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Public art for developers on hold for now
By DAVE SHELTON
| Article published on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 |
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LARGO – The City Commission was unable to break a 3-3 split vote July 15 on whether to force large-scale developers to include “public art” in their projects.
Because of the tie vote, a new code requiring developers of projects valued at more than $2 million to include artistic works will be considered again at the next city commission meeting on Aug. 5.
The codes are intended to “beautify” the city by requiring builders to either incorporate artwork or pay 10 percent of their total project cost into a fund the city would use to pay for artwork.
Several city residents objected to the code since it would also require the city to also provide artwork on its projects, including a proposed new Community Center and a renovated Highlands Recreation Complex facility.
An outspoken critic of city spending, Geoff Moakely, claimed that would increase the cost of those two projects alone by more than $1 million.
Commissioner Rodney Woods argued that, in light of the current economy, the city would be scaring away developers needed to bolster city taxes. Commissioner Robert Murray questioned the cost to the city in the future to maintain such pieces of art.
Joan Byrne, director of parks, recreation and arts, said that other cities have found that such requirements have improved the appearance of those cities and, in turn, lured developers to them. She said some developers have opposed such codes, but “overall this has been found to be a very positive tool in a city’s redevelopment.”
Murray further argued that while the city has agreed to tax refunds to attract businesses to the city, now it might impose a new fee on developers. He said this would seem contradictory.
Commissioner Woody Brown continued his support for the proposal, claiming the increased beauty would increase the property values in Largo.
Commissioner Mary Gray Black opposed the ordinance, saying she didn’t want to require future city commissions to add artwork and maintenance of all artwork to projects and budgets.
Mayor Patricia Gerard argued in favor of the measure, saying the commission imposes on future commissions “every time we meet.” She added that as far as imposing added costs on developers, the city has already done that with landscaping requirements, a ban on “big box” stores and signage regulations.
“We are responsible for what our city looks like,” she concluded.
The commission was deadlocked, however, in votes to either kill the ordinance or approve it.
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Article published on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
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