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Guest commentary: ‘I will keep looking for new recipes’ for Gulf access
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Editor’s note: This is Collier County Commissioner Frank Halas’ monthly newsletter for May. Anyone interested can subscribe by phoning or e-mailing him (see last paragraph).
I enjoy cooking ... even when it gets hot in the kitchen. I don’t always use a recipe. Sometimes my creations come out great, other times not.
I find the process is a lot like my work as a county commissioner.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding my recent idea to build a first-class public pier somewhere along the shore north of Pelican Bay. Through process of elimination, the proposed site became the conjunction of north Gulfshore Drive and Vanderbilt Beach Road. My idea was born out of a search for a Gulf access point that would give our people and the visitors who support our community a special place to enjoy and create fond memories. I wanted to find a way to bring back to the average person some of the atmosphere and pleasure of living in our community that has been lost to development. I wanted to create a clean, secure, beautiful and enjoyable venue for all ages for the extended neighborhood and for visitors.
Over the past six years, in my district alone — despite my lobbying and my vote — I saw our only major public marina fall victim to a luxury high-rise project. Some 500 boaters lost a home for their boats overnight. The boat rental concession closed up and the pontoons were loaded up and towed away. Families lost important access to fishing, boating and enjoyment of the Gulf.
Shortly afterward, I saw the Vanderbilt Inn with its chickee hut and Jimmy Buffett atmosphere close forever, slated to be replaced by another private luxury development. It meant no more lazy weekend afternoons and convivial sunsets on the beach for a host of beachgoers.
These are just two examples of the special places on the Gulf that have been lost ... of valued public gathering spots replaced by private enclaves. Especially frustrating was that both of these sites at one time or another were within the county’s grasp. For a relatively small outlay, our people could have benefited enormously. No one was interested.
Their loss is why I supported the regional park with its water feature. It is why I supported the parking garage on Vanderbilt Beach Road and the expansion of parking on Bluebill near Vanderbilt Drive. It is why I continue to lobby for improved conditions at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and at our county Gulf parks.
Our people are running out of ways to access the beaches and the water. I made a commitment when I ran for office to do my best to make it possible for families to have places to come and enjoy our special “paradise” lifestyle. I continue to try to live up to that commitment. Finding opportunities — especially affordable opportunities — isn’t easy. Our public-sector pockets are not very deep.
The idea of the pier was my effort to put something in place that was special — a substitute for the unique and treasured places that have been lost. I thought it was a win for everyone — a recipe for success. I appear to have been wrong. The community has spoken. They don’t want it.
I accept their decision. But I am staying in the kitchen. I can take the heat. I will keep looking for new recipes — new possibilities for special places and better access to the Gulf. If I find a good idea, I will need the active support of those of you who favor it. And to those who will disagree, I ask that you bring your own recipes forward to help us find a way to insure that our beaches and our Gulf lifestyle are available for all our citizens and guests to enjoy.
Working together, we make a difference. Please remember that Sandra Lea, my aide, can assist you to reach me or schedule time with me if the need arises. You can reach her at 252-8097. My phone number is 252-8390; e-mail me at FrankHalas@colliergov.net.
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Although Halas says he continues to lobby for improved conditions at Delnor-Wiggins State Park, I would like to know why he was the only commissioner to disapprove the park's request to build shelters and concession stands. I also noticed that he no longer refers to the pier as a "fishing" pier. Could it be because he knows that if the pier had been built, fishing would have been prohibited? If Halas has a "good" idea, then he needs to make sure the citizens are brought fully into the loop and given ALL of the facts. His credibility is crumbling fast in my book.
#1 Posted by FloodGate on May 8, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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