In last week's online edition, we asked our readers their preference of two possible North Clearwater Beach parking garage locations:
72% favored the Bay Esplanade site, while 27% favored Mandalay Park.
The following letter from the Clearwater Beach Association was published in last week's print and online editions.
May 4, 2005
To: Clearwater City Council Members
From: Clearwater Beach Association
At the meeting of the Clearwater Beach Association board of directors on Tuesday, May 3, 2005, I was directed to communicate to you our concern about the proposal to build a parking garage on Mandalay Park. We are pleased that a permanent library on the Beach is part of the proposal, however, we strongly urge you to put the garage (and library) on the parking lot on Bay Esplanade, between the tennis courts and the recreation center instead of Mandalay Park.
Whereas the Mandalay Park location would destroy some (rare on the Beach) open green space, the Bay Esplanade location would be on what is already cement. The Bay Esplanade location would be a safer place for library patrons and still more convenient to the public beach than most other parking places on the Beach.
Placing the parking garage on the Bay Esplanade location will provide convenient parking for the users of our recreation facilities as well as for beach visitors.
Most studies on city planning place considerable value on parks as one of the amenities that make life pleasant. We feel that Mandalay Park, small as it is, enhances the quality of life for our community and also makes it more attractive for visitors.
Input from our membership shows that the majority of Beach residents are in favor of our recommendation. Thank you for considering our views in this matter. . . . and for the hope of a permanent library.
Sincerely,
Jay Keyes, President
Clearwater Beach Association
P.O. Box 3295
Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767