Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) is now accepting applications for the Board of Directors. The organization has lead preservation and revitalization efforts in the Springfield community since 1974, and is a key advocate for quality-of-life improvements on behalf of residents, business owners, and stakeholders alike. Applications will be accepted until September 18, 2020. [More]

Name: Carlottra Guyton

Location: Boulevard Street

Occupation: Retired financial investigator

Fun Fact: Carlottra has a heart for volunteering. She's been involved with many organizations through the years, including Leadership Jacksonville (c/o 96), Jacksonville Urban League, and served as our local SHADCO chair (now called Sheriff's Watch) for almost 10 years. She currently serves on leadership committees for the Wells Fargo Community Learning Center and Delta Sigma Theta Society Inc, Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter.

What brought you to the Springfield Historic District?

Believe it or not, it wasn't for the architecture or historic character. I know that's what a lot of people move here for now, but back when I bought in 1994, I was looking for a good deal in the place I would feel comfortable in. And it took some convincing, trust me it did, but I came around and am so glad I did. You see, I was coming out of a divorce and needed a home to call my own. Most of my friends wanted me to buy in Arlington or Southside, definitely NOT Springfield. Anywhere but Springfield! Even the thought of moving to Springfield was laughable to me at the time. This neighborhood was known for drugs and crime then, and not much else. Or so I thought. I had friend in Neighborhood Housing Services who had a meeting in Springfield. There were efforts being made, even back in the early 1990s, to turn around the neighborhood. She knew I was looking for a home and wanted me to visit the neighborhood just to see it, to see what was happening. So I did. I met her at the Woman's Club building on West 7th Street and what I saw shocked me! I saw all these white people, quite frankly, in the room, most who had relocated to live there from out of state. Locals wouldn't move here because of the reputation, you see, so we had lots of newcomers to Jacksonville in the neighborhood back then. So I knew the neighborhood was on the upswing, but I wasn't 100% sold yet. Another friend, Richard Harrell, was recruiting professional blacks to move to the neighborhood and was relatively successful at it. He had a phenomenal personality, so you couldn't help but love him and listen to what he was saying. People who turned out to be community leaders like Tonya Weathersby and The Spanns were recruited by Richard. And that's what really convinced me to come to Springfield: friends who I trusted and opened my eyes to what the neighborhood was aspiring to be. But let me tell you, most of my friends thought I had lost my mind!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Monday, August 20, 2018

6:00pm Southern Moss Realty

Present: Todd Hollinghead, President, Aaron Glick, Vice President, Jaimee Stewart, Secretary, Bill Hoff, Ex Officio, Kelly Lezama, Michelle Tappouni, Joey Marchy, Tim Hope, Michael Montoya, Mark Morley

Not Present: Janie Coffey, Jack Adams, Treasurer, Yolanda Copeland, Soner Acar

Staff/Resources Present: Kelly Rich, Executive Director, Heather Benfield, Administrator

Guests: Diane Graese, Mallik Singhareddy, Ed from Paved to Perfection

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Todd Hollinghead at 6:10pm

 an affiliate of SPAR

Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) works to:

• Promote civic pride and awareness of Springfield’s assets, particularly those of the business community, through marketing, fundraising and cultural participation; 
• Recruits professionals and business owners to open offices and retail establishments in our area to provide a greater range of goods and services and job opportunities;
• Collaborates with other neighborhood organizations and government agencies on projects designed to enhance the quality of life in our business district and surrounding neighborhoods; and
• Offers educational and networking opportunities to member businesses.

Connect with SAMBA

Click here for the SAMBA membership directory

Our community is a social one, with a plethora of events throughout the year to enjoy - which require planning!

The Annual Tour of Homes, July 4th Throwback Baseball Game, Jacksonville PorchFest and other events depend on volunteers to coordinate and plan. If you have a knack for organizing events, or just want to lend a hand, there's a spot for you!

Send us an email to let us know.