Letters to the editor

Context does matter, as does history

The focus of the last week’s Observer editorial were my statements on Jim Brown, former commissioner, Planning and Zoning chairman and mayor who is running again for a seat on the Town Commission.

A bit of historical context. In 2008, when the Longboat Key Club filed an application for a new hotel/condominium project, the Observer strongly supported its plan and was highly critical of the efforts of the Islandside community to oppose the plan. An Observer editorial of the day exhorted the Islandside residents to “If you don’t like it, buy it.’’

In my recent message to residents recommending Brown’s opponent, Gene Jaleski, I referred to that fact that Brown voted for the “massive” Key Club project. The Observer criticized my use of the term massive. The fact is that the town’s then Planning and Zoning Director panned the proposal, which included a request for 25 code departures, as “overbuilt” and “not in the public interest” and recommended denial of the application. The town attorney recommended that the commission address potential problems with the code before voting on the club’s application. The Commission, of which Brown was a member, ignored both recommendations and approved the application, which was subsequently (massively I might add) overturned in the courts.

The ordinance I referred to that relaxed the code for PUDs was 2013-20. This ordinance was designed to “fix” the code to address the problems identified by the courts. Accordingly it made many changes to the land development code affecting planned unit developments including allowing more dense development and overall building square footage than the code it replaced. The ordinance also does not require findings of fact, which Judge Charles Roberts recommended in his ruling. This ordinance was signed by Jim Brown.

The Observer also disputes my contention that the ordinance now being considered, 2016-32 would make it easier to allow increased building heights. Here is an excerpt from the proposed ordinance:

“The Town Commission may, at the applicant’s request, approve increases in building height above the greater of this maximum height if the required building side yard setback is increased for the specific building with the increased height by two feet, for every one foot of additional height requested, up to a maximum height of 80 feet above base flood elevation.”

Further belying the contention that my statement was false, the presentation accompanying the discussion of the ordinance asks the Commission to decide whether this additional height wording should be included in the ordinance or not! The proposed ordinance, including these questions, can be read at the Town’s website.

The Observer also mischaracterized my views on development, stating that I wanted the Key to “stand still.’’ Not true. In fact, part of my letter to residents (not mentioned by the Observer) included an endorsement of an alternative plan for the Colony, which would allow the Colony to redevelop up to 267 units utilizing its existing underlying density and additional tourism units from the pool of 165 units already approved by voters. As I pointed out in my message, there are 888 additional units of density that have already been approved, but which are either not yet built, or not yet occupied. As far as density goes, that is more than enough! I do support redevelopment and renewal of existing properties as needed and compliant with our code.

Bob White, Longboat Key

Drivers: Eyes on the road when cyclists are near

When I was learning to drive, my father always said that your mind reacts to objects in your field of vision, hence your reactions follow your eyesight.

I have tested, and observed this theory, and it is completely spot on.

If you are looking at a pedestrian or cyclist, your car will drift toward that object.

Drivers should always look at the road when passing these folks ... not the cyclist or pedestrian.

I realize that it is difficult, however, it will surely cut down the accident rate. 

It will be like getting drivers to drive in the right lane unless they’re passing another vehicle.

Mike Mills, Longboat Key

Early voting was a pleasant experience

My wife, Diane, and I needed to vote early and found one thing works especially well on the Key: early voting! A great ambassador to the process (Tom) met us, explained the process and walked us to our Manatee County check-in. 

Two workers there were organized and could not have been nicer, walking us to the voting room. They even thanked us for casting our votes.

Afterward, Tom pointed out snacks in the hallway, which were generously provided by two women who work across the hall. What an inviting way to vote and feel like you are an important part of the system.

Voting is a privilege and we vote in each election, no matter the topic, but I am proud of the way Longboat respects early voting.

The polling people we met really made a difference. Thanks!

Mike Mullihan, Longboat Key