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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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
Thursday, September 10, 2009
We have a candidate!
I am pleased--wait, make the ELATED--to report that a candidate has come forward to run for election in November, who is committed to flying the residents' banner!
His name is Harry Stoltzfus. I have had more than a few communications with him from time to time on various issues of concern to our community. I am assured that we need him very much at City Hall, representing the interests of all who are concerned with our city's legacy.
I received Harry's email last night announcing his decision. He mentioned that he had conversations with both John Quam and Dale Woodland prior to his decision. He concluded with, "I’m hoping my efforts joined with theirs can bolster the voice of the residents here in Anna Maria."
I'll get back to you later with more information on how you can help make this a reality and welcome any suggestions you may have as we proceed forward.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
ALERT! Request to Allow a Bed & Breakfast in Residential District
ALERT!!!
The first request for a bed and breakfast establishment in the RESIDENTIAL zoning district is before us!
Please tell the Commissioners what you think of this before their August 13th work session meeting!
CITY OF ANNA MARIA
COMMISSION WORKSESSION
AUGUST 13, 2009 – 7:00 P.M.
Agenda Item #2. Ordinance Amendment Request to Allow a Bed & Breakfast by Special Exception (public hearing process) at 60 North Shore Drive (Kent Erickson).
For the entire August 13, 2009 work session meeting agenda go to:
http://cityofannamaria.com/files/081309-cc-work-session.pdf
The first request for a bed and breakfast establishment in the RESIDENTIAL zoning district is before us!
Please tell the Commissioners what you think of this before their August 13th work session meeting!
CITY OF ANNA MARIA
COMMISSION WORKSESSION
AUGUST 13, 2009 – 7:00 P.M.
Agenda Item #2. Ordinance Amendment Request to Allow a Bed & Breakfast by Special Exception (public hearing process) at 60 North Shore Drive (Kent Erickson).
For the entire August 13, 2009 work session meeting agenda go to:
http://cityofannamaria.com/files/081309-cc-work-session.pdf
Charlie Daniel Has Applied For the Planning & Zoning Board
Good News!
The City's public read file shows that Charlie Daniel has submitted an application for the Planning & Zoning Board. Thank you Charlie for offering your service.
The City's public read file shows that Charlie Daniel has submitted an application for the Planning & Zoning Board. Thank you Charlie for offering your service.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
What's the angle with the Angler's Inn?
Maybe I am just plain distrustful. And maybe the newly formed Anna Maria Island Heritage Society would have a little more credibility if it wasn't backed by PAR - a developer. (How many Historic Societies does one small City need anyway?)
I also saw the original plans for the planned hotel/motel on North Bay Boulevard. These plans showed a footbridge passing from the Anglers Lodge to the hotel/motel. Why? Because they need additional parking for the hotel/motel which they can get at the Anglers Lodge.
So in my opinion this is just another 'back door' attempt to move development forward slowly for the hotel/motel which I am absolutely sure has not gone away totally. So what do they do first? They need to get a change of zoning and in this weeks' Sun lo and behold a big article pushing for just that. The parking they need for the hotel is impossible with a property zoned residential but if they can get it changed to ROR or even PSP I have no doubt the doors will open for them to use the site for parking. ( The Waterfront currently lease parking places from the City so there will be nothing to stop PAR doing the same thing for their hotel).
And what does that mean for the residents of Lake View Drive? With the Anglers Lodge situated at the end of Lake View Drive it means a great deal more traffic and loss of the peace and quiet we currently enjoy on that street.
The 'entire community' does not need a place for 'soirees and wine tastings' bang in the middle of the residential area and I strongly appeal to all residents to step up and knock this on the head right now - even if you do not live on Lake View Drive think about where this is heading ie whether their motives really are about preserving this building or whether there is something else behind this. Can we take the chance? I urge P & Z members and Commissioners to think very carefully about the implications before they change the residential zoning of this property.
This is yet another change that I can see being of no benefit to residents of the City - if we want to go and taste wine there are plenty of wine tastings available on the Island and in the appropriate places.
I also saw the original plans for the planned hotel/motel on North Bay Boulevard. These plans showed a footbridge passing from the Anglers Lodge to the hotel/motel. Why? Because they need additional parking for the hotel/motel which they can get at the Anglers Lodge.
So in my opinion this is just another 'back door' attempt to move development forward slowly for the hotel/motel which I am absolutely sure has not gone away totally. So what do they do first? They need to get a change of zoning and in this weeks' Sun lo and behold a big article pushing for just that. The parking they need for the hotel is impossible with a property zoned residential but if they can get it changed to ROR or even PSP I have no doubt the doors will open for them to use the site for parking. ( The Waterfront currently lease parking places from the City so there will be nothing to stop PAR doing the same thing for their hotel).
And what does that mean for the residents of Lake View Drive? With the Anglers Lodge situated at the end of Lake View Drive it means a great deal more traffic and loss of the peace and quiet we currently enjoy on that street.
The 'entire community' does not need a place for 'soirees and wine tastings' bang in the middle of the residential area and I strongly appeal to all residents to step up and knock this on the head right now - even if you do not live on Lake View Drive think about where this is heading ie whether their motives really are about preserving this building or whether there is something else behind this. Can we take the chance? I urge P & Z members and Commissioners to think very carefully about the implications before they change the residential zoning of this property.
This is yet another change that I can see being of no benefit to residents of the City - if we want to go and taste wine there are plenty of wine tastings available on the Island and in the appropriate places.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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
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.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Duplex Expansions?!
I am dismayed and confused - why are we talking about expanding duplexes when our comp plan just eliminated the ability to build new ones. There's a reason we didn't want more duplexes so it stands to reason we wouldn't want to expand existing ones. I have first hand experience living next door to a large, duplex rental. It's no paradise and I wouldn't wish it upon other residents of Anna Maria. You really have to wonder where this request is coming from. I thought the Commission elected by the people would protect the interests of its people. This doesn't jive.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Letter to the Editor from The Sun. Dale needs your help!
Don’t allow duplex expansion
The city commission in Anna Maria is proposing to allow duplexes in our residential district to expand. I very strongly oppose this action. I do not oppose duplexes to be able to rebuild or do repairs to maintain their current size. The majority of our duplexes are two-bedroom, one or two bath, single-story structures occupied by small families with long term leases. For years, these units have been an important part of the fabric of our city and I want to see them remain so. In my opinion, expansion will have a negative impact on the character of our city and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Investors will be able to expand these units, change them to short term rentals and sell them as condominiums with multiple ownerships. The end result is the investors will make money and the city will see an increase in intensity of use and the loss of an important part of our character. Yes I'm a Norman Rockwell/Andy Griffith kind of a guy, but heck, I grew up in Anna Maria. I still love our city today, but it used to be better. I'll never understand why people move here, love it and then want to change it like it was back home (the place they left to move here - why did they move?) Incrementalism is slow and only one way. Those who want to protect our quality of life, lose it one small piece at a time and never get it back. One of my customers today said, as we were looking at the back of his property in Holmes Beach with three new 37-foot duplexes, "This isn't the city we fell in love with." I urge our residents to pay attention to this issue and voice your opinion to the city commission and administration. Sometimes we forget; your government works for you, is accountable to you, and you are in charge.
Dale Woodland
Anna Maria
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
