Email to the Largo Mayor and CommissionersTo Mayor and Commissioners: I received notice that you are accepting applications for funding from the CDBG for the 2010-11 year. I have read the application and see no way that I, as a private citizen and resident of Largo, can apply. If awarded the funds I would not have the time or the expertise to implement these very much-needed improvements to the neighborhood. It is for this reason I am writing to make you aware of our needs, and possibly you could consider applying some of the funding to the following projects. Almost a decade ago the City of Largo decided to make 1st Avenue Southwest a designated retail district within the downtown redevelopment area. At that time we were promised landscaping and pedestrian street lighting to be installed along 1st Avenue SW from 4th Street to Clearwater-Largo Road. It never happened. Somehow the funds dried up or were diverted to other projects. When Largo re-zoned this street to ROR, there were only a couple of churches and a few businesses on this short, four block stretch of 1st Avenue SW. Since that time others have opened. We now have over a dozen commercial establishments and churches on 1st Avenue SW; however, the lack of landscaping and proper lighting has literally left our businesses "in the dark". The leaders of the City of Largo constantly speak of supporting the business community, yet, almost a decade later, our businesses are still waiting for what was in the original plan for our street. As I write this letter, 1st Avenue SW between 4th Street and Clearwater-Largo Road has as many, if not more, open and operating businesses than West Bay Drive; with 16 businesses currently open, and an additional 6 commercial buildings currently unoccupied, bringing this four block stretch up to a potential 22 businesses. I believe our 16 open and thriving businesses meet or exceed the number on West Bay Drive, and I therefore would hope to receive the same commitment to landscaping, signage, and lighting that West Bay Drive has been given. We desperately need landscaping, and we certainly need better lighting, as many of our businesses are open after dark and the lack of lighting is a danger to our customers and us. It has been a real safety concern for many of us. One final request would be for pedestrian directional signs on West Bay Drive with arrows showing the direction and names of the businesses back here on 1st Avenue SW. I have attached a photo of a sample sign. I hope you will give these requests your consideration as we have been patiently waiting long enough. Thank you.
Sincerely,
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