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Golden Lantern's condition appears terminal

The 1:43 a.m. vote is the first step to the eventual razing of the park to make way for condominiums, apartments and a small commercial development.

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published December 21, 2005

CLEARWATER -- Early this morning, county commissioners gave preliminary approval to the rezoning of the Golden Lantern Mobile Home Park.

The 1:43 a.m. vote is the first step to the eventual razing of the park, 7950 Park Blvd., to make way for condominiums, apartments and a small commercial development. Commissioners Karen Seel and John Morroni voted no. The other five commissioners voted yes.

The commission will make a final decision in April or May after the issue has been considered by the Pinellas Planning Council and the state.

The commisisoners ignored the pleas of those who own mobile homes in the park but pay rent on the land. The park residents fear losing their homes, which are too old to be moved, and the investments they have made.

The mobile home owners were not the only ones to plead with commissioners. Their children also wrote letters and asked for help.

"I'm begging you, please, out of the goodness of your heart, don't take it away. I love my home," said Chastity Short, 11.

But Clearwater attorney Tim Johnson, who represents the developer, said the park needs to go. He cited crime statistics and said the park provides substandard living and outmoded, obsolete housing.

"The Golden Lantern is dying a slow, irreversible death," Johnson said. He promised that the developer would build between 133 and 183 affordable apartments on the property that many of those who live in the park could qualify for. Some of the park's residents may end up living there, Johnson said.

[Last modified December 21, 2005, 02:15:41]