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Island View project start delayed until December

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 21, 2007

CLEARWATER - The City Council on Wednesday extended the deadline for the start of construction of the Island View condominium and retail complex on the northern edge of downtown.

Slow sales and a slight change to the project's design had forced the delay.

With the extension, Triangle Development of Clearwater must begin construction by December 2008. The $270-million project includes three condo towers, a row of townhomes and about 13,000 square feet of shops and restaurants.

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

County: No helipad forGeiger's 36-acre estate

EAST LAKE - Pinellas County commissioners Tuesday night denied former NBA star Matt Geiger's request to build a helipad at his East Lake mansion, which is on the market for $20-million. His 36-acre estate is on the northwest corner of Keystone Road and Old Keystone Road.

Nearly 300 people signed a petition against the helipad. The commission voted 4-2 to deny Geiger's request, with Vice Chairman Robert Stewart and Commissioner Calvin Harris in dissent.

Tamara El-Khoury, Times staff writer

Residents may get vote on making area a city

PALM HARBOR - Some Palm Harbor residents believe a city government would be more responsive to their needs than Pinellas County is, so the idea of incorporating Palm Harbor as its own city is back.

At residents' request, state Rep. Peter Nehr, R-Tarpon Springs, has agreed to sponsor a bill in the House to allow Palm Harbor residents to vote in November 2008 on whether to form their own city.

Richard Danielson, Times staff writer

Main Street speed limitto get closer study

SAFETY HARBOR - City officials are planning a traffic study to see if 25 mph is the best speed for Main Street from around 13th Avenue west to McMullen-Booth Road.

City Engineer Bill Baker will present his findings to the City Commission, which has the power to increase the speed limit if commissioners wish. The study follows complaints from resident Diane Turscak, who describes the road as a speed trap.

Eileen Schulte, Times staff writer

Boat slip rentals may soar at citymarina

CLEARWATER - City officials are considering whether to raise slip-rental fees at Clearwater's Municipal Marina. City staff members said the fee increase is needed to prevent the cost of running the 209-slip marina from falling onto property tax payers. For a city resident who owns a 30-foot boat, the proposed increase would increase the monthly rent from $158.70 now to $445.20 in 2012.

Demorris A. Lee, Times staff writer

Proposed changes maylengthen officials' terms

CLEARWATER - The City Council on Wednesday agreed to consider seven of nine proposed changes to the city's charter. Council members will make official in November which of the proposed charter amendments will go to the voters in January. The proposed changes include:

- Allowing the city to donate or sell up to half an acre of land at less than market value if it's used for affordable housing.

- Setting four-year terms for council members and the mayor instead of three-year terms.

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

[Last modified October 20, 2007, 21:43:07]