Aesthetics/Community Character - Study Circle has Two Meetings under its BeltBy Lisa Kane DeVitto, The “Aesthetics/Community Character” Study Circle has completed two very productive meetings, out of a total of five that are planned through November 2002. We have had eleven to twelve persons at each of these meetings. The goal of the “Aesthetics/Community Character” group is to explore the issues raised at the June Community Kick-Off Meeting, and how they might be developed into elements of a community plan. Key issues raised at the June Kick-Off meeting were: Our group participants have include business owners and residents (some are both), and long-time and recent residents. To date, we have explored the larger issue of whether Davis Island should be considered primarily a residential community, versus a destination. An area that needs more exploration is the relationship between the residential element, and the other uses present on the island. The group has talked about the beauty of the original plans and amenities as designed by developer D.P. Davis, and how those have been modified over the years. Some believe those original plans should be a guide to the future. A number of the group participants either raised families on Davis Islands or grew up here – they have emphasized the family-friendly atmosphere, areas for children to gather and play that existed in past years, and have suggested that these characteristics should be reclaimed. Other issues discussed in some depth are: Destination issue: There are a number of ways in which Davis Islands is currently a “destination,” both in “fixed facilities” and events. Fixed facilities include: business district; Tampa General; Peter O. Knight Airport; roadways used for jogging and biking; City Marina; Fishing from Columbia; DI Yacht Club. Event destinations include: commercial traffic, Duck Tours, possible trolley service; bike and road races, yacht club races, and other special events. What should plans for the future be? How do these destinations affect our appearance and community character? Should there be more events, fewer, or the same? Community Character & Public Transportation: Some do not see public transportation as relevant to DI; others do. The issue of the trolley buses being developed downtown were discussed – some believed that they would be helpful in connecting Davis Islander residents with the downtown business district and cultural and recreational amenities, such as Channelside, Ybor City and the performing arts center; others said it would be unnecessary. Some were concerned that trolley buses would bring too much traffic to Davis Islands. Davis Island Character/Upswing/Developable Land: We briefly touched on the issues of height, scale, and building footprint, as they relate to development and redevelopment of Davis Island residential areas. We hope to focus on the Aesthetics of these issues, as opposed to the Land Use aspects. This issue, and landscaping, were raised at the prior meeting, and we hope to return to it. Single Family vs. Multifamily: There are a number of differing views: some feel that single-family homes should predominate because they create stability in the community; others liked having rentals available to add diversity of ages and incomes. It was noted that many students/younger workers/retirees, like the availability of rental, and that some rentals are long-term, and very stable. It was also noted that the rental community probably contributes to the vitality of the business district. Aesthetics & Community Character of the Business District: There was a consensus view that there is something special about our Business District. We tried to identify the elements that make it special/appealing, etc. Elements that were identified were: trees; casual “old key west” style; small scale (see original D.P. Davis Plan, with facades); setbacks to encourage pedestrians; wide sidewalks; alleys (help with scale and are historical) – contribute to pedestrian access; “Mom & Pop” stores vs. chains. Which of these elements are most important, and how to encourage them, need more discussion. Historic Preservation/Open Space on Davis Islands: There was some consensus that we need to preserve historic structures on Davis Islands, but no agreement on what these structures are, or how to best preserve them. Historic preservation seems to encompass both public and private structures, as well as open spaces: the Swimming Pool, the parks, the Bridge, the arch at the Marina. Three More Meetings: All are welcome. For the next meeting, it was suggested that we take photos of things we like, and bring them to the next meeting to use for discussion. We will continue with our group’s topics at the next meeting on Thursday, October 24, 7 – 9 pm, DI Baptist Church. We are just beginning to identify important issues, and have a long way to go. If you are interested, or just curious, please join us! |