Greenlight Pinellas Gets Greenlight from Neighborhood Association

While voters will have the ultimate say in whether Greenlight Pinellas speeds along or crashes, the transportation proposal has received a thumbs up from the St. Petersburg Downtown Neighborhood Association.

That organization decided Thursday to authorize a $250 contribution to the Yes Greenlight campaign. The decision came following a general meeting during which residents had their questions about the plan to increase the local sales tax by a cent answered.

“After listening to the arguments on both sides of the issue and the answers to audience questions and concerns, the Board felt this initiative would be a game-changer for Pinellas, St. Petersburg and particularly the downtown area which we represent,” said Gary Grooms, association president, in a media release. “The vastly-improved bus service and light rail component will make it easier for people to get to work, students to get to school, and seniors who don’t drive, to get around.”

The board said the extra penny is worth the price when coupled with the property tax reduction and the estimation that tourists will pay 35 percent of the taxes generated.

“We are the only major metropolitan area without a modern rapid transit system,” Grooms said. “If we are to continue the dynamic growth of St. Pete, attract the kinds of businesses and people we want and need, we have to have Greenlight Pinellas.”

The Greenlight proposal would enhance the county’s transportation services overall. The estimated revenue will help fund additional bus service, future passenger rail and other improvements.

The referendum will appear on the Nov. 4 general election ballot in Pinellas County. For more information about the proposal, visit the Greenlight website.

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