To: The Editor
Subject: To Belleair Beach Residents
Keep the following in mind as you read this letter: Morgan Park is only approximately 80 feet wide and is mostly parking places. The north and south boundaries are only 10 feet from privately owned condominiums. Into this the mayor wants to put public restrooms requiring constant maintenance and supervision.
The newly elected mayor of Belleair Beach has taken it upon himself, along with the now-departed city manager, to undo the privacy of BB that we have maintained since the 1940's when development started. I voted for the mayor but I am truly disappointed to find out he is just another bureaucrat out to make BB a thriving metropolis like Oldsmar where he is employed.
1. We no longer have a police department.
2. He wants to change Sec. 38-106-112 so that Morgan Park becomes open to the general public plus adding restrooms.
3. He wants another marina at the new bridge-"City in more business."
He has stated that Morgan access was always open to the public. This is absolutely untrue. Sec. 38-106-112 grants "Property owners of upland lots in the city a perpetual and irrevocable license to use such lots and easement for beach and bathing purposes. Public access through, and parking at the city Morgan Drive easement is prohibited except to such persons entitled to use of such license." Ord. #92-02, 3-3-1997.
I have lived in BB since 1980 having purchased property in 1977. Most of us want BB -
1. Because it hasn't been open to the public - never crowded.
2. Safe - good police protection with a local interest.
3. No business allowed in city - public transportation not allowed to stop in city.
4. Clean, good waters, sewers and drainage.
5. Small community feeling - doesn't want to be a city.
6. Citizen participation in governing for the community, not for the world.
The city council has to remember that they were elected to run the city of BB for the residents of BB only - not the county, state or federal. The mayor has used these terms for his reasons.
1. "Someone called and said."
2. "The Feds want."
3. "Renourishment demands."
No proof has been offered to any of the above. He is using vocal threats to upset the privacy and the devaluing of personal property. The public has not been neglected at BB. There are frequent accesses to the beach. One just on the other side of the adjoining property on the south side of Morgan Park.
Please work to keep BB residential, safe, solvent and protected. Do not let them do away with Sec. 38. The opening of Morgan Street Park to the general public will hurt all residents. Do not let a greedy and power hungry government ruin what we have and our property values.
John W. Hornbuckle
