Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

As Largo annexes, responsibility grows

Largo's recent decision to build a park east of U.S. 19 illustrates both the cost and the obligations of annexation.

Largo has the reputation of being the most aggressive Pinellas city at annexing surrounding territory. Not only have some of Largo's annexation tactics drawn criticism, but even some happily annexed residents have complained about being ignored by the city.

Most of the angst has been generated in the city's new territory east of U.S. 19, where residents have complained about a lack of parks and library facilities and inadequate or spotty police patrols, among other things. It has become routine for Largo City Commission candidates to mention the need for more east-side services as part of their campaign platforms, but promises have not always resulted in action.

By summer Largo intends to open its first park east of U.S. 19. Largo Datsko Park will be near the east end of Whitney Road, at its intersection with 58th Street N. City commissioners approved the park design at a meeting in late December. The design includes basketball and sand volleyball courts, picnic shelters, two multipurpose athletic fields and a nature trail.

There will be room on the 11 acres to add other amenities if they are needed later, but some residents have been concerned about attracting too many users to what they consider a neighborhood park. One resident quoted by the St. Petersburg Times in a recent story expressed an opinion shared by others when she said, "I don't think I want it to be a noisy hub where kids will hang out and cause trouble."

At the neighbors' specific request, Largo plans only a half-court basketball facility at the park. Neighbors seem to believe that putting in only half a court will reduce the attraction and noise they associate with full-court play. How ridiculous to plan a park in such a way to cut down on the fun that can be had there, a point made by Mayor Bob Jackson and Commissioner Andrew Guyette before the vote on the park design. Guyette even noted that if the city one day decided a full court was desirable, the park would have to be reconfigured to accommodate it, and taxpayers would pay more.

Neighbors' fear that a proposed park might actually be used for fun in the great outdoors is an unfortunate trend in Pinellas. Rather than axing park plans or limiting their amenities to satisfy neighbors, local governments should adopt reasonable park rules and hours of operation and then enforce them.

Largo Datsko Park will cost the city about $500,000 to build, and more money in future years for maintenance. The city faces more costs in the future for other services and facilities as annexed areas demand parity with the older core of Largo. Their demands are not out of line. If Largo aggressively annexes, it is obligated to serve those new residents just as aggressively.

[Last modified January 5, 2006, 01:18:19]