Re: A mix of stores, condos in Dunedin, story, Aug. 30.
I read with interest and dismay the article about construction of condos and retail stores (on the parking lot of Ocean Optics) in downtown Dunedin.
While it may bring money into downtown and is probably a feather in Economic Development director Bob Ironsmith's hat, it will add to the existing problem of not enough parking spaces in downtown.
Ocean Optic's Leeward Bean states in the article, "It really affects the city of Dunedin more than it does us. We don't need all the parking spaces. Most of the front parking spaces are used by people who come to visit downtown Dunedin anyway."
Truer words could not be spoken.
The city of Dunedin needs to look at parking downtown. I have been a citizen of this delightful city for over 10 years now. When I first moved here, I loved the sense of community and all the activities downtown. Now I avoid events I once went to because parking is a nightmare. Dunedin needs to wake up and smell the asphalt.
If you want more development downtown, arrange for parking areas. There already exists a problem. More development without addressing the current problem will only drive away the customers you seek.
I urge all the commissioners as well as Mr. Ironsmith to come to several downtown events and try to find some place to park. Don't come two hours early and don't park in your work parking spaces.
See what it's like to drive around for half an hour looking for a spot, then having to walk five or six blocks to get back to downtown. Consider what it's like for the surrounding neighborhoods that have people parking on the streets and blocking the narrow roads. (No, I don't live near downtown and I'm thankful.)
And if you ride a bike to an event downtown, don't forget to make sure to get home before dark because the trail is a county park and is not supposed to be used after sunset, not to mention it's too dark to use.
But I guess Dunedin only cares about its one-time tourist customers and not the people who live here, paying taxes all year.
-- Wanda Iola, Dunedin
Stop griping and start acting
Re: This pier only leads to dissension, story, Aug. 16.
I have lived in Crystal Beach for 20-plus years and for the first time, I can say I'm ashamed of that. Do residents not know Crystal Beach has no government other than the county? The Crystal Beach Community Association was formed to present items of interestto the county.
The association is made up of a board of directors and officers. The president of the association has no vote. Items of concern to the community are brought before the board, necessary action is voted on (for and against), then brought before the members if deemed necessary by the board members.
If you want to change or discuss in the correct fashion, bring it to the the board. Get involved, do something other than meet on corners, in bars or at the post office and talk about things for which you have no facts.
Don't go around complaining about what President Anne Allen has or has not done. She acts upon items that have been approved by the board of directors. Remember - the president has no vote. Much interaction with the county of Pinellas has been worked on before action is taken.
I speak from my own knowledge. I have been on the board for a good many years. I have also been secretary, now the treasurer, past president (two terms) and past honorary mayor. I hate to see 20 years of work (lovingly given) destroyed by a few disgruntled residents that are going off half-cocked.
Come, you "concerned residents." Get with the program. Get off Anne Allen's back. Go to work and help her get Crystal Beach up to the high standards we all desire.
-- Iona A. Oille, treasurer, Crystal Beach Community Association
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