C.O.N.A. of South Pinellas County

Hoping for those April Showers-

Apr 10, 2002

CONA Website: neighborhoodlink.com/stpetersburg/cona

Tip Line to the Police Department: 892-5000

C.O.N.A.
General Board Meeting Agenda
April 17, 2002
Pledge
Approval of Minutes
Treasurer Report
Committee Reports
Mayor/ Chief -
Codes / Rental - Karl Nurse
Neighborhood Office - Susan Ajoc
Old Business
Bed & Breakfast - City
Neighborhood Block Party - Brent, Theresa or Suzy
Americas' Sail - Tall Ships
Florida Trust - Historic Preservation
New Business
Grandfather non-conforming use proposal
Program - Director of Property Management - Ron Barton
Director of Historic Preservation - Bob Jeffrey

C.O.N.A. IS MOVING AGAIN!!
Starting this month the April 17th
Board Meeting will be held at

All Children's Hospital
Conference Center
701 4th Street South
Social at 6:00 PM
Meeting starts at 7:00 PM

Directions for meeting: Go South on 4th St. S past the Times building to where the road becomes 2-way, past Ronald McDonald House 1 more block. The road on the right or the west side is 1 way heading to All Children's. Turn there and then into the lot on the right. The Conference Center is the second building from the corner of 4th and 7th Ave. S. There is plenty of parking. If you're coming from the Interstate, get off on the 4th St exit and turn right. Follow the directions previously given. If you find McDonald's or Charles Payne's home you have gone to far south. If you're coming from the Southside, you know where you are and won't get lost. We're looking forward to a full house! Come early for some social time. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Dear Neighbors,
The reprint of the article about CONA from 1966 shows that our City fathers were dealing with some of the same issues and concerns that we have today. Our City fathers did have the foresight in preserving the downtown waterfront, developing the park network throughout the City and the preserving many different styles of architecture in St. Petersburg. There were many people that had a vision for the community and they worked with a variety of agencies to help improve the City. That spirit still exists today.
There are many opportunities for people to be involved. Let us know your interest and level of desire to be involved and we will find a project, program or committee to help on.
There are a lot of great up coming events to show our pride in our neighborhoods, our City and our region of the State. The Festival of States has just finished. I have been contacted by the organizers for next year to see if the neighborhoods would have their members fly the flag from the state in which they were born during the two week event.
CONA's board meeting for next month will be on May 15. We will have people from the Health Department to talk about the amount of lead in our homes and how we, as community leaders, can help correct the problem
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Conference, May 16 - 19, will be at the Vinoy. A number of St. Petersburg neighborhoods will have a tour and training for people interested in maintaining or learning how to save our history and preserve or heritage.
June 8. "Tailgate at the Trop". A day of baseball and socialization with neighborhoods from around the region. Free baseball tickets for members of your neighborhood organization. Polk, Pasco, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Manatee counties along with the Cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater are getting together to enjoy the "Rays" and share ideas for better communication.
June 26 - 30th, Americas' Sail 2002 , at the Port of St. Petersburg will have Class "A" and Class "B" Tall Ships in our harbor for four days of maritime events.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Brent

Wanted for Florida Power meeting
I have been requested to invite community leaders to meetings with the President of Florida Power. There have been two meetings so far. Florida Power is interested in neighborhood issues and concerns. No time has been designated yet for the next meeting, but I would like names and phone numbers of interested people. Please either e-mail me or give me a message at the next meeting if you would like to attend. Food is generally provided.
Brent

Announcement!!!
Once again the
Renaissance
Vinoy Resort
has graciously agreed to
sponsor our
CONA
Leadership Program
Graduation Dinner

CONA
WHY IT WAS ORGANIZED - WHAT IS IT - AND WHAT ITS OBJECTIVES ARE
A Brief Summary
In the early 1950's the population explosion began in earnest in Florida, particularly in Pinellas County and other areas of the west coast and Tampa Bay. The rate of growth continued to expand and by 1957, the demand for homes, commercial and industrial buildings, schools, shopping facilities and other services necessary to satisfy the needs of greatly increased population created problems. Due to the lack of advanced planning by the municipalities and the county authorities, serious deficiencies in sanitary and drainage sewers, street paving, water supplies and other necessary services had manifested and had to be provided for. In the scramble for available land, serious problems confronted the home owner through the granting of rezoning for commercial and industrial purposes within heretofore exclusively residential neighborhoods. This constituted and resulted in many instances of flagrant "spot zoning" at its worst.
The residents of the areas affected began to organize civic and property owners associations in an endeavor to protect themselves from such injurious encroachments, to work for sanitary sewers, good drainage, good streets, and other needs of their immediate communities. But in many instances their demands seemed to carry little weight with the then existing City Council. It was during this time that representatives of a number of these neighborhood associations met together to discuss the formation of a "Council of Neighborhood" at which every member association would have representation at all meetings where their individual problems could be discussed and then brought before the proper authorities through united action. This was the beginning of the Council Neighborhood, Inc. of St. Petersburg, Florida and the Articles of Incorporation were drawn and approved in July, 1957. Thus, CONA became an actuality and its basic purpose remains unchanged.
Through the years, CONA has been both "damned" and praised. For the first several years
following its birth, it was referred to as "aginners". We were against building an auditorium at a time when water poured into our resident's homes after a heavy rain! We were opposed to spending tax money for advertising to attract tourists to St. Petersburg when their automobiles would be ruined by our "pot - hole" streets. However, we continued our opposition because we believed we were right. We must have been because many of our critics of that era now agree, that we were right and we do now have a better city than we might have had otherwise. We have continued our interest in the proper use of our land areas through proper zoning and have constantly worked and cooperated with the responsible government authorities to establish more reasonable zoning and rezoning controls. So-called "spot zoning" has been almost totally eliminated.
A few of the other accomplishments and projects to which CONA has given their effective attention are:
Worked for and helped to establish the revolving fund that has provided for sanitary sewers throughout the city.
Cooperated with the responsible authorities of the City in the preparation of the current zoning ordinance effective in 1961.
Encouraged City Council to provide and support a greatly enlarged budget for the Police Department at the time of its reorganization under Chief Purdy.
Suggested that the Chamber of Commerce become self-supporting. (This is now underway.)
Cooperated with the City in the preparation of the current ordinance covering the design and platting of subdivisions.
An officer of C 0 N A was appointed by the City Council and the Pinellas County Health Department to organize and direct the campaign for mosquito eradication during the encephalitis epidemic of several years ago. Complete information and instructions were delivered to every home in South Pinellas County within a period of nine days.
A member of C 0 N A was elected to the Board of Governors of the Chamber of Commerce, though not a member of the Chamber.
C 0 N A was selected by City Council to conduct the contest for the naming of the new auditorium, now Bay Front Center.
A member of C 0 N A was appointed to and served with distinction on the Pinellas County Governmental Study Commission.
A member of C 0 N A was appointed to and served as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Blue Ribbon Zoning Committee for the City of St. Petersburg.
A member of C 0 N A has been appointed by City Council and is serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee for Elimination and Prevention of Slums and Blight.
A member of C 0 N A has been appointed by City Council and is now serving on a committee charged with the arrangements for the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of St. Petersburg.
The organization of C 0 N A is not complicated. Each affiliated neighborhood association elects or designates a member to act as a member of the Board of Directors of C 0 N A, two additional delegates and three alternates. The officers are President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, all elected from the delegates and alternates from the affiliated member associations. Meetings are held monthly by the general membership and by the Board of Directors. Every member association may bring their problems for discussion and assistance. Through the years we have established friendly relations and contacts with the municipal, county, state and federal governments.
Locally, C 0 N A is more valuable than ever to the homeowner and the individual neighborhood civic association. It was reincorporated in 1965 as the Council of Neighborhood Association of Pinellas County, Inc. and is an affiliate of the Council of Neighborhood Associations of Florida, Inc.
Currently, dues are $15.00 per year for each member association..... 1966
This came to us from the archives of one of the original neighborhoods that helped form the organization that we have today. Thanks Libby for finding this jewel.

What do you want to Happen
To our Waterfront?
You asked for it and we got him back! Direct from a standing room only show at City Hall.
Ron Barton, Director of Economic Development & Property Management for the City, is one of two featured speakers for the meeting this month. He is bringing the presentation that he made to CONA two months ago with the addition of the presentation that he made to City Council last month. This is a variety of proposals for the waterfront from Florida Power Park to the Port and everything in between. The Airport, Bayfront Arena, and USF - Bayboro all could be impacted. No decisions have been made and nothing will happen quickly, but get in on the second round of discussions and let your opinions be heard.
This is the time and the All Children's Hospital Conference Center is the place. We have a 400 seat auditorium. This should be a full meeting.
Wednesday, April 17th @ 7:00 PM
Bob Jeffrey, Development Services, Urban Design and Historic Preservation for the City, is the other featured speaker. Bob headed up the St. Petersburg 2020 Vision project, and has been instrumental in a variety of buildings throughout the City being or having been restored. Bob has been asked to discuss how these two proposals can interact.


Park or Airport
The controversy of finding the best use for Albert Whitted Airport is starting to heat up. Do we put more money into the airport to modernize it and make it safer for more and larger aircraft or do we convert the waterfront into a park and develop a new neighborhood of low-rise condominiums? This is an issue that City Council might ask us to vote on and we should begin to become familiar with it.
The City's Economic Development director, Ron Barton, presented his preliminary study into this question to City Council on March 14. It purports to show that as much as $20 million from ad valorem taxes could be added annually to the City's coffers if this land were to be transformed from the airport to park and residential use. Some City Council members are adamantly opposed to losing the airport while others are taking a cautious approach and asking for more information.
The St. Petersburg Times is taking a strong and historically consistent stand in promoting the use of the waterfront for public parkland. In the early 20th Century William Straub, part owner of the paper at the time, fought against the commercial development of the young city's downtown bay shore. Through his efforts a large part of our downtown waterfront was saved for public use and the commercial developments were concentrated on the southern end. This is the area where the airport is now located. The newspaper is proposing that it is time to find a better use for this land.
On the other hand, the airport backer's see greater value to the city in staying put. They propose that a better investment would be in paying for airport improvements and new runways that will extend into the bay. This will allow them to meet new Federal Aviation Association (FAA) standards for safety and provide for their future viability.
While some contend that the airport serves too few people and the 10 minute drive to the St. Pete/Clearwater Airport makes Albert Whitted unnecessary, the airport supporters say it has priceless value to the economy of the downtown and offers benefits as a flying school and historic institution. Further, they say converting to a park will be cost prohibitive because of the expense required in moving the sewage treatment plant that is located there; and the proposed low rise development will only increase existing problems, like traffic, pollution, and water demands.
Those who want to see a change point to reasons other than the increased green space and tax revenue. They see the opportunity to create a cohesive waterfront on both the north and south side of downtown and stimulate further redevelopment radiating out from downtown's successes. Success will breed success so the thinking goes and, with the right planning, downtown could become a model of a modern pedestrian friendly community.
What would you like to see happen? To help you decide, first see the waterfront as a whole. Looking at a map of the downtown gives a perspective of just how much land is involved, but a personal inspection will reveal the stark contrast between the character of the parkland and airport. Start at Northshore Park and head south along Bayshore Drive. As you pass by the waterfront and its parks you will understand that Straub's vision paid off. It is truly beautiful. But as you pass Demen's Landing and approach the cordoned airfield your esthetic sensibilities will be shaken by the proximity of this barren and fenced off asphalt field.
Ask yourself how we can improve the airport so that it benefits everyone. Then ask how we can improve the land so it does likewise. It's a tough question. There isn't any simple choice but to make the landing strips better, and pay for them, or do some landscaping, and pay for it. Will the airport become a greater asset to the city or will Ron Barton's plan with the speculated revenue be the answer? Investigate the area for yourselves and see if you don't agree that an improvement is needed. But the questions we have to ask ourselves is who will it benefit and who is going to pay for it?

RAYS vs. PADRES
June 8th 6:15 PM
The Devil Rays have given CONA and the surrounding counties "A Day at the Trop". Everyone that is a current member of their neighborhood association will get 2 tickets to see the Devil Rays play. That is a $28.00 value for free. We, (CONA and the Neighborhood Office) are planning a Block Party in Campbell Park in the afternoon on June 8th from 2 till game time. We will have tables and chairs. The neighborhoods will bring displays to share their neighborhoods with others from our City, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. The cities of Tampa and Clearwater will also participate.
Tickets will be given out at Campbell Park and at a select window at Tropicana Field. If you're not a member of your neighborhood, now is your chance to join. If you are a member come out to see the Rays embarrass the Padres.
Special discounts for parking and food at the Trop will be available. There will be fun and games and food at Campbell Park, so bring the whole family.


HOME IMPROVEMENT:
PLEASURE OR INVESTMENT?
If you're thinking about tackling a home improvement project, it's probably for one of two reasons. You're either interested in increasing the personal enjoyment you receive from your home or increasing your home's resale value. Either way, you may want to consider the following information before you commit a lot of money to a remodeling project.
Determine Your Return on Investment
Don't fool yourself into believing that investing money in home improvement means an automatic increase in the value of your house. While a remodeling project may add to the appeal of your home, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll recoup the cost when selling the house.
If you're remodeling for pleasure, and not planning on moving for at least ten years, your return on investment is intangible. It will be measured in the years of enjoyment you receive from the improvements you've made. In that case, you'll need to determine what type of improvements will give you the most satisfaction while staying within your budget.
If you're remodeling because you expect to move in a few years, your return on investment can be measured in several ways. Some projects may allow you to recoup as much as 88 percent of the cost of the remodeling by increasing the amount you can sell your home for. Other projects may not add to the resale value of your home but they may increase its appeal, allowing you to sell the home in less time.
According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the top five remodeling projects are kitchens, baths, other interior rooms, additions and window replacement. Here's a look at what you can expect to get back from specific projects.
You will increase the value of your home.
You can stay in your comfortable neighborhood near friends, church, and familiar shopping centers.
Moving often means relocating farther from work. By remodeling your home, you can keep your convenient commute to work.
Children can stay in familiar schools with good friends.
You can update a home with new amenities while maintaining the charm of an older home.
Many times there are only a few areas of your home you want to change. You can choose what you want to upgrade and what you want to keep.
You can creatively design your home to meet your particular lifestyle.
You can work with your remodeler to design unique, one-of-a-kind plans.
Professional House Remodels Bring Big Return on Investment
One of the first questions people ask about any remodeling project is whether the project will substantially increase the value of their home if and when they choose to sell it. A common rule of thumb is that any remodeling project that will bring a home up to the level of the others in the neighborhood is a worthy investment.
Not coincidentally, many of the popular trends and good remodeling investments mirror the trends in new housing, such as a master bedroom suite, exercise room and media room. Potential buyers are comparing remodeled homes with ones newly built, so it makes sense the most sought-after amenities following similar patterns with new housing and remodeling. Minor kitchen remodels where the homeowner adds a few amenities and resurfaces worn and obsolete tiling, counter tops and cabinets not only raise a home's value, but they may mean the difference between selling or not selling the home.
Remodeling master suites has been one of the most popular projects in recent years. These suites can include everything from skylights to exercise facilities, a hot tub and state-of-the-art video and sound systems. Another popular remodel addition is a second full bath to a house with only one. The average home has two-and-a-half baths, so adding a second full bathroom to a home with only one is likely to pay for itself.
The following is a list of the remodeling projects that provide the best return on investment (listed from biggest return to least return). This list assumes the project is professionally constructed.
Minor Kitchen Remodel
Bathroom Addition
Major Kitchen Remodel
Master Suite Conversion
Family Room Addition
Exterior Remodel
Deck Addition
Sun Space Addition
Home Office Addition

ASSESSING A CHILD'S RISK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL, OCCUPATIONAL, AND HOBBY INVOLVED LEAD EXPOSURE
These questions should be asked at each routine office visit to assess the potential for high-dose lead exposure. Any affirmative response indicates High-Risk status!
DOES THE CHILD:
Live in a Pinellas County high-risk zip code?
Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 with peeling or chipping paint (including day-care center, preschool, the home of a relative or baby-sitter, etc.)?
Live in or regularly visit a house built before 1978 with recent, ongoing, or planned renovation or remodeling?
Have a brother or sister, housemate, or playmate being followed or treated for lead poisoning (blood lead ( 10 ug/dL)?
Have a history of recently moving from or visiting a foreign country? Live near an active smelter, battery recycling plant, or other industry likely to release lead?
Live with an adult whose job or hobby involves exposure to

INDUSTRIES INVOLVING LEAD INCLUDE:
Secondary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals
Lead storage battery manufacture/reclamation
Valve and pipefitting
Brass/copper foundries
Glass products, particularly those made of purchased glass
Radiator and battery repair
Automotive repair, including motor vehicle parts and accessories/automotive body work/painting
Home repairs and remodeling
Commercial/industrial painting and remodeling
Paint stripping
Paint manufacturing
Manufacturing of inorganic pigments
Pistol/rifle firing ranges
Pottery manufacturing/glazing
Plumbing fixture fittings/trim
Chemical manufacturing and chemical preparations
Plating operations
Bridge, tunnel, and elevated highway construction, sandblasting, and painting
Boat keel manufacturing
Ship building and repair
Welding on lead painted metal or soldering
Construction demolition

HOBBIES AND HOME ACTIVITIES INVOLVING LEAD INCLUDE:
Melting lead for fishing sinkers or diving weights or for resale
Making fishing weight, sinkers, or toy soldiers lead
Casting aluminum
Stained glass fabrication and restoration
Furniture refinishing
Pottery manufacturing/glazing
Automotive bodywork and boat refinishing
Recasting ammunition
Home repairs, repainting, or remodeling
Car or boat repair
Using lead-containing artists' paints or ceramic glazes
Recreational use of firing ranges
Childhood lead poisoning is a serious environmental threat - especially to young children and pregnant women. Children exposed to lead can suffer from damage to the brain and central nervous system, slow growth, hyperactivity, hearing loss, developmental delays, anemia, and behavior and learning problems. Many children show no signs of lead poisoning. Those who do may have short attention spans, learning disabilities, irritability, poor appetites, stomach pains, clumsiness, weakness, tiredness and sleep problems.
Children may get lead poisoned by:
living in or staying in a home/apartment building built before 1978;
putting fingers/hands, toys, and food in their mouths that have lead dust on them;
eating lead-based paint chips which have a sweet taste;
playing in soil that has lead in it;
eating food or drinking water that has been exposed to lead;
living in or visiting a foreign country;
living with someone who repairs car radiators or batteries; welds scrap metal; sandblasts old paint; remodels older houses; refinishes old painted furniture; builds or spray paints bridges; works with ceramics, pottery, leaded glass; makes bullets/fishing weights (sinkers); manufactures/refinishes boats.
If you suspect your child is at risk, call your family doctor or the Pinellas County Health Department's Lead Team - (727)824-6927, and schedule a blood lead test - a simple finger stick. All children from 6 months to 6 years should be tested if you answered yes to any of the above statements.


New/Renewed Members:
Albert Whitted Airport Advisory Committee
Jungle Terrance
Crescent Heights
Tropical Shores
Garden Manor
Placido Bayou