Northpinellas: Condemnation may be Clearwater Beach's answer

I have read attorney Tim Johnson's recent guest column with great interest. It states rather clearly many of the problems related to the proposed redevelopment of the Clearwater Beach area.

Although I am not an expert on Florida law, I do know from 20 years' experience as a municipal official in Connecticut that projects such as this often require that the municipality involved use its power of condemnation, thereby acquiring all properties involved at their current market values.

This then enables the municipality to undertake a comprehensive plan of development covering the entire redevelopment area, establishing new property and street lines, where necessary, with a mandated use for each new included parcel. Interested developers can then bid to purchase these new parcels, which are to be developed strictly in accordance with the plan of development and its attendant regulations.

Does Clearwater have the fortitude to get under way with this redevelopment, or would it rather remain stuck in this quagmire of political ineptitude?
-- Leslie Nafis, Dunedin

Guest columnist sounds like a leader

Re: Clearwater's missing the boat, guest column, Aug. 17.

Clearwater may be missing the boat on waterfront development, but Tim Johnson Jr. certainly isn't. His piece -- with descriptions of planned, successful waterfront communities -- shows excellent examples of what our potential paradise could be.

All we need is one committed leader with vision to take the helm and follow the course of Beaufort, Georgetown, etc.

Could that leader be Tim Johnson himself?
-- Fred Nassif, Clearwater

Upscale development is overdue

Re: Clearwater's missing the boat, guest column, Aug. 17.

Bravo and thank you to Tim Johnson. Finally, an accurate statement of what we can be, and why we are not.

For those people who don't want change, there are many things for you to do in this town. For those of us who desire something more upscale, are we not entitled to have it? For those of us looking for fine shops and good restaurants, should we be forced to look elsewhere?

Downtown Clearwater offers nothing, and our "Beach by Design" is a Beach in Decline. Bring on the Gucci, the Pucci, Hermes and Chanel. We have far too many World's Best Grandma T-shirts to sell!
-- Richard Bialor, Dunedin

Naysayers lead us into stagnation

Re: Clearwater's missing the boat, guest column, Aug. 17.

As a resident of Clearwater since 1966, I must say I strongly agree with Mr. Johnson's column, especially where he points out several rather disappointing decisions concerning the city. Specifically, they are:

The sale of the SunBank building, which was purchased (I think for a mere $6-million) to serve as a consolidated City Hall.

The former Maas Brothers building not being used as the Gulf Coast Art Center (at no cost to the city and they would do the renovations), and then becoming the Harborview Center.

The rejection of the downtown development proposal (a very sad day).

It seems that a small number of naysayers have led the charge toward stagnation in Clearwater, and I fail to understand their power.

Now the proposed new library seems to have become mired in disagreement. Let's get it done even if everyone does not totally agree with the design and location. Let us emulate other cities that have become alive and vibrant!
-- Geri Doherty, Clearwater

Column sounds too good to come true

Re: Clearwater's missing the boat.

Your guest column is right on target. Having sent in similar articles and also letters to (former city administrators) Kathy Rice and Betty Deptula through the years, I have four short words to guest columnist Tim Johnson: Don't hold your breath.
-- Barbara Parton, Clearwater

Scientology doesn't deserve the credit

Re: Scientology has done wonders for downtown, letter, Aug. 21.

What a moronic position Ward Wilson takes when he wants us to think that Scientology has saved Clearwater from decay and doom, and that the teaching of his leader L. Ron Hubbard saved our city.

I, for one, resent driving through my city and seeing hundreds of pathetic lost souls parading around downtown in their silly costumes.

I was born in Clearwater, and my family roots go back more than 100 years in Clearwater. It sickens me to see what Scientology has done to my town and its city government.

Mr. Wilson's rantings about the virtues of Scientology are probably his assignment to get another gold braid on his navy costume or maybe to get another bulb for his E-meter.
-- R. Padgett, Clearwater

Beach needs police aides and officers

Re: Chief asks residents to help at beach, story, Aug. 10.

I doubt that Clearwater police Chief Sid Klein and, for that matter, the mayor and city commissioners have been to Clearwater Beach lately, especially between sunset and 10 p.m. on a weekend night. This is an invitation to them all: Come on a Friday evening and then tell me that volunteers will keep the beach the "family/tourist-friendly place" it is now.

I can remember when many would not go to the beach and pier area after dark. Because police programs were initiated, it became the wonderful place it is today. We really need to keep it this way.

How can Chief Klein even begin to compare Sand Key to Clearwater Beach? The police and the very important police aides are what -- up to now -- has kept the traffic moving and the gangs from congregating (and they try), has removed the drunk and disorderly from the Pier and playground area, has found lost children, etc.

In other words, make and keep the beach (our No. 1 asset) people friendly.

Recently the number of police aides has diminished as they leave for jobs, school, etc.; and we who work on the beach can see a difference.

As soon as the police aides are gone completelythere will be no reason for the disruptive element to stay away. The police can't be everywhere, and the aides know what is really going on in the area. They know the people, and they save the police time that volunteers would never be able to achieve. All they could do is call the police. Volunteers will not be able to handle the many situations that come up.

Save the money intended for the volunteers' uniforms, the all-terrain vehicles and bicycles. Ask the police officers who work the beach what they think. The police department should be the last place for budget cuts.

It is obvious Chief Klein has no idea what the beach is like on a Friday night. For instance, he wants to divert the young people to the Pier 60 parking lot! That's where families park to enjoy the sunset; take children to the playground; buy ice cream; and enjoy the Sunsets at Pier 60 nightly festival along with the music and ambiance of our beautiful beach.

Keep the police aides, Chief Klein.
-- Helen West, Largo

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