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City decides not to lift ordinance banning fishing

By JANET ZINK
Published June 3, 2005

BAYSHORE BOULEVARD - Anglers along Bayshore Boulevard should put their poles away.

The City Council on May 26 opted not to lift a 1989 ordinance that prohibits fishing and crabbing along most of Bayshore Boulevard.

Assistant City Attorney Donna Wysong told the council the ordinance was passed because of public safety issues. City officials were worried that walkers, joggers, bicyclists and others using the sidewalk might be injured when fishermen cast their lines. Parks and recreation director Karen Palus added that some fishermen left a smelly mess when they dumped unwanted catch on the scenic sidewalk.

There are designated spots where fishing is allowed, Palus said. They include Tony Jannus Park on Bayshore across from Platt Street, Ballast Point Park and Picnic Island.

City officials also are looking at making fishing legal at Marjorie Park on Davis Islands, the park next to the hanging fish public art piece on Bayshore Boulevard, and at Bayshore Boulevard and Rome Avenue.

Palus said her department also will work with the legal department on developing signs to clarify where fishing is allowed.

HYDE PARK NORTH - The City Council has approved a controversial rezoning request that will pave the way for a new 18-story condominium tower on Bayshore Boulevard at the Davis Islands bridge.

But in getting the approval May 26, developer Crescent Resources of North Carolina had to shave six stories off its planned building at 319 Bayshore Blvd., now home to a 72-unit apartment complex.

In January, the council shot down Crescent's request to build a 20-story, 168-unit building that bridged a narrow street that divides the property. After condo owners at 345 Bayshore next door objected to increasing traffic in the area, the council directed the developer to come back with a downsized plan.

The company came back with a new proposal that called for 149 units in two buildings - one with eight stories and another with 24.

The council granted the rezoning last week after Crescent Resources agreed to reduce the 24-story building to 18 stories, the same height as 345 Bayshore.

"What's good for the goose is good for the gander," said council member John Dingfelder, who presented the compromise idea.

[Last modified June 2, 2005, 08:00:13]