Residents weigh in on crime issue at meeting

At what was described as a heated session, the idea of hiring an off-duty deputy surfaces again, along with better enforcement of deed restrictions.

By LOGAN D. MABE

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 27, 2000

NORTHDALE -- Two weeks ago, only a handful of board members and residents showed up for the Northdale Civic Association's regular meeting. When it was obvious there wasn't a quorum, the members rescheduled.

More than 60 people attended that makeup meeting Wednesday night, prompted in part by a flier that mentioned "neighborhood decline" as one of the agenda issues.

"It looks like a lot of people noticed that," said association president Chris Cook, who circulated the flier. "We have not had a meeting like that in years."

Residents approved two relatively minor measures, raising the membership fee from $15 to $20 per home and voting two new members onto the board.

But there was some major discussion of deed restrictions enforcement and the hiring of off-duty sheriff's deputies to patrol the community.

"Boy, did it get heated," Cook said.

The Northdale Special Tax District has been considering spending reserve funds for the security patrols, which some members believe would help reduce speeding in the community. But four board members, including George Helmstetter, oppose the idea.

"The thing that really got people hot under the collar was the concern over crime," said Larry Spitzer, a 20-year resident.

The majority of people at the meeting favored funding an added deputy, Cook said.

But Helmstetter, who attended the meeting, remains opposed.

"We pay taxes, a lot of taxes, and we're entitled to sheriff's protection," Helmstetter said. "I will oppose it as long as I'm on the board. . . . I'll vote no every time."

Helmstetter said he would only change his mind if a majority of Northdale residents were in favor. "I only vote the way people tell me to vote," said Helmstetter, noting 80 percent of residents opposed a special district tax increase in 1997.

Other topics discussed at the meeting included:

Creating a homeowners association that would have more power than the civic association and could better handle deed restriction violations.

The Northwest Regional Library, which Hillsborough Community College is considering using as a temporary campus. Officials from the college will study the idea before making a formal presentation to Northdale residents.

- To reach Logan D. Mabe, call 226-3464 or e-mail him at mabe@sptimes.com.

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