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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Plan's dismissal was irresponsible

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published June 29, 2007

Re: Tarpon leaders weigh plan and strike balance editorial, June 27

Your editorial regarding the Tarpon Springs commissioners' refusal to consider a proposal for redevelopment on the north shore of the Anclote River stated that they were being unfairly criticized.

There is, indeed, a great deal of unhappiness about what appears to be an irresponsible dismissal of a proposal without due consideration of the benefits that might accrue to the residents and business owners of Tarpon Springs.

Anyone who sat through the seven-hour meeting at which the Menna and Fletcher proposals were discussed will tell you that there seemed to be a clear bias against the larger Fletcher proposal. To simply dismiss out of hand a proposal that promised considerable benefits because it is too much work for staff to try to negotiate a development agreement is simply irresponsible behavior. Defending this behavior without examining what was really behind the rejection is irresponsible journalism in defense of irresponsible government.

The fact is that Tarpon Springs is becoming increasingly unattractive to both tourists and residents. Signs of decay and neglect are visible everywhere. Responsibility for the failure to provide some remedy for the declining appeal of the city rests on the shoulders of our elected commissioners who have consistently refused to put aside their private and parochial interests when addressing issues of redevelopment and change. They should be held accountable for this.

This newspaper should not be providing convenient cover for their poor performance with editorials that tell only half the story.

Jean Jester, Tarpon Springs

Leaders did well, preserved history

Tarpon Springs commissioners demonstrated sophisticated, intelligent stewardship of the public's trust June 19 by rejecting overtures from megadevelopers to destroy the historic character of the Sponge Docks area.

Mayor Beverley Billiris and the majority of the City Commission courageously rebuffed another frontal assault on the historic values prized by the majority of the city's citizens.

The meeting had all the elements we've come to expect: shady developers, retired politicians looking to trade their local clout for a few more fees, otherwise solid citizens turned into mouthpieces for outside financial interests in hopes of that one big score.

The unfortunate history of great little Florida towns like Tarpon Springs, trashed by a few hungry citizens handled by slick speculators, could have repeated itself had city leaders been blinded by all the bling.

Mayor Billiris' comments regarding building heights, a long-standing squabble at the Sponge Docks, carried a lot of weight as the late-night discussion wore on. But at the heart of the city's concern was recognition that the highly polished yet dimly lit details of the plan touted by developer Jerry Fletcher would forever destroy the unique and beloved ambience of the waterfront that is one of Tarpon's most precious possessions.

In a world where dime-a-dozen politicos slaver to make a personal bundle or political fame by cozying up to over-reaching developers, the stewardship, sophistication and courage shown by the mayor and commissioners bodes well for the future of the docks and the city of Tarpon Springs. It is at once rare and refreshing to see the greater good of the community placed ahead of the banal urges of selfish and misguided development.

Bob Muhlhan, Tarpon Springs

Renovation is a better way to go  

Re: Tarpon hotel gets a green light story, June 21

I'm happy the Tarpon Springs City Commission had the good sense to back down on the Fletcher resort proposal, which could have been costly as well as a project too large for Tarpon Springs.

However, from the picture in the paper, I don't see much difference between the newly proposed hotel/shops building (the commission supported) at the Sponge Docks and the eyesore that meets us on the right side as we approach Dodecanese Boulevard on Alt. U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs. That big yellow building is an eyesore and completely out of character for the area.

Someone in authority must have okayed the project, or it wouldn't have been built there, and that's a shame.

As I keep saying, Tarpon is one of our small and beautiful old towns, and they need to renovate existing buildings and stop tearing down and starting over. The old Pappas restaurant would make a perfect small hotel and would certainly help increase business for downtown Tarpon Springs.

Let's think positive and use what we have and stop building million-dollar structures where they are completely out of place.

Fran Glaros-Sharp, Clearwater

Geiger's home not worth front page  

Re: NBA size party pad for sale story, June 27

Matt Geiger blah, blah, blah. Wow, he's rich. Is there nothing else going on in North Pinellas that deserves front page news?

His house has 28, 000 square feet and no suitable place for a playroom. Gag me.

Since he is such a charitable guy, maybe he should consider donating some of that land to the East Lake soccer league.

Marianne McCarthy, Palm Harbor

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified June 28, 2007, 22:18:20]