A Partial Victory for Preservation

Below is a story from this week's Islander about the discussion at last Thursday's commission work session about duplex expansion in Anna Maria. Thanks to your emails and letters to Commissioners, we've partially won another battle against development interests. At least, we've got their attention. 

However, similar to the guesthouse/motel/inn situation and the issue of Coleman on the P&Z board, everything is still on the table and must be watched oh so closely.

Many ask, "Where are all these assaults on our legacy, our peace and quiet, coming from? Who is behind it all?" The Islander story below makes it pretty clear. I just can't understand why they are so hell bent on changing the character of our city (after promising to preserve it!).

In 1971, a gutsy group of elected officials, literally under threats, removed the "multi-family" designation from 100% of our shoreline and restricted the heights of our dwellings. Since then, generations of concerned citizens put up whatever fight was necessary to hang on to what we've got. But never have we experienced a full-frontal assault like the one we're fighting now. And it's from within our own ranks of elected officials. Ironically, much is in the name of "preservation."  These people are totally clueless as to where the real value in our city lies--as in what Anna Maria is NOW, not in how much money there is to squeeze out of its ruination. 

The upcoming November election will hopefully feature a candidate or candidates who will do more than pay lip service to preserving Anna Maria. Whomever that may be will need all the support you personally can provide--on foot, by word of mouth, and, yes, from your wallet. The developer coalition is strong, monied, and they're on a mission to profit from turning our city into another Holmes or Bradenton Beach. 

What can you do now? Expansion of duplexes is back before the Commission's August work session. Let them know between now and then: No duplex expansions. Repairs, yes. Rebuilding on the current footprint in the event of a disaster (current law), yes.  [Send your emails to: amclerk@cityofannamaria.com. Request copies to all commissioners, and Planning and Zoning Board members.]

To conclude, here's some good news: A prominent Anna Marian called me this morning, one whom I respect very much. He wanted to share how refreshing it is that so many people are more aware now of what's going on, getting involved in the process, and expressing their passion about our future to our elected officials. He concluded with his hope that this is a sign that more will be motivated to vigorously support any opponents of the PARtners (play on words intended) in the upcoming elections. 

To be continued....

Duke

PS: the notes in brackets [ ] below are my comments.

Anna Maria studies limited duplex expansion

by Rick Catlin. Islander Reporter

Faced with mounting opposition to a proposed Anna Maria ordinance to allow duplexes the right to fully expand, city commissioners at their July 9 meeting reached consensus to study expansion on a limited basis.

City planner Alan Garrett said only about 65 duplexes exist in the city’s Residential-1 zoning district.

Commissioners rejected a proposal to allow the duplexes the right to fully expand, but agreed that some expansion on a “one-time, limited basis” be considered.

Commissioner Chuck Webb argued that duplex owners should have the right to “maintain what they have.”

Commission Chairman John Quam countered that allowing full expansion of duplexes would “increase density and intensity” of such structures in the city.

Better to leave duplexes as a permitted use in the R-1 district, allow re-roofing and the right to rebuild to the original footprint in the event of a natural disaster, he said.

Commissioner Jo Ann Mattick said that with only 65 duplexes it’s “not a big deal” for the city to allow some expansion. [This is the same Commissioner that wanted to build a public "pocket park" half way up North Shore Drive in the middle of a residential neighborhood! Oh, and how many duplexes does it take to "make it a big deal?"]

Commissioner Christine Tollette pointed out that when commissioners at their March 26 meeting combined the Residential-2 zone with the Residential-1 zone, this made duplexes a permitted use and allows expansion. [She is dead wrong, here. Why would you eliminate R-2 zoning then allow the duplexes to expand? This rates a "duh!"]

According to building official Bob Welch, however, no duplex owners have applied for a permit to expand the structure.

Commissioners favored allowing duplexes some expansion on a one-time basis. [No, no, no!]

Garrett said he would study all possibilities for limited expansion and bring back a range of proposals to the August commission work session.