Letters to the Editors

Be fair in reclaimed water project

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 1, 2001

Editor:

Susan Thurston reported in her recent article titled Relief may come for parched suburbs that "the project targets dense residential areas of the city that use a lot of water. The first two phases will serve people in the Interbay Peninsula, including Davis Islands, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia and the Westshore business district."

Well, of course, these "residential areas" will be targeted first since the operative word for these neighborhoods is "dense." And soon-to-be candidate for mayor, City Council member Charlie Miranda, certainly understands that "dense" is just another term for "a lot" of votes.

Well, if Charlie Miranda used his brains he would understand that most areas, if not all areas in New Tampa, were developed under DRI's (Development of Regional Impact) and therefore should be considered first for the reclaimed water program. Because it was the city of Tampa that demanded St. Augustine lawns for all common areas and yards. That's right, St. Augustine lawns were a requirement for all DRI developments. No choice, just do it or else. And who do you think paid the cost to plant all this grass? The homeowners who live in these developments. And when this record drought finally ends, who do you think is going to pay the cost to replace all these dead St. Augustine lawns -- MAYOR Charlie Miranda?
-- Bob Doran, Tampa Palms

© 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