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For the record…
By DAVE SHELTON
| Article published on Thursday, April 5, 2007 |
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City closing on downtown property
LARGO – The city closed last week on the controversial downtown block the city bought for $1.8 million. The City Commission had originally approved the purchase at $2.1 million but an independent appraiser had set the market value at only $1.4 million. The property owner refused to accept less than $1.8 million, claiming he could get more on the open market for the property on the north side of West Bay Drive.
The commission agreed to pay that amount. City commissioners are scheduled to visit the Orlando area April 13 to see downtown renovation projects in two cities to get ideas for redevelopment of the West Bay Drive Redevelopment District. That area of Largo has been declared “blighted” to qualify for special county and state funding to rebuild the area.
Parochial school gets city OK for parking lot
Unlike two months ago when a dozen neighbors of St. Paul’s School appeared before the city commission to protest the school’s plans for a new parking lot, none came to a meeting last week when the commission approved the school plans.
School representatives and city staff reported that the school had worked with neighbors to relieve drainage problems and landscaping “buffers.” The proposal had been rejected by the city Planning Board last year. The city commission overruled the Planning Board in voting to grant a “hardship relief” to the school because it couldn’t comply with codes for set backs, “buffer islands” and driveway width.
City considers fate of the Largo Hotel
It would cost $255,000 to move the historic downtown Largo Hotel, according to city staff. Just moving the smaller, original portion could cost more than, $50,000, according to Jonathan Evans, the assistant to the city manager. Largo bought the hotel at the intersection of Seminole-Missouri and West Bay Drive last year for $755,000. It is at the entrance to the city’s West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District, an area declared “blighted.”
Members of the Largo Historical Society have suggested a fund raiser could be launched to move the building to a restoration site like Heritage Village on Walsingham Road.
Evans said advertisements for donations to relocate the building will be appearing in local newspapers and on the local government cable-TV channel.
Cancer claims popular police dog
Police Chief Lester Aradi last week announced that six-year veteran K-9 Officer Bear was euthanized after it was discovered he had cancer in his liver and spleen. He was 8 years old. Bear, who had numerous arrests to his credit, was partnered since 2001 with Officer Scott Brown. Aradi said Bear was “a loyal partner, protector and friend” to Brown and would be “missed by the entire K9 unit, police department and Scott (Brown).”
Library volunteers feted
Nearly 10,000 hours of volunteer service were provided last year by residents helping in the Largo Public Library, according to Library Director Casey McPhee. The volunteers were recently honored at a luncheon during which awards were presented.
Volunteer of the Year was William Boden; Genealogy section Volunteer of the Year was Betty Atkins; Friends of the Library Volunteer of the Year was Jan Handrick and Greater Largo Library Foundation Volunteer of the Year was Dana Porter.
Grand reopening set for Largo Golf Course
While the renovated Largo Golf Course was scheduled to reopen April 2, the official grand opening will be held during the annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament April 27.
Renovation of the 18-hole executive course, a project to make it longer, safer and more eye-appealing, has been completed according to Joan Byrne, director of recreation, parks and arts department. The $2 million project is four months behind schedule and $400,000 over budget.
The mayor’s tournament will be a four-person team scramble limited to 96 golfers. Entry fees of $240 per team will include 18 holes of golf, an electric cart, food and beverages, raffles and prizes and “tee gifts.” Deadline for registration is April 13.
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Article published on Thursday, April 5, 2007
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