By Bill Yanger
Another in a continuing series of imagined conversations over coffee at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Good Morning
And a good morning to you, buddy.
Missed you yesterday. Where were you?
Yeah, well, I was finishing my site plan. Gonna file it today with the City.
Site plan?
Uh huh. Decided I’d better get it in before it’s too late. I’m gonna have a store or a real estate office or something on the bottom floor and I’ll live on the top floor unless I can rent it out for weddings. Putting in a pool, a jacuzzi, landscape lighting…
Wait…
…native Florida plants that that native plant guy who lives here preaches about…
Wait…
…parking spaces paved with real beach shell, palm trees, seagrapes…
WAIT!
What?
Stop. You live in a tiny house on a tiny lot on a quiet street with other tiny houses. You’re zoned residential. You can’t build a building with a commercial use and you never will.
Maybe not yet but soon. And if I don’t get my plans in now, it may be too late when I finally get around to it. Things are changing everyday. Even going to see a lawyer this afternoon.
A lawyer. What are you talking about?
Hey, I’m a developer now. A developer needs a lawyer.
To do what?
You know, whatever lawyers do…send long letters, point fingers at City Commission meetings. Threaten to sue everyone…the City, the State, even other developers. God, I can’t wait!
Okay, let’s slow down. First, what makes you think your zoning is going to change.
Wake up man! Look around you. They changed the density thingy, then rezoned like a hundred lots all at once by snapping their fingers and now it looks like the lawyers want more changes and less denials…or maybe they mean less changes and more denials…
Did you just say “density thingy”?
Yes. Like in the Comp Plan thingy.
You have a thing for saying “thingy.”
Whatever, you know what I mean.
I wish I did. And it wasn’t a hundred lots they rezoned, just a couple dozen.
Right, a dozen here, a dozen there…before you know it you’re looking at real numbers. Anyway, a real developer plans ahead, anticipates what’ll happen. That’s why I need to get this done now.
You will never get it done.
Oh yeah? Tell PAR that. They seem to be good at planning ahead. Filed all their stuff a long time ago in case something changes. And now it looks like changes are coming. Seems to be working for them.
Please tell me you are not really serious about this.
Serious as a heart attack my friend. Would I stand around a Xerox machine for two hours yesterday making 9 copies of my plan if I wasn’t serious?
Nine copies?
Yeah, I have to file nine copies with the City. Let’s see, at 10 cents a copy that’s…
Okay okay. I give up, do what you want. Going to yoga today?
No yoga. Besides all the good looking ladies are off visitin' kids for the holidays. Anyway, gotta meet my new real estate broker for lunch.
Right, your real estate broker.
Sure, can’t be a real developer without a real broker. You know, slick website, snappy pictures, great flowery words about how awesome my development will be even if there's no real hope of ever getting it done.
Of course, stupid me. And who might this broker be.
That guy down in Bradenton Beach. New York guy. Like they say, if you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere…even in this little city.
I wouldn’t bet on it. Some pretty tough cookies in this town’s politics these days. And it’s getting tougher. Seems even the lawyers are getting lawyers.
Anyway, I got my checklist here in my back pocket…uh…got it. Let’s see. Site plan, check. Nine copies, check. Lawyer, check. Broker, check. I think I’m set. Just feel like something’s missing.
Uh, how about common sense?
Hah hah. No, really. This is important to me, man. Can you think of anything else I will need to get this thing done?
Nothing for your checklist. But I can think of one thing you’ll need in that back pocket of yours.
What?
Any self-respecting developer has one.
Okay okay. What is it?
A newspaper editor.
You are right! I’ll work on that.
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 William L. Yanger
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Yes My Friend, There Is A Santa Claus
By Bill Yanger
Another in a continuing series of imagined conversations over coffee at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Morning.
Hey, good morning my best friend ever!
That’s a turn around…last week I was a cheater…best friend ever now?
Of course! Greatest guy in the world. You’re like a brother.
Where’s all this coming from?
It’s almost Christmas man. Just letting you know how much I appreciate you. Here’s your coffee. Three sugars, heavy cream, right.
Yeah, thanks…and…uh…I…appreciate you too. What is that?
This?
Yeah, that.
Oh, this is just a little list.
What kinda list?
Christmas list.
A gift list?
Yeah.
Going shopping today?
No.
So why the list?
It’s my list…what I want for Christmas.
Wait, does that say “Dear Santa” at the top?
…n-n-no…
Yes it does. Let me see…
Does not. Leave it…
Got it. Hah! It DOES say Dear Santa! “Dear Santa, I hope you had a good year. Here is my list as usual. You ate all the peanut butter cookies last year so I think I’ll leave you those again. Drive safe…” Is this a joke?
No. A tradition.
A tradition. Got it.
Yeah, you know, every year…do the same thing…makes it feel like Christmas.
…Uh-huh…you write to Santa…do you leave your dentures under your pillow, too? Hunt for easter eggs with your own little basket?
You’re a laugh riot.
So let’s see what you want this year…
C’mon, give it back.
Socks. Socks is at the top of your list?
Yeah, socks. So?
You have four pairs of flip flops and those nasty old boat shoes with the paint spots. You live a block from the beach. You haven’t worn socks since that No-Name storm in ’93 flooded your closet and soaked your loafers.
I hated those loafers. Good riddance.
But you still want socks.
I ask for them every year. He never brings them.
He. Santa?
Yeah Santa. Who else would “he” be?
Right, of course. Who else…OOO-kay … Let’s see, the list…A yoga mat? Yoga?
Yes, yoga. At the Community Center. Lotsa ladies, if you know what I mean.
My friend, you can’t see your toes much less touch them. Quite the chick magnet.
See there? Your karma is sooo negative. You should come with me. I went yesterday. It was life changing.
Life changing? Changing your Depends after a yoga class, maybe, but your life?
Hah hah. Make fun, as usual. You’ll see. A few more yoga classes and I will be able to watch a City Commission meeting without my blood pressure banging in my ears like the chairman’s gavel.
You’ll need to move to a yoga ashram in the mountains of India to settle your blood pressure with this Commission. And remember there’s another election around the corner for that one lady’s seat and for the Mayor. That lawyer, you know, the predictable one? His seat’s up too. July 4th won’t be the only fireworks next summer.
I’ll take a commission meeting any day over watching that new parking safety committee. They oughta use the Island Players place for their meetings…all that overwrought melodrama.
More like male-o-drama…as usual, the ladies were all too smart to get caught up in that mess. Oy…maybe I should consider a yoga class. Probably see those PAR guys there with their editor and their newly anointed P&Z pal too…all chasing a little good karma. Hey, you ever see that commissioner, the pool maintenance guy, at yoga?
Never, why?
Eh, nothing. Just think he must’ve still been in some kinda tantric trance when he voted on the new P&Z seat the other night.
Dunno. Coulda been. Read the next one.
What?
Read the next one on my list.
Two Super Bowl tickets.
Yeah, that’s my biggy.
I’d say. Good luck with that one…uh…why are you giggling?
It’s in Miami this year. Beaches, bikinis, Pina Coladas…
That cute bartender at Hank’s, she makes great Pina Coladas…er…so I hear…and we have beaches and bikinis right here…so I’m told…
But we don’t have the Super Bowl right here.
I thought your wife hates football.
She does. Won’t watch it. Hates it when I do. That’s why I come to your house…to share America’s game with someone who has a refined appreciation for the nuances of the sport and a deep respect for the parallels to our society as a whole.
You come to my house to drink my beer.
And to drink your beer, yes.
So why would you…uh … ask Santa for two tickets if the wife won’t go?
I’m taking my best friend, of course.
Of course you are. And that would be…
You, remember?
Me. Yes, how could I forget.
You’ll go right?
Ohhhh, absolutely! I’ll pack tomorrow. Warm up the Lear Jet. A suite at the Fountainbleu. Call George Clooney and Brad Pitt and have them meet us at South Beach. Make it a boy’s weekend.
No really. You’ll go right?
One little detail.
Yeah?
Dude, hell-OH? Anybody home? You’re older than dirt and writing letters to Santa Claus for godsake. There IS…NO... Santa Claus!
Maybe…but if so…then where’d these come from?
What are those?
Two Super Bowl tickets genius.
What the…
Yep. Two. You and me. Fifty yard line. Miami, my brother.
But how? You could buy a car for…
Ehh, don’t worry about it. Don’t need a car. I know a guy who knows a guy. Besides you’re worth it. Best friend ever and all.
W-w-what can I say?
I dunno…say you’ll go to yoga with me.
Yoga? Uhhh…
Miami Beach.
Yoga.
Fifty yard line.
I love yoga.
And say you believe in Santa Claus.
That’s an easy one.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas brother. And a Merry Christmas to all of our Anna Maria friends, right?
Of course. Give me a hug.
Here? In front of all of them? Awk--ward.
Uh, sport's biggest spectacle? Hot latin nights? Cuban coffee and toast in the morning? MY... AM...EE?
Right. A hug … Okay …umm…There you go. You’re just a big old goof, you know that?
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 – William L. Yanger
Another in a continuing series of imagined conversations over coffee at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Morning.
Hey, good morning my best friend ever!
That’s a turn around…last week I was a cheater…best friend ever now?
Of course! Greatest guy in the world. You’re like a brother.
Where’s all this coming from?
It’s almost Christmas man. Just letting you know how much I appreciate you. Here’s your coffee. Three sugars, heavy cream, right.
Yeah, thanks…and…uh…I…appreciate you too. What is that?
This?
Yeah, that.
Oh, this is just a little list.
What kinda list?
Christmas list.
A gift list?
Yeah.
Going shopping today?
No.
So why the list?
It’s my list…what I want for Christmas.
Wait, does that say “Dear Santa” at the top?
…n-n-no…
Yes it does. Let me see…
Does not. Leave it…
Got it. Hah! It DOES say Dear Santa! “Dear Santa, I hope you had a good year. Here is my list as usual. You ate all the peanut butter cookies last year so I think I’ll leave you those again. Drive safe…” Is this a joke?
No. A tradition.
A tradition. Got it.
Yeah, you know, every year…do the same thing…makes it feel like Christmas.
…Uh-huh…you write to Santa…do you leave your dentures under your pillow, too? Hunt for easter eggs with your own little basket?
You’re a laugh riot.
So let’s see what you want this year…
C’mon, give it back.
Socks. Socks is at the top of your list?
Yeah, socks. So?
You have four pairs of flip flops and those nasty old boat shoes with the paint spots. You live a block from the beach. You haven’t worn socks since that No-Name storm in ’93 flooded your closet and soaked your loafers.
I hated those loafers. Good riddance.
But you still want socks.
I ask for them every year. He never brings them.
He. Santa?
Yeah Santa. Who else would “he” be?
Right, of course. Who else…OOO-kay … Let’s see, the list…A yoga mat? Yoga?
Yes, yoga. At the Community Center. Lotsa ladies, if you know what I mean.
My friend, you can’t see your toes much less touch them. Quite the chick magnet.
See there? Your karma is sooo negative. You should come with me. I went yesterday. It was life changing.
Life changing? Changing your Depends after a yoga class, maybe, but your life?
Hah hah. Make fun, as usual. You’ll see. A few more yoga classes and I will be able to watch a City Commission meeting without my blood pressure banging in my ears like the chairman’s gavel.
You’ll need to move to a yoga ashram in the mountains of India to settle your blood pressure with this Commission. And remember there’s another election around the corner for that one lady’s seat and for the Mayor. That lawyer, you know, the predictable one? His seat’s up too. July 4th won’t be the only fireworks next summer.
I’ll take a commission meeting any day over watching that new parking safety committee. They oughta use the Island Players place for their meetings…all that overwrought melodrama.
More like male-o-drama…as usual, the ladies were all too smart to get caught up in that mess. Oy…maybe I should consider a yoga class. Probably see those PAR guys there with their editor and their newly anointed P&Z pal too…all chasing a little good karma. Hey, you ever see that commissioner, the pool maintenance guy, at yoga?
Never, why?
Eh, nothing. Just think he must’ve still been in some kinda tantric trance when he voted on the new P&Z seat the other night.
Dunno. Coulda been. Read the next one.
What?
Read the next one on my list.
Two Super Bowl tickets.
Yeah, that’s my biggy.
I’d say. Good luck with that one…uh…why are you giggling?
It’s in Miami this year. Beaches, bikinis, Pina Coladas…
That cute bartender at Hank’s, she makes great Pina Coladas…er…so I hear…and we have beaches and bikinis right here…so I’m told…
But we don’t have the Super Bowl right here.
I thought your wife hates football.
She does. Won’t watch it. Hates it when I do. That’s why I come to your house…to share America’s game with someone who has a refined appreciation for the nuances of the sport and a deep respect for the parallels to our society as a whole.
You come to my house to drink my beer.
And to drink your beer, yes.
So why would you…uh … ask Santa for two tickets if the wife won’t go?
I’m taking my best friend, of course.
Of course you are. And that would be…
You, remember?
Me. Yes, how could I forget.
You’ll go right?
Ohhhh, absolutely! I’ll pack tomorrow. Warm up the Lear Jet. A suite at the Fountainbleu. Call George Clooney and Brad Pitt and have them meet us at South Beach. Make it a boy’s weekend.
No really. You’ll go right?
One little detail.
Yeah?
Dude, hell-OH? Anybody home? You’re older than dirt and writing letters to Santa Claus for godsake. There IS…NO... Santa Claus!
Maybe…but if so…then where’d these come from?
What are those?
Two Super Bowl tickets genius.
What the…
Yep. Two. You and me. Fifty yard line. Miami, my brother.
But how? You could buy a car for…
Ehh, don’t worry about it. Don’t need a car. I know a guy who knows a guy. Besides you’re worth it. Best friend ever and all.
W-w-what can I say?
I dunno…say you’ll go to yoga with me.
Yoga? Uhhh…
Miami Beach.
Yoga.
Fifty yard line.
I love yoga.
And say you believe in Santa Claus.
That’s an easy one.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas brother. And a Merry Christmas to all of our Anna Maria friends, right?
Of course. Give me a hug.
Here? In front of all of them? Awk--ward.
Uh, sport's biggest spectacle? Hot latin nights? Cuban coffee and toast in the morning? MY... AM...EE?
Right. A hug … Okay …umm…There you go. You’re just a big old goof, you know that?
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 – William L. Yanger
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
On Dec. 17th, 7 p.m. Commission to Approve or Not Approve Mayor's Appointment of Bob Barlow for P&Z Board
As was previously posted, the Mayor has appointed Robert (Bob) Barlow for the empty Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Board spot. At the Thursday, Dec. 17th Commission meeting,7 p.m., the Commission will 'approve' or 'not approve' the Mayor's appointment of Bob Barlow for the P&Z Board. Tonight I emailed a letter to the City asking the Commissioners to not appoint Mr. Barlow as I think Tom Turner should have been next in line for appointment to the P&Z Board. Here is my letter:
To: Commissioners Quam, Mattick, Stoltzfus, Webb & Woodland
Cc: Mayor Barford, Planning & Zoning Board Members
From: Robin Wall, 112 Palmetto Ave.
Date: December 15, 2009
Subject: December 17, 2009 Commission Meeting re: Appointment of Robert Barlow to P&Z Board
Commissioners,
I see on the agenda for your December 17th Regular Commission meeting, 7 p.m., that Consent agenda item # 9.a. reads “Mayor’s Appointment to Planning & Zoning Board – Robert Barlow (Term to 7/11)”.
I ask that you deny the appointment of Mr. Barlow to the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Board. I ask this, not because I think Mr. Barlow couldn’t perform the role as P&Z Board member, but because I think that applications for persons who want to serve on the Planning & Zoning Board should be considered in the order received. It’s my recollection that applications for the P&Z Board were submitted to the City in the following order: 1) Michael Coleman, 2) Tom Turner, 3) Charlie Daniel, 4) Carl Pearman and 5) Bob Barlow.
Previously, many citizens made it clear that Mr. Coleman should be passed over because of the obvious conflict of interest. I think the next person who should be considered for a position on the P&Z Board is Tom Turner as his application was next in line. Mr. Turner attends P&Z Board and City Commission meetings on a regular basis and gives his input. Over his many years of residency, he has shown interest in serving out City, even running for Mayor in 2006. He served as Chairperson on the P&Z Board in the 90’s for at least 7 years and in the past served in the Air Force, worked in insurance claims and held a real estate license. Mr. Turner is familiar with our codes, having personally worked on many of them when the LDRs were being written in the mid-90’s. I know that he would be ready and willing to serve if appointed.
Commissioners, I again ask that you not approve the appointment of Robert Barlow to the P&Z Board for the main reason that Tom Turner submitted to the City his P&Z Board application months before Mr. Barlow submitted his application.
Sincerely,
Robin Wall
To: Commissioners Quam, Mattick, Stoltzfus, Webb & Woodland
Cc: Mayor Barford, Planning & Zoning Board Members
From: Robin Wall, 112 Palmetto Ave.
Date: December 15, 2009
Subject: December 17, 2009 Commission Meeting re: Appointment of Robert Barlow to P&Z Board
Commissioners,
I see on the agenda for your December 17th Regular Commission meeting, 7 p.m., that Consent agenda item # 9.a. reads “Mayor’s Appointment to Planning & Zoning Board – Robert Barlow (Term to 7/11)”.
I ask that you deny the appointment of Mr. Barlow to the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Board. I ask this, not because I think Mr. Barlow couldn’t perform the role as P&Z Board member, but because I think that applications for persons who want to serve on the Planning & Zoning Board should be considered in the order received. It’s my recollection that applications for the P&Z Board were submitted to the City in the following order: 1) Michael Coleman, 2) Tom Turner, 3) Charlie Daniel, 4) Carl Pearman and 5) Bob Barlow.
Previously, many citizens made it clear that Mr. Coleman should be passed over because of the obvious conflict of interest. I think the next person who should be considered for a position on the P&Z Board is Tom Turner as his application was next in line. Mr. Turner attends P&Z Board and City Commission meetings on a regular basis and gives his input. Over his many years of residency, he has shown interest in serving out City, even running for Mayor in 2006. He served as Chairperson on the P&Z Board in the 90’s for at least 7 years and in the past served in the Air Force, worked in insurance claims and held a real estate license. Mr. Turner is familiar with our codes, having personally worked on many of them when the LDRs were being written in the mid-90’s. I know that he would be ready and willing to serve if appointed.
Commissioners, I again ask that you not approve the appointment of Robert Barlow to the P&Z Board for the main reason that Tom Turner submitted to the City his P&Z Board application months before Mr. Barlow submitted his application.
Sincerely,
Robin Wall
How much 'scrutinizing' has the Mayor done???
I read in this weeks' Islander that the Mayor 'has been scrutinizing a number of applicants to fill a vacant position on the Anna Maria Planning and Zoning Board'. She plans to 'recommend Bob Barlow for the P & Z vacancy.'
I sincerely hope that the City Commission will see this recommendation for what it is and vote against her recommendation. It has been well publicized during the last year that Mr Barlow is being groomed to replace Mayor Barford when she steps down next year.
The following emails should leave nobody in any doubt where Mr Barlow stands and his affiliation to PAR - no surprise therefore that our current Mayor is recommending him! (The recipient of the email has been removed from the post). I guess if she can't appoint Mike Coleman himself then this is the next best thing.
Email number 1:
From: rbarlow9@tampabay.rr.com; "callahan"; "tom aposporos" ; "Wallis,Dick" Cc: "David Grybosky" ; Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 5:08 AMSubject: ElectionOn September 10th a private blog administered by former commissioner Duke Miller, with significant contributions by Robin Wall, announced the candidacy of Harry Stoltzfus. This blog, whose stock in trade was false logic, character assassination and misinformation has since been thoroughly discredited and is now all but defunct. It's unfortunate fruit has been a divisiveness among former friends and current neighbors not seen in recent memory. Not surprisingly, the platform issues first born out of the false paradigm described above have failed the "reality" test and, much like the blog where they started, are now discredited and abandoned. "Running on Empty" illustrates what happens when emotion and rhetoric encounter fact and logic, when "monkey wrench" proposals confront rational basis. Feel free to share with friends and neighbors. Just copy and paste to your own email list. If those of you on this list each reach two we'll have 600 voters operating on a factual basis. That's a good thing.Running on Empty, The Stoltzfus Campaign Then and NowHe was running as part of a slate first advanced on Duke Miller’s discredited Blog. Now, not so much … Then, Duke breathlessly posted, “I'm... ecstatic !....we have a candidate....he had conversations with both John Quam and Dale Woodland"…Harry said, ..’I’m hoping my efforts joined with theirs’” ...Now, in the papers “he is not running as part of any collective…..”He was against rentals, now he's dropped the issueFirst Harry wrote the city commission “no rentals please”. Now he’s changed. No issueHe was running to protect the residents from an expanding business district that won't and can't expand. All candidates, sitting commissioners, the Mayor and developers are on the record vigorously opposed to expanding the business district. No issue.He was running to hold the line against a motel that will NEVER be builtThis idea was rejected by Commissioner Tollette and everyone else. No issueHe was running to turn back laws that were never passed Harry has vowed to address “major concessions” regarding parking that were supposedly granted to developers this past winter. The current parking laws were passed in 1996. No issue.He was running to change a unanimously approved comp plan, years in the making. Harry is quoted “a lot of concessions have been made…..it was a mistake…and they should be taken back”. Since the laws governing the ROR were established in the Comprehensive Plan, this is a non starter. No issueIn short, all of his initial campaign issues are non issues.More recently, Harry has been called on to address real issues.Like the budget. That's something real. Here's what he said about that, paraphrasing ‘I have no expertise in budgets….everyone at this table is better equipped than I am in this area’. Startling admission, given this is a top city priority item.Like the Community Center. That's something real. Here's what he said about that, again, paraphrasing "let them eat cake, so long as it's not wedding cake".Seriously, before a gasping audience of residents who actually pay attention to broad community issues, Harry said "the community center is doing fine financially”. He then went on to warn "don't talk about weddings to the neighbors" . So, let's see, the city shouldn't help and the center shouldn't be allowed to help themselves by doing what they've been doing for twenty years.Harry leads the pack on non issues with emotional appeal and divisive content. However, when it comes to real issues touching us all, like the budget and the hub of our community life, the Community Center, he is no match for Chris Tollette.Chris has been consistent in her positions. She knows the Comp Plan because she helped write it. She knows budgets because she’s helped balance four of them. Perhaps most importantly, Chris knows her community, and it’s center, because she has devoted herself these past eight years to serving both.In reality, there’s no contest. Re-elect Chris Tollette Nov 3rdPol.AdPd. for and approved by Christine Tollette for Anna Maria Cty Comm (non-partisan)
The contents of his email are not even worth commenting on except it proves his affiliation. The rest as they say is history.
Email number 2: (again the recipient has been removed from the post. 'Mike' is Mike Coleman).
----- Original Message ----- From:Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 8:53 PMSubject: Harry & Wine Tasting> Mike, Thought you would get a chuckle out of this.Betsy Hills invited > Marcia and to a wine tasting at her Mango House this evening. We were > warmly greeted by Betsy and 2 of her staff at the door Very nice occasion > with food and about 20 people in attendance.Harry was right there waving > an e-mail and acting like a crazy man till many guests were looking at > him. He had a copy of the running on empty e-mail and he started ranting > at me on the litany of issues in the e-mail. Finally his wife and Betsy > convinced him that this was neither the time or place and he moved on with > the copy of the e-mail that I had sent to Betsy.He continued the evening > by reviewing the e-mail with anyone that would listen.We have the feeling > he turned off a lot of voters. He must have enjoyed the wine. Bob
Mr Barlow was seriously deluded (as the results of the election showed) if he really believed what he wrote to Mr Coleman. C0mmissioner Stoltzfus was neither waving an email or behaving like a crazy man, nor was he ranting. In fact it was Mr Barlow who looked highly embarrassed and left after ten minutes as it was very clear Commissioner Stoltzfus was surrounded by friends and supporters.
I sincerely hope that the City Commission will see this recommendation for what it is and vote against her recommendation. It has been well publicized during the last year that Mr Barlow is being groomed to replace Mayor Barford when she steps down next year.
The following emails should leave nobody in any doubt where Mr Barlow stands and his affiliation to PAR - no surprise therefore that our current Mayor is recommending him! (The recipient of the email has been removed from the post). I guess if she can't appoint Mike Coleman himself then this is the next best thing.
Email number 1:
From: rbarlow9@tampabay.rr.com; "callahan"
The contents of his email are not even worth commenting on except it proves his affiliation. The rest as they say is history.
Email number 2: (again the recipient has been removed from the post. 'Mike' is Mike Coleman).
----- Original Message ----- From:
Mr Barlow was seriously deluded (as the results of the election showed) if he really believed what he wrote to Mr Coleman. C0mmissioner Stoltzfus was neither waving an email or behaving like a crazy man, nor was he ranting. In fact it was Mr Barlow who looked highly embarrassed and left after ten minutes as it was very clear Commissioner Stoltzfus was surrounded by friends and supporters.
Wanna Bet?
By Bill Yanger
Another in a continuing series of imagined conversations over coffee at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Good morning.
Well well. And a good morning to you, cheater.
Cheater?
Yeah, you cheated.
What do you mean I cheated?
You took me with that bet when you knew your team was gonna luck out and win.
Are you talking about the football game Sunday?
Yes, wiseguy, the football game Sunday. You invited me over to watch and you took me.
And you drank all my beer.
Serves you right.
So you’re mad because I won a two dollar bet?
I’m mad because you knew he’d missed that field goal.
Oh come on ya big cry baby. You’d think we were at the Super Bowl or something. Just having a little fun.
Yeah, at my expense. Super Bowl...you wish big shot. I had no idea you had the game recorded on your DVR and we were watching it fifteen minutes after it really happened. Shoulda suspected something. You never gamble.
Unless I know the outcome. Heh heh.
Kinda like those developers. And wipe that smirk off your face.
Huh?
Those developers. They knew they’d get the zoning they wanted. Come on, 24 lots? All at one time? One fell swoop and they’ll have the roar they want. They’ll be roaring big time.
“Roar”?
Yeah, they want to roar. They wanna be able to build businesses and live there too. Like that "cake and eat it too” thing.
Cake?….Ohhhh. You mean R-O-R … “roar”… “cake and eat it too”… you’re too much. It stands for “Residential-Office-Retail”…
It stands for more money, that’s what. And they knew they’d get the zoning when they got the lots.
You make it sound like they cheated.
Kinda.
They didn’t. At least as far as I can tell. That whole zoning change thing is just a necessary adjustment to make the old local zoning map match the new comprehensive plan map.
Speak English please.
It’s just stuff the city needs to do to make sure everyone is on the same page and all the plans match up.
And you can’t tell me the developers didn’t know that was going to happen a long time ago. Smart ones, those guys.
Yeah, probably. But there’s nothing underhanded about it, I guess, and the information was available to everyone.
I’ll bet those 24 lots weren’t available to everyone. Don’t remember seeing any signs. No one called me offering to sell even one of them.
Like you would’ve bought one.
Hey, you never know. I can see myself in real estate. Flashy website. A red bike. My own restaurant. Heck, I’m a notary…I could do weddings.
You’re a notary? I’m in the presence of greatness…
You’re just a regular Comedy Central today.
Speaking of comedy central, did you see that parking committee thing is headed for round two?
What?
You know, the parking committee? That Pine-Avenue-isn’t-safe-anymore thing? Each commissioner’s nominating someone. Some old timers, some new guys. Even the PAR guy with the red bike.
Really? Hey, you wanna make a little wager on where he stands on Pine Avenue parking? Two bucks? Double or nothin’.
Won’t take that bet. But I wonder who nominated him? It wasn’t that lady commissioner, she put up an architect. Or so says the newspaper reporter, you know, the one who’s been around so long it seems like you've read his stories before? That one commissioner, the lawyer guy, he sure is awful quiet these days. Maybe it was him?
Wait, didn’t the reporter…uh…report who nominated the red bike guy?
No. Just kinda speculated there might be some disagreement on who gets picked and he threw out a few what he called “expected” names.
Expected? Expected by who?
Don’t know. He didn’t say. Just kinda hinted.
Expected and hinted and speculated? Perfect. If he doesn’t really know who picked the red bike guy, why’d he tell us about it? And if he does know, why didn’t he tell us about it? Since when do newspapers “hint” about things?
Good question. Guess you’d have to ask his editor. But, really, it’s probably a good thing. Committees should have people with different perspectives and opinions, otherwise there’d be nothing to argue abou…er…discuss. They’d just be a political action movement focused on their own agenda.
How do I get on that committee?
Call a commissioner and volunteer. Meetings? You?
Maybe. It’d sure be entertaining.
With your blood pressure, you wouldn’t make it through 30 minutes of the first one.
Yeah, I got no patience for politics. Or cheaters like you.
Oh, geez, give it a rest. Come over Sunday. Game’s at 1 o’clock. I’ll throw some beers in the cooler and my famous “Spunky Wings” on the grill.
You? Spunky Wings? Hah! More like Flunky Wings. My wings would wipe yours off the table.
Wanna bet?
No.
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 – William L. Yanger
Another in a continuing series of imagined conversations over coffee at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Good morning.
Well well. And a good morning to you, cheater.
Cheater?
Yeah, you cheated.
What do you mean I cheated?
You took me with that bet when you knew your team was gonna luck out and win.
Are you talking about the football game Sunday?
Yes, wiseguy, the football game Sunday. You invited me over to watch and you took me.
And you drank all my beer.
Serves you right.
So you’re mad because I won a two dollar bet?
I’m mad because you knew he’d missed that field goal.
Oh come on ya big cry baby. You’d think we were at the Super Bowl or something. Just having a little fun.
Yeah, at my expense. Super Bowl...you wish big shot. I had no idea you had the game recorded on your DVR and we were watching it fifteen minutes after it really happened. Shoulda suspected something. You never gamble.
Unless I know the outcome. Heh heh.
Kinda like those developers. And wipe that smirk off your face.
Huh?
Those developers. They knew they’d get the zoning they wanted. Come on, 24 lots? All at one time? One fell swoop and they’ll have the roar they want. They’ll be roaring big time.
“Roar”?
Yeah, they want to roar. They wanna be able to build businesses and live there too. Like that "cake and eat it too” thing.
Cake?….Ohhhh. You mean R-O-R … “roar”… “cake and eat it too”… you’re too much. It stands for “Residential-Office-Retail”…
It stands for more money, that’s what. And they knew they’d get the zoning when they got the lots.
You make it sound like they cheated.
Kinda.
They didn’t. At least as far as I can tell. That whole zoning change thing is just a necessary adjustment to make the old local zoning map match the new comprehensive plan map.
Speak English please.
It’s just stuff the city needs to do to make sure everyone is on the same page and all the plans match up.
And you can’t tell me the developers didn’t know that was going to happen a long time ago. Smart ones, those guys.
Yeah, probably. But there’s nothing underhanded about it, I guess, and the information was available to everyone.
I’ll bet those 24 lots weren’t available to everyone. Don’t remember seeing any signs. No one called me offering to sell even one of them.
Like you would’ve bought one.
Hey, you never know. I can see myself in real estate. Flashy website. A red bike. My own restaurant. Heck, I’m a notary…I could do weddings.
You’re a notary? I’m in the presence of greatness…
You’re just a regular Comedy Central today.
Speaking of comedy central, did you see that parking committee thing is headed for round two?
What?
You know, the parking committee? That Pine-Avenue-isn’t-safe-anymore thing? Each commissioner’s nominating someone. Some old timers, some new guys. Even the PAR guy with the red bike.
Really? Hey, you wanna make a little wager on where he stands on Pine Avenue parking? Two bucks? Double or nothin’.
Won’t take that bet. But I wonder who nominated him? It wasn’t that lady commissioner, she put up an architect. Or so says the newspaper reporter, you know, the one who’s been around so long it seems like you've read his stories before? That one commissioner, the lawyer guy, he sure is awful quiet these days. Maybe it was him?
Wait, didn’t the reporter…uh…report who nominated the red bike guy?
No. Just kinda speculated there might be some disagreement on who gets picked and he threw out a few what he called “expected” names.
Expected? Expected by who?
Don’t know. He didn’t say. Just kinda hinted.
Expected and hinted and speculated? Perfect. If he doesn’t really know who picked the red bike guy, why’d he tell us about it? And if he does know, why didn’t he tell us about it? Since when do newspapers “hint” about things?
Good question. Guess you’d have to ask his editor. But, really, it’s probably a good thing. Committees should have people with different perspectives and opinions, otherwise there’d be nothing to argue abou…er…discuss. They’d just be a political action movement focused on their own agenda.
How do I get on that committee?
Call a commissioner and volunteer. Meetings? You?
Maybe. It’d sure be entertaining.
With your blood pressure, you wouldn’t make it through 30 minutes of the first one.
Yeah, I got no patience for politics. Or cheaters like you.
Oh, geez, give it a rest. Come over Sunday. Game’s at 1 o’clock. I’ll throw some beers in the cooler and my famous “Spunky Wings” on the grill.
You? Spunky Wings? Hah! More like Flunky Wings. My wings would wipe yours off the table.
Wanna bet?
No.
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 – William L. Yanger
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Zoning Changes for various properties on Pine, Gulf. Spring & Palm
I was hoping to hear some input from the blog on the zoning review which will be before the commission next week to change various properties on Pine, Spring(1), Palm and Gulf to ROR designations.
If anyone can answer my questions I would appreciate it:
1.It is stated that the changes would make these properties in compliance with our comprehensive plan and this is just a reconciling of AM zoning with the plan. Is this the case? 1 a. It appears that some of these properties are in clearly residential areas that happen to border on commercial areas and would not necessarily have frontage in what is now considered commercial. Would they be permitted to change their frontage to front on Gulf?
2. Some of the properties on Gulf appear to already be in a commercial zone how would the ROR designation affect them?
3. Once an area / property is designated ROR does it have to involve a commercial and residential combination to comply or can it be either or e.g. strictly commercial - strictly residential?
4. In looking at the ownership of these properties on the county records it would appear that they are mostly (but not all) owned by persons associated with PAR or family members of a city commissioner. Is there a concern that this is spot zoning?
If anyone can shed light on these questions it would be appreciated.
Thank You,
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Big Words
By Bill Yanger
Another in a continuing series of imagined conversations over coffee at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Mornin’…
GOOD MORNING ANNA MARIA!
Whoa…Where’d that come from?
Waddya mean? It is a good morning. I feel like Tony the Tiger…Grrrrrreat!
You getting those B-12 shots again? Had your Morning Glory muffin?
Nope, just read that lady’s editorial in this week’s paper. Heh heh, what a real…uh… joy to read. She tore that new commissioner a new one.
Haven’t read it yet. What’d she say?
Called him a bunch of names, basically. And said Anna Maria is the land that time forgot or something like that. Its right here…take a look.
…hmmm…uh huh…mmm…
See what I mean…stuck it to him. Hah! Land that time forgot...crack me up! Give it..
Wait a sec, I’m not finished…
Want my glasses?
Thanks…“heresy”? Really?
What?
She used the word “heresy.” Seems to me she says that Anna Maria wanting safe streets is heresy.
What’s that mean?
You’re doing back flips over her scathing editorial but you don’t know what she means? Nice.
Give me a break. She uses a lot of big words…look… predicated… pandering…retribution…
Heresy means she thinks the new guy has controversial opinions, at least opinions different than the ones she thinks are appropriate. Look it up.
See! She nailed him on that one. She’s good!
This is news? Politicians with controversial opinions? I wouldn’t exactly call them heretics. Mavericks maybe but heretics make me think of some sort of inquisition. But maybe that's just the effect she's after.
Inqui...what?
Never mind.
Yeah, well, his opinions are controversial to those PAR guys and their lawyers.
Bingo. And therefore controversial to her and her paper, apparently.
What’s this one mean, “pandering”? Is that like when my wife rubs my feet?
That’s “pampering” genius. Pandering means to cater to someone for your own benefit.
Oh, like all those weddings at the Sandbar? Great crab cakes!
No. You know, like doing a favor, helping someone, because you owe them something. Some people call it "carrying water."
She says the new guy is a water boy?
In so many words, yeah, that's exactly what she says.
For who?
She doesn't tell us that. Never has. Doubt she will.
I thought the new guy was in construction or something. A water boy?
It’s a figure of speech, genius. She’s saying that the new guy is raising all this ruckus just to pay back political promises he made to get elected.
What promises?
She doesn’t say. Not sure she can.
Promises to who?
Once again, she doesn’t say.
Okkkkayyyyy then…What does she say?
Not much specifically, as usual. Just that the sky isn’t falling.
Did someone say it was?
Well she says all this talk about safety and parking is like Chicken Little, a lot of talk about nothing.
Huh? She said that? Has she ridden her bike down Pine lately on a Saturday afternoon?
She has a bike?
Got me. But you won’t catch me dodgin’ all those Buicks fresh in from Michigan for the winter. I’ll stick to using Spring.
Seems that even though the City Attorney said there may be problems and the Commission agreed and voted to look at the problems more closely, she’s trying to convince people that there aren’t any problems and the new guy’s only raising a ruckus because he has a thing against PAR and what they are doing on Pine.
But doesn’t PAR own Pine?
Pretty much. And your point is?
Well, if the new guy is raising a ruckus about safety and parking on Pine and PAR owns Pine, the ruckus can’t very well be about anyone else can it? At least not right now. I mean, duh. Shouldn't we fix the problems now so when there are other PAR's we don't have this ruckus all over again?
I see your point.
So, let me see if I have this straight.
Yeah…?
Her paper didn’t seem to support the new guy in the election, right?
Right.
I mean, really, her paper predicted the candidates that PAR supported would win, right? Remember, they popped a bunch of popcorn and had some straw vote? Made a big deal about the winners in her paper with pictures and all?
Yep and yep and yep.
And then those straw winners lost the real election, right?
Right. Wasn’t really even close.
And now the new guy is all gung ho to fix some things that even the city’s lawyer says may be problems and that the commission wants to look at again?
Gung ho would be an understatement, yes.
And PAR is mad as heck about those fixes? I mean they hired a lawyer and all.
Yes they did.
So she then prints some name-calling editorial about the evil new guy and his awful fixes, using big ugly words that everyone’ll read and talk about even if they're not sure what they mean. Am I right?
Clearly. Hey, we’re talking about it now.
So who’s the real water boy here?
You mean water girl?
You said it, not me.
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 William L. Yanger
Another in a continuing series of imagined conversations over coffee at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Mornin’…
GOOD MORNING ANNA MARIA!
Whoa…Where’d that come from?
Waddya mean? It is a good morning. I feel like Tony the Tiger…Grrrrrreat!
You getting those B-12 shots again? Had your Morning Glory muffin?
Nope, just read that lady’s editorial in this week’s paper. Heh heh, what a real…uh… joy to read. She tore that new commissioner a new one.
Haven’t read it yet. What’d she say?
Called him a bunch of names, basically. And said Anna Maria is the land that time forgot or something like that. Its right here…take a look.
…hmmm…uh huh…mmm…
See what I mean…stuck it to him. Hah! Land that time forgot...crack me up! Give it..
Wait a sec, I’m not finished…
Want my glasses?
Thanks…“heresy”? Really?
What?
She used the word “heresy.” Seems to me she says that Anna Maria wanting safe streets is heresy.
What’s that mean?
You’re doing back flips over her scathing editorial but you don’t know what she means? Nice.
Give me a break. She uses a lot of big words…look… predicated… pandering…retribution…
Heresy means she thinks the new guy has controversial opinions, at least opinions different than the ones she thinks are appropriate. Look it up.
See! She nailed him on that one. She’s good!
This is news? Politicians with controversial opinions? I wouldn’t exactly call them heretics. Mavericks maybe but heretics make me think of some sort of inquisition. But maybe that's just the effect she's after.
Inqui...what?
Never mind.
Yeah, well, his opinions are controversial to those PAR guys and their lawyers.
Bingo. And therefore controversial to her and her paper, apparently.
What’s this one mean, “pandering”? Is that like when my wife rubs my feet?
That’s “pampering” genius. Pandering means to cater to someone for your own benefit.
Oh, like all those weddings at the Sandbar? Great crab cakes!
No. You know, like doing a favor, helping someone, because you owe them something. Some people call it "carrying water."
She says the new guy is a water boy?
In so many words, yeah, that's exactly what she says.
For who?
She doesn't tell us that. Never has. Doubt she will.
I thought the new guy was in construction or something. A water boy?
It’s a figure of speech, genius. She’s saying that the new guy is raising all this ruckus just to pay back political promises he made to get elected.
What promises?
She doesn’t say. Not sure she can.
Promises to who?
Once again, she doesn’t say.
Okkkkayyyyy then…What does she say?
Not much specifically, as usual. Just that the sky isn’t falling.
Did someone say it was?
Well she says all this talk about safety and parking is like Chicken Little, a lot of talk about nothing.
Huh? She said that? Has she ridden her bike down Pine lately on a Saturday afternoon?
She has a bike?
Got me. But you won’t catch me dodgin’ all those Buicks fresh in from Michigan for the winter. I’ll stick to using Spring.
Seems that even though the City Attorney said there may be problems and the Commission agreed and voted to look at the problems more closely, she’s trying to convince people that there aren’t any problems and the new guy’s only raising a ruckus because he has a thing against PAR and what they are doing on Pine.
But doesn’t PAR own Pine?
Pretty much. And your point is?
Well, if the new guy is raising a ruckus about safety and parking on Pine and PAR owns Pine, the ruckus can’t very well be about anyone else can it? At least not right now. I mean, duh. Shouldn't we fix the problems now so when there are other PAR's we don't have this ruckus all over again?
I see your point.
So, let me see if I have this straight.
Yeah…?
Her paper didn’t seem to support the new guy in the election, right?
Right.
I mean, really, her paper predicted the candidates that PAR supported would win, right? Remember, they popped a bunch of popcorn and had some straw vote? Made a big deal about the winners in her paper with pictures and all?
Yep and yep and yep.
And then those straw winners lost the real election, right?
Right. Wasn’t really even close.
And now the new guy is all gung ho to fix some things that even the city’s lawyer says may be problems and that the commission wants to look at again?
Gung ho would be an understatement, yes.
And PAR is mad as heck about those fixes? I mean they hired a lawyer and all.
Yes they did.
So she then prints some name-calling editorial about the evil new guy and his awful fixes, using big ugly words that everyone’ll read and talk about even if they're not sure what they mean. Am I right?
Clearly. Hey, we’re talking about it now.
So who’s the real water boy here?
You mean water girl?
You said it, not me.
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 William L. Yanger
Friday, December 4, 2009
What a farce!
What an absolute farce last nights Work Session was at City Hall.
We walked in a few minutes late to hear Commissioner Mattick verbally attacking Commissioner Stoltzfus in yet another of her attempts to discredit him. What however was so low on this occasion was that she was repeating what had been a private conversation between them.
And then we were treated to more of the same and by that I mean builders/developers/architects/Manatee county commissioners who support PAR suddenly appearing at this meeting to offer a wealth of experience. Mayor Barford ensured that by the end of the meeting both Tom Aposporus and Gene Aubry would be on the Committee of five. That despite the fact that in fact each commissioner was supposed to elect someone to represent them. And did I miss something? At the last Commission Meeting the Mayor suggested that Commissioner Stoltzfus form a committee which he did. She also asked him to put Sgt Turner and Bob Welch on that committee which he did. A week later she called him and asked him to disband that committee. So I guess 'they' have all had a chance to reconsider who would be most useful to them on a committee. And just to give anyone who wasn't there a flavor of what is to come - there is already mention of relaxing some of our parking rules again! That in a City where the parking guidelines are less than almost everywhere else already!
It was depressing to see the manipulation which continues. Much work lies ahead. Not least of which is to check and re-write all the LDR's that have been changed in the last two years. As Tom Turner so rightly said it is just a word here and a word there. The result is that we now have LDR's which are so ambiguous that the developers are making a mockery of them.
We walked in a few minutes late to hear Commissioner Mattick verbally attacking Commissioner Stoltzfus in yet another of her attempts to discredit him. What however was so low on this occasion was that she was repeating what had been a private conversation between them.
And then we were treated to more of the same and by that I mean builders/developers/architects/Manatee county commissioners who support PAR suddenly appearing at this meeting to offer a wealth of experience. Mayor Barford ensured that by the end of the meeting both Tom Aposporus and Gene Aubry would be on the Committee of five. That despite the fact that in fact each commissioner was supposed to elect someone to represent them. And did I miss something? At the last Commission Meeting the Mayor suggested that Commissioner Stoltzfus form a committee which he did. She also asked him to put Sgt Turner and Bob Welch on that committee which he did. A week later she called him and asked him to disband that committee. So I guess 'they' have all had a chance to reconsider who would be most useful to them on a committee. And just to give anyone who wasn't there a flavor of what is to come - there is already mention of relaxing some of our parking rules again! That in a City where the parking guidelines are less than almost everywhere else already!
It was depressing to see the manipulation which continues. Much work lies ahead. Not least of which is to check and re-write all the LDR's that have been changed in the last two years. As Tom Turner so rightly said it is just a word here and a word there. The result is that we now have LDR's which are so ambiguous that the developers are making a mockery of them.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Consequences
By Bill Yanger
The following is an imagined conversation over coffee one recent morning at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Hey, how’s that Morning Glory muffin?
All right, I guess.
Is it appropriately named?
Huh?
Never mind. How’s the little lady?
If she heard you call her that she’d thump you like a PAR in an election.
Good one.
She’s thinking of becoming “more active”.
Dang, she’s taking the remote control from you!
Good one. No, all this election noise is getting her riled up. She wants to help save Anna Maria.
Save it from what?
You know, the bad guys…big money. Those PAR people.
Bad guys? What do you mean bad guys? Aren’t they the ones who pay like a gazillion dollars in property taxes? Aren’t they the ones who build green buildings that don’t suck the environment dry? They are trying to bring back Old Florida, you know, like it was way back when Fast Eddie was running things! Heck, they were in Southern Living!
Rrrrright…Fast Eddie. Peaceful days those. I’m sure PAR does not aspire to be the next Fast Eddie. But they’ve got more money than he ever had and they sure push hard to get their way. Lawyer letters, accusations about “stacking the deck” against them. Seems they haven’t finished licking their wounds.
But they’re getting screwed! Do you realize how much those PAR people contribute to the community? And what about economic development? Do you think tourists come here to see the pelican poop on the pier? No! They come here to get married!! To eat at PAR restaurants. Drink in PAR bars. Sleep in PAR beds and rent bicycles and kayaks from PAR businesses! Come on! It’s PAR that is saving Anna Maria from itself!
Dude, easy on the espresso. And you’re in serious need of one of these muffins.
Oh, funny, so now I’m full of crap just because I happen to like how PAR handles things. Well I’m entitled to my opinion.
Agreed. But that opinion seems to be a lonely opinion. Just look at the election.
Yeah, so? Their guys lost. What’s the big deal? They still have their property and their money and their plans. They still pay their taxes, lots of taxes. They still buy land and build buildings and marry people. And they still have a newspaper. A little election in a little town won’t stand in their way.
I don’t know. A wise old guy once told me “Elections have consequences.” I’m just saying.
Saying what?
That it ain’t gonna be as easy as PAR thought it would be. See what that new commissioner's been doing? Now THAT guy needs no espresso.
He’s just making a lot of noise and taking advantage of his new popularity to get some press.
You mean he is a politician politicking? Imagine that. I’d call it governing…doing his job. If he fails he fails, but the voters put him there to try. He’s trying, I’ll give him that.
No, I mean if he thinks he can come in here and change the way things have been done since Ernie Cagnina chewed his cigar right here in this room, he’s crazy.
Actually, this new guy is a lot like Ernie. And his last name is just as hard to get used to.
Geez. So now you're telling me he’s here to save us all again from the evil developers just like Ernie did back in the day. That was a long time ago, my friend. Lotsa water under the humpback bridge. That PAR guy still rode around on a little red tricycle back then.
Well the new guy has made it clear he doesn’t give two spits about stepping on the toes of the Haves. And he apparently likes a good fight, which it looks like he’s about to get. That’s vintage Ernie Cagnina.
And that’s exactly why PAR got all lawyered-up. You can’t change the rules after the game starts. It’s not fair.
Fair? This isn’t about fair. It is about consequences. Remember, elections have consequences. Is it fair that people who live within a half mile of the Sandbar have to listen to “Wind Beneath My Wings” three times a day every weekend? Thank an election or at least the people you elected and then deal with it. Is it fair that 30 cars and 100 people make Park Ave. their private beach every summer day while Beach and Maple and Oak and Mangrove and Cedar and Willow and Palmetto sit peaceful and quiet, free from defecating drunks, dirty diapers and scattered beer bottles? Thank an election and then deal with it. Is it fair that rental units on quiet streets turn into a mini-Mardi Gras when weddings come to town? Is it fair to neighbors of the old log cabin on Sycamore that the coolest house in the city is now a monument to bald excess and architectural dysfunction in the extreme? Is it fair that everything from Spring to Pine, west of Gulf Boulevard is zoned commercial and it’d be impossible to get similar zoning anywhere else on the beach? Thank…an…election. Consequences always tick somebody off …that’s what happens in a democracy. This new guy has the will of the voters behind him. The system will grind on and we’ll see whether his noise gets results. But fair is not the issue. PAR just needs to deal with it. No one says they don’t have a right to protect their turf but there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it.
Wow. Sounds like you’ve thought about this a little bit.
Not really. It just seems like common sense to me. I hate this cliché but “it is what it is,” you know? It’s easy to be the good guy when you’re getting what you want. Adapting to consequences without whining ain’t easy. But it happens. And maybe PAR can do that. We’ll see.
Yeah, we’ll see. Anyway, yes, the name is dead-on perfect.
What?
Morning Glory…the muffin. Gotta get home.
Riding your bike back down Pine?
Are you kidding? Too dangerous these days. Haven’t you heard?
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 William L. Yanger
The following is an imagined conversation over coffee one recent morning at Ginny & Jane E’s. Any resemblance to persons or personalities, real or imagined, is entirely coincidental and mostly unintended.
Hey, how’s that Morning Glory muffin?
All right, I guess.
Is it appropriately named?
Huh?
Never mind. How’s the little lady?
If she heard you call her that she’d thump you like a PAR in an election.
Good one.
She’s thinking of becoming “more active”.
Dang, she’s taking the remote control from you!
Good one. No, all this election noise is getting her riled up. She wants to help save Anna Maria.
Save it from what?
You know, the bad guys…big money. Those PAR people.
Bad guys? What do you mean bad guys? Aren’t they the ones who pay like a gazillion dollars in property taxes? Aren’t they the ones who build green buildings that don’t suck the environment dry? They are trying to bring back Old Florida, you know, like it was way back when Fast Eddie was running things! Heck, they were in Southern Living!
Rrrrright…Fast Eddie. Peaceful days those. I’m sure PAR does not aspire to be the next Fast Eddie. But they’ve got more money than he ever had and they sure push hard to get their way. Lawyer letters, accusations about “stacking the deck” against them. Seems they haven’t finished licking their wounds.
But they’re getting screwed! Do you realize how much those PAR people contribute to the community? And what about economic development? Do you think tourists come here to see the pelican poop on the pier? No! They come here to get married!! To eat at PAR restaurants. Drink in PAR bars. Sleep in PAR beds and rent bicycles and kayaks from PAR businesses! Come on! It’s PAR that is saving Anna Maria from itself!
Dude, easy on the espresso. And you’re in serious need of one of these muffins.
Oh, funny, so now I’m full of crap just because I happen to like how PAR handles things. Well I’m entitled to my opinion.
Agreed. But that opinion seems to be a lonely opinion. Just look at the election.
Yeah, so? Their guys lost. What’s the big deal? They still have their property and their money and their plans. They still pay their taxes, lots of taxes. They still buy land and build buildings and marry people. And they still have a newspaper. A little election in a little town won’t stand in their way.
I don’t know. A wise old guy once told me “Elections have consequences.” I’m just saying.
Saying what?
That it ain’t gonna be as easy as PAR thought it would be. See what that new commissioner's been doing? Now THAT guy needs no espresso.
He’s just making a lot of noise and taking advantage of his new popularity to get some press.
You mean he is a politician politicking? Imagine that. I’d call it governing…doing his job. If he fails he fails, but the voters put him there to try. He’s trying, I’ll give him that.
No, I mean if he thinks he can come in here and change the way things have been done since Ernie Cagnina chewed his cigar right here in this room, he’s crazy.
Actually, this new guy is a lot like Ernie. And his last name is just as hard to get used to.
Geez. So now you're telling me he’s here to save us all again from the evil developers just like Ernie did back in the day. That was a long time ago, my friend. Lotsa water under the humpback bridge. That PAR guy still rode around on a little red tricycle back then.
Well the new guy has made it clear he doesn’t give two spits about stepping on the toes of the Haves. And he apparently likes a good fight, which it looks like he’s about to get. That’s vintage Ernie Cagnina.
And that’s exactly why PAR got all lawyered-up. You can’t change the rules after the game starts. It’s not fair.
Fair? This isn’t about fair. It is about consequences. Remember, elections have consequences. Is it fair that people who live within a half mile of the Sandbar have to listen to “Wind Beneath My Wings” three times a day every weekend? Thank an election or at least the people you elected and then deal with it. Is it fair that 30 cars and 100 people make Park Ave. their private beach every summer day while Beach and Maple and Oak and Mangrove and Cedar and Willow and Palmetto sit peaceful and quiet, free from defecating drunks, dirty diapers and scattered beer bottles? Thank an election and then deal with it. Is it fair that rental units on quiet streets turn into a mini-Mardi Gras when weddings come to town? Is it fair to neighbors of the old log cabin on Sycamore that the coolest house in the city is now a monument to bald excess and architectural dysfunction in the extreme? Is it fair that everything from Spring to Pine, west of Gulf Boulevard is zoned commercial and it’d be impossible to get similar zoning anywhere else on the beach? Thank…an…election. Consequences always tick somebody off …that’s what happens in a democracy. This new guy has the will of the voters behind him. The system will grind on and we’ll see whether his noise gets results. But fair is not the issue. PAR just needs to deal with it. No one says they don’t have a right to protect their turf but there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it.
Wow. Sounds like you’ve thought about this a little bit.
Not really. It just seems like common sense to me. I hate this cliché but “it is what it is,” you know? It’s easy to be the good guy when you’re getting what you want. Adapting to consequences without whining ain’t easy. But it happens. And maybe PAR can do that. We’ll see.
Yeah, we’ll see. Anyway, yes, the name is dead-on perfect.
What?
Morning Glory…the muffin. Gotta get home.
Riding your bike back down Pine?
Are you kidding? Too dangerous these days. Haven’t you heard?
See you tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow.
© 2009 William L. Yanger
Monday, November 30, 2009
Comm. Stoltzfus Memo Re: Pine Avenue Safety
The following was sent to the city administration by Commissioner Harry Stoltzfus on November 30, 2009.
Our City has a problem. In fact, we’ve got a bunch of them.
We’ve reached a new level of pathetic when a developer can stand in front of a meeting convened to address safety issues and, with a straight face, call raising concerns about safety and pedestrians a “monkey wrench” issue or “a made up problem”. Or when a Commissioner can suggest because we’ve gone four or five months at 315/317 Pine Avenue and we’ve had no accidents, there’s no safety issue. Or that someone can suggest, because we’ve never had a pedestrian struck on a sidewalk on Pine Avenue, it’s acceptable to approve an off-street parking design that clearly increases the probability of that happening. Or when a developer can threaten our City with a lawsuit if we dare apply the language in our Land Development Regulations as it was clearly intended to be applied.
We’ve got a developer who’s trying to beat the system by submitting site plans quickly before the Commissioners refine the land development regulations. I’ve seen one of the next trio of site plans. It has ten more of the same back-out parking arrangements most of the Commissioners consider unsafe. It also has a loading zone placed squarely in the visibility triangle-- that 20 ft in both directions from an intersection area that’s supposed to remain clear of permanent structures for safety reasons. Allowing a 13’-6” high truck to park there, even temporarily, is also clearly unsafe.
Fortunately, there’s adequate language within our LDR to reject those site plans, even before the Commissioners clarify the language.
Unfortunately, the City has already accepted similar plans.
What to do?
I think the City needs to acknowledge they’ve mistakenly accepted site plans that are non-compliant with this language and other safety criteria presently contained in the LDR: Sec. 90-3. Off-street parking requirements. (m) General design standards. All off-street parking areas, including all areas for maneuvering, shall be located solely on the subject property, shall not use public rights-of-way, shall have vehicular access to a public street, and shall be designed to provide safe and convenient circulation in accordance with commonly accepted traffic engineering practices.
In a phone conversation with Mayor Barford on Saturday [11/28/09], I quoted a portion of this standard to her. Her response was “I’m not sure that’s what it says.”
That’s a problem. The Mayor needs to read these requirements carefully. She needs to understand their intent. She needs to know what they say. And she needs to apply them.
Obviously, the back-out parking arrangement approved on the newly developed lots on Pine Avenue requires maneuvering within the right-of-way. It should be equally obvious that requiring pedestrians to be on high alert because they risk being struck by a vehicle backing over them while they’re on the City sidewalk is absurd. It’s neither safe nor convenient. Furthermore, regulations regarding curb cuts or driveway openings have been ignored. There’s been no attempt to limit access openings or restrict the interaction of vehicles and pedestrians. That arrangement is unsafe and noncompliant at many levels.
The City should inform this developer and all future developers, all pending and future site plans must be compliant with the above noted general design standards for off-street parking.
This latest batch of site plans must be rejected. Because the City has mistakenly approved this parking arrangement in the past does not mean it’s required to repeat those mistakes in the future. I’m aware P&Z approved these back-out parking arrangements as well. But I suggest if this Administration had done its job, if our experts had stood up and rejected the parking arrangements and educated the rest of us on why they were unacceptable, citing safety and convenience concerns, we would have seen a different outcome.
This Administration needs to provide leadership on this hugely important issue. Mayor Barford needs to assure us she and her experts are going to get it right this time. It’s critical this language is applied. It’s critical these plans are rejected at the Administrative review level. If the Administration passes the buck on these parking arrangements, and forces the P&Z or the Commissioners to do the heavy lifting, the Administration once again will have given a non-compliant, inherently unsafe site plan its stamp of approval.
Our Mayor needs to sit down with our Building Official and our Town Planner, review the language within the Comp Plan and the LDR, and deny these present site plan applications based on that language. Not approval. Not approval with conditions. Denial. They can easily justify their basis for denial with this language in the LDR: Chapter 74-354 Site plan application process. (d) (7) Once the application is deemed complete, the application shall be reviewed to determine compliance with city codes and regulations in accordance with the standards for review provided below. (h) Standards for review: (6) Whether the off-street parking and off-street loading facilities are located to avoid hazardous automotive and pedestrian traffic patterns and to ensure access by emergency vehicles;
If the Administration gets it wrong and accepts these site plans without requiring the back-out parking design be eliminated, they’ve greatly weakened the City’s hand if the developer litigates. And if an accident should occur, and someone’s seriously injured or killed by a vehicle backing out of one of these parking spaces , the Administration has left the City with a serious liability issue in the event of a lawsuit, especially considering how much attention has been focused on the obvious safety issues.
If the Administration gets it right, and rejects these site plans, the developer may choose to appeal. I doubt either P&Z or the Commissioners will reverse the Administration’s decision. If the developer sues the City, I doubt any judge will fault our City for following its Comp Plan and its Land Development Regulations. It’s required to do so, by law. Then the developer can do the right thing and put together some site plans that actually provide for the safety and convenience of our drivers and our pedestrians.
And we’ll wind up with a walking business district on Pine Avenue that makes sense.
Isn’t that, after all, the goal here?
Harry Stoltzfus
Our City has a problem. In fact, we’ve got a bunch of them.
We’ve reached a new level of pathetic when a developer can stand in front of a meeting convened to address safety issues and, with a straight face, call raising concerns about safety and pedestrians a “monkey wrench” issue or “a made up problem”. Or when a Commissioner can suggest because we’ve gone four or five months at 315/317 Pine Avenue and we’ve had no accidents, there’s no safety issue. Or that someone can suggest, because we’ve never had a pedestrian struck on a sidewalk on Pine Avenue, it’s acceptable to approve an off-street parking design that clearly increases the probability of that happening. Or when a developer can threaten our City with a lawsuit if we dare apply the language in our Land Development Regulations as it was clearly intended to be applied.
We’ve got a developer who’s trying to beat the system by submitting site plans quickly before the Commissioners refine the land development regulations. I’ve seen one of the next trio of site plans. It has ten more of the same back-out parking arrangements most of the Commissioners consider unsafe. It also has a loading zone placed squarely in the visibility triangle-- that 20 ft in both directions from an intersection area that’s supposed to remain clear of permanent structures for safety reasons. Allowing a 13’-6” high truck to park there, even temporarily, is also clearly unsafe.
Fortunately, there’s adequate language within our LDR to reject those site plans, even before the Commissioners clarify the language.
Unfortunately, the City has already accepted similar plans.
What to do?
I think the City needs to acknowledge they’ve mistakenly accepted site plans that are non-compliant with this language and other safety criteria presently contained in the LDR: Sec. 90-3. Off-street parking requirements. (m) General design standards. All off-street parking areas, including all areas for maneuvering, shall be located solely on the subject property, shall not use public rights-of-way, shall have vehicular access to a public street, and shall be designed to provide safe and convenient circulation in accordance with commonly accepted traffic engineering practices.
In a phone conversation with Mayor Barford on Saturday [11/28/09], I quoted a portion of this standard to her. Her response was “I’m not sure that’s what it says.”
That’s a problem. The Mayor needs to read these requirements carefully. She needs to understand their intent. She needs to know what they say. And she needs to apply them.
Obviously, the back-out parking arrangement approved on the newly developed lots on Pine Avenue requires maneuvering within the right-of-way. It should be equally obvious that requiring pedestrians to be on high alert because they risk being struck by a vehicle backing over them while they’re on the City sidewalk is absurd. It’s neither safe nor convenient. Furthermore, regulations regarding curb cuts or driveway openings have been ignored. There’s been no attempt to limit access openings or restrict the interaction of vehicles and pedestrians. That arrangement is unsafe and noncompliant at many levels.
The City should inform this developer and all future developers, all pending and future site plans must be compliant with the above noted general design standards for off-street parking.
This latest batch of site plans must be rejected. Because the City has mistakenly approved this parking arrangement in the past does not mean it’s required to repeat those mistakes in the future. I’m aware P&Z approved these back-out parking arrangements as well. But I suggest if this Administration had done its job, if our experts had stood up and rejected the parking arrangements and educated the rest of us on why they were unacceptable, citing safety and convenience concerns, we would have seen a different outcome.
This Administration needs to provide leadership on this hugely important issue. Mayor Barford needs to assure us she and her experts are going to get it right this time. It’s critical this language is applied. It’s critical these plans are rejected at the Administrative review level. If the Administration passes the buck on these parking arrangements, and forces the P&Z or the Commissioners to do the heavy lifting, the Administration once again will have given a non-compliant, inherently unsafe site plan its stamp of approval.
Our Mayor needs to sit down with our Building Official and our Town Planner, review the language within the Comp Plan and the LDR, and deny these present site plan applications based on that language. Not approval. Not approval with conditions. Denial. They can easily justify their basis for denial with this language in the LDR: Chapter 74-354 Site plan application process. (d) (7) Once the application is deemed complete, the application shall be reviewed to determine compliance with city codes and regulations in accordance with the standards for review provided below. (h) Standards for review: (6) Whether the off-street parking and off-street loading facilities are located to avoid hazardous automotive and pedestrian traffic patterns and to ensure access by emergency vehicles;
If the Administration gets it wrong and accepts these site plans without requiring the back-out parking design be eliminated, they’ve greatly weakened the City’s hand if the developer litigates. And if an accident should occur, and someone’s seriously injured or killed by a vehicle backing out of one of these parking spaces , the Administration has left the City with a serious liability issue in the event of a lawsuit, especially considering how much attention has been focused on the obvious safety issues.
If the Administration gets it right, and rejects these site plans, the developer may choose to appeal. I doubt either P&Z or the Commissioners will reverse the Administration’s decision. If the developer sues the City, I doubt any judge will fault our City for following its Comp Plan and its Land Development Regulations. It’s required to do so, by law. Then the developer can do the right thing and put together some site plans that actually provide for the safety and convenience of our drivers and our pedestrians.
And we’ll wind up with a walking business district on Pine Avenue that makes sense.
Isn’t that, after all, the goal here?
Harry Stoltzfus
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Mayberry by The Sea
Received this item in an email the other day, written by Commissioner Dale Woodland's son. Enjoy.
Mayberry By The Sea
An amazing thing happened on November 3, 2009, and it happened right here in Anna Maria, FL. By all rights, it was what should have happened, but nonetheless, it was impressive and would have made even Andy Griffith proud. It was an election, and America decided to show up. While neighboring areas struggled with turn out, most under 20%, Anna Maria City boasts a 60% voter turnout and an election result that all of America can learn from and be proud of.
I refer to Anna Maria City as Mayberry By The Sea. It is filled with neighbors who know each other, wave at each other and passers-by, and enjoy their community together. It has sheriff deputies that know their residents and share a friendly wave. Like I said, things that would put a smile on Andy Griffith's face. This is the community to where people are drawn for beauty, beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. But it is the close-knit permanent community that fends off the troubled outside world--a drive through Anna Maria City refreshes the soul and reminds you how things should be.
In the recent election, and campaigning leading up to the election, some division was in the air. Five candidates chasing 3 seats. Three of the candidates, we will call them John, Dale, and Harry, were clear preservationists, in love with the city the way it was. The other two, Christine and the Kid, had a view of an improved city, with more business and industry; we will call them the expansionists. So with the idea of expansion comes the money, and it backs the play of the expansionists. I will leave the details to the technical writers, but suffice it to say, a few have a major stake in the city, and they brought their money for the expansionists. The expansionists also bode well with a newspaper, or what I like to call a mullet wrapper. So the duo are set, they have the money and they have the press. But the preservationists wouldn't go down, so they scraped their pennies, shook a lot of hands, and stood by their principles. So the division is set, change what we have or preserve what we have. What happens next is the most heated campaign to date, interest soaring to new levels, the ugly head of politics rearing up, an exciting time to be remembered. This leads to what did happen, what should have happened, a clear vote by a strong majority that said "Leave our Mayberry alone!" It was the right thing that happened. A victory for the trio, a defeat for the duo. A mandate for preservation of a great city, an approval for those with the courage to protect it. Anna Maria City, you make us proud!
A lesson for America was in the making that day. Our founders would be pleased that they could see their idea come alive in a small city where the people had spoken. The courage of a few supported by the passion of the community, led to the preservation of what was already there. The rest of America fights for change, searches for hope. But how many things do we need to fix that are not broken? Maybe all of America could benefit from a little more "Mayberry.” Change could be found in knowing our neighbors, shaking the hand of those around us, a polite wave to let someone know we care. Hope could be found in that America is the best place on earth, already. Americans are the strongest, smartest, and most caring people on earth; let's just remember that. Wake up America, we need not look too far to find the answers. Maybe we could start at our little Mayberry by the Sea!!
JW
Mayberry By The Sea
An amazing thing happened on November 3, 2009, and it happened right here in Anna Maria, FL. By all rights, it was what should have happened, but nonetheless, it was impressive and would have made even Andy Griffith proud. It was an election, and America decided to show up. While neighboring areas struggled with turn out, most under 20%, Anna Maria City boasts a 60% voter turnout and an election result that all of America can learn from and be proud of.
I refer to Anna Maria City as Mayberry By The Sea. It is filled with neighbors who know each other, wave at each other and passers-by, and enjoy their community together. It has sheriff deputies that know their residents and share a friendly wave. Like I said, things that would put a smile on Andy Griffith's face. This is the community to where people are drawn for beauty, beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. But it is the close-knit permanent community that fends off the troubled outside world--a drive through Anna Maria City refreshes the soul and reminds you how things should be.
In the recent election, and campaigning leading up to the election, some division was in the air. Five candidates chasing 3 seats. Three of the candidates, we will call them John, Dale, and Harry, were clear preservationists, in love with the city the way it was. The other two, Christine and the Kid, had a view of an improved city, with more business and industry; we will call them the expansionists. So with the idea of expansion comes the money, and it backs the play of the expansionists. I will leave the details to the technical writers, but suffice it to say, a few have a major stake in the city, and they brought their money for the expansionists. The expansionists also bode well with a newspaper, or what I like to call a mullet wrapper. So the duo are set, they have the money and they have the press. But the preservationists wouldn't go down, so they scraped their pennies, shook a lot of hands, and stood by their principles. So the division is set, change what we have or preserve what we have. What happens next is the most heated campaign to date, interest soaring to new levels, the ugly head of politics rearing up, an exciting time to be remembered. This leads to what did happen, what should have happened, a clear vote by a strong majority that said "Leave our Mayberry alone!" It was the right thing that happened. A victory for the trio, a defeat for the duo. A mandate for preservation of a great city, an approval for those with the courage to protect it. Anna Maria City, you make us proud!
A lesson for America was in the making that day. Our founders would be pleased that they could see their idea come alive in a small city where the people had spoken. The courage of a few supported by the passion of the community, led to the preservation of what was already there. The rest of America fights for change, searches for hope. But how many things do we need to fix that are not broken? Maybe all of America could benefit from a little more "Mayberry.” Change could be found in knowing our neighbors, shaking the hand of those around us, a polite wave to let someone know we care. Hope could be found in that America is the best place on earth, already. Americans are the strongest, smartest, and most caring people on earth; let's just remember that. Wake up America, we need not look too far to find the answers. Maybe we could start at our little Mayberry by the Sea!!
JW
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Our Anna Maria IS NOT For Sale!
What greater tribute to a dedicated, grass-roots effort can there ever be than to learn that not only was last week's election a landslide victory for the residents, but also that the donations were inversely proportional to the outcome.
Let's not forget, though, while it is fitting testimony to much hard work by a lot of people, it says so much more about the caliber of the candidates.
How sweet it is.
Let's not forget, though, while it is fitting testimony to much hard work by a lot of people, it says so much more about the caliber of the candidates.
How sweet it is.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Do Unto Others
By Bill Yanger
So, it is done.
The votes are in, the people have spoken and life in paradise rolls along. And, as uncomfortable as the blogged rhetoric and published opinion may have become in the weeks leading up to the election, the inevitability of the current debate over this little city’s future should have come as a surprise to no one. These issues were fought and decided in beach communities all over Florida years ago and the results are self-evident (i.e. St. George Island v. Treasure Island; Fernandina Beach v. Clearwater Beach) as each community reaped what it had sown. Since the zoning and land use brawls of the early 1970’s Anna Maria City has historically escaped developer madness. A combination of that enviable foresight by leaders years ago, unaggressive and, frankly, disinterested developers and an overall lassez fairre attitude by all of us who felt our secret would remain just that, allowed us to go blissfully about our island lives without much consternation or divisiveness. But that could not last forever and the recent election has become a sharply focused and inevitable referendum on development versus status quo; the din and congestion of the new and the spiffier versus the calm and solace of the known and the comfier; those maneuvering to accelerate and benefit from an influx they say is inescapable versus those who fear having the influx and its debris parked in their front yard while the wedding singer warbles through “You Light Up My Life” at his third reception of the day from Wedding World down the beach.
Like the shrill bark of a yippy dog in a tiny room, the small-town press characteristically chose to focus its op-ed on personalities and not issues, spewing lazy derision but little true analysis or thoughtful criticism. And that derision became contagious as honest disparity of opinion between neighbors was often mistaken for a personal affront. Though it was often unwarranted or unfair, such criticism and its ensuing ugliness became a part of the public discourse, staining the community fabric - perhaps indelibly. Let’s hope not.
Regardless of how one perceives this election (Victory or defeat? Ratification or nullification?) and the opportunities it affords (Rapprochement or rearmament?), the elephant is still in the room and it may be instructive to look at why the lines in this debate have been so deeply drawn. After all, the PAR principals are your neighbors and friends. They are good people with just as much love for this community as the next guy. Few can boast of the contributions, both commercial and altruistic, that the Chiles family has historically provided and continues to provide Anna Maria Island. The Colemans have, it appears, genuinely fallen in love with this village and have become visible and vocal cheerleaders for its charms and way of life. The Thrashers too have caught the Anna Maria bug and do not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. PAR’s presence and influence in Anna Maria’s future is a reality. Get used to it. Here’s why:
To say these folks have a vested interest in this town is understatement of epic proportions. Take a look. From the base of the City Pier down Pine Avenue to the high tide mark (literally) on the Gulf, Manatee County Property Appraiser records confirm that fifteen properties are owned either by PAR itself, by one or more of its principals themselves, by various trusts and family entities of one or more of the principals or by whimsically named LLCs like Nut Fish, Gingerfish and Pineapple Fish (not to be confused with Pineapple Corner LLC owned by the Hunts and the subject of recent speculation related to PAR and a felled Poinciana tree) owned and/or controlled by one or more of the principals. At least two of the Pine Avenue properties are owned by LLCs which are owned by another LLC which is owned or controlled by one or more of the principals of PAR (yes, its complicated but maybe that’s the point). In addition to direct ownership, PAR’s website touts plans that include an additional six parcels contiguous to or along Pine Avenue and therefore one may assume PAR’s control of these parcels through any number of legal devises. Remember, this is only the properties on or contiguous to Pine Avenue and does not include a number of other properties located elsewhere on the island.
To place the scope of this control in perspective, take a drive, a bike ride or a stroll down Pine Avenue from the City Pier to the Gulf (just be mindful of parked cars backing into the street…). Heading west, eliminate the Roser Church property and its parking lot across Pine, the condos behind Roser, the Post Office plaza, the City-owned historical society and its adjacent parcel and the City Hall property. That’s a good one-third of Pine Avenue that is essentially unavailable for current development. Then realize that as many as twenty-one parcels of the remaining two-thirds of Pine have some link to PAR and/or its principals. They control the vacant North Bay lots north of Pine to the hump-back bridge, every available corner lot on Pine save a few, have all but one available lot in the 500 block, half of the 200 and 300 blocks, bookend the south side of the 400 block and own the sand on the beach-end of Pine down to the waterline. That, folks, is a whole lotta land.
And that “whole lotta land” translates into a whole lotta dough. According to Property Appraiser records the aggregate appraised value of the twenty-one properties is $8,115,140. The parcels, again according to Property Appraiser records, reportedly generate $138,903.61 in ad valorem tax revenue each year. Keep in mind that $138,903.61 is more than 11% of Anna Maria City’s ad valorem revenue according to its published 2008-2009 budget. Yes, eleven percent. No wonder PAR wants a seat at the table. Wouldn’t you? Is it any wonder they push so hard?
Fortunately, while many of the electorate live by the First Golden Rule (“Do Unto Others….”) this election has eliminated any immediate hope PAR may have of instituting the Second Golden Rule…“He with the Gold Makes the Rule.” But they are not going away. Why should they? Such a significant stake in the game requires a vigilant persistence. It also requires patience, patience few would have while shelling out $140,000 each year to provide the City with 11% of its tax revenue; a City, mind you, that just slammed the door in their face. But they’ve made their bed.
So am I anti-PAR? Of course not. I admire PAR as I admire all entities or individuals with the resources and gumption to pursue the American Dream of prosperity and self-reliance. They just need to accept the rules of the road, stay in their lane and do good things. Do I think they are in serious need of some public relations defibrillation? Absolutely. As I have expressed to Mr. Coleman, I am not sure that playing hide-n-seek with layers of LLCs is the best way to allay the fears of those who are certain PAR is bent on the destruction of the way of life as we know it. Responding to thoughtful criticism tit-for-tat ad nauseum in blogs and publications just focuses attention on the division instead of seeking a solution with the positive. Banging one’s head against the wall achieves just two things: a dented wall and a bloody head. Neither solves anything. And I think PAR now realizes that. At least they should.
What then does one say to those staunch PAR detractors, the wounded and unconvinced? Well, after the sweet buzz of victory comes the nagging hangover of reality. As I said, the elephant is still in the room and with apologies to the mannered and proper amongst us, President Lyndon Johnson’s infamous reference to J. Edgar Hoover seems apropos, paraphrased of course: “...I’d rather have ‘em in the tent peeing out than outside the tent peeing in.” You get the gist. Learn to co-exist because they pay their way and they are here to stay. They’re good folks with valuable resources, enviable talent and a shared love of our town.
They just need a little more guidance and a little less hubris.
And reading the rule book would be nice too.
© 2009 William L. Yanger
So, it is done.
The votes are in, the people have spoken and life in paradise rolls along. And, as uncomfortable as the blogged rhetoric and published opinion may have become in the weeks leading up to the election, the inevitability of the current debate over this little city’s future should have come as a surprise to no one. These issues were fought and decided in beach communities all over Florida years ago and the results are self-evident (i.e. St. George Island v. Treasure Island; Fernandina Beach v. Clearwater Beach) as each community reaped what it had sown. Since the zoning and land use brawls of the early 1970’s Anna Maria City has historically escaped developer madness. A combination of that enviable foresight by leaders years ago, unaggressive and, frankly, disinterested developers and an overall lassez fairre attitude by all of us who felt our secret would remain just that, allowed us to go blissfully about our island lives without much consternation or divisiveness. But that could not last forever and the recent election has become a sharply focused and inevitable referendum on development versus status quo; the din and congestion of the new and the spiffier versus the calm and solace of the known and the comfier; those maneuvering to accelerate and benefit from an influx they say is inescapable versus those who fear having the influx and its debris parked in their front yard while the wedding singer warbles through “You Light Up My Life” at his third reception of the day from Wedding World down the beach.
Like the shrill bark of a yippy dog in a tiny room, the small-town press characteristically chose to focus its op-ed on personalities and not issues, spewing lazy derision but little true analysis or thoughtful criticism. And that derision became contagious as honest disparity of opinion between neighbors was often mistaken for a personal affront. Though it was often unwarranted or unfair, such criticism and its ensuing ugliness became a part of the public discourse, staining the community fabric - perhaps indelibly. Let’s hope not.
Regardless of how one perceives this election (Victory or defeat? Ratification or nullification?) and the opportunities it affords (Rapprochement or rearmament?), the elephant is still in the room and it may be instructive to look at why the lines in this debate have been so deeply drawn. After all, the PAR principals are your neighbors and friends. They are good people with just as much love for this community as the next guy. Few can boast of the contributions, both commercial and altruistic, that the Chiles family has historically provided and continues to provide Anna Maria Island. The Colemans have, it appears, genuinely fallen in love with this village and have become visible and vocal cheerleaders for its charms and way of life. The Thrashers too have caught the Anna Maria bug and do not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. PAR’s presence and influence in Anna Maria’s future is a reality. Get used to it. Here’s why:
To say these folks have a vested interest in this town is understatement of epic proportions. Take a look. From the base of the City Pier down Pine Avenue to the high tide mark (literally) on the Gulf, Manatee County Property Appraiser records confirm that fifteen properties are owned either by PAR itself, by one or more of its principals themselves, by various trusts and family entities of one or more of the principals or by whimsically named LLCs like Nut Fish, Gingerfish and Pineapple Fish (not to be confused with Pineapple Corner LLC owned by the Hunts and the subject of recent speculation related to PAR and a felled Poinciana tree) owned and/or controlled by one or more of the principals. At least two of the Pine Avenue properties are owned by LLCs which are owned by another LLC which is owned or controlled by one or more of the principals of PAR (yes, its complicated but maybe that’s the point). In addition to direct ownership, PAR’s website touts plans that include an additional six parcels contiguous to or along Pine Avenue and therefore one may assume PAR’s control of these parcels through any number of legal devises. Remember, this is only the properties on or contiguous to Pine Avenue and does not include a number of other properties located elsewhere on the island.
To place the scope of this control in perspective, take a drive, a bike ride or a stroll down Pine Avenue from the City Pier to the Gulf (just be mindful of parked cars backing into the street…). Heading west, eliminate the Roser Church property and its parking lot across Pine, the condos behind Roser, the Post Office plaza, the City-owned historical society and its adjacent parcel and the City Hall property. That’s a good one-third of Pine Avenue that is essentially unavailable for current development. Then realize that as many as twenty-one parcels of the remaining two-thirds of Pine have some link to PAR and/or its principals. They control the vacant North Bay lots north of Pine to the hump-back bridge, every available corner lot on Pine save a few, have all but one available lot in the 500 block, half of the 200 and 300 blocks, bookend the south side of the 400 block and own the sand on the beach-end of Pine down to the waterline. That, folks, is a whole lotta land.
And that “whole lotta land” translates into a whole lotta dough. According to Property Appraiser records the aggregate appraised value of the twenty-one properties is $8,115,140. The parcels, again according to Property Appraiser records, reportedly generate $138,903.61 in ad valorem tax revenue each year. Keep in mind that $138,903.61 is more than 11% of Anna Maria City’s ad valorem revenue according to its published 2008-2009 budget. Yes, eleven percent. No wonder PAR wants a seat at the table. Wouldn’t you? Is it any wonder they push so hard?
Fortunately, while many of the electorate live by the First Golden Rule (“Do Unto Others….”) this election has eliminated any immediate hope PAR may have of instituting the Second Golden Rule…“He with the Gold Makes the Rule.” But they are not going away. Why should they? Such a significant stake in the game requires a vigilant persistence. It also requires patience, patience few would have while shelling out $140,000 each year to provide the City with 11% of its tax revenue; a City, mind you, that just slammed the door in their face. But they’ve made their bed.
So am I anti-PAR? Of course not. I admire PAR as I admire all entities or individuals with the resources and gumption to pursue the American Dream of prosperity and self-reliance. They just need to accept the rules of the road, stay in their lane and do good things. Do I think they are in serious need of some public relations defibrillation? Absolutely. As I have expressed to Mr. Coleman, I am not sure that playing hide-n-seek with layers of LLCs is the best way to allay the fears of those who are certain PAR is bent on the destruction of the way of life as we know it. Responding to thoughtful criticism tit-for-tat ad nauseum in blogs and publications just focuses attention on the division instead of seeking a solution with the positive. Banging one’s head against the wall achieves just two things: a dented wall and a bloody head. Neither solves anything. And I think PAR now realizes that. At least they should.
What then does one say to those staunch PAR detractors, the wounded and unconvinced? Well, after the sweet buzz of victory comes the nagging hangover of reality. As I said, the elephant is still in the room and with apologies to the mannered and proper amongst us, President Lyndon Johnson’s infamous reference to J. Edgar Hoover seems apropos, paraphrased of course: “...I’d rather have ‘em in the tent peeing out than outside the tent peeing in.” You get the gist. Learn to co-exist because they pay their way and they are here to stay. They’re good folks with valuable resources, enviable talent and a shared love of our town.
They just need a little more guidance and a little less hubris.
And reading the rule book would be nice too.
© 2009 William L. Yanger
Thursday, November 5, 2009
From Harry Stoltzfus
Harry asked that I post this to the blog:
To the good people of Anna Maria: thank you for giving me the honor of representing you on the Commission. I’ll try to serve you well.
Harry Stoltzfus
To the good people of Anna Maria: thank you for giving me the honor of representing you on the Commission. I’ll try to serve you well.
Harry Stoltzfus
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Congrats to John, Dale and Harry; thanks to others
We rejoice that John Quam, Dale Woodland and Harry Stolfus we elected/re-elected commissioners. They are fine individuals who will look out for the rights of residents.
But others deserve thanks as well in this victory, for keeping residents informed on island politics, both in emails and this blog.
While there are many who worked to keep the lines of communication open, Duke Miller and Robyn Wall get a special thanks from me, in particular, for pointing out who was funded by the businesses, and who was not.
Robin’s research on commissioner statements at past meetings gave a remarkable picture their alliances, and of our choices.
Thanks for the communication, Duke and Robin. It and, you are greatly appreciated.
But others deserve thanks as well in this victory, for keeping residents informed on island politics, both in emails and this blog.
While there are many who worked to keep the lines of communication open, Duke Miller and Robyn Wall get a special thanks from me, in particular, for pointing out who was funded by the businesses, and who was not.
Robin’s research on commissioner statements at past meetings gave a remarkable picture their alliances, and of our choices.
Thanks for the communication, Duke and Robin. It and, you are greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thanks to all the great citizens of Anna Maria
The citizens of Anna Maria have spoken. Winners in top votes were Woodland, Quam and Stoltzfus, for City Commissioner.
I can only thank all the voters who went to the poles and showed that they want to keep Anna Maria as the same quaint town that they moved to and love.
You are a fantastic group of citizens.
I can only thank all the voters who went to the poles and showed that they want to keep Anna Maria as the same quaint town that they moved to and love.
You are a fantastic group of citizens.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Rest of The Story, Campaign Contributions
An article appeared in The Islander this week about campaign finances. It doesn’t say much. If you do some math, you’ll find David Gryboski and Chris Tollette are outspending Quam, Stoltzfus, and Woodland, on average, by a greater than 2 – 1 margin.
Finances take on more significance when you look at the actual sources of the contributions. The Islander vaguely alludes to sources, while dividing the candidates into two groups. Regarding Gryboski and Tollette the story states the contributions to them are from “individual and business contributors combined.” However, for Quam, Stoltzfus, and Woodland, the only designation is “contributors.” County records show there are no business contributors funding Quam, Stoltzfus, nor Woodland campaigns, but substantial ones to the former two candidates.
Additional contributor data reveals a curious amount of interest outside Anna Maria in this election. About 40% of Tollette and Gryboski contributions are from individuals listing addresses other than Anna Maria. Less than 8% of contributors for Quam Stoltzfus and Woodland are outside the city.
You can examine the actual financial records at www.votemanatee.com. On the left side, select “Candidate Information,” then select, “Search Financial Records.” You can view the Islander article on line at http://www.islander.org/10-28-09/Am-election-spend-10-28.php.
Finances take on more significance when you look at the actual sources of the contributions. The Islander vaguely alludes to sources, while dividing the candidates into two groups. Regarding Gryboski and Tollette the story states the contributions to them are from “individual and business contributors combined.” However, for Quam, Stoltzfus, and Woodland, the only designation is “contributors.” County records show there are no business contributors funding Quam, Stoltzfus, nor Woodland campaigns, but substantial ones to the former two candidates.
Additional contributor data reveals a curious amount of interest outside Anna Maria in this election. About 40% of Tollette and Gryboski contributions are from individuals listing addresses other than Anna Maria. Less than 8% of contributors for Quam Stoltzfus and Woodland are outside the city.
You can examine the actual financial records at www.votemanatee.com. On the left side, select “Candidate Information,” then select, “Search Financial Records.” You can view the Islander article on line at http://www.islander.org/10-28-09/Am-election-spend-10-28.php.
Setting the record straight
From Cathy Stoltzfus;
For the record: about three years ago, we contacted Nancy Brown the owner of the vacant lot in the 400 block of Pine Avenue and asked permission to park our commercial boat on the lot from time to time. Prior to the Brown's ownership the lot had been used by the Island Marina as spillover parking for boats and trailers. She said absolutely we could, thanked us for asking and declined our offer of compensation. We parked on the lot over the next three plus years. Each year a little longer as work in the area increased. Brenda and Milt Boyd, who own the adjoining property, kindly offered the use of their water to rinse the boat as needed. Each year we sent the Browns a note and a gift certificate to The Bonefish Grill. We also sent the Boyds a gift Certificate which she returned to us explaining "we can't take a gift for being a good neighbor". Ask Brenda about it.. The Browns live in Tampa and have a rental property in the 100 block of Pine.
Recently a "no parking" sign was placed on the property. We contacted Mrs. Brown and she informed us the city of Anna Maria had sent her and her husband a letter saying the lot could not be used as a parking lot. We thanked her for allowing us the use of her lot and found another spot. This evening it came to my attention some in the community thought we had parked on the Pine Avenue lot illegally and were forced off the lot. It was further claimed that we knew it was illegal. They had heard this at a forum and of course took it as gospel. Well folks, it is not gospel. For almost 3 and one half years we used that lot, no problem, no fuss, no complaints, ever! I even asked the Sheriff's department to peek in the lot occasionally. They knew the boat was ours. On occasion we parked the boat in front of our home, to charge the batteries, no complaints from neighbors, ever! Ask code enforcement. So, why is this coming out now...? Oh yeah, Harry is running for a seat on The City Commission of Anna Maria. But, I'm not so, I take this twisted tale especially personally, like an elephant. Next?
Cathy Stoltzfus
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tollette’s Record on the Motel/Hotel Issue
Christine Tollette’s election campaign claims that she voted against supporting a hotel/motel in the ROR/Commercial district. This is incorrect. There was no such vote. The decision before the Commission was to authorize or not authorize the Mayor to have the P&Z work on a motel/hotel definition and what kind of rental unit will be allowed. That’s what they voted on.
To read more click on ‘comments’.
To read more click on ‘comments’.
Tollette’s Record on Super Majority Ballot Question Issue
Many think that requiring at least a Commissioners’ Super Majority ‘4 to 1 vote’, instead of a simple ‘3 to 2 vote’, is a protective measure, setting a higher standard for any changes to Comprehensive Plan land use policy or to the Future Land Use Map. Commissioner Christine Tollette was opposed to the Super Majority vote requirement and voted against putting the Super Majority referendum question on the 2008 November ballot.
On April 24, 2008, Commissioner Christine Tollette voted against authorizing the City Attorney to prepare a ballot question so the voters of our City could vote to decide whether or not they wanted to require a Super Majority vote of the Commissioners for any changes to the Future Land Use Element (FLUE) of the City Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). Commissioners Quam, Woodland, Miller and Mattick all voted yes for it to go on the ballot for the people to decide.
On June 26, 2008, Commissioner Tollette voted ‘No’ but Commissioners Quam, Woodland and Miller voted ‘Yes” to approve Ordinance 08-688 authorizing a referendum question which would require a Super Majority of the Commission for any amendments to the FLUE of the Comp Plan of the City of Anna Maria. (J. Mattick was absent) The actions of Quam, Woodland and Miller ensured that the voters would have a chance to vote for or against the Super Majority referendum question.
The City of Anna Maria voters passed the Super Majority ballot question with a strong 76.2% majority vote.
On April 24, 2008, Commissioner Christine Tollette voted against authorizing the City Attorney to prepare a ballot question so the voters of our City could vote to decide whether or not they wanted to require a Super Majority vote of the Commissioners for any changes to the Future Land Use Element (FLUE) of the City Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). Commissioners Quam, Woodland, Miller and Mattick all voted yes for it to go on the ballot for the people to decide.
On June 26, 2008, Commissioner Tollette voted ‘No’ but Commissioners Quam, Woodland and Miller voted ‘Yes” to approve Ordinance 08-688 authorizing a referendum question which would require a Super Majority of the Commission for any amendments to the FLUE of the Comp Plan of the City of Anna Maria. (J. Mattick was absent) The actions of Quam, Woodland and Miller ensured that the voters would have a chance to vote for or against the Super Majority referendum question.
The City of Anna Maria voters passed the Super Majority ballot question with a strong 76.2% majority vote.
Pine Avenue Residents Comment
Bev and Joe asked that this be posted to the blog:
The upcoming City of Anna Maria Election
The decision as to who we elect for a seat on the Anna Maria City Commission must not be influenced by people who have a financial stake in the decisions that are made by the City Commission. The commissioners should be people who represent the greater interests of the islanders who own businesses and property here and are free and separate of anyone who stand to gain financially. The proper choice is to find balance when there are conflicting interests – that is why they are there. We are clearly faced with this very situation. So, our choices should reflect the current need to find the candidate who will listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and weigh the impact of construction footprints which tend to be somewhat permanent. This holds true for residential and commercial properties alike.
The crossroad we face at this time has happened before in other communities. An example of this is Bethany Beach, Delaware, which is a town similar in size and character to AMI. In fact, it is promoted as "The Quiet Resort." It has a main street for commercial businesses similar to Pine Ave. and is considered the most family friendly beach in Delaware. They have a Building and Planning office that gave a couple of developers a free hand over the past decade. Now, there is an effort to roll back some of the decisions because traffic chokes the roads, the beach looks like the Normandy Invasion in bathing suits and there is not a parking spot to be found. The century old boardwalk is now a concrete sidewalk and the town has smoke belching, ten foot pirates overlooking miniature golf less than twelve feet from a residence. This "progress" is hard to undo!
Of course, progress will happen. In fact it is happening all the time, but like the hands on a clock it should evolve over time and not feel the pressure of money.
Because we believe this is an important election and we need representatives with a balanced perspective, we are supporting Harry Stoltzfus. If you think this is an important time for AMI, then spend the time and meet with Harry, as we have, and you’ll be impressed by his thoughtfulness and his passion for AMI. You’ll also see that he is both a resident and a business owner, so he will bring real balance to the decisions made by the commission.
Bev & Joe Hospital
522 Pine Avenue
Anna Maria
Proud Cathy
Cathy Stoltzfus asked that this be posted to the blog:
This campaign has been a very eye opening experience. So many friends have supported me, have given hugs when sorely needed, have lent an ear and a shoulder, have encouraged me not to react to the many intentional attempts to discredit the love of my life, to try and ignore the junk mail, both snail and wireless appearing almost hourly at this point. My friends have mostly been successful. I would rather jump in the fray and come out bloody, scraped and bruised, standing proud. The high road is a more difficult path, the scrapes and bruises are internal, the hurt and pain may not heal. I won't forget and I am proud.
One of my favorite songs from the album "LARGO" released in the late 1990's, contains a cut called "SOMEONE GIVE ME A STONE". It is about this little guy, David, taking on this big guy, Goliath...well you know how it goes and you're smart enough to make your own conclusions and comparisons.
On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, I will once again read for pleasure, have food in the refrigerator, cook good meals, walk the beach, put the CD's in and sing along, often and really loud. We'll return to the Moose and dance the hours away, occasionally go to Karaoke and sing just because. I will continue to embarrass my daughter by dancing in the aisles of the Publix as the mood strikes and walk her to the bus in my nightwear (after all it is dark). I will welcome my new granddaughter, teach her life lessons and warn her of the good, the bad and the ugly.
I will add many new names to my list of good friends.
Thank you friends for being there for me.
Harry, I love you and I am so proud.
Cathy Stoltzfus
Tollette’s Record on Expanding the City of Anna Maria’s Business Area
In Christine Tollette’s election campaign she promises to “Insist that the business district remain within the bounds of the existing ROR (Residential Office Retail) and commercial districts”. That sounds like a good promise but what is her record on expanding the business area?
Commissioner Christine Tollette took action to support changing the existing Residential designations of specific properties (totaling 33,000 sq. ft.) to commercial ROR designations during the updating of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). Tollette supported changing Residential designated land at the Palmetto Ave. & Gulf Dr. corner and on the north side of the 100 block of Pine Ave.. The changes did not go through.
Click on ‘comments’ to read more.
Commissioner Christine Tollette took action to support changing the existing Residential designations of specific properties (totaling 33,000 sq. ft.) to commercial ROR designations during the updating of the City’s Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). Tollette supported changing Residential designated land at the Palmetto Ave. & Gulf Dr. corner and on the north side of the 100 block of Pine Ave.. The changes did not go through.
Click on ‘comments’ to read more.
THE CITY AND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
'THE FACT IS CHRIS HELPED WRITE OUR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. SHE WILL DEFEND THAT PLAN.'
'COMMISSIONER TOLLETTE HELPED WRITE, AND VOTED WITH THE REST OF THE COMMISSION TO ADOPT, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. CAN ANYONE POINT TO A SINGLE INSTANCE IN WHICH HER POSITION HAS NOT BEEN CONSISTENT WITH THAT VOTE?'
The following can all be found on public record and is a factual account.
Please click on 'comments' to read more.
'COMMISSIONER TOLLETTE HELPED WRITE, AND VOTED WITH THE REST OF THE COMMISSION TO ADOPT, THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. CAN ANYONE POINT TO A SINGLE INSTANCE IN WHICH HER POSITION HAS NOT BEEN CONSISTENT WITH THAT VOTE?'
The following can all be found on public record and is a factual account.
Please click on 'comments' to read more.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Defunct blog?
This message is from Cathy Stoltzfus:
Apparently the blog is alive and well. Defunct, I think not. Keep 'em coming. Cathy
Letter to the Editor of The Islander
Was asked to post the following:
Dear Bonner,
We have been fortunate to be property owners on Anna Maria Island for 11 years, registered voters for 4 years and permanent residents of Anna Maria for 3 years. During our tenure as citizens, we have remained committed to our community and have embraced the life style and quality of living that exists. We chose to purchase a single family home in Anna Maria and sold our condominium in Holmes Beach due to our preference to reside permanently in a city that catered to residents and welcomed visitors. The availability and access to businesses was not and is not our reason for locating or staying. I have heard countless other neighbors expressing very similar sentiment regarding their belief in our city, residential first.
We attended the political rally last week in front of your office. It was obvious to us and to many others that your objective for the event was not to be objective. Although all candidates were invited and given the opportunity to speak, the event had a very partial atmosphere.
Good politics is healthy; however, a slanted approach to reaching a conclusion and "straw vote" result with stacked voters, wreaked of favoritism. Voters from everywhere, with no residency proof, descended on the ballots voting for Anna Maria candidates no matter where they lived, achieving the results that you were obviously looking for--a resounding victory for the "pro business" candidates. What a surprise to read the results in this week’s edition. Could it just be a figment of my imagination that you favor the "business" candidates because they and their business connections buy ads? Or, am I just being cynical?, I think not!
You have a right to your opinion like all others, however, when you characterize a man of John Quam’s integrity, commitment and service to our City by stating his primary contribution has been to yield the gavel, it is obvious that your opinion is shallow. I understand the power of the pen Ma’m, but you don't have a monopoly on that commodity, and the good people of Anna Maria know how fortunate we have been to be represented by Mr. Quam. Civility, calmness, judgment, fairness, and an unyielding devotion to the interests of our City are just some of the attributes that he possesses. It is unfortunate that in the stroke of your pen the characteristics that really count were omitted. Mr. Quam was not elected Chairman by a "straw vote," he has continuously been elected Chairman by his peers!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
PRESERVING ANNA MARIA
I would like to know, if PAR stands for "Pine Ave. RESTORATION, why are they tearing down the old houses and replacing them with what they are building rather than RESTORING the old ones instead of tearing them down. It would seem to me that they would be of historical importantance to the City of Anna Maria.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Thankless Job
(To see the cartoon full size, click on it.)
Cathy Stoltzfus requeted that this be posted to the blog:
John Quam has served the City of Anna Maria with respect, civility and distinction. The editorial in the October 28, 2009 edition of the Islander says "...John Quam hasn't distinguished himself aside from wielding the meeting gavel."
I beg to differ.
I am proud to know John Quam, grateful to him for his part in maintaining our piece of paradise, appreciative for the years of selfless service to the City of Anna Maria. He is a true gentlemen.
The Islander has distinguished itself by a profound lack of respect and civility.
Cathy Stoltzfus
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Harry Stoltzfus/Minimum rentals and The Islander
How many times does Harry have to tell The Islander newspaper that he is not looking to introduce a 30 day minimum rental period in the City of Anna Maria? He has told them over and over but instead of reporting the facts they are just taking his comments out of context and what they are printing is inaccurate.
Once again, Harry is not looking to introduce a 30 day minimum rental period limitation in City of Anna Maria.
Once again, Harry is not looking to introduce a 30 day minimum rental period limitation in City of Anna Maria.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Lines Between Candidates Drawn by PAR
In case there is a slight doubt that commission candidate Chris Tollette and newcomer candidate David Gryboski are not firmly joined at the hip to Pine Avenue Restoration (PAR) principals, the following email is black and white, proof-positive. Individuals who received the Coleman invitation provided it to this blog, just in time for us to report it prior to their meeting at 6 p.m. today. These individuals understand that the true value of our city lies in what Anna Maria is today, not what some outside investors want to turn our city into tomorrow!
----- Original Message -----
From: Micheal Coleman
To: Jane Coleman
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 8:50 PM
Subject: Meeting Fri Oct 9
Just a forewarning, you may get this message more than once. It's important to get the word out so multiple lists may be used, and you may be on more than one.
Time: Approx 6pm
Location: vicinity of the Sandbar, tba
Hi all,
You are receiving this for the following reasons:
1. You are a member of the Island Business Community
2. You are employed by an Island Business
3. You recognize the importance of a viable business district
4. You have expressed support for either Chris Tollette or David Gryboski, or both, in the upcoming election
We are re-convening our Business Group to discuss the upcoming election and the importance of it's outcome to all who believe that a healthy business district is essential to a healthy community.
Frankly, the more you learn about the positions being staked out by those seeking to replace Chris Tollette on the City Commission the more you'll realize their plans directly affect you, your business and this City as a whole. Not just a little, but in potentially devastating ways. Think Long Boat Key. Take a drive down there and check out their "business district". They have finally, after 16 years, begun to recognize the damage caused by the very policies now being sought by those seeking to stack the commission with an anti-business majority. Imagine Anna Maria following suit and becoming a seasonal bedroom community, available only to those of independent means.
If you are tired of fighting your battles alone while a few elites who think they know better than the rest of us gang up against you, now is the time to unify.
Please attend, and spread the word for others to attend as well. We will be discussing specific issues that directly threaten our economy, our jobs and our community.
Michael Coleman
*****
A note to Mike Coleman:
None of the issues before us today were issues until PAR brought the outside investors to our community with a plan to change things. Your claims in your email are pure paranoia: Nobody is trying to take away anybody’s jobs; nobody is trying to ruin our economy; and nobody is trying to put anybody out of business. For you to say otherwise is total and complete nonsense. I, in my terms in office, and those on the dais today, have supported a viable and healthy business community. In fact it is a policy we unanimously ADDED to our comp plan during its latest revision.
It can all be summed up in Dale Woodland's words: “98% of our city is residential, 60% of our commission is pro development. Our city needs more balance on the commission.”
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
City Commission Meeting – Thurs.Oct.8, 2009, at 7 p.m. Commercial Uses in Residential District – Weddings!!!
On Thursday October 8, 2009 at 7 p.m. The City Commission will be having a work session meeting. Residents, come to this meeting at 7 p.m. as the first agenda item will be:
Commercial Uses in Residential District – Weddings, presented by Planner Alan Garrett
Click on ‘comments’ to read more.
Commercial Uses in Residential District – Weddings, presented by Planner Alan Garrett
Click on ‘comments’ to read more.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting - Oct. 6, 2009, 6:30 p.m. Relaxing Parking Requirements?
The P&Z Board work session meeting will be held on Oct. 6th at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda Item #1:
Continued Discussion Regarding Revisions to Section 90 Internal Traffic Circulation, Access and Storage
Do the residents of Anna Maria want to see parking rules relaxed in the commercial districts?
Click on ‘comments’ to read about what suggested changes have been brought forward.
Agenda Item #1:
Continued Discussion Regarding Revisions to Section 90 Internal Traffic Circulation, Access and Storage
Do the residents of Anna Maria want to see parking rules relaxed in the commercial districts?
Click on ‘comments’ to read about what suggested changes have been brought forward.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
A Call For Your Support
Anna Maria is special.
That is no accident. It didn’t just happen. Anna Maria remains unexploited because no one has been allowed to exploit it. Our island community remains a Paradise thanks to a long line of resident advocates and officeholders who committed themselves to preventing it from becoming just another overdeveloped, condo-ridden, commercialized, Florida barrier island resort town. I share their commitment.
Most of us who transplanted to Anna Maria did so because we fell in love with this island Paradise. We all sing our individual songs, but the refrain is pretty much the same. We liked the beaches. We liked the quiet streets. We liked the sense of community. We liked the people.
Every now and again, someone arrives on the island with a plan to improve Anna Maria. As if it needed improving.
These days we’ve got a team of visionaries at work. Some pretty savvy investors on a mission to develop Pine Avenue. Their motive is the purest, most transparent motive of all: profit. Their pitch is a vibrant commercial district on Pine Avenue. It sounds charming enough, even romantic, evoking postcard images of old Florida, with boardwalks, one piece bathing suits, and ladies with parasols window shopping, Key West style buildings, offices, and residences lining the streets. A sort of linear St. Armands, I guess. I haven’t heard specifics about who the occupants of these new structures will be. A “build it and they will come” deal, maybe.
I miss them all: the grocery store, Ato’s, the marina. But I like what has replaced them as well. Jenny’s and Jane E’s is a vibrant neighborhood gathering place. Great coffee. Baked goods too. I can go to the Pine Avenue grocery for essentials. Waterfront replaced Ato’s. I’m a beer snob. Waterfront has great taps. I’m sure the four homes that have replaced the marina look good inside. The occupants certainly have a great view of the canal and the town. Nice location. Their dogs always run around on the docks when we take our boat by. Seem like nice people. They always wave. Wish one of them would sell beer, bait, and gas like the marina did. Miss seeing the charter boats there, too. And watching them clean their catches.
Recently, some local businesses have been networking, trying to cash in on the burgeoning wedding industry here in Anna Maria. Here’s to them. I preferred the “Florida’s Best Kept Secret” image we had, but if we’re going to be “Where to Get Married”, so be it. After all, it’s just image, not substance. Another trend. Like all trends, it will peak. At some point, getting married here won’t be so special. For now, all we can do is contain it. If all this wedding activity creates a parking or traffic nuisance, we’ll deal with it.
Under “Land Use Categories” in the city's Comprehensive Plan, is the declaration: “Although located on a barrier island, the City of Anna Maria has been able to avoid the development of a strong tourist attraction.” Later verbiage states this avoidance has resulted in our being predominately a single family community, and the stated objective of the Comp Plan is to continue this community character.
We’ve lost some ground there. Wedding traffic may not be tourist traffic, but lose the tuxes and the gowns, and there’s not much difference. Much of the current proposed development seems designed to attract more people to Anna Maria. The intent of the ROR district (Residential/Office/Retail) is to allow mixed use development “consistent with the single family residential character of the City.” The implied function of the mixed use designation is to service the present population, not add to it, but we don’t have intent declarations on our site plan applications, do we? Again, at this point, all we can do is contain it.
1. Fulfill the public obligations of my office with transparency and integrity.
2. Oppose any effort or any proposed measure that would diminish the regulations now in place whose purpose is to preserve the residential character of Anna Maria.
3. Establish and maintain a dialogue between the residential and the business members of Anna Maria in order to foster a relationship in which all parties work toward minimizing the negative impact of a vibrant business community on surrounding residences.
4. Never ask you to read anything this long again.
Thanks for listening.
Harry Stoltzfus
Email: harry@harconcorp.com
Here many of the residents still walk to the Post Office to pick up their mail. Kids ride their bikes in the streets. Cathy, my wife, and I can work in our front yard for an hour in the evening, and count on one hand the number of cars that pass. Usually, I recognize the drivers. Neighbors walk by, some just out enjoying the cooler evening air, some walking their dogs. Several stop and chat. Cathy knows everybody. The work can wait.
Some days I walk to the Rod ‘n’ Reel to get the fishing report. Or fish there. Pretty good spot for mackerel, reds, and snook. Black drum. Sheepshead in the winter. I’m certain to meet people I know. I always talk to Bob or Tom, two of the guys who sell bait. Or Dave, the manager. Bob had heart surgery a few years back. Says he feels much better now. Tom always tries to remember Molly’s name. Often doesn’t. Dave always does. Molly’s our daughter.
If I really need to unwind, I hitch up my little trailer and bike, load my fishing gear, and head to Bean Point. Odds are I’ll run into Bill and Judy, or Steve and Joanne, or Red if he’s in town. Or Kenny. If it’s a weekend, I’ll probably see Charlie, unless he’s kayaking. Usually I’ll call Herb first. Michigan boy. Lives here half the year. Herb taught me how to catch pompano back about twelve years ago when I first came to Anna Maria. Helluva handyman. Cathy adores him. We all do. His wife Barb was a professional clown. Sweet lady. It’s easy to forget Herb and Barb are twenty-five years older than we.
If I really need to unwind, I hitch up my little trailer and bike, load my fishing gear, and head to Bean Point. Odds are I’ll run into Bill and Judy, or Steve and Joanne, or Red if he’s in town. Or Kenny. If it’s a weekend, I’ll probably see Charlie, unless he’s kayaking. Usually I’ll call Herb first. Michigan boy. Lives here half the year. Herb taught me how to catch pompano back about twelve years ago when I first came to Anna Maria. Helluva handyman. Cathy adores him. We all do. His wife Barb was a professional clown. Sweet lady. It’s easy to forget Herb and Barb are twenty-five years older than we.
I love living in Anna Maria. Even in the busiest months of the season, it’s a pretty quiet little town. Great water. Beautiful beaches. Super fishing. But mostly it’s the people. We’ve met a boatload of really nice people on this island.
Anna Maria is different.
In a state whose name is synonymous with overdevelopment, Anna Maria has remained a relatively undeveloped, often unknown, primarily residential community.
That is no accident. It didn’t just happen. Anna Maria remains unexploited because no one has been allowed to exploit it. Our island community remains a Paradise thanks to a long line of resident advocates and officeholders who committed themselves to preventing it from becoming just another overdeveloped, condo-ridden, commercialized, Florida barrier island resort town. I share their commitment.
To that end, I’m presenting myself as a candidate for Anna Maria City Commissioner. I’d like your support.
Most of us who transplanted to Anna Maria did so because we fell in love with this island Paradise. We all sing our individual songs, but the refrain is pretty much the same. We liked the beaches. We liked the quiet streets. We liked the sense of community. We liked the people.
Every now and again, someone arrives on the island with a plan to improve Anna Maria. As if it needed improving.
These days we’ve got a team of visionaries at work. Some pretty savvy investors on a mission to develop Pine Avenue. Their motive is the purest, most transparent motive of all: profit. Their pitch is a vibrant commercial district on Pine Avenue. It sounds charming enough, even romantic, evoking postcard images of old Florida, with boardwalks, one piece bathing suits, and ladies with parasols window shopping, Key West style buildings, offices, and residences lining the streets. A sort of linear St. Armands, I guess. I haven’t heard specifics about who the occupants of these new structures will be. A “build it and they will come” deal, maybe.
I first set foot in Anna Maria twelve years ago. Much has changed since then. The marina on Pine Avenue is gone. The big grocery store is gone. Ato’s, the Polynesian restaurant we frequented, is gone. My daughter ate so many of their Monte Cristos, when they printed the new menus one year, Ato renamed the sandwich the Molly Cristo. Sweet lady. I hear she’s catering now.
I miss them all: the grocery store, Ato’s, the marina. But I like what has replaced them as well. Jenny’s and Jane E’s is a vibrant neighborhood gathering place. Great coffee. Baked goods too. I can go to the Pine Avenue grocery for essentials. Waterfront replaced Ato’s. I’m a beer snob. Waterfront has great taps. I’m sure the four homes that have replaced the marina look good inside. The occupants certainly have a great view of the canal and the town. Nice location. Their dogs always run around on the docks when we take our boat by. Seem like nice people. They always wave. Wish one of them would sell beer, bait, and gas like the marina did. Miss seeing the charter boats there, too. And watching them clean their catches.
So it goes. We can’t turn back the clock.
This Pine Avenue thing is a done deal as well. Not much anybody can do about it, really. Reject any variances and make sure we contain it in the ROR. Keep an eye on the parking issues. Make sure they’re not causing any major drainage problems. Make sure those buildings don’t turn into boarding houses or de facto motels. Mitigate the conflicts between auto, pedestrian, and bike traffic by reviewing Policy 1.3.8 in the Comp Plan and minimize direct access onto major roads. There’s some gray area there, but I think we can tighten it up.
Recently, some local businesses have been networking, trying to cash in on the burgeoning wedding industry here in Anna Maria. Here’s to them. I preferred the “Florida’s Best Kept Secret” image we had, but if we’re going to be “Where to Get Married”, so be it. After all, it’s just image, not substance. Another trend. Like all trends, it will peak. At some point, getting married here won’t be so special. For now, all we can do is contain it. If all this wedding activity creates a parking or traffic nuisance, we’ll deal with it.
Under “Land Use Categories” in the city's Comprehensive Plan, is the declaration: “Although located on a barrier island, the City of Anna Maria has been able to avoid the development of a strong tourist attraction.” Later verbiage states this avoidance has resulted in our being predominately a single family community, and the stated objective of the Comp Plan is to continue this community character.
We’ve lost some ground there. Wedding traffic may not be tourist traffic, but lose the tuxes and the gowns, and there’s not much difference. Much of the current proposed development seems designed to attract more people to Anna Maria. The intent of the ROR district (Residential/Office/Retail) is to allow mixed use development “consistent with the single family residential character of the City.” The implied function of the mixed use designation is to service the present population, not add to it, but we don’t have intent declarations on our site plan applications, do we? Again, at this point, all we can do is contain it.
Until I know differently, I’m going to assume our present group of developers has no plans to go beyond the limits of the Comp Plan. But I’m not willing to assume they won’t in the future. And that is why I’d like to be your advocate on Anna Maria's City Commission.
It’s in every resident’s best interest to make sure no one stacks the deck. We’ve got to make sure we’ve always got at least three strong resident advocates on the commission, so there is no possibility of a super majority changing the Comp Plan. Three commissioners at a minimum. Four would be better. We must preserve the residential character of Anna Maria.
If elected to the Anna Maria City Commission, I pledge to:
1. Fulfill the public obligations of my office with transparency and integrity.
2. Oppose any effort or any proposed measure that would diminish the regulations now in place whose purpose is to preserve the residential character of Anna Maria.
3. Establish and maintain a dialogue between the residential and the business members of Anna Maria in order to foster a relationship in which all parties work toward minimizing the negative impact of a vibrant business community on surrounding residences.
4. Never ask you to read anything this long again.
Thanks for listening.
Harry Stoltzfus
Email: harry@harconcorp.com
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