Downtown plan draws fans, critics

The redevelopment proposal for Largo divides the mayor and the Greater Largo Chamber of Commerce, among others.

By ERIC STIRGUS

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 9, 2001

LARGO -- Despite an endorsement Tuesday from the Greater Largo Chamber of Commerce, the city's downtown redevelopment plan has received a mixed reception in the community, city officials say.

After approving a list of objectives for downtown last month, city commissioners asked the city's staff to show the plan to various community groups. Several Downtown Largo Main Street Association members have strong reservations about the plan.

Among the plan's critics: Mayor Bob Jackson, who met with an architect last week, seeking to have an alternative sketch drawn for 73/4 acres of city-owned land. The mayor wants more residential space and a wider park stretching along West Bay Drive than the city's official plan has.

"The problem is, you are faced with a divided community," Jackson said of the city plan.

Several city commissioners have attacked the mayor over his alternative plan, expressing concern that a separate sketch would confuse potential developers.

Commissioner Mary Laurance, who was at a legislative conference in Tallahassee the day commissioners voted on the downtown plan, said she supports the mayor's efforts. She believes the city's official plan deviates too far from the original discussion among commissioners about their vision for downtown in late 1999.

"This is a shift in gears," she said.

Meanwhile, the chamber's board unanimously approved the official plan Tuesday.

The chamber's downtown task force and executive committee recommended approval, praising city officials for including areas outside of the West Bay Drive business corridor in their vision.

Most of the downtown discussion has centered on the city finding someone to develop the city-owned land. The official plan, approved by city commissioners last month, hinges on making First Avenue NW and SW the focus of redevelopment efforts that would stretch out a mile east to Highland Avenue.

"To us, it makes a lot of sense because downtown is a lot larger than the 7 acres and West Bay Drive," said Marc Mansfield, president of the 550-member chamber.

But those who question the plan are concerned about the configuration of a proposed park on the city-owned property. They also wonder whether businesses should front West Bay Drive and if the current vision for the area grants enough space for townhouses.

"It won't look like a park," said Barbara Caldwell, owner of Louise's Family Hair Salon on West Bay Drive. "It will look like a sidewalk into something else."

Members of the chamber committees that looked at the plan were pleased with the design of the park.

"It doesn't take up the whole project," said Mansfield. "But it does create green space."

The Greater Clearwater Association of Realtors, which includes many Largo business people, last month wrote a letter to the city asking commissioners to include more space for residential property on the city-owned land. Jackson has expressed similar concerns.

Chamber officials, however, say the official plan for the 73/4 acres has the right mix of commercial, retail and residential space.

"We believe residential should not overshadow commercial," Mansfield said.

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