I was asked to represent Springfield in Folio Weekly’s Annual Manual. They might be regretting thier decision after this post. I thought it would be fun to give you some of the questions and answers before the issue drops so I have time to explain some of my answers.
I figure writing about the questions now will actually drive more people to pick up the Folio when it comes out. If not to see all my Q&A’s then definitely to see the awesome picture the photographer took today at 7th and Main.
Owen Holmes called and left a message on my machine telling me he wanted to interview me. I was thinking they wanted to do a story on blogging, lame, the TU already did that
. But when I called Owen back he had 16 questions for me to answer about Springfield. All of the answers will appear in Folio Weekly’s Annual Manual next Wednesday Tuesday, but I will post one Q&A a day until the issue drops.
I can see my answers pissing some people off, but I didn’t sugar coat anything. I love and respect my Springfield, but I have to be honest.
Question #1: What is Springfield known for?
Being a hot real estate market and crime.
Some of my answers beg explanation. I feel this one does not. If you think there is not a crime problem in Springfield you need to check your “strawberry skies” outlook of the neighborhood.
tags: jacksonville, springfield, folio weekly, annual manual
I don’t so much think there is a Springfiled crime problem, as there is a Jacksonville crime problem.
Maybe if we could get a Krispy Kreme to open on Main Street though, hmmm.
“Strawberry Skies”??
JSB, \”Strawberry Skies\” is copyrighted, you own me 0.25 for usage rights. :)
Well, I don’t live in Springfield, but I do live in an area that is laden with drug use, and don’t be suprised if you happen to see the occassional african american transvestite prostitute (actually those things are a regular occurrance, what few there are).
My neighborhood is quiet. Just like most other ‘hoods’ in Jacksonville, mine is comprised of mostly hard working people, moral people, with a few undesirables moving in and out. You could say that I am lucky. However, I have a wonderful 3 year old son, and a beautiful wife, both of which I care for deeply. It is my goal to keep them safe, and happy. The distribution of drugs and other illicit behaviour is not something that I feel I should tolerate within a short distance from my property.
Given these circumstances, I have found some success in making my presence known, without jeapordizing my family’s safety. I have been in contact with JSO about my problem. They made it clear that it was my call to initiate an investigation, even though I had clearly told the officer (or office worker) on the phone that there was drug trafficking occuring just a few short steps from my home.
I have taken it upon myself to catalouge the traffic coming back and forth from this delapidated drug haven almost across the street from my up and coming abode. While giving stern but steady looks: pictures of license plates, detailed descriptions of persons, and very careful descriptions of vehicles are what I have compiled.
Since I began this tirade, traffic on my street has slowed, almost as if these criminals sensed that they were being watched, not by some government oppresser, but by a neighbor, a homeowner, and a family. For this I am pleased.
I can only hope that my neighborhood continues in a positive direction. With good people continuing to thrive in and around my neighborhood, I feel that this can be accomplished.
This is such great information. I’ve contemplated a move to Springfield for a long time but always stopped short due to the surrounding poverty and my perception of the crime/loser element. Friends who live there always say “Its not bad, I’ve never had problems, its changing so fast” but I always thought they were involved in some neighborhood cabal to bring in new recruits to meet quota. It was hard to cut through the propaganda.
I drive around the area a lot and do see some changes but I can’t help but think it might be another 10 years before a true turnaround has occurred and that’s only if things stay on track. There are still swarms of people hanging out drinking at 10:00 am on street corners and roving packs of menacing looking people down every other street. I always wondered if I was jumping to conclusions because I’ve never lived in a neighborhood where people didn’t know how to use the sidewalks or felt that happy hour lasted all day, every day.
I really appreciate the unfiltered opinions on the thread from the SPAR board. It’s refreshing to hear some truthful experiences.
Mission accomplished on my part then.
I answered the questions the way I did not to cause controversy but to be real and honest.