Save Treasure Island! Don’t Allow Over Development in Our Small Beach Town!

705

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The Issue

The Treasure Island Commission will soon vote on an ordinance which will allow developers to build higher buildings with greater density. These changes will affect our town. Traffic will increase, garbage and sewage will increase. More fire and police protection will be needed. 

Some on the Commission believe that new construction will not happen without this ordinance, that it isn’t worth it for developers to build a hotel smaller than 94ft. high (eight floors plus flood plain elevation) and 85 units per acre. 

Do you believe those Commissioners are correct, that new construction will not happen without an increase in height and density? 

Or do you believe that our beautiful, wide shoreline with its powdery white sand beach is valuable enough to bring new development that stays within the building codes we have now? How about adding in our spectacular sunsets? Our great dining, here and within a five-mile drive down Central? Our major league baseball team 15 minutes away? NFL football less than thirty? Pro hockey games, world class entertainment at many area venues, numerous museums…the list is long and would seem to make the empty lots on our little island priceless. 

Your signature will tell the Commission that we want to support developers that are willing to build within our current codes to maintain our unique island atmosphere. 

The Decision Makers

Arden Dickey
Treasure Island City Commission
Responded
“Thank you for taking the time to write and for sharing your thoughts with me. I truly appreciate hearing from residents who care so deeply about Treasure Island and its future. Please know that I have been steadfastly opposed to increasing building height and density before we complete the City's Master Development Plan. I share many of the concerns you expressed about preserving Treasure Island's unique character, maintaining views, protecting our quality of life, and avoiding unnecessary traffic and overdevelopment. Unfortunately, I find myself in the minority on the City Commission. A majority of the Commission has made it clear that they support moving forward with higher development standards. At our August 18th Commission meeting, I may be faced with a very difficult decision regarding the Planned Development (PD) ordinance. Over the past several months, I have worked hard to negotiate a number of "guardrails" into that ordinance to limit what could otherwise be approved. One of those guardrails would establish an upper limit of 80 feet for commercial buildings developed through the PD process. While I continue to believe that 80 feet is too high and am still trying to persuade my fellow commissioners to adopt a lower maximum height, I also recognize that if the ordinance fails, there is a real possibility that a majority of the Commission could pursue even greater height allowances with fewer protections. If I ultimately vote in favor of the ordinance, it will not be because I support taller buildings. Rather, it will be because I believe the negotiated guardrails represent the best opportunity available to place meaningful limits on development under the current political reality. It is a vote I would cast reluctantly and only after exhausting every effort to secure stronger protections. I would also encourage you to share your views with the other commissioners. Since I am in the minority, it will take additional commissioners hearing from residents like you before the outcome can change. Public input continues to matter, and I hope you will continue making your voice heard. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me and for your commitment to preserving the Treasure Island that we all love. Sincerely, Arden Dickey City Commissioner - District 4 City of Treasure Island [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Treasure Island City Mayor
Arthur Czyszczon
Treasure Island City Commission
Tammy Vasquez
Treasure Island City Commission
Chris Clark
Treasure Island City Commission

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates