The Dunedin south side neighborhood is important to the vitality of our city.  Over the last several months, I have called for new action that I believe could lead to overall improvements and enhancements of this area.

First and foremost is addressing serious drainage issues that have plagued this neighborhood for decades.  Fortunately, our commitment to implementing the 30 year old Master Drainage Plan (which has been updated) means that the so-called “Orangewood Outfall” and ancillary storm water projects will happen sooner, in 2011, rather than much later in the next decade.  (Undersized drainage pipe is a major contributor to the flooding in the neighborhoods known as Virginia Park and Dexter Park. This under sized pipe will be replaced.)

Once this project takes place, the City can complete streetscaping of South Douglas from the Dunedin Public Library to Union Street.

City staff has also been looking at a multi-pronged approach to stabilizing these neighborhoods and providing incentives for citizens to improve their properties.  I believe that only through a comprehensive and focused approach to this area will the City be able to enjoy success in working with residents to enhance their neighborhood.

What are some of these plans?  One is to “tap into” federal, state and local programs that either offer grants for infrastructure projects or offer incentives to homeowners to either acquire or improve property.  For example, staff has already learned that this area should be eligible for so-called Community Development Block Grants.  Also, Pinellas County has several loan programs aimed at home improvement, first time buyers and retrofitting homes to enable our elderly population to stay in their homes longer.  

Another part of the plan is to simply do what one expects their City to do:  trim trees that need trimming, replace street light that are out, replace dead trees with live ones, enforce our codes with respect to property maintenance, etc.  These may seem like simple things, but cumulatively they can mean the difference between a neighborhood that feels safe and looks cared for and one that has fallen into disrepair and invites further decline.

We periodically receive complaints about the lack of recreational opportunities on the South Side.  A major step in addressing this issue was the “Co-location Project” whereby the Pinellas County School Board allows the use of it fields for drop-in soccer games at the Middle School at Highland and Union.

Staff will also be surveying the neighborhood residents about what they would like in the way of recreational opportunities.  I can’t help but believe that with the Library, the Hale Activity Center and the Dunedin Stadium all on the South Side that we won’t be able to address the community’s need and desire for recreational activities.

Finally, I am hoping that this will lead to an overall focus on our neighborhoods.  I have consistently said that our City is only as healthy as its neighborhoods.  The South Side Initiative will hopefully form the basis for a blueprint for partnering with our neighborhoods throughout the City. 

The newly formed Dunedin Youth Sailing Association, Inc.  launched its program in August by holding registration at the Dunedin Boat Club.  The level of interest in this sailing program for children aged 8-16 was evidenced by four times the anticipated number of children who signed up for the program. 43 boys and girls, accompanied by their parents, are vying for far fewer slots in the inaugural six-week class; however, DYSA Board members said they were looking at how to adjust the schedule to accommodate all the registrants.

 Association members also said that several of the children qualified for scholarships by being eligible for free or reduced price lunches in Pinellas County public schools.  Scholarships are $235 which includes the cost of the classes ($135) and required materials including a life jacket ($100). 

Activities surrounding the registration included a chance to meet the certified instructors and the unveiling of the new DYSA logo.

Savannah Rose Resch of Clearwater (whose father, Robert, has his architectural office in Dunedin) provided the winning design and won a cash award of $200, a free art class at DFAC, and the opportunity to work with a professional graphic designer to refine her design.  The second-place winner was Kevin Cormier of Palm Harbor, who won $100 and a free class at DFAC. The third-place winner was Gregory Reed of Dunedin, who won $50.