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Supporters still short on signatures to save Snack Shack
The petition organizer says he will ask the city for a referendum on the issue.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published June 27, 2007
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City officials have said they plan to raze the 1930s-era building at Archibald Park. Originally it was a center for veterans, but became city property when the beach park was turned over to the city in 1972.
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[Times photo: Dirk Shadd]
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MADEIRA BEACH - Supporters of a historic log cabin at Archibald Park failed Tuesday in their effort to gather enough voter signatures to prevent the city from tearing the building down. "The fight is not over 'til it's over, " said petition organizer Eddie Lee. "I will plead for the City Commission to do the right thing - to put this issue out to a referendum." Lee turned in 408 new signatures to the city clerk on Monday. The original petition filed in May fell 272 names short of the 833 voter signatures needed to force the City Commission to either pass an ordinance that would preserve the Snack Shack or force a citywide referendum. It fell 47 votes short Monday. Commissioners have said they plan to demolish the 1930s-era building. It originally served as a recreation and rehabilitation center for veterans, but became city property when the beach park was turned over to the city in 1972. Until about a decade ago, the Disabled American Veterans operated the Snack Shack, selling hot dogs, burgers, sodas and ice cream to beachgoers. Earlier this year, the city paid $500, 000 to settle a lawsuit filed after a city-approved concession agreement allowing a restaurant was blocked by the U.S. Interior Department, which allows concessions at the park, but not purely commercial operations. The Snack Shack needs extensive renovations.
[Last modified June 26, 2007, 20:27:03]
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by John
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06/30/07 03:00 AM
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I suppose they want to tear it down to make room for developers to build yet another condo. Typical narrow minded city commissioners, always going for the big bucks & forgetting about the local little people who pay their salaries.Do the right thing.
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by Kelly
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06/29/07 12:15 PM
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Come on, save the old place. I remember fond memories of getting burgers and fries there when I was a kid at the beach with my mom. I love that place. Let's not tear down every piece of history on the beach!!!
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by Rick
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06/29/07 09:29 AM
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This building should be protected, not only because of its history, but because it clearly is an important landmark to many people. It could serve as a wonderful community center.
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by Brad
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06/27/07 08:37 PM
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I'd rather have a few extra parking spots.
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by Ray
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06/27/07 08:37 AM
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Quoting Longfellow in another hotly debated attempt at preserving 'Old Ironsides' "Aye, tear her tattered ensign down, long has it waved on high..." Just because something is old and needs some work is not always a good reason to discard it.
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