I hope the north end community will participate in large numbers in this process. If the residents participate, there is much more likelihood that the land at the entrance to the Village will be developed with an intent to maintain and protect the ambiance of the neighborhood. If the north end community does not choose to be an active part of the development planning, then what happens at the north end may not be in the best interests of the major stakeholders in the area, namely the homeowners.
Let's look at the difference in composition between shopping centers that cater to residents in a community, compared to shopping centers that cater to tourists. Are the two appreciably different? Perhaps we can compare two such shopping experiences located adjacent to the north end. One is the Center Shops on Longboat Key and the other is Bradenton Beach. Both are thriving, yet each caters to a different clientele.
The types of businesses located at the Center Shops rely on local customers to survive. The businesses include the well attended Longboat Key Education Center, a bank, three locally supported restaurants, a frame shop, an exercise center, a UPS store, several offices, dry cleaner, kitchen shop, window treatment store, etc.
Bradenton Beach enjoys two seasons, drawing patrons in the winter from Anna Maria Island and during the summer from beach goers and day tourists. The types of businesses in Bradenton Beach are largely tourist oriented. I do not think anyone believes the few residents of Bradenton Beach are capable of supporting such a robust group of tourist oriented businesses. Ed Cliles' Beach House restaurant is a major draw for Bradenton Beach and appears to enjoy a year-round clientele.
The unique location of the north end commercial property, its relatively low cost, and its access to the north end beaches might attract a developer interested in creating a day tourist destination. Such a development could be a lot more fun than Coquina Beach on a year-round basis for tourists and Manatee County residents. However, I cannot see how local residents and day tourists share similarities in lifestyle. I am trying to imagine what types of businesses would attract beach going day tourists and young people to a commercial center on the north end of Longboat Key.
In recent studies it has been found, that when commercial tourism is introduced into a previously residential community, the local residents tend to lose territory, as they retreat from tourist activities.
The composition of the proposed commercial overlay district at the north end is a question of who's interests will be favored. If it is residential taxpayers, then there will be restrictions as to what sorts of businesses can be located within the overlay district. If it is simply finding a way of resuscitating a failed commercial center, then a more open approach will most likely be considered. Reference: ordinance 2012-06 Future Land Use Elements GOPS discusses north end overlay district.
Last evening, at the Observer/PIC debate, Commissioner Brenner stated that "retail does not work" at Whitney Plaza, and we've seen that that has been the case for years. If retail does not work, what does work, and do we want it?
The residents of the Village need to be involved.
A hotel with100 rooms and shops underneath would be most welcome to many of us who live on the north end and are older . We need some coveniences, Gene, you may grow older and need these too. Stop harping on the same bit!
ReplyDeleteWould a hotel want neighborhood stores or tourist stores?
DeleteCan I buy reasonably priced gas and groceries at your 100 room hotel? That is what I need. Along with a hardware store and a drug store and a liquor store within walking distance. What good is a hotel to the village?
ReplyDeletePlease carefully examine every side to this proposed hotel development. The Village is one of the last unique old Florida neighborhoods and it would be a crime to support an evolution that mirrors the south end LBK. One must be circumspect and not allow the encroachment of new development that would ruin the the old Florida charm and character of the Village. People will pay for nostalgia. A REHAB job to the shopping center for mixed use with condos would be a much better alternative. I know this topic has been discussed as an alternative.
ReplyDeleteWhat we love about the North end of Longboat Key is the sleepy, quiet atmosphere. We do not want another "St. Armand's Circle" nor do we want more tacky touristy stores that never last. You have to consider what the "crime factor" would be should we change the comprehensive plans to make it a more "tourist friendly area".
ReplyDeleteWill the commissioners tell us how allowing a lot more tourist traps in the village will do any Longboat resident any good. That will only harm the community. We don't need to line the pockets of developers and tourist shop owners. We already have too much of that at the circle. What should happen at the north end should directly serve the local homeowners.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you all signing in under "Anonymous" let's see who you are.....come on, you really have some good points, but who are you???? If you are voicing your own words than step up and let us all know "Who are you"??? Let it also be known that, there are NO hotels getting financing these days and I don't believe for a moment that any "Hotel operaters" are looking to come to the North end of LBK, especially on the bayside of the GMD.....Really...come to Florida and stay on the Bay.....not hardly...It's hard enough to keep the Gulf front hotels full.....
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