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© St. Petersburg Times, published July 17, 2002
Re: Changes to Treasure Island land development regulations.
We'd like to point out how ridiculous it is for the group calling itself the "Coalition for the Beautification of Treasure Island" (in the full-page ad in July 14's Neighborhood Times) to label as "radicals" those opposed to radical changes in the land development regulations.
Also, it's insulting to the residents of Treasure Island to call those opposed to new development regulations that would allow 10-story high-rises "selfish," with "nothing in mind but their own political agendas." This seems to us rather convoluted thinking. It's obvious that the political agenda lies with the small group of individuals standing to profit from these changes.
See you at the polls.
-- Michael and Nancy Furlong, Treasure Island
Re: Miffed, businessman puts project on hold.
Miffed is he? The article in the July 3-6 Neighborhood Times by Andrew Meacham stated that Sid Rice, a local businessman, was miffed because his project was met with restrictions. The article also mentioned that a group of residents from Gulf Lane opposed the hotel and yacht club plans. What remains to be said is why he should remain miffed and why the project as proposed has met local opposition.
The proposed project is a 350-room hotel, yacht club and convention center in the largest residential single- and multifamily neighborhood on the beach. The plan proposes a walkway over Gulf Boulevard, the vacating of or building over a city street (Gulf Lane), plus the requests for major variances for building height and possibly setbacks. The guests of the facility would access the beach on approximately 200 feet of beachfront where the 43-room Sands of Madeira Motel now stands. Furthermore, the "local businessman" wants to market the property to a commercial entity like Marriott.
The proposed project is not consistent with the area; it would dwarf the existing structures and bifurcate the neighborhood. The Gulf Lane and adjacent neighborhoods east of Gulf Boulevard would endure significant negative impact by a project of this magnitude. The charm and lifestyle of the area's inhabitants would change dramatically.
No one wants to inhibit development of projects consistent with the Madeira Beach small beach community charm and that respect the existing residents' lifestyles. Madeira Beach has great potential to lure developers who recognize the value of such a small community atmosphere. The city of Madeira Beach decided it wants to retain the charm of a small beach community, attracting visitors who seek relief from the urban/new urbanism of city and subdivision life.
-- Rose Llauget, Madeira Beach