Town of North Redington Beach

The town’s comprehensive plan work group and county planning staff will meet again at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, in Town Hall to continue work on the plan update. The state’s Department of Community Affairs should have completed its review of the changes submitted in February, and local planners will know what if any modifications will be needed to proceed with the legislative steps required to complete the process. That proposal seeks to increase the number of tourist units allowed in the beach tourist zone from 25 to 50 per acre. And to reduce the number of residential units in the same zone to 15 per acre.

Planners sought accelerated action on this change because of heightened development interest on the beach, and the town’s desire to encourage tourist uses to remain in this area.

There are still other elements of the plan that must be reviewed to complete the update. Most notable are the chapters on open space and recreation, housing and capital improvements. In addition, officials will have to reaffirm earlier decisions made on infrastructure and coastal management elements, and to agree on supporting documentation.

All work group meeting are open to the public.

Undergrounding Update

The project to place all utility lines underground in the town’s residential districts is nearing completion. Mayor Bill Queen announced at the Town Commission meeting on April 14 that virtually all the town is now connected to the underground system, and the work of removing the old overhead lines and poles is taking place as this is being written. He said at least half the town will be free of the old poles by the end of this month. The remaining areas are scheduled to be done in early May.

Once all the old equipment is gone, officials will be able to see more clearly whether the new lights are providing the illumination that was expected. Some adjustments may be needed, Mayor Queen said.

The mayor also reported that preliminary work is proceeding on extending the underground process to Gulf Boulevard. Right now, the city and utility officials are identifying the locations where easements will be needed for transformers and other distribution equipment currently attached to the poles.

There is also continuing discussion among all the beach communities, and with the county commissioners on financing options and other program details to not only place utility lines underground, but implement other elements of a Gulf Blvd beautification program.

The commission passed a resolution at the April meeting supporting this intergovernmental effort. Other beach communities are doing the same.

Sheriff’s Report

Lt. Bill Hagans who supervises the county sheriff’s contracts with local communities for police protection reported to the commission and residents attending the commission meeting on organizational changes designed to improve services. He was accompanied by Sgt, Tom Acker, one of three sergeants who directly supervises the deputies assigned to North Redington Beach. Lt. Hagans described the management and reporting structure that will be used to assure community needs are being met. He said the system requires resident participation, in that public concerns will guide the deputies’ work.

Mayor Queen and Commissioner Curtis Blocker, in charge of public safety, had earlier met with Sheriff’s officials about the need to improve enforcement of parking and speeding laws, especially on Gulf Blvd. Lt, Hagans noted improvements that have been made since that meeting, and indicated this will continue.

Earlier Joe Baldanza had asked the commission to do something to curb speeding on Dolphin Drive, where he said an increasing number of children who have moved into the neighborhood and are playing in the street have been endangered. Residents of 173rd and Bath Club North have made the same request. Lt. Hagans said information like this will direct deputy actions.

Browning Honored

Henry Browning of Dolphin Drive was honored for his years of service on the town’s Planning & Zoning Board. Browning retired earlier this year. Mayor Queen gave him a special plaque of appreciation.