Stalled redevelopment frustrates Key resident

Country Club Shores resident Bob Gault sent an email to the Longboat Key Town Commission Thursday, explaining that it’s “unconscionable” that the town is now prohibited from reviewing and approving redevelopment applications.

“The fact that Longboat is in the fifth year of economic malaise and still frozen from allowing our hospitality business economic engines from improving their properties is unconscionable to put it charitably,” Gault wrote. “You can’t make this stuff up.”

The email was written in response to the fact the town must change its codes and Comprehensive Plan before it can allow properties like the Longboat Key Beachfront Hilton a chance to redevelop or even build additional tourism units as part of a redevelopment application.

“It is not unreasonable to assume other potential resident and business investors are reading our papers, deciding to look elsewhere for a more hospitable investment environment,” Gault wrote. “Another hit to our property values and town revenues.”

Gault suggests the town “needs a new perspective.”

“We trust our current and competent commission and outstanding relatively new town manager who are stuck with these disastrous results will act with due diligence to repair the damage and make appropriate changes so that we can get this train back on the tracks,” Gault wrote. “With a sense of urgency!”

Commissioner Jack Duncan responded to Gault’s email, explaining “The Town staff and this commission are keenly aware of the concerns you have raised,” Duncan wrote. “We have prioritized the development issues that are before us and will work expeditiously to legally resolve the imposed development constraints the town is currently facing.”

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].