Town of North Redington Beach

September, '04: Part 2

Comprehensive Planning

County Planners and the town’s planning work group at their September 2 meeting began to consider specific policies that will further the themes officials and residents have said the new Town plan should address,

Among the policies agreed upon at this meeting were commitments to:

Work with the county’s Environmental Management Department on opportunities for beach enhancement and resource protection, and to implement public education programs on the importance of the Town’s coastal resources.

Work with the county, beachfront property owners and adjacent communities on the prospect of a new beach access park.

Emphasize existing beach access points through improved design, signage and other amenities.

Develop design criteria and other requirements for construction along the beach that will restore open spaces between buildings; and engage the community in a dialogue on how the relationship between density and design considerations can work to protect open space and still retain the character of beachside development.

Get assistance from the Florida Department of Transportation and the County Metropolitan Planning Organization on a plan to slow traffic on Gulf Boulevard and create a safer environment for pedestrians and motor vehicles.

Make sure the plan addresses safe vehicle access to Gulf Blvd from adjoining residential streets; and solicit interest from adjoining communities in devising common solutions to pedestrian safety.

Work with the county to identify funding opportunities for improving Gulf Boulevard as a demonstration project. The project would create a comprehensive plan for the boulevard that addresses traffic control, pedestrian scale development and design, building orientation and public amenities that reflect its character.

Work with Gulf Boulevard businesses and residents to complete a design vision for the corridor.

As a first step in this last policy, Town officials and planners have scheduled a meeting on Wednesday. September 15, with owners and managers of tourist facilities to discuss not only design questions but also other issues that the town should consider in trying to retain or even expand the tourist accommodations available along Gulf Boulevard. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

The working group will discuss the results of that meeting along with policies affecting the town’s infrastructure at a meeting a week later, at 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 22.

All meetings scheduled by the town that deal with the planning process are open to the public.

Policies that have been agreed to thus far are still only tentative, and there will be official public hearings by the Planning & Zoning Board before they are formally adopted as part of the new Town plan.

Harold Radcliffe Park

The Radcliffe Park Advisory Committee has approved the recommended improvements to be included in the Town’s application for a $50,000 state grant.

Included in the package are playground equipment, water fountains, additional picnic facilities, new trash cans and new sod for a multi-purpose field that can support family games.

The Town Commission will hold a public hearing on the project at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 15 at Town Hall.

Anyone who wants more information or would like someone to address a community group about the project should call the Town Clerk at 391-4848.

Parking Commercial Vehicles

The Town Commission at its last regular meeting redefined what constitutes a commercial vehicle and enacted new regulations for parking them in residential districts.

The new definition covers all vehicles that are generally used in commercial enterprises, and adds any vehicle that contains a sign advertising a business.

The regulation prohibits the parking of these vehicles in residential zoning districts unless they are housed in an enclosed garage.

During debate, it was noted that perhaps a half dozen or more residents who own vehicles covered by the new definition, and who currently park outdoors should be given consideration in adapting to the new regulation.

Accordingly, an amendment was added to allow these residents a year in which to adapt. However, anyone who qualifies must register with the Town Clerk within the next 60 days to take advantage of the waiver.

Anyone with questions should stop at Town Hall to review the ordinance, and, if affected, register. Town Hall is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.