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Publix initiative denied
By DOUG WATKINS
Article published on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005 |
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – With no compromise to be found, the City Commission Tuesday night passed an ordinance to deny construction of a multi-use, three-story building that includes a Publix supermarket on the 2500 block of Gulf Boulevard at the city’s north end.
The commission voted to pass an ordinance to send the petition to court for judicial determination of the legality of the initiative language.
Developer AG Armstrong had presented compromise petition language at an earlier workshop. The compromise decreased the number of third-floor condominiums from 24 to 20 and reduced the square footage of the Publix store by 1,000 square feet.
“The numbers still are far from equitable,” Commissioner Jeremiah Carmody told attorney Christopher Torres, representing the developer.
“You say you want to work with us, but I don’t see it in these numbers. Get serious … these numbers double the density allowed by city code and the size of the Publix is about 85 percent above the square footage allowable under code. I don’t take this as a serious compromise.”
Mayor Bill Ockunzzi and Commissioners R.B. Johnson and Jean Scott echoed Carmody’s sentiments.
Torres defended the petition’s language and legality in the often confrontational discussion, implying that the city’s code and comprehensive plan is not in compliance with county and state regulations.
As the midnight hour approached, the last of the residents who wished to speak out in favor or denial of the ordinance were heard. The commission then voted 4-1 to pass the ordinance denying the initiative. Commissioner Jim Palamara cast the lone no vote.
The initiative will go to the electorate in March 2006, unless the petitioners withdraw it.
“There still is plenty of time to negotiate a serious compromise,” Ockunzzi told Torres.
The commissioners went on to pass the ordinance sending the petition’s language to judicial review and determination of legality.
Final consideration of both ordinances will be on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Business as usual
In other action, the commission turned down a special exception to allow residential development of property on the east side of Gulf Boulevard at the city’s north end, formerly the site of Portofino’s restaurant. The business has been closed for an extended period of time.
“I believe this property should continue to be business usage,” said Carmody. “We must be careful that we don’t perpetuate a residential look on Gulf Boulevard … these businesses are vital to our community.”
“We’re losing business property … maybe this is an example of where mixed-use development would be in the city’s best interest,” said Johnson.
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Article published on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005
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