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Naysayers blind to new library's impressive traits

I don't believe it's possible for a government - any government - to complete a public works project (road, bridge or building) without someone complaining. As I walked through the new Largo Public Library and marveled at the thoughtful design, inviting convenience and wonderful staff, I just knew: Someone was going to complain.

So it was with complete amusement that I read the Aug. 2 letter, New Largo library is garish, expensive.

The letter writer complained about the space wasted on the high ceilings, and I can only assume she preferred the literary spelunking of the previous small library building.

I'm impressed that she knew, in advance, how much it would cost to cool the building, but how does that compare with similar public buildings? I suspect this new library has more efficient insulation in its construction and design to keep those utility bills as low as possible, considering the size of the building. It's not like they leave the door open.

As for what she termed "the garish modern design that doesn't seem to fit anywhere... ," she goes on to list other public buildings with the same design. I would contend that the new Largo library fits perfectly right where it is. The last thing they needed was a drab gray box.

I am a little confused about her claim that "they still can't pay for the library." I had no idea contractors were willing to do that much work without getting paid. Largo must be one smooth-talking city to get something that big built gratis.

I don't know where to begin to counter the writer's claim that the building isn't "hurricane proof," as I'm not sure what she might mean by that. The building has to have been built to code - even if it was built for free. As far as I could tell, it appeared solid and was on high ground. What more did she expect? A dank, dark, underground bunker, cheerless and unlit by natural sunlight? No, wait... that was the previous Largo library.

Democracy's a funny thing: 49 percent of the people can be upset and the system still works. So cheer up, letter writer, the new Largo library wasn't built for you.

I, on the other hand, was so encouraged by the new facility that I immediately applied for a new library card on the spot, this in spite of having my own private library of several thousand volumes at home. I think Largo did a very good job and has every reason to be proud of its new facility. I hope to see the rest of you there.

Downtown Clearwater can thrive with high-rises

With pleasure we welcome the developers of the Acqua and Opus projects as well as the other developers who have come to downtown Clearwater with the hope of giving new life to our desolate downtown. We wish them success both economically and developmentally.

Ten years ago, we believed that the only solution to Clearwater's downtown was to build some high-rises in order to get respect and to bring business and people to this depressed area. Unfortunately, the commissioners at that time illegally denied the proposal without having an alternative plan.

It does not surprise me that new developers have come with the same vision and ideas we had 10 years ago. The current downtown has small buildings and midget high-rises, which is nothing to get excited about. The citizens who were against the high-rises and preferred this type of low-profile building never did anything to help support the businesses or find ways to attract people to the area, and as a result, downtown Clearwater has dropped dead. These same people should go and support the structures in downtown Dunedin, which is close by and also low profile.

I hope these people stop the parodies and hypocrisies, complaining about the amount of utilities required for buildings containing many units in condensed areas. This is no different than if the same people bought houses. Don't they require water and utilities? What about the high-rises in downtown St. Petersburg? What is wrong with them? Have they hurt or improved that downtown area?

We cannot turn the clock back many years anymore. The waterfront and downtown must be enjoyed by many people, not just a few. For many years the potential benefit has been wasted. I hope the mayor and the City Council members give the rights to develop downtown Clearwater according to today's and the future's needs and standards. If the city ordinances permit the buildings in the downtown core to have unlimited height, they have to give the developers that right. The law is supposed to be above everyone, and no one should stop the developers from doing something special for today and the future.

Give these developers the right to build, update, upgrade and bring life back to downtown Clearwater. Many other cities are looking for this type of redevelopment. If we lose this chance, history will never forgive us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In the mid 1990s Mr. Tsafatinos proposed a 38-story condominium tower in downtown Clearwater. However, the project fell apart in May 1997 after a deadline to apply for permits expired and the city passed new downtown height restrictions that would have limited Tsafatinos to 22 stories. Those restrictions are no longer in effect.

Largo history book preserves memories

I have just read through my copy of From Pines and Palmettos, the history book about Largo that the Historical Society has written. What a walk down Memory Lane for me, having grown up here in Largo.

I'd like to thank the history book committee - Charlie Harper, Bob Delack, Ruth Ann Zandanel, Ted McLane, Carla Kerns, Martha Gibson, Bob Wilson, Marilyn Short and Elmer Williams - and say "a job well done." What a gift they have given to our community. I have purchased copies of the book for babies that have been born here in Largo, a gift that will last a lifetime. Our grown children are enjoying the book also, seeing where their mother and daddy grew up.

A friend called and said that he'd purchased the book at the new Largo Public Library and was getting ready for his reading pleasure. I know he will be pleased as he takes his walk back down the streets of Largo and through the days that we all so fondly remember.

Baseball team represented area with distinction

I'm writing to let all of your readers know how proud they should be of their Big League World Series baseball team from District 12. They represented your area very well both on and off the field.

On the field, they played their very best. They were awesome baseball players! In the end, records show the South Carolina district team as the world champions, but Florida had a solid victory over them when they played each other. The South entered the semifinals with a 4-0 record.

Off the field, they were the team with all of the personality. This was the first year that we were a host family for World Series players, and they made it a memorable one. My favorite memory would be when the boys took the time to attend church with us on Sunday morning. Imagine an entire team getting off a van and telling me in unison, "Good morning, Mom." More than one person has commented on "my boys" and how good they were. They treated everyone with respect and expressed a lot of gratitude.

Team members were: Scott Beckwith, Michael Booth, Corey Birge, Gene Civello, Kevin Garcia, Steve Lynch, Alan Mason, Ryan McKenzie, Paul Miller, Kyle Mills, Jimmy Richter, Ricky Rogers, Erik Turgeon, Donny Vasterling and Cory Glass.

The coaches were fabulous as well. The boys couldn't have made it as far as they did without them. Steve, Rick and Jim did a great job of making us feel a part of the team.

You shared with us a great group of boys. It was very difficult to see them leave. They may not hold the Little League title of No. 1, but they are world champions to all of us!

EDITOR'S NOTE: The team comprised players from Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Osceola and Palm Harbor University high schools.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

We invite readers to write letters for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.sptimes.com/letters If you prefer, you may instead fax your letter to us at 727 445-4119, or mail it to Letter to the Editor, St. Petersburg Times, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756.

Letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length. We regret that not all letters can be printed.

[Last modified August 17, 2005, 12:53:31]