Letters to the Editors

Think small, not five stories tall, in Safety Harbor

Our residents have a lot at stake as the Safety Harbor City Commission votes on the proposed Harborside development on the Loick property in the next few weeks. The plan includes, among other things, 168,000 square feet of concrete and a five-story building, leaving us with 80 percent concrete and 20 percent green space.

I know there are many very appealing ideas within this proposal, but does the city have to sell its soul just to have this property developed?

Look at what is currently happening around downtown:

Flooding and drainage along Bayshore Boulevard is a nightmare, even with a light rain.

Speeding traffic in our neighborhoods would only be exacerbated by this development.

There are many vacant properties downtown. Some of them have been vacant over a year, and it is my understanding (as of a few months ago) that the new building across from the Paradise Restaurant will have many vacancies there once it is completed. I have to ask myself: Do we need more empty properties?

Then I think back to just this past summer. The city held a visioning session. Discussion arose about the city's buying property to help spark business for downtown. Maybe we could try to envision this:

1. We have had to sit on the soccer fields for years because there is no access. Why can't we begin discussion on the sale of that property (now that we are pursuing a joint, money-saving venture with the city of Clearwater to build soccer fields just across McMullen-Booth Road)?

2. Use the sale of the above property as a down payment for the Loick property. Even dipping into our rainy day fund (it is very strong) to seal a deal would make for a wise investment.

3. Put out a request for proposals and build something we as a community can be proud of, something that invites our residents to it and complements the marina, the pier and Bayshore Boulevard.

This property on the corner of Bayshore and Main Street is the most beautiful piece we have. It affects our downtown in every aspect. I guess we could just settle for a bunch of concrete, condos and some shopping, but I pray we don't. I truly believe something on a much smaller scale is more deserving of this property, our businesses and our residents.

And I am urging everyone to take three minutes out of their busy day and call City Hall and make sure your voice is heard: 724-1555. Let our city commissioners know your viewpoint, ask questions and register your opinion. It counts!
-- Colleen Mackin, Safety Harbor

Protect vital site in small town

I have lived in Safety Harbor for 12 years. I love the city and the small-town feel that I get when surrounded by big-city life on all borders. I know that is why most of us reside here.

At this moment, the Safety Harbor City Commission is facing and struggling with the biggest question -- dilemma, really -- that has faced it in many years. Please believe me when I say this is a crucial issue that needs the input of every citizen to make this a truly democratic decision.

The future development of the corner of Main Street and Bayshore Boulevard is in the final decision stage. The commission must decide Jan. 21 what it will allow to be done on this last vital piece of real estate in our small city. I have followed this issue with a lot of interest and have realized that change will happen -- it is probably inevitable within our city -- but this project is too big!

We all need to speak up now as to what we want done with this small -- 3.3 acres -- but extremely important piece of real estate.

Do we want the commission to approve a building height extension from three stories to five -- really, six stories (65 feet high) -- for offices, 38 (high-end) condos, shops (very few) and maybe a restaurant, which even nows sounds in question? Do we allow the precedent to be set for our city that six stories is now acceptable?

There are major concerns that must be dealt with before you allow changes to be made: changing the code from three stories to five or beyond; drainage from the properties once everything has been paved over. That area is already flood-prone and there is no concrete now. The drainage project has been glossed over, and the developers haven't satisfactorily addressed that issue.

And of course, traffic, traffic, traffic! Safety Harbor hasn't been able to tackle the existing problem of the traffic backup that occurs at that famous corner.

Even though the majority of us want to see something come to our downtown, we need to keep it in perspective. I don't believe that the city should be held hostage by a seller's overpriced property and by the developers' need to make the most they can financially.

Please take five minutes of your time and call Safety Harbor City Hall and tell the commission either yea or nay. Do we want our commission to start a new precedent, or do they tell the developers three stories is the limit to preserve our small-town feel, take it or leave it?
-- Leslie Grace, Safety Harbor

Your voice counts

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