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Dear Venetian Isles Resident:
At a VIHA meeting on September 6, 2016, the VIHA Traffic Calming Committee presented a motion to the board recommending a “speed table” be applied to Overlook Drive to reduce excessive speeds, which had been confirmed in a traffic study conducted by the City of St. Petersburg. The VIHA Board had been advised by the City that to facilitate the installation of the speed table, the City required (i) a petition signed by the requisite number of residents of Overlook Drive and (ii) a motion from the Homeowners’ Association. The motion was made, seconded and discussed at the September 6 meeting. At the conclusion of the discussion, the VIHA Board voted in “favor” of the motion advanced by the Traffic Calming Committee. I sent a letter to the City confirming that the VIHA Board had approved the motion and described this process in the September President’s Letter, which was printed and delivered to each resident as well as being made available on the website. Shortly thereafter, a limited number of persons, not all of whom were residents of Venetian Isles, took to social media, particularly the website “NextDoor.” I do not, and will not, engage in any business pertaining to Venetian Isles via social media. Social media certainly has a valued purpose in our community but “discussion” of complex issues is not one of them. On Tuesday, September 20, the City sent an email to the chair of the Traffic Calming Committee and myself saying that their previous communication to the VIHA Board was incorrect and that in addition to the vote by the VIHA Board and signed petitions, they also needed a neighborhood survey completed. The City thought that a survey had been conducted in 2009; however, in checking their files, they found this not to be the case. As a result, this matter will be referred back to the Traffic Calming Committee for further review. If the committee recommends we move forward with a traffic calming plan, the City will send a survey to VI residents allowing them to vote on such a plan. I encourage you to attend the social hour at 6:00 pm on November 3, which precedes the General Meeting, where there will be further rational discussion of the traffic calming situation. In the meantime, I hope that you will be able to attend Oktoberfest on October 15 on Kansas South. Tickets are $10.00 per adult with children under 18 free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available from your Block Captain or from Julie Scanlon who can be reached at 525-0477. Also, I hope you have noticed the installation of the Royal Palms adjacent to the Overlook Drive bridge. This improvement to our neighborhood was made possible by the Beautification Committee chaired by Lisa Schwartz. As always, should you have a comment or concern about life in Venetian Isles you can reach me at [email protected] or at 525-0477. I apologize for any upset that this set of circumstances may have caused within the community. Thank you. Rich Hopefully, you have all had a chance to drive by our beautifully new landscaped Overlook Drive.
This idea started last May after the bridge was reopened. The city found some unspent money from the bridge project that we asked to be used to re-landscape the area. It was no small task as we also wanted all the old mismatched bushes, trees and invasives removed. We had no idea what was hidden behind all the overgrowth. When we finally got the go ahead, we found a huge Mangrove leaning over the water. We then had to get city and county permission to trim some of the dead branches . The regal Royal Palms were chosen but, we needed irrigation. We not only had to install the irrigation but also hook up to the cities reclaimed water. After we completed our end, the trees, plantings and shell coverings were installed this week. Using the extra money from the bridge project along with dues, we now have a magnificent entrance. Stay tuned! More to come! V.I. Golf Tournament @ Mangrove Bay Golf Course
Sunday, October 30, 2016 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Shotgun start - 4 person scramble with handicap. Cost will be $55.00 per person, early registration, by 10/20/16. $65.00 per person after 10/20. All registrations must be received by no later than 10/25/16. There will be door prizes, putting contest, closest to the pin, and more. You do not have to be a resident of Venetian Isles to participate. Registration forms will be made available as soon as possible. Any questions, suggestions or concerns, please contact Tom Testa at 727-424-1419. A big shout out to two Venetian Isles neighbors who volunteered their time during TS Hermine. Eric Sidor, on Mass Ave NE, offered numerous rides and pickups to stranded motorists during the storm. He volunteered to go out during the high tides and raining weather to help those that couldn't make it home. Looks like Eric made many new friends and there is even talk of a potluck dinner to thank him for his time and generosity to those that needed help! Marc, unfortunately last name is unknown, brought his truck and tree equipment to cut away the fallen branches of the seagrape tree along Grand Canal Blvd and Michigan Ave. By doing this, motorists were allowed to drive Grand Canal. The homeowner didn't get his last name so we can't identify his street but, we certainly appreciate what he did for the residents. Thank you Marc and Eric! |
