Town of North Redington Beach

Even before the ink is dry on the Plan, steps are under way to make sure its objectives for the Corridor are realized.

In March, town officials began meeting with county, state and neighboring community officials on the cooperative efforts that will be needed to achieve development goals.

The county planning staff that helped draft the Plan update will now work on an Evaluation and Appraisal Report that the state will expect in February 2007. This will detail how much progress has been made on the Plan’s goals and what major issues remain to be addressed.

Planners have determined that the biggest issue will be getting the various levels of government to cooperate on Gulf Boulevard improvements.

That is already happening.

For example, the county has agreed that it will assume the cost of placing Gulf Boulevard utilities underground. The Town, in turn, will join with other beach communities in beautifying the streetscape.

Formal agreements are expected before the end of this year, allowing work to begin on detailed engineering. Construction is likely in early 2008.

At the same time, the State Department of Transportation has indicated its willingness to consider additions to the new crosswalks that will make them more visible and safer to use.

Among steps being considered, different colored and textured pavement to make the crosswalks easier to detect; and pedestrian controlled caution lights to alert motorists when someone is prepared to enter the walk.

The Town is currently using extra details of sheriff’s deputies to enforce the crosswalk law, as well as a new, lower speed limit. The law is clear. Motorists must stop when a pedestrian enters the crosswalk. And the state has told beach community leaders that the new 35 miles per hour speed limit is here to stay.

Enhanced efforts are being made to educate the public on the law and how to use the crosswalks safely. Pedestrians should never assume cars will stop, and proceed through the walks with caution.

Officials are hoping that recent action clearing the way for The Wine Cellar to redevelop its property and incorporate a new restaurant in a hotel complex will show the way for other projects on the east side of the boulevard. The town will not change zoning or land use designations until there is a specific proposal on the table, and officials and residents can be certain the project meets new community standards.

Town residents should watch their mailboxes for a new newsletter, Message from the Mayor, which will come out three times a year to keep people abreast of what’s happening in town.