Planning Authority to Hear from Citizens

Property-owner-turned-activist Neil Valk sees a meeting coming up this Thursday as an opportunity to let members of the Local Planning Authority (LPA) know what some citizens think about a controversial proposal. Valk plans on showing members of the LPA hundreds of emails and petitions from citizens saying they are against the proposed Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) ordinance.

The TDR ordinance has been the focus of several local meetings and has brought heated exchanges between proponents and opponents. about a comment made by Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala, who referred to opposition of the ordinance as "nonsense" during a September meeting. 

The proposal would impact parking and lighting in Historic Downtown Palm Harbor and would also allow changes to the Transfer of Development Rights. These changes would pave the way for Geographic Solutions to build a 19,000 sq. ft. building on three lots which critics say would harm the character of Historic Downtown Palm Harbor.

Paul Toomey, the president of Geographic Solutions and a longtime Palm Harbor resident, says he appreciates and respects citizens' passion and love for the area, but he believes that the new building will help free up more parking in front of downtown businesses. Toomey also says the design will fit in with the traditional architecture of the historic downtown district.

Meanwhile, Valk is asking those who are opposed to the proposal to send him an email daying they're against the idea. Valk will present all emails and petitions to the LPA during its meeting Thursday.

"The LPA does not always agree with Pinellas County Commissioners. This meeting is an opportunity for every concerned citizen to weigh in on the issue brought before the County Commission to change the TDR Ordinance in Historic Downtown Palm Harbor," said Valk, "Palm Harbor citizens need to come and be heard."

The Local Planning Authority Meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 in the County Commissioners Assembly Room which is on the 5th floor of the Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St, Clearwater.

Local Planning Authority Meeting Agenda

Details about the proposals for Historic Downtown Palm Harbor from the Pinellas County Planning Department

Neil Valk can be reached at saveoph@verizon.net