The Courier City/Oscawana Neighborhood Association held a meeting to discuss local problems and issues. The main issue of discussion was parking. Unfortunately for some that have been working at this for awhile, new faces had many new ideas and suggestions - unfortunately they were only new to the new faces. The ideas of "resident only" parking passes and others have been beat around for years. The recently floated idea of an expanded trolley service was no long term solution, but would help to reduce the severity of the situation. However, the pending tax cuts in the Florida legislature will probably doom this idea unless local businesses put up the approximately $300,000 required for a weekend trolley route. (Don't hold your breath for that to happen)
The only solution to the parking problem in SOHO (at this time) is to build a parking garage. But again, with the legislature's actions, any idea of that would have no chance. We have on several times discussed with Mayor Iorio the need for a parking garage in SOHO, she has no enthusiasm for such a plan.
Editors Note: Part of the problem may solve itself as the downtown area starts to come alive with bars and restaurants. Many SOHO residents are getting ready for their move to downtown's SkyPoint that will be completed soon. )
The meeting was highlighted by several things:
1. Strings and Rings food. Allan Smolar provides some super food and he and his partners Tommy Ortiz and Chris Hart had generously provided food and beverage for the attendees.
2. Council Member Mary Mulhern carefully took notes and tried to get very acquainted with SOHO problems.
3. Council Member John Dingfelder knew the problems, issues, and dilemmas of the area and was ready to address them where possible. When specifically asked about limiting drink specials and Ybor like problems, he acknowledged the problems in Ybor, but made it clear that SOHO's problems were really quite different.
4. Association Chairman, Walter Crumbley, helped to keep everyone on track without long and boring wanderings.
5. The most enthusiasm during the event (other than the Strings n Rings) was when Ortiz volunteered to handle the fundraising activities for the association. It was met with strong applause.
A few additonal issues discussed were:
1. opposition to a proposed roof top "party deck"
2. opposition to a possible 4 plex unit
3. the probably removal of T.C. Choy's awning and deck area along Platt to provide for a public sidewalk
Of additional interest, Tommy Ortiz, also owner of Whiskey SOHO, acknowledged he had purchased Tacqueria Quetzlcoatl (Azeele and Howard) and that he had executed an arrangement with Whaley's Plaza to manage the Whaley's parking lot during their closed hours.
Everyone that helped to get such a great turnout and everyone that actually did turn out should be thanked. While the Republicans and Democrats seem to put everyone in one camp or the other, neighborhood issues are indeed that. The parking problems that exist affect everyone, regardless of party affiliation. Only through public meetings and involvement will these and other issues get solved. Thanks to everyone that helped make this a true public input event.
