Letters to the Editor

+ Frustrated by false proclamations
Dear Editor:
Being a resident of this unique island for 10 years, I am increasingly frustrated and even incensed by the false proclamations of certain “special interest” individuals and groups as to what is needed for Longboat Key to magically inflate our property values.

Falsehood No. 1: If we only had more commercial properties, then more people would come here to visit and buy residences.

Reality: Commercial business is not a “build it and they will come” bet. It is based on demand, and it should be no surprise that as our population has stabilized because we are pretty much built out, then demand stabilizes as well.

Building more commercial will not reverse this trend, especially in the deleveraging economic times we are currently in and will be in for years as a result of natural, as well as man-made, economic forces. We are not Miami Beach, nor even Bradenton Beach, and God help us if that is our vision.

Falsehood No. 2: If we only had more renters, they would become buyers and save our home investments.

Reality: If this were true, then Orlando should have some of the highest prices in the United States, rather than being one of the most depressed foreclosure spots. By the way, ask the residents on Anna Maria Island how their more liberal rental codes have worked out for them, i.e. more noise, more trash and multiple families and groups squeezing into what were designed as single-family houses for weekends of fun, fun, fun at the expense of the neighboring residents who own their homes.

Falsehood No. 3: If only we had a 150-foot “after awhile you won’t even notice it” cell phone tower on the north end as the promoted solution to a maybe problem of cell-phone reception, then more people would rent and buy.

Reality: Studies have shown that such imposing massive structures are viewed not only as serious eye pollution but may also be a health hazard. Many of us north-end people, myself included, have Verizon and do not have a reception problem.

Start with the simple act of changing carriers, and if need be, seriously review any and all current (and near future) technologies that are not so obviously obtrusive. Let’s not add more imposing vertical structures to the already existing unattractive telephone poles, excessive road signs, etc.

Despite the efforts of individuals or groups who will gain financially from any of the above at the expense of the other 99-plus% of us, Longboat Key should be allowed to be what has always made it the jewel it is: an exclusive residential community of full-time and vacation-home resident homeowners who take pride in and care for their little slice of this 11-mile strip of tropical beauty.

I believe less is more in that what is rare (fewer and better maintained homes and condos), becomes more valuable. If you want to vacation here, then stay at one of the local hotels which are in commercially zoned areas, not in otherwise peaceful residentially zoned neighborhoods.

This is what our focus should be, rather than letting it “go to the dogs” (yeah, I’m against dogs on the beach, but I’ll save that for another time).
Joseph Iannello
Longboat Key

+ Cell towers cause fear for health
Dear Editor:
We hope the parishioners of the Longboat Island Chapel will pray for our health after the cell phone towers are installed.

We moved to Longboat Key to continue a healthy lifestyle. We are concerned to hear of Longboat Island Chapel’s (and now, Spanish Main Yacht Club) decision regarding cell phone towers.

A review of the literature indicates widespread concern over the radiation emitted causing cancer, brain tumors, leukemia and other illnesses. Cell phone towers have not been around long enough to prove their safety. Awhile back in Italy, people were outraged over the decision to install towers.

An article from The New York Times states, “Cesaro residents have long seen electromagnetic radiation from the transmitters as contributing to what they say are increasing leukemia rates … Their fears found a voice in Mr. Bordon, the environment minister, who issued a threat to cut off the power … ”

We urge everyone on the Key to rethink what is beginning to happen re cell phone towers.
Dr. Harold and Fran Blum
Longboat Key