So ugly it must be moved
A generator being installed in the Bayshore median seeks a new site.
By RICK GERSHMAN
Published September 22, 2006
Even if it costs $350,000 to move, an emergency stormwater generator does not belong in the middle of Bayshore Boulevard, the City Council said last week.
Although the council directed the city's wastewater department to find money in next year's budget to move the generator, its installation along the median near the Monte Carlo condominium building will go ahead as planned.
Wastewater director Ralph Metcalf said Tuesday the generator was expected to arrive this weekend and should be installed by Wednesday.
Federal environmental regulations require the city to have the project completed by the end of the year.
"We have a contract to put it in and we have to go ahead with that," Metcalf said.
The council approved John Dingfelder's motion Sept. 14 for the wastewater department to pull money set aside for roofing and painting at wastewater facilities to create a $350,000 fund to move the generator.
"This is not just for the people that live in the Monte Carlo - everybody in this community loves the Bayshore," Dingfelder said.
"If you have company coming to town and you live up in Seminole Heights, you probably bring them down and show them the Bayshore, because it's our jewel. And we have now trashed our jewel with a bunker.
"It was wrong to do it. And I'm not blaming any individual person. It was just wrong to do it."
The city staff has estimated it will cost $300,000 to $500,000 to move the generator and its bunkerlike enclosure from its site near Stovall Street to another location.
Where that might be, however, remains uncertain.
Opponents of placing the generator in the Bayshore median have suggested several alternative sites.
On Wednesday night, Monte Carlo board members were scheduled to discuss one of them, a proposal to move the generator behind their building.
Rick Gershman can be reached at rgershman@sptimes.com or 226-3431.