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September, '05

Comprehensive Plan

The town is in the final stages of updating its Comprehensive Plan. Planners have completed a draft of all the revisions to the Goals, Objectives and Policies that were approved by a special planning work group during more than a year of deliberations.

This draft will be subject to public comment at a public hearing to be held by the Planning & Zoning Board. It is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, at Town Hall.

A copy of the document is available for public review at Town Hall.

The thrust of the new plan is perhaps best summarized in the first Goal of the Future Land Use Element, one of nine separate elements that are required to be addressed under state law.

It reads: “The Town of North Redington Beach shall, consistent with public interest and community desire, protect and promote its small town coastal character and shall be a safe, attractive and desirable place in which to live, visit and work.”

This, in essence, is what town residents said they wanted in responding to a community wide survey that initiated the project. It was reinforced at public meetings and by comments from interested citizens who attended the work group meetings.

The other elements in the plan all work to support this vision, committing the town to policies that protect neighborhoods, make sure basic service needs are met and promote safety and beautification, especially on Gulf Boulevard.

Following its public hearing, the Planning & Zoning Board will make recommendations to the Town Commission, which will schedule another public hearing before it acts to submit the revised plan to state officials for their approval.

Town officials and county planners are looking to have the new plan officially in place early in the New Year.

Tourist Land Use Change

The Town Commission at its regular September meeting completed action on one critical change in the plan that was put on a fast track for approval in order to protect the town’s tourist facilities.

It passed unanimously an ordinance allowing development of 50 tourist units per acre in the Commercial Tourist zone that covers the beachfront properties along Gulf Blvd.

The Commission had earlier passed an ordinance reducing the number of residential units allowed in this zone to 15 per acre. The ratio is one that many feel equalizes somewhat the development incentives for tourist and condo interests.

Other Commission Action

In other action on September 8, the Commission:

Approved the Town’s budget and millage rate for the fiscal year that begins October 1 and runs through September 20, 2006. Expenditures from all funds total roughly $1,440,000. The General Fund is almost $743,000. The tax rate for the town remains at one mill, with increases in property values covering higher operating costs, which included increases for police and fire protection, staff salaries, health insurance and other employee benefits.

Appointed George J. Sailer of Bath Club Boulevard North and Steve Busse of 173rd Avenue as alternate members of the Planning & Zoning Board. Both will serve three-year terms ending July 1, 2008. Both were recommended by the Board.

Renewed beach concession licenses with Windsurfin’ International and Beach Services West, Inc. The Beach Advisory Board had recommended this action.

Approved new signage for the Doubletree Resort, which will be the new designation for what was formerly the North Redington Beach Hilton.

Approved the appointment of Kevin Bessolo, AIA, to be a consulting architect to the Planning & Zoning Board. He will help the Board fulfill its new responsibilities in reviewing site plans and assuring compliance with legislated design standards. Mr. Bessolo has had extensive experience in designing large beachfront projects.

Established the qualifying dates for future municipal elections. Candidates will have from the first Friday in December through the third Friday in December to file necessary papers. The next election will be in March 2006. Terms are expiring for Commissioners 3 and 4.