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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: The city is not sitting idly by

Cats gone, stench lingers story, Jan. 16

The article leaves the impression that the City of Tarpon Springs is not doing enough in a timely manner to remedy the negative impact on this neighborhood.

The city remains attentive and committed to the concerns of all residents involved in this unfortunate situation. When a resident is found in violation of city codes, there is a process, by law, that must be adhered to following the Notice of Violation. That process includes giving the homeowner a time line and a specific plan to resolve the violation.

On each complaint received regarding the property at 759 Seminole Blvd., the city acted within the laws and guidelines established by codes. Each person must be treated fairly and that includes giving them an opportunity to reach compliance on each and every violation.

Dec. 18, the property owners of 759 Seminole Blvd. were issued a Notice of Violation for City Code 6-1 (Florida Building Code). Specifically, their property has been deemed as "unsafe/unsanitary conditions." The property owners have 60 days from receipt of the notice (until Feb. 18) to either demolish the building or make arrangements to clean and sanitize the structure to the satisfaction of city inspectors.

The city understands the plight of the neighbors in this area and it has not been sitting idle during the 60-day time line to either have the property demolished or cleaned up.

The Police Department and Code Enforcement Unit have made continuous and persistent efforts to assist in the timely resolution of this problem. These efforts include onsite inspections to ensure that the property owner is making progress on either scheduling a clean up or acting on his other options.

The police and Code Enforcement Unit have coordinated with a pest management company, which has treated this property several times for the flea infestation and will continue to treat the property for the flea infestation. Both the police and Code Enforcement Departments plan to continue to monitor, develop and initiate courses of action that will expedite the removal of the odor, infestation and unsightly conditions.

Feb. 18, if the property owners have not brought the property into compliance, the city then can legally move forward with demolition or cleanup.

Lt. Barbara Templeton,Tarpon Springs Police Department

City caves in to Scientologists letter, Dec. 28

Scientology is a burden on the city

The letter writer is correct regarding the negative effect of the Scientology organization on Clearwater. It is difficult for me to understand why Scientology can be classified as a religion, since the organization believes in a "thetan" and does not hold religious services to honor God. Instead, if one wants to advance in the organization, they must pay to take classes.

The organization should not receive tax exempt status on the properties it owns in Clearwater. That status should be reserved for religions, not for businesses that require payment of fees. This loss of tax revenue affects the residents of Clearwater, since they have to pick up the slack.

I would like to see, in print, a listing of all Scientology-owned properties in Clearwater, showing the taxes that would have been assessed. The Scientology organization has ruined downtown Clearwater.

Linda de Bottari,Palm Harbor

Housing slump has lovely benefit

Cheers for the housing slump! The exploitation (condo-mania) of Clearwater Beach has come to a standstill.

The stupidest decision was the destruction of the Adam's Mark hotel. Gone are the reasonable rooms and the many jobs that were there. State revenue too.

Enjoy the view while it lasts, folks! It costs nothing. Love it!

Denise Ferrari, Clearwater

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 January 23, 2008, 23:33:51]