Exh 2BAGENDA ITEM #2B
JiJLY 28, 2003
7th Street Beach Access Beautification Committee
701 Beach avenue, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
To: City Manager, Mayor, Council Members
As Chair of the 7th Street Beach Access Beautification Committee, I have been asked
to respond to the objections recently raised by two Atlantic Beach citizens to the
landscaping there. We understand they propose that sections of the installed
landscaping be removed and replaced with a shower, bicycle rack, and benches. This
suggestion is clearly based on a lack of understanding of the history of the. project..
A few years ago, Atlantic Beach instituted a program inviting interested citizens
nearby beach accesses to form ad hoc project committees to develop a landscaping
plan with cost estimates for submission to the City for the purpose of improving the
aesthetics of the location. On approval, the committee would be authorized to collect
funds which the city would match. Several beach accesses were improved under the
plan.
The 7th Street Beach Access Beautification Committee was formed last summer by
neighbors. A plan was developed and submitted to the City, which approved it in
October, 2002. It became public record; any citizens wishing to challenge it or offer
improvements or changes had ample time to do so. Contributions were solicited from
local residents, landscaping began in the spring of 2003, and is flourishing.
We trust reason will prevail and a successful community project will not be
marginalized.
S~ r~ ,
GMT- a'~t/1^^.rv
Mary Frencn
Chair
7th Street Beach Access Beautification Committee