City commissioners voted 4-1 to amend the master plan that may lead to an "urbanism" concept.
By MAUREEN BYRNE AHERN
Published January 18, 2004
MADEIRA BEACH - If the city's master plan ever becomes more than a concept, Madeira Beach could change radically in the coming years.
Aging areas of the city would be replaced with mixed-use neighborhoods, where residents could slip downstairs from their townhome or condominium to a ground-floor cafe to drink coffee and read a newspaper.
Before heading home, they could stroll on a wide, tree-lined sidewalk, stopping for chats with passing neighbors. They could visit a trendy boutique to look at dresses on sale or pop into a deli for a loaf of good bread.
Using feet instead of cars to get around is all the rage with urban planners. City officials say Madeira Beach's master plan follows a trend that cities and towns across the country are adopting: "Urbanism - the creation of compact, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use neighborhoods that add to the community's quality living environment."
"It brings together a greater sense of community," said Paula Cohen, the city's community development director.
To encourage such redevelopment, the City Commission voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve an ordinance that amends the city's comprehensive plan. Commissioner Charles Parker voted against the measure.
Until Tuesday, the master plan was only a vision of what the city could look like during the next 30 years. Amending the city's comprehensive plan, the basic foundation for local planning, was the first step in turning a concept into a reality.
"It breaks a lot of new ground," Cohen said.
Yet before the new policies can take effect, the ordinance must be approved by local, regional and state agencies. Then a second public hearing and final vote on the ordinance will be scheduled by the commission. That won't happen for several months.
In early 2002, the city paid a consultant $250,000 to create a master plan for Madeira Beach, which was incorporated in 1947. Public meetings and workshops were held in the ensuing months before the city adopted the plan August 2002.
Madeira is the first municipality on the beach to get to this point. Redington Shores is close to adopting its master plan. St. Pete Beach has a plan but is working on amending its codes and regulations. Other beach towns are exploring options for guiding redevelopment.
Madeira Beach's master plan creates three distinct centers along Gulf Boulevard: 150th Avenue area, Crystal Island neighborhood and John's Pass community. It suggests creating "pedestrian-friendly places" that encourage a mix of uses.
Parker voted against the ordinance because he is worried about the ramifications of redevelopment. He said he is concerned about the additional burden on the city's existing roads, drainage pipes and sewer system.
"What are we going to do about the infrastructure?" Parker asked the commissioners Tuesday. "I don't think we're quite ready for this."
Several residents who spoke at the public hearing Tuesday said the city was moving too fast. Some told commissioners the plan benefits only developers and not the people who live in the city. Others worried about losing the small-town feeling in Madeira Beach.
"It seems like it's the old Oklahoma land grab," Stephen Kisco said.
City Manager Jim Madden, who has resigned but is working until his contract ends March 31, told commissioners the new comprehensive plan addresses potable water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and stormwater management. The plan says developers will be responsible for providing and paying for additional infrastructure.
"I don't think we are premature by doing this," Commissioner Doreen Moore said.
The master plan says the city's existing comprehensive plan and development regulations "have limited the natural redevelopment cycle that cities normally go through as they mature."
Commissioner Roger Koske said the plan's land use changes make it worthwhile for properties to redevelop. "Without it, they're just stagnating," he said.
