Redington Shores opens parking lot at old town hall
By WAYNE AYERS
Article published on Tuesday, May 20, 2008  |
REDINGTON SHORES – Town residents who pay $3 for a hang tag and can supply proof of residence will have unlimited use of a new public parking lot, which is now open on the old town hall property.
The passes are good for the calendar year, allowing residents who purchase a tag now to park in the lot until the end of December.
Nonresidents will pay $1 an hour for parking privileges by feeding an automated meter which will accept coins or credit cards. The lot is located on Gulf Boulevard between 177th and 178th avenues, convenient to a beach access and has a working shower. Restaurants and businesses are nearby.
Creation of the lot has been in progress since late last year and caused some controversy when the idea was first proposed. Originally, some neighboring residents were concerned about an anticipated increase in traffic through the area generated by the lot.
The residents’ concerns were addressed at a special town meeting last November. At that session, the commission agreed to a plan to limit access to the lot and also to reduce the number of parking spaces.
There were no citizen comments on the parking lot during the May 14 meeting. Resident Ron Gonzales, who had criticized aspects of the plan originally, said after the meeting that he is still not pleased with the idea. He said the parking lot’s $40,000 cost works out to $4,000 a parking space.
“The numbers don’t add up,” Gonzales said, adding that the lot would have to generate a lot of revenue to justify its expense.
Vice Mayor Bert Adams invited residents to come in to Town Hall and get their hang tag so they can begin using the lot.
Dune walkovers done
Three new walkovers have been completed along the beach that protect dune areas and sensitive vegetation while providing easy access to the shore.
Pinellas County is funding the $50,000 construction cost.
Commissioner John Branch spoke of obstacles encountered during the project’s construction.
At one point, a backhoe had to be rented to remove all of the old walkovers, which were buried under 3 feet of sand. A state requirement mandated the removal, Branch said.
Mayor Jody Armstrong commented the walkovers look “really nice.” The walkovers are located at Coral, Beach and Atoll avenues.
Bidding begins on stormwater project
Bids are finally going out for Phase 2 of the town’s stormwater/paving project, Branch reported. The job was started and approved to do two years ago, Branch said, adding that he has been “very disgusted with the long, slow process.”
The commission decided to go through a formal bidding procedure (for the lift station rehab) rather than piggybacking on a county contract, as previously determined.
“The better way is to go out for bids, not piggyback,” Branch said.
Armstrong said that the project was way behind schedule and should have been started by this time.
Hurricane Awareness meeting May 27
The town’s annual Hurricane Awareness meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 7 p.m., at Town Hall.
Pizza will be available in the social hall following the meeting.
|
Article published on Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
