Strollable downtown Largo planned

By MONIQUE FIELDS

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 24, 2001

LARGO -- In the near future, Largo residents could drive downtown, park their cars along tree-lined streets, browse specialty shops and get a bite to eat at an outdoor cafe.

Afterward, they could stroll along brick walkways to trendy townhouses just five minutes away.

All of this and more could happen if Largo accepts ideas set forth Tuesday night by Ric Goss, director of the city's community development department. His plan, unveiled at a Largo City Commission work session, comes after years of discussions about how the city can revitalize its downtown corridor.

"We're trying to create an urban environment, not suburban, where people get out of their cars and walk in a compact commercial corridor," Goss said.

The city has been struggling with reviving its downtown. Developers have stepped forward with plans, but they either withdrew their proposals or were rejected by commissioners. Last month, Mayor Bob Jackson suggested a task force to review the matter, but the commission shot down that idea.

So Goss, who had shared some parts of his vision with commissioners, put his ideas on paper. As he introduced them Tuesday night, he pointed out that they incorporate things the city has already done or plans to do, as well as a few new steps.

The plan focuses on developing First Avenue SW and NW and identifies a set of core beliefs: establishing a town center, giving that town center an identity and promoting an urban environment for business.

Several avenues could lead to such a change, according to Goss' proposal. The city could convert its library into an upscale restaurant and construct a bridge linking Largo Central Park, the Cultural Arts Center and the library with the downtown center.

The old City Hall site could become a hub for office, retail and residential use. City officials hope development of the land, which encompasses the former City Hall property on First Avenue SW, will spark economic development in downtown Largo. But the old Police Department site would remain vacant until the right developer came along.

The vision drew praise from some commissioners.

Commissioner Pat Burke said she had recently visited Ybor City in Tampa and Bay Walk in downtown St. Petersburg. She was impressed by what she saw, especially in St. Petersburg.

"It was literally booming," she said.

She realizes Largo isn't nearly as large as Tampa or St. Petersburg, but she has a similar dream of attracting people to Largo.

"To me, this is the pedestrian-friendly thing I've always envisioned the downtown to be," she said.

Commissioner Jean Halvorsen agreed: "This is ideal. This is the old concept of walking downtown."

Mayor Bob Jackson shared their sentiment, but said he was bothered by one part of the plan. He is concerned that by focusing on First Avenue, the city would abandon West Bay Drive.

Another sticking point was Ulmer Park. Commissioners Marty Shelby and Mary Laurance were concerned the vision didn't include Ulmer Park.

"Darn it, we said as a voice that we would include it," said Laurance. She said honoring that commitment was a matter of respect to residents who are expecting the city to keep its promise.

Commissioners asked Goss to meet with City Manager Steve Stanton about their concerns and give them a report Feb. 27.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright