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Dunedin needs a moratorium to consider city's future

The Dunedin City Commission should be applauded for considering a pause in development and act accordingly, regardless of the Tampa Bay Builders Association's opinions. Yes, some communities do welcome the opportunity for redevelopment, but many of those are struggling communities, unlike Dunedin. Does Dunedin need to be redeveloped? Isn't the reason we all live here in the first place because we like what it already is?

Maybe the conversation really needs to be about continued enhancement through a thoughtful process that considers the wishes of residents, local businesses and the development community.

It's ludicrous that builders would be discouraged by a brief pause so city commissioners can take the appropriate time to deliberate and learn the desires of residents. In a county that is 95 percent built out, developers will always be hungry for the next opportunity, but it needs to be based on agreed-upon terms, not on rubber-stamped rendered drawings during any given commission meeting.

It's important for residents to understand the real driving factors here. Dunedin is a desirable community to live in because of its intrinsic value. Dunedin offers an environment and amenities that have been lost or ill considered by other municipalities. Its Old Florida character has been maintained and enhanced by the efforts of caring city officials, local residents and a creative group of downtown businesses that knew a good thing when they saw it.

Now it's vitally important to learn how we can maintain that character and not destroy it by ill-conceived development projects that don't consider the elements of good urban planning and design.

If you need to see an example of why we need this pause, stop by downtown on Douglas Street just south of Main Street and look at the four-story concrete travesty connected to a wood frame historic building. Who let that happen?

Yes, Clearwater rejected a moratorium, and look what it got: open season for developers without appropriate oversight from elected officials who habitually turn the other way in spite of the concerns voiced by local residents.

In the end, this issue should not just be about the prospects of increased tax revenue and economic development but also about what kind of community we all want to live in. Now it's up to our elected officials to decide if they're going to include us residents in helping to decide that.

Police officers too often act in unprofessional ways

Re: Man dies after police shock him with Taser, story from West Palm Beach, July 18.

Unfortunately, police brutality is becoming commonplace throughout the entire state. In the Tampa Bay area it has taken a unique form: subtle yet equally detrimental verbal brutality and intimidation.

This fact really hit home the other day, when my grandmother called me completely distressed about an episode she had just had with a Tarpon Springs police officer.

While driving home on Alt. U.S. 19, my grandmother, who is over 70, encountered some road disturbance on the corner of Tarpon Avenue. A police officer was directing traffic as some road blockage occurred. She rolled down her window and politely asked the officer for permission to turn left. The officer proceeded to toss two orange cones at the front of her car while shouting "That's a f---in' no!"

Now, maybe the officer was having a bad day, but it is no less inexcusable behavior. To frighten an elderly woman and law-abiding citizen with a spotless record and a heart condition is beyond shameful. As a professional in any field, attitudes must be checked at the door before going to work (especially in a job where operating killing instruments like guns, nightsticks and Tasers is a requirement).

I truly regret that incidents like these tarnish the good name of upstanding officers in our community, but they must be noted and punished. These seemingly small incidents are exactly what deteriorates the ever-fragile bond between citizen and officer. The bullying and lack of professionalism need to stop.

Animal sanctuary should be commended for its work

Re: Hounded by abuse, dogs get new homes, story, July 18.

I want to thank you for bringing the good ole boys of Fannin County, Ga., out in the open. We have been following this story for months down in Port Charlotte. It just sickens us to hear how Fannin County officials are letting this happen. We are so thankful that they have a sanctuary like Second Chance Animal Sanctuary that is looking out for these animals.

We even started a petition online about Fannin County's animal abuse: www.petitiononline.com/fc30513/ is the Web address.

It is great to hear that the people of Pinellas County stepped up and helped save these great animals.

Thank you and great job! We are proud of all of you who were involved.

[Last modified July 21, 2005, 00:56:18]