LARGO – Eight months after first discussing the subject, the City Commission is once again reviewing the idea of requiring major developments to include public art in their plans.
In July 2007 the commission approved the concept and told the city staff to write an ordinance. Vice Mayor Andy Guyette isn’t happy with the delay, pointing out that such a delay leads to rehashing of arguments and time wasted.
Recreation, Parks and Arts director Joan Byrne said the delay was her fault as she dealt with other issues. She said composing the ordinance also required some time to incorporate the commission’s ideas.
The proposed code is opposed by the local chamber of commerce. Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce president Tom Morrissette said the addition of an impact fee at this time could deter potential growth in the city.
If adopted, the code as now written would require a builder of any project of more than $2 million to either provide artwork on its site equal in value to 0.5 percent of the project’s estimated cost or pay the city 1 percent of the estimated total project cost, which would go into a public art fund.
