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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 CorrespondenceCAPTAIN HIR.AWS RESORT 1606 Indian River Drive Sebastian, FL 32958 February 7, 2006 Sebastian Mayor & City Council Main Street Sebastian, Florida, 32958 Dear Mayor and City Council Members: f s le thc@9301 @aoLcom Telephone 772,589-4345 FAX 7 79-5R9-4146 .SEC I - FFS 7 M6 II BY: 1 Capt Hirams has been involved in our community and a part of the Riverfront for nearly 20 years. Over that time, as we have grown and expanded our business, we have worked with the City on various projects to better the Riverfront District for both our citizens and visiting guests. While things always seem to move a little slower then we might like, we should all be thankful and proud of the many accomplishments to date. Zoning for low density development with restricted heights and reasonable building requirements are now most in place and we have added street lightinq, sidewalks and bike paths, crosswalks and some attractive landscaping to the Riverfront area. I addition, the City had the foresight to purchase Riverview Park and more recently, the land to the south and southeast of that property. 1 have always thought of the Riverfront as the primary amenity for the residents of Sebastian. The area should continue to be enhanced and beautified so property owners and visitors alike will want to spend more of their leisure time there. To some extent people are already gravitating to the Riverfront and this is a positive sign. The Art Shows, Clam Festivals, Fishing Tournaments and other exciting events along with businesses like Capt Hirams are gradually having their effect on people who are being attracted to the nicest part of Sebastian, The Riverfront I am hopeful and encouraged that this City Council will continue to have the foresight and energy required now to help preserve and nurture the Riverfront District so it can evolve to its fullest potential. This City Council must foster the vision and do what is needed to provide the services and facilities that, in turn, will attract new businesses and residents to the RiverfronL it is your task to lead the way. The tax base will expand and the "Amenity" I already mentioned will be that much better for all of us to appreciate and enjoy. The City has completed study after study on what could or should be done and I'm certain there will be more to come. We do not need further studies or reports to address some of the obvious issues. First, we need more parking in selected areas of.the Riverfront The City should pave the city property located to the south of Riverview Park and west of Indian River Drive. That grassy area is currently used for parking at times but not as efficiently as it would if it was paved and striped. There would be no need to tape off the area and provide police supervision during special events or otherwise if it was properly converted to a paved parking area. Second, the City should designate many of the easttwest streets running from US 1 to Indian River Drive "one way" which would allow for room to provide angled parking along one side of the street. This would be an inexpensive and quick way to add some parking throughout the Riverfront and adjoining property owners and residents alike would benefit. Street lighting and additional landscaping could be other improvements which should be completed in conjunction with the parking additions. A parking lot west of US 1 near main street and use of the City Hall Complex parking lots (which are not used on weekend or holidays) should be encouraged. In addition, the City should purchase or use existing City own land to provide parking areas in the northern end of the Riverfront district. Why not relocate the out dated Community Center to a more appropriate location in the center of the City and use that area and perhaps the adjoining piece of property to the east, which could be purchased, for a parking lot? Also keep in mind the Capt Butches' property where the public already has rights to park. A trolley, tram, or similar form of transportation would be a wonderful way to provide a fun means of transportation throughout the Riverfront District. Done properly, it would be a useful attraction for all to enjoy Initially it would only have to operate on nice weekends, holidays, or when there is a special event happening. The tram/lrolley I had in mind could add additional seating cars when needed and could be pulled by an existing city vehicle which would not be in use by during the suggested times of operation. Businesses would be more then willing to reimburse patrons for any small fee the city might charge to encourage customers to frequent their establishments. At this point l would suggest that this Council simply encourage and endorse the idea and ask the City staff to work with the business people along the Riverfront to put together a proposal for the Council to consider at some future time. Our company would be willing to help organize this worthwhile effort. I know it might be a sore subject with some of you, but the small main street boat ramp should be removed and relocated to an expanded ramp at the Yacht Club. The boarded up yacht dub building could be removed so the boat ramp could be expanded in what is a more appropriate location. Another ramp should be considered in the north end of the district, probably in conjunction with the suggested improvements associated with the new parking logs)1 already mentioned. The main street property is just too valuable and important for the enhancement and beautification of the Riverfront District for it to be continued to be occupied all day by unsightly boat trailers and cars and trucks most of which are from out of town. This prime City owned property; right in the center of town, should be developed into the featured Park of the community. Open space and the fantastic views from US 1 directly to the River must be preserved. I also like the suggestion to reroute Indian River Drive up around the existing oak tree. Limited parking and accessible bathroom facilities (which could be part of the plans to redo the Chamber building) would be welcomed and much needed improvements. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor and City Council for all their efforts and contributions on behalf of the City of Sebastian. All of us at Capt Hirams are excited with the prospects of working with you and your staff to help see some of these and other worthwhile initiatives through to completion. Sincerely, Thomas H. Collins Capt Hiram's Resort Cc: City Manager and Dept Heads Chamber of Commerce Sebastian Property Owners Association.