Redington Shores wants to control development, leaders clarify to some residents at a visioning meeting.
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published August 24, 2003
REDINGTON SHORES - The first public hearing to discuss consultants' suggestions for town development attracted a standing-room-only crowd with a strident message: They like the community just the way it is, thanks.
Some neighbors, apparently confused about the purpose of the visioning workshop, interrupted Dr. James Moore's presentation, prompting Mayor J.J. Beyrouti to intervene.
"The few of you who have come to mess up the meeting, please respect us," Beyrouti said. "Redevelopment will take place, but we don't want to increase the density."
Both Beyrouti and Moore explained that the goal of the town's visioning process was to put into place legal controls over the type of future development.
"We are trying to get more control so that projects you may not be that fond of in other beach communities don't happen here," said Charles Parker, a member of the town's steering committee, which the commission has authorized to oversee the visioning process.
Moore told the residents that the town's current zoning code will stay intact and be strengthened with additional regulations that could affect building height and mass, setbacks, roof styles and materials, architectural styles, landscaping and signs.
The visioning process is concentrating on Gulf Boulevard, where most of any new development is expected to occur. Moore recommends moving the face of any new buildings closer to the boulevard to create a "pedestrian friendly" environment, and forcing parking to the rear of commercial buildings.
He also advises wider sidewalks, shade trees and street furniture.
The steering committee is expected to conduct additional public hearings on the visioning plan before a final document is sent to the commission for its approval, probably in late October.
