Airing Some Of Your and My Concerns

Late last week I was approached by an individual who wanted me to use More Straight Talk to speak of a public servant she thought had wronged her family. I explained to them that there were avenues to pursue her complaint which would be more appropriate. I’m not sure she understood the purpose of More Straight Talk, which is my thoughts put on paper concerning issues I wish to share with you that are a concern to me or just a general conversation with you about issues which may be of interest to you.

All weekend long, however, a number of you have stopped by to share some of your frustrations, which low and behold are shared concerns with all of us.

The parking situations around the island are continuing to grow; the issues regarding it know no boundaries. I can tell you the public safety officials on the island are as frustrated with it as are you and tickets are flying out of the ticket books. However, if people don’t live here, it is hard to chase them, as none of that revenue reverts back to the city and that is a shame. 

Let’s be reasonable. The ticket won’t stop the offense. It will continue to happen as long as the root cause continues to exist, which lies in a poorly maintained infrastructure, and that buck stops at the city council dais. At the last council meeting it became clear that returning once again to what is referred to as a “roll-back rate” on the tax levy is once again being touted as the desire by a majority of councilors which may stifle any resolution to this and other problems.

The despicable conditions of Bald Eagle Drive and the sidewalks in that area that many are complaining about is terrible to say the least. There was a plan for that area which council rejected after 18 months or more by an Ad Hoc Committee which put hundreds of hours into hearing testimony. They came up with a solution that was rejected out of hand due to costs which they saw as too high. I, however, do understand that Public Works Director, Justin Martin, and Community Affairs Director, Daniel Smith, are diligently working on a possible resolution. In the end the buck stops at the council dais, so we will anxiously await their decision.

City Councilor Erik Brechnitz a few months ago spoke about the need to address the ever increasing problems at the intersection of North Barfield and North Collier Boulevard and the need to address that intersection and others on the island through signalization changes and lane adjustments. Come some morning between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM and view it for yourselves, as well as in the afternoon as the traffic backs up on the island and beyond.

Now another area where it is dangerous for pedestrians is the area in front of Rose Marina on Bald Eagle. You might as well say there is no provision for pedestrian safety. Rose Marina has added substantial new pedestrian load to that area through successfully luring new on the water businesses to their location. This has caused vehicular parking in the swales which diminishes line-of-site viewing by oncoming traffic. I remember the long, drawn-out discussions by Rose Marina and the city over its expansion. A considerable discussion was held in regard to making that a safe route for pedestrians as both the Planning Board and City Council put their stamp of approval on those plans. It still remains dangerous to this day and it will result in an accident.

While we are on that subject, I don’t want to hear from the dais or the podium that we haven’t had any issues. Proper planning that will eliminate potential problems and prevent a tragedy is called being proactive. Being reactive means we are just waiting to go to a church to offer our condolences.

Electric bikes, skateboards and other motorized means of transport are taking over our multi-use pathways as well as our narrower and older sidewalks. Council should be dealing with state legislators to tackle the problem as they are allowed on those pathways for usage up to 20 mph. Several of you have spoken to me in regard to this and I suggest that you reach out to our local state legislators and also reach out to councilors and commissioners to have them bring some type of pressure to address the situation. I don’t want to see some child, adult or senior citizen hurt as the result of careless operation of these newer modes of transport.

I was amazed to hear how quickly the city came up with $20,000 to $30,0000 at last night’s meeting to install a water fountain and “pocket park” along the sidewalk near the newly constructed fire station to provide walkers and runners with a drink while the bocce players have been asking for four years to have a fix for the courts over at Mackle Park. Most runners carry hydration with them today. I’m sure those 300 or so avid bocce players will be glad to hear that as they’ve constantly requested a fix to that one court that has been neglected over the last four years since its construction.

Well, you wound me up over the weekend and this was the result. You have a responsibility as citizens to let your elected officials know how you feel so they can bring your issues forward in the forums they are elected to represent your views.