growing Kids Fall Gardening. 8-week gardening program focusing on the wonders of fall harvesting. Saturdays, Sept. 11 – Oct. 30, at the Springfield Community Garden from 9am – 10am. $10/child.
To register for any of the above projects and the Springfield 4-H Club, please email Shannon Palmer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 904-314-2151.
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Springfield Book Club…
is currently reading “The Solitude of Prime Numbers” by Paolo Giordano. We will be meeting to discuss this book on Sunday, September 19. For more information or to join, find us on Facebook or email Shannon at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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"Haunted Springfield"
Would you like to take part in starting a new Springfield tradition?
Residents are meeting now to organize a haunted tour of Jacksonville’s oldest and most historic neighborhood: Springfield!
The event will take place in October, and all are welcome to help.
To join in, simply find the "Haunted Walking Tour" topic on www.myspringfield.org, or follow this link:
http://myspringfield.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=141
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Ash Remediation
Please take the time to visit www.projectnewground.org to find ash remediation information.
Carrie Davis, 265-4736 (office) or 307-0751 (cell), is our direct contact for technical assistance.
Her hours are Mon. – Fri. from 9am to 5pm.
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The SPAR Office is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please contact us (phone 353-7727 or visit us at 1321 N. Main St.) with any questions or needs where we may be able to offer assistance. We are always happy to serve the community!
Thank you for your continued support,
SPAR Council
