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NRB Firm

August 2004

Because of Hurricane Charley, the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners was postponed from August 12 to August 16. At that meeting, the Board:

Reappointed Carl Hall, Connie Jessup, Virginia Michel, Nila Postupack and Ruth Spears to the Beach Advisory Committee.

Reappointed Marilyn Hall and Frank Novak to the Planning and Zoning Board.

Approved a Beach Advisory Committee recommendation to renew beach concession licenses with Beach Service West and Windsurfin International.

Approved on first reading an ordinance that sets new regulations for docks and piers. A public hearing will be held prior to the second reading on September 9.

Approved on first reading an ordinance redefining and regulating the parking of commercial vehicles in residential zoning districts. A public hearing will be held prior to the second reading on September 9.

Approved on first reading the adoption of a five year capital improvements program. A public hearing will be held prior to the second reading on September 9.

Approved the filing of an application for a state grant to complete Harold Radcliffe Park.

Comprehensive Planning

With the town’s comprehensive planning effort now in high gear, the opening item of these monthly updates for the next several months will be a report on the most recent discussions and decisions of the groups that are leading this work.

The staff of the Pinellas County Planning Department provides technical assistance. Two town commissioners and three members of the planning and zoning board make up the working group that evaluates plan details. A steering committee that includes all the commissioners and planning and zoning board members deal with policy issues.

It was the steering committee that met on August 11 to review what town residents have said they would like to see in the plan. Their views were gathered via a survey that was mailed to all households and businesses in June. This was followed by a public meeting at the end of July.

Planning staff used these citizen comments to identify 12 basic themes that need to be tackled as part of the planning exercise. The steering committee agreed with staff conclusions, and the working group will begin more intensive deliberations on the how the themes should be translated into specific policies when it next meets at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1.

All planning meetings are held at Town Hall and are open to the public.

This next meeting will consider three top themes on the list. These include protecting and improving the beach and access to it; more enforcement and better traffic control on Gulf Boulevard to cut speeds and improve pedestrian crossings; and beautifying Gulf Boulevard to make it a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly focal point in the community.

Future meetings will deal with policies that protect the town’s character; develop density standards the fit this character; protect the town’s water front, water views and public lands; protect natural resources, including water quality and nesting sea turtles; and making sure that redevelopment activity balances residential, commercial and economic needs.

Special attention will be given in the future to the concern that many people have about tourist facilities – motels and hotels – being converted to condominium structures. Planners expect to schedule a meeting of tourist facility owners within a month to discuss what the town can/should do to retain tourist accommodations.

Emergency Preparedness

Another citizen concern dealt with emergency preparedness and the events of August 12-13, the days that Hurricane Charley threatened, underscored the importance of this theme.

One can’t remember when a town commission meeting was last cancelled because of a hurricane threat. But it was on August 12 as North Redington Beach responded to an evacuation order from county emergency officials.

The evacuation was conducted in an orderly fashion, and when the threat miraculously ended with a sudden shift in Charley’s direction, authorities moved quickly to make it possible for people to return to their homes.

Coordination with the county was critical, and ways to enhance this town-county relationship in emergency situations will be another item included in the comprehensive plan.

Harold Radcliffe Park

The town will make another try at getting a state grant to complete the development of Harold Radcliffe Park. Work is progressing on a new application for up to $50,000 in state aid. The application has to be in state hands by October 13.

Among the improvements that will be included in the proposal are playground equipment, additional picnic facilities, water fountains, additional landscaping and new sod for the area designated to be a family sports area.

Capital Improvements Plan

A capital improvements plan that projects improvements to the town’s infrastructure for the next five years is being considered by the town commission.

The Harold Radcliffe Park project noted above is included as are a number of projects aimed at beautifying Gulf Boulevard, including putting utility lines underground. Repaving town streets and regular upgrades to the sewer system are also part of the plan.

Funding the improvements will be one of the major issues facing the commission down the road.