Long-term leases at Albert Whitted deserve approval
Long-term leases
Published October 11, 2004
Re: For the future of St. Petersburg's waterfront, editorial , Oct 4.
I was disappointed to read the Times editorial position on referendum Question 3 for St. Petersburg voters. The Albert Whitted Blue Ribbon Advisory Task Force studied the airport for more than eight months. We came up with a reasonable plan to improve the airport and also ways to finance the projects and keep the cost low. One idea that we had was to allow private business to invest in parts of the airport operation in order to attract private capital instead of using taxpayer funds. Other airports currently have the flexibility to enter into long-term leases, and we believe that our airport should have the same capability.
One example of a project that could be financed privately with a long-term lease is hangar construction. In our study of Albert Whitted, we found that there are currently 70 people on a waiting list for hangar space at the airport. This need could be met by having a private company lease the land, build the hangars, then rent them out and make a profit in the process. Every party would benefit with such an arrangement. The airplane owner would get a hangar and the city and the airport would benefit by receiving the revenue from the lease without incurring any of the costs.
The citizens of St Petersburg need to know that this is enabling legislation and it simply gives the city the ability to enter into a lease of up to 25 years. City Council would still need to approve each lease on the merits and would have the final say in the matter.
Finally, this question was passed unanimously by the Albert Whitted Task Force, the City Council and supported by the mayor. It is a good idea for the airport, the city, and the residents of St Petersburg, and should be adopted.
-- Ed Montanari, chairman, Albert Whitted Blue Ribbon, Advisory Task Force, St, Petersburg
It's time to support the airport
Once again the Times editorial staff is in denial. You desperately want to forget last year's referendum where the city's residents overwhelmingly showed their support for Albert Whitted Airport. In the Oct. 4 editorial For the future of St. Petersburg's Waterfront you implied that it is unclear why leases of more than 10 years are needed by the airport.
You know exactly why these leases are needed. The leases are needed to receive federal and state grants that will allow improvements to the airport. The same grants that negate your fear tactic of increased taxes in order to support the airport.
You also imply that a lack of a plan is reason to vote against supporting the airport. There are plans in the works but that aside, it's an airport! The land will be used to facilitate a functioning airport including aircraft operations, commerce and tourism. If the Times editorial staff had its way, every light fixture installed at the airport would require a referendum.
The Times needs to get onboard with supporting Albert Whitted Airport as was evident by the will of the voters.
-- Paul Sprunger, St. Petersburg
Mahaffey deal has a familiar smell
The Sept. 21 story Proposal would mean money for Mahaffey smells a lot like your June 8, 2001, editorial Outlook good for the Pier.
The Pier editorial stated of the two Pier management finalists, "Both Divaris and Urban have national experience managing a variety of retail properties. Locally, Divaris manages ParkSide Mall, and Urban runs Citrus Park Town Center and Brandon Town Center. Both companies say the city's subsidy should shrink under experienced management."
The editorial goes on to say, "Residents should expect the Pier's appearance to be freshened and new tenants brought in to offer more entertainment and shopping choices... "
Now, three years later, Divaris' ParkSide Mall is gone - a total failure. And Urban has lost management of its local properties.
The Pier is in worse shape - still with pathetic lighting that makes it drab and uninviting... but it does hide the dirt. The floor used to house art shows is a disgrace - a mess of water falls from the leaking ceiling. The interior entertainment area has been leased to a liquor store, and entertainment is stuck in a small room behind the food court. And there hasn't been a financial report.
Is the Mahaffey another Pier... at low tide?
-- Lee Elliot, president, the IAM Group Inc., St. Petersburg
The Uhurus and their attorney
Re: He's the Uhurus' unlikely legal ace, Oct. 3.
While the irony of this story first threw me a curve, upon reflection, I must applaud attorney Guy Burns for truly living up to the canons of his profession. Make no mistake, I don't like the Uhurus or what they stand for, and all who know me know this. I have often had occasion to vent my spleen - on this opinion page and elsewhere - regarding the International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement's racist black nationalism and "end-justifies-the-means" rhetoric.
As both a Christian and a liberal Democrat, I have had my spiritual and civic sensibilities frequently offended by this movement. However, I agree completely with Guy Burns that in a free society, the rights of all groups deserve full representation. Everyone has a right to their day in court.
As Voltaire is said to have put it, "I disapprove of what you say, but I shall defend to the death your right to say it." So, bravo, Mr. Burns, for being, as Omali Yeshitela has described you, "a true American patriot."
Just the same, the self-contradictory character of the Uhurus' praise of their Republican attorney illuminates the ongoing hypocrisy of this movement. Clearly, these opportunists will get in bed with anyone that serves their interests.
-- John Feeney, St. Petersburg
A sickening sport
Re: Rural ritual is revered in Squirrel Town,
Oct. 3.
My opinion on the article on the "sport" of squirrel hunting in Louisiana: sickening.
A.M. Thomas, Dunedin
[Last modified October 11, 2004, 14:45:37]
