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Four county commissioners say they are willing to discuss the city's proposed plan that would channel property tax revenues into the redevelopment district.
By KATHERINE GAZELLA
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 8, 2001
TARPON SPRINGS -- The city's far-reaching plans to redevelop Pinellas Avenue and downtown will rely on many factors: private investment, continuing public support and acceptance by local businesses.
But one of the most important hurdles the city must clear is the Pinellas County Commission. The commission must approve a proposed tax plan that would allow the city to pour property tax revenues back into the redevelopment district.
Now, as the city puts final touches on a proposal it will make to the county, four county commissioners said they are at least open to discussing the idea.
"The next big tourist attraction in Pinellas County will be the cities like Tarpon Springs," County Commissioner Calvin Harris said. "We're committed to doing what the city needs to do. We need to make sure that we support them in their efforts."
"The only hesitation that I've heard is that this indeed be the downtown area" rather than a bigger section of town, Commissioner Karen Seel said. But, she said, "I am receptive."
If approved by the county, the city would create an area in and around downtown called a community redevelopment district. To do so, the city has to declare that the area is blighted.
City administrators said the term simply means that improvements can be made to the area, even though the term "blighted" conjures up negative images.
"We're not trying to paint a dark, ominous picture, like Detroit," said Walter Fufidio, the city's director of planning and zoning. "It just means it's not up to its full economic potential."
"In this sense, (blighted) is a good thing," City Manager Ellen Posivach said. "It basically means there's improvement to be had."
The city would then be able to raise funds through tax increment financing, a funding plan used in cities throughout the country. Within the district, officials first would add up the assessed value of all property, using that total value as the baseline for the district's future operations.
Tax revenues generated by that base value would continue to go to the local governments. But as the assessed value of property in the district grew, the additional property tax revenue generated by the increased value would go into a redevelopment fund. That money could be used to pay for some projects, possibly including a parking garage or other efforts.
County Commissioner Bob Stewart said he has some concerns about tax increment financing, but he will consider the city's proposal.
"The concern that I would have would be freezing our tax base at the low end," he said. "But I understand the city's position of wanting to pour those dollars back into that area."
Commissioner Barbara Sheen Todd said she wants to receive information about the boundaries and other aspects of the plan before deciding whether to support it.
"We at this point are not in any position to decide," she said. In general, she said, "Tax increment financing is an effective tool if it is used appropriately."
Commissioners Susan Latvala, John Morroni and Kenneth Welch did not return telephone calls last week seeking comment.
The city's planning department has drawn up preliminary plans for the district's boundaries. The northern part of the district is bordered by the Anclote River, lots on the west side of N Pinellas Avenue and property along N Safford Avenue. The southern part is bordered on the west by Banana Boulevard, lots to the east of S Safford Avenue and Meres Boulevard. A center section extends the district east around downtown and is bordered to the east by N Levis Avenue.
The city will hold public hearings about the district in the next couple of months. The plan then would go to the County Commission in late May or early June.
The city's downtown redevelopment plan would encompass a long corridor on and around Pinellas Avenue. It proposes parks, an art walk, a parking garage and a hotel on the Anclote River as well as beautification projects. The plan would be implemented throughout the next 20 years.
City officials said getting approval for the plan is key to the success of downtown redevelopment.
"It certainly is important for long-range implementation of the plan," Mayor Frank DiDonato said.
He said it makes sense to fund downtown improvements with money generated within the district. Now, he pointed out, tax money from all over the city is used to fund efforts downtown.
"I think most people will say, "Why didn't we do this 20 years ago?' " he said.
- Staff writer Katherine Gazella can be reached at (727) 445-4182 or gazella@sptimes.com.