Land use Kayaking Scuba diving page 2A page 1C

OCTOBER 4, 1996 VOLUME24 NUMBER 40 3 SECTIONS, 32 PAGES REPORTER Causeway repairs begin stopping traffic

By Michelle Moran Beginning on the bridge nearest »> Staff Writer Sanibel, the project will proceed easter- |] While it will be a headache to com- ly to the drawbridge. Work will contin- muters and a surprise to some tourists, ue, using waterborne craft, until March local business and city officials see the 1997, but will not affect traffic opera- Sanibel causeway construction as sim- tions past Dec. 20, 1996. i ply a necessary inconvenience. DOT project manager Bruce "By the time the visitor reaches the McAuliffe said the county hopes the bridge I seriously doubt they're going impact to local traffic patterns will be to park and go back," Sanibel-Captiva complete by Thanksgiving, but added Chamber of Commerce Executive the contractor Kelly Brothers of Fort Director David Besse said. "You have Myers has until the middle of to fix the bridge. I can tell you what December to complete the portion of impact no bridge would have. We just maintenance which will affect traffic have to work with it." operations. The work on the bridge >s-\ Besse said his understanding of the deck will require one lane traffic opera- I. i project is that bridge traffic will be tions between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. stopped in a staggered fashion, periodi- "We're going to try to develop a pat- cally throughout the day. He added he tern. If he thinks he can make it with- believes the impact to the islands won't out working on the weekends, then we be significant. won't," McAuliffe said: "We're going The Lee County Department of to try and get off that deck as soon as Transportation began the $1 million The great escape, leaving the island may be a hit tedious for com- maintenance project yesterday. •please see page 2A muters over the next two months as construction on the causway will limit traffic flow. Preventing crime Public input

M to be limited f •< Council cuts back public

comment to eliminate delays ,1 By Mark S. Krzos News Editor '. In an attempt to eliminate delays during City Council meetings, council members on Tuesday decided to cut back on public comment during meet- ings. "_'•'" t * - Changes include, no rebuttals or second arguments during the public comment period, limiting Planning Commission appeals to 15 minutes and "using the gavel mercilessly" to limit citizen filibusters. In addi- tion, council members chose to revise the procedure for public hearings. Council member Wally Kain suggested the first public reading should outline the city's plan for a proposed project and only allow council members to ask staff questions on the issue at hand. Kain said at the second public hearing, the public would then be allowed to participate. Planning Commission Chairman Dick Downes, who along with the City Attorney Bob Pritt have been examining ways to shorten meetings, said he agrees with Kain's suggestions. "I think something has to be done," Downes said, noting the first reading should be just that, and. the second reading should be open for public debate. Kain said using a timing device to allow council to limit long speeches by the public and reducing the scheduled public comment period from five minutes per speaker to three. "If we do this we can squeeze an hour out of these meetings," Kain said. , City Manager Gary Price said citizens often speak Sanibel Police Chief Lewis Phillips welcomed law enforcement agencies from around on subjects they do not intend to and said a possibili- the state Monday at the annual Florida Crime Prevention conference at Sheraton ty to prohibit such delays would be to require an Harborplace. The week-long conference concludes today. •please see page 3A #=51 Of EH 2A Q 0©!TC)BEB4pra9e O Sanibel's land use future riddled with question marks Notes front the city desk: Campaign 1 failing...The impact of this trend has driven this seg- Bermuda tackling forniida food issue Westall to manage d 1995 By Mark S. Krzos an - , • , A > A fnr- ment of the retail community into a back cycle News Editor Single-family housing located inland accounted for decline with the highest turnover, vacancy and fore- Madison's campaign A real estate analyst told the Sanibel City Council 65 percent of total sales in 1995, while all gulf and closure in recent history." By Mark S. Krzos a group attempting to ban fprmu- officially resigned from the: Code The George Madison for Sanibel City Council Tuesday the island's tourism is at or near its peak, bay front accounted for 13 percent of total sales. Mayor Bob Janes said Sanibel has done a complete News Editor • la food;. : I. \ •Enforcement. Board, City campaign announced that Mark "Bird" Westall retail shopping centers are moving toward profession- Adler said although gulf front housing accounted for about-face from 20 years ago regarding the commer- Bermuda under a burger In another similarity1 : to Attorney Bob Pritt said new will be its campaign manager. Madison has long al offices and that more upper income families are only 9.3 percent of sales in 1995, it represented the cialization of the community. attack—^-Bermuda is waging its Sanibel, the Bahamas are follow- appointments will take place in admired Westall's philosophy and commitment to purchasing older gulf and bay front homes to demol- most dramatic financial recovery of all housing clas- "Twenty years ago they were writing plays called own war on • formula foods, ing SanibeFs lead in taking ion December and since the board preserving Sanibel Island as a sanctuary for people ish in favor of multi-million dollar vacation homes. sifications over the past three years with average 'Blow Up the Bridge'. We didn't want commercial- Saaibel City Council member Australian pines. Two groups, has not met in months, council and wildlife. The purpose of Real Estate Analytical Services, sales prices climbing 19.5 percent from $1,005,000 in ization. But now I think we recognize that it's impor- Walfy Kain said Tuesday, ; "Their the "Friends of the Environment" might as well hold off. They did. Westall has served on City Council since 1988 Inc. president John Adler's study called the Land Use 1993 to $1,201,000 in 1995. tant," he said. experience is -very much like and "Hope Town Association" Appointed—The Sanibel City and has chosen not to seek re-election this Data Base, Market Analysis and Recommendations, The market value of single family homes peaked in Adler believes that resort housing is also entering a ours," he said. According to are making residents and prdper- Council appointed Steve Walters November. according to Adler is to contribute to a broader under- 1994 with an average sales price of $418,000 and transition stage, where most resort housing will Kain, an American restaurant ty owners aware of the "terrible to the Sanibel Board of Trustees standing of Sanibel and Captiva land uses, its cycles, declined by 9.8 percent in 1995. become functionally and economically obsolete and chain has purchased a historic damage" that casuarinas causes to of the Municipal Police Officer's • trends and provide insights from which island leaders Demand for professional office space, Adler said is building on the island and the island's environment," Retirement Trust Fund, or in sim- National Women's Political can draw educated and appropriate conclusions. should eventually be replaced with modern, upscale weak due to dated facilities, the relatively high cost condominium development. intends on making it one of their reports the Bahamas newspaper pler terms, the: police pension "The islands are in their third phase of gentrifica- Caucus endorses Reding of office rentals and the growing technology that According to Adler, the growing trend toward restaurants. "They're attempting The Abaconian. board. . : :• tion," Adler said of the change in resident population The National Women's Political caucus of Lee makes home offices an attractive option for Sanibel shorter vacations, wealthier visitors and more couples to follow our lead," Kain said of Resigned—Bill Hillebrandt to a higher economic class. County announced its endorsement of Andrew business executives. represent recent changes in vacation patterns. According to Adler, the gentrification process Reding for election to the Sanibel City Council. "Commercial build-out of Sanibel is less pre- "The estimated 30 to 40 percent increase in the began in the mid to late 1970s after rapid appreciation dictable than residential build-out because the retail Reding, 43, is one of four candidates for the three drove up taxes as well as the cost of living. In this room night cost has further altered our islands vaca- open seats on the five-seat council. and business communities, particularly retail are tion patterns, replacing many traditional vacationers —PUBLIC INPUT phase, Adler said the lower and middle income near- The National Women's Political Caucus of Lee experiencing a significant downturn in this current with a wealthier, younger vacationer," Adler said. •from page 1A retirees could no longer afford to hold on to their sec- refusing to answer questions directed at council from County is a chapter of the Florida Women's business cycle," Adler said. The average household income of vacationers in advance written request on a card identifying the per- ond or retirement homes. some sort of public platform. Political Caucus, which is a state affiliate of the According to Adler; Sanibel should explore more 1991 was $48,470. In 1995 that number skyrocketed son's name and subject. Adler said this paved the way for the second phase commercial space to bring competition to Periwinkle "We do them a favor by getting the answers National Women's Political Caucus. The caucus is to $72,403. "How much longer will Sanibel's and "I'm suggesting some controversial steps, but if of gentrification where mostly middle-aged middle Gardens. Adler said too many businesses, are oriented they're looking for, then they come back and want a multi-partisan organization dedicated to the elec- Captiva's dated resort and vacation housing product you're serious about cutting time off the meetings, income working families moved into the homes toward souvenirs and not enough to islanders' needs. tion and appointment of qualified women to pub- continue to grow and to attract the wealthy vacationer these steps may be necessary in achieving that," Price further explanation," Janes said. "That should vacated by the retirees. The motivation for this group, Adler said the 50 percent growth over last two lic office. The caucus supports men who have. with a world of vacation product to choose from? If said. change." Adler points out was to "improve their quality of life years in the number of shopping centers that now Repetition is the biggest problem, council member demonstrated a commitment to issues of concern we have another red tide like last year or a hurricane, City Council member Mark Westall said despite and provide a safe community environment for their house offices as well as retail businesses is indicative Francis Bailey said. "We get people who speak on the to women. we peaked," Adler said. the changes, Sanibel still wants the public to partici- families." Adler added that homes targeted by this of the trend for the more successful retail businesses same thing time after time," Bailey said taking Kain's group were mainly inland or near the beach. Adler points to the quality of life factors as being pate. According to President Barbara Wallace, the to locate in the strongest and largest centers. The suggestions a step further hinting that maybe only Adler said the third phase includes upper income the cause of the islands transformation towards "I don't think we're the wisest ones in the commu- Lee County Caucus "endorses based on the candi- vacated retail space in the smaller centers is being registered voters should be allowed to speak. families of all ages buying older homes along the bay greater wealth and also being its downfall. nity. We just happened to get elected," Westall said. date's support of women and family issues." She replaced with service oriented uses and is further con- According to Adler, as word of mouth spreads Council agreed to change the first reading format, continues, "We support a woman's right to choose and gulf, demolishing them, then constructing multi- firmed by the drop in the number of retailers (56 per- "There are an awful lot of people out there that can million dollar vacation homes. about Sanibel's unique characteristics, more and more contribute. I want the public to participate." limit appeals from the Planning Commission to 15 but there is a wide spectrum in the term 'pro- cent) in these mixed retail/business centers. choice.' There are many members who don't like "Our island has been strongly gentrified," Adler people will want to come to the island and conversely But Kain reiterated his stance, pointing out that minutes, eliminate rebuttals and second arguments "Sanibel's and Captiva's small retail centers are abortion and would not have one, but believe that said. "The average age Jiving here has dropped over erode the islands' quality of life residents came here council's last meeting went into the early evening. from the public and instructed the mayor to use the well on their evolutionary path towards conversion to for in the first place. gavel to limit citizen filibusters. is a choice that should be made privately." the past few years. Good planning should take place business centers," Adler said. "This process often m "They're just getting too long," he said. before something happens." "Sanibel should petition the county for higher tolls The caucus endorsed a total of 23 candidates-— involves foreclosure and a downward adjustment of Mayor Bob Janes agreed with Kain's suggestion of for day visitors and forbid any new major attractions. 10 women and 13 men—for election this fall. Adler pointed out that in Aspen, Colo., a town in the new investors cost basis to allow a profitable con- We need to control our dog-gone toll," Adler said. which he lived, was lackadaisical in it's planning. version to business use." "Sanibel and Captiva's tourist industry was and "Now sheiks live in 39,000 square foot homes," he Sanibel should do whatever possible to prevent the said. remains the primary generator of much of the islands development of additional small, dated retail centers reputation, revenue and wealth. However, the indus- Condominium sales, Adler said, peaked in 1994 by uninformed investors, Adler said. "These-develop- with 196 sold, but since that time there has been try is now aging without the possibility of revitaliza- ments are destined to repeat the financial failuresTof y * ~" " """^jZL.' ~*™ | "*** tion and is at, or near the peak of its development almost a 19 percent decrease in sales between 1994 many of the island's other small retail centers now in and 1995 and an eight percent decline between 1991 cycle." transition to business office use." According to Adler, the average Sanibel/Captiva Executive Director of the Sanibel-Captiva retail establishment generated 20 percent less gross Chamber of Commerce David Besse said the Land Use Data Base, Market Analysis and Sundial Sanibel Office Weather revenue in 1995 than in 1991 while the cost of busi- 1451 Middle Gulf Drive High Low Recommendations by Adler was the exact type of 1509 Periwinkle Way Rain ness has increased dramatically. "Rental rates have (941) 395-1600 • 1-800-262-8703 (941) 472-5187 • 1-8O0-553-7338 VIP REALTY GROUP, INC. Sept. 26 94 73 escalated to more than $30 per square foot in Tahitian study that needed to be completed. '.com Sept. 27 94 72 "We wanted to get a complete picture of what if Gardens and $47 per square foot in Periwinkle LAKE FRONT POOL HOME GORGEOUS NEW I JEW LISTING TALK ABOUT VALUE Sept 28 95 73 Place," Adler said. "As a result, many of Sanibel's and what now," Besse said. "We got exactly what we LAKEFRQNT HOME Sept 29 94 73 locally owned and operated retail stores are wanted." Sept 30 95 73 0.2 Oct. 1 93 73 -CAUSEWAY — Oct. 2 92 71 0.5 •from page 1A "If people are going to come here, they're going to Rainfall for September was 7.65 inches com- pared with 3.4 inches for the entire month last we can. But there's not much we can do except come here. It might take a little longer. It might be an • Large 3BR/2BA Lake Front Home > Walk-to-the-beach piling home • This second floor Nu tmeg Village unit has it all! • Elevated pool area with summer kitchen! • Two bedroom, two bath hurry." inconvenience," Filzenger said. "It might irritate the ' Ground Level Split Floor Plan, Over 2,200 s.f. 1 > Split floor plan - 3 bedrooms/2 baths year. 16 ft. Ceilings, built-in 50' TV & stereo system! 1 • Totally renovated 1 Large screened porch/open deck Not everyone, however, believes the schedule is employees but I don't think the customers will be ' Beautiful Pool Patio Overlooking Lake Gourmet kitchen, custom features throughout! • Pool, tennis, covered parking Note: rainfall levels are recorded from the 1 morning of the day given to the following morn- such a good idea. affected." ' Pristine Landscaping, An Immaculate Home! Competitively priced at $439,000 • Realistically offered at $235,000 • In move-in condition ing. • $279,000, JIM HALL at 472-5187 x 15 (4l'82O6) > Call HAP CONNELLY for appointment, 472-5187 > Call POLLY COSYNS for showing • Call ROBERT CRONIN for details at "This time of year I think it's pretty stupid. Sanibel Police Chief Lewis Phillips Jr. said the eves. 472-0005 472-5187x19 Source: Sanibel/Captiva Islands Chamber of They're starting it at 9 in the morning until 4 in the department will be watching the progress of the pro- Commerce. after noon. Why don't they do it at night? Why don't ject and the impact on island traffic. While the cause- they do it in the summertime? Why wait till the start way jurisdiction is in hands of the Lee County NKARBEACH BBAUTY GULF VIEW -JUST $279,000 THREE EXCEFnOWAL LOTS' THIS CAPTWA GOT-A-WAY of season?" United Parcel Service driver Rick Sheriff's Office, Phillips said they will respond to HAS IT ALL Editorial office: (941) 472-1587 Schultz questioned. "It's ridiculous." any problems resulting from construction. Display advertising: (941) 472-1587 Classlfisd advertising: (941) 472-1587 McAuliffe responded to Schultz's questions, "We don't know how it's going to impact us. We'll Subscriptions: (941) 472-1S87 i Business office: (941) 472-1587 explaining the working conditions at •night make it have to see how it goes," Phillips said. "Right now Fax:(941)472-8398 difficult for the workers to perform well. we don't anticipate any problem. We're definitely Street address: The Village Shopping Center "You can't see a thing. You really don't get a good going to be keeping an eye on it." 1 Olde Florida style comfort 1 2 bedroom, 2 bath updated condo 1 Gopher walk lots priced from $195,000 - $255,000 2340 Periwinkle Way • 3 bedroom, 3 6 bath townhome in small complex Sanibel. Florida 33957 'Many custom upgrades 1 > Just twelve homesites in subdivision work product. And it's hard to get people to work at Assistant City Manager Bill Mills said residents 1 Olympic-sized pool, tennis, shuffleboard 1 • Tropical grounds, pool, boat dock & superb bay Large patio with spa 1 Across from deeded beach access views 8 0 8 USPS night," McAuliffe said, adding the summer rains should plan their trips accordingly during the mainte- Great rental complex with on-site manager c J"!' ^ ""P " ' ( 813-5B0) is published weekly each 'Steps from community Pool and Tennis • Two tennis court and cornmunity pool • Open floor plan with a den and art studio ll9S P B X 8 9 S Call DICK & SUSAN EVERLY at 472-5187 x 51 ' Call ANN GARDINER, CRS at 472-5187 or 33957-080° ' "*" '°- ° ° ' ^ibel Florida make it impossible for the work to be completed nance project. He said the last time work of this ' Private tropical vegetation • Not much on Captiva for $479,000 (420340) 267-3041 eves. Subscriptions: Sanibel, Captiva and Lee County, $22 per year then. "We're trying to wedge it in between the rainy scope was conducted on the causeway was four years • CaU MARLENE DONALDSON @ 482-5187 X 42 • Call MIKE MCMURBAY at 472-5187 x 50 including state sales tax; continental United States, or spilt subscrip- season and tourist season." ago, ton $28 per year Including state sales tax; foreign, $42 per year Periodicals postage paid at Sanibel, Florida. POSTMASTER' Send Local business managers say they don't believe "Obviously with the amount of work that's going SUNDIAL LOT LISTINGS LOT LISTINGS SantO "^ '*'*"* BsmBr P'0> Box 809 sib the construction .will affect business.' to be done and the amount of time it's going to take GUARANTEED INCOME! BEST VALUE NEAR GULF LOT Find Your Place With FOR SALE ON SANIBEL, HOMESITE mm to do it, this can't be avoided," Mills said. "We're • 2 bedroom, 2 bath • That Has Great Locale! Gulf Coast Weeklies, Inc. publishes the "It has to happen," Dunes General Manager Jean • Over 32,000 s.f., Cleared of Exotic Veg. TMYERSB ACH BSERV S • Gulfview, refurbished • Deeded Beach Access • Cul de Sac Location, Steps To Gulf Beach VIP REALTY GROUP, INC. Baer said of the construction/I'm comfortable with trying to avoid the rush hours, but you will see one 1 Sewer, Water & Electric Adjacent to Lot Line • Abuts Gulf Front Estate Homes, | ° • Ask about FREE golf and tennis • Almost 1 /3 Acre of Land, Incredibly Priced at RENTALS AVAILABLE! 1 chosen> Em lovees lane of an entire span shut down for an extended peri- • Screened Porch gulf view •Priced to Sell at $159,000! V't^ ^ ^ P should • Call ROBIN HUMPHREY at 472-5187 or $179,000. SEASONAL • SHORT TERM • The publisher assumes no financial responsibilities for tvpo- tf^ • Call ROBIN HUMPHREY to view at 395-1600 • Ask for V$A HALL at 472-5187 x 15 or ANNUAL od of time. We'll keep our eyes on it and try to assist 472 9 5 472-3322 (419597) graph cal errors In advertisements, but will reprint without charge that _ Tarwinkles Restaurant General Manager Michael in any way we can." • SUNDIAL TWO-BEDROOM " £ 6o*Is felArS AVAILABLE HOMES • CONDOS* WATERFRONT* OFF-WATER part of an advertisement In which the typographical error occur! I an DfSEASFRAYI GOLF COURSE & WATER VIEWS Let Our Professional Rental Staff FUzenger said he believes all that the maintenance $309,000111! • Located In Exclusive Seaspray Subdivision Manage Your Properties For You! • error occurs the management must be notified within three worklnd _ Mills said targeted areas of bridge work include 1 • Southern exposure lot S'!8 PUb"Sher rBm'nS tha *''° refuSe or ^vise any d9 work will cause is headaches and inconvenience, but Guaranteed income available • Build Your Dream Home on this Oversized Lot • 100'frontage CALL 941-481-6111 the causeway decks and underneath the bridge spans. • Furnished Surrounded by Multi-Million Dollar Homes doesn't see it affecting business. Filzenger, who com Complete Amenities • Beachview Country Club Estates CENTRAL RESERVATIONS © 1996 GULF COAST WEEKLIES, INC. Much of the work will concentrate on the pilings and ' Screened porch Enjoy the Nicest Beach On The Island, Only • $224,000 ":~ , 1 • 800 • 237 • 7526 Said S arCaStiCaUy he can>t bulk heads and not affect traffic patterns. •2 bedroom, and 2 bath $245,000. • Call DICK & SUSAN EVERLY at 472-5187 x 51 Tfai tSf I H >* S • Call ROBIN HUMPHREY to view at 395 1600 Call Now <& Ask for MIKE MCMURRAY 472-5187 (420603) VIP Realty Group, Inc. to tace the traffic conditions each morning. For further information contact McAuliffe at 335- x50orJIM HALL x 15 (419353) OJ 8B Q SFPTFMRCD 07 RI iSLAWREPORTER Q OCTOBER % 1996 "• OCTOBER 4,1996 Q 18UAND BEP0RT6B 4AQ Island voices 809, Sanibel, FL 33957. Candidates corner

--^-*« What would city do differently? City Council needs diversity By George Madison Increased density is not my first Sanibel City Council Candidate choice to accommodate State mandated By David Fowler doubt it. No more than we would Working with Ted No issue has been more divisive to BMRH growth. In fact, it is my last Sanibel City Council Candidate want them all to look the same and There's been a lot of discussion A farewell our island city than Below Market Rate choice. Early notice provides us with think the same. clean white wood trim. Everyone in the office bene- lately about the need for diversity on I've always maintained the only thing there's more Housing. I've been discouraged by the the opportunity to plan, so as not to There are practical limits to what By Marianne Dila Strickland fited to say nothing of visiting customers. Spirits Sanibel. Some of it has centered on any individual can do to affect the of than Realtors on this island is newspaper people. hostility generated, as well as by per- endanger our vision for Sanibel. This Ted Kircher is a brilliant writer. His writing the Below Market Rate Housing ethnic or gender make-up of our city With the publication of today's paper that score will rose accordingly. sonal attacks. Sadly, the level of anger issue must be settled before we reach sparkles and sizzles. Writers each have their own Program. And a recent newspaper government. But there is much we be evened somewhat. I will be moving on after this Early on, Ted had brought his own computer into seems to grow by the day. build-out point — whatever that num- approach to getting words on paper. Way back the office so that he could work with 20th century editorial called for more diversity on can do within these limits. We can, as edition to the Naples Daily News. I believe folks on this island to be ber may be. City Council—referring basically to I do, urge everyone to consider how To be honest, this is a day I've fantasized about when Dawn Grodsky was editor, and Ted was writ- technology. Some of us were stuck with the infa- generous, and reasonable. For example, The referendum speaks only to ing, it was always deadline day and even deadline mous "black boxes" which no writer in current resi- diversity in gender, race or ethnicity. much he or she can contribute to our and planned for since April 5, 1993, my first day at some may be philosophically opposed whether CHR or the City should man- community through public service, hour when he would be just beginning to write his dency knew how to operate to optimum efficiency. I certainly agree that people of dif- the Island Reporter. Now that the day has come, how- to government housing subsidies. age the program. No more — no less. ferent races, gender or ethnic back- regardless of who you are by accident story assignments. We simply used them as typewriters. ever, I feel a bit like the brunt of a joke heard at Some may believe we need BMRH to CHR has administered the program grounds should run for and hold elec- of birth. Of course, most of the work was already com- Eventually, Ted was successful in getting com- Dartmouth College alumni functions: How many preserve our community's diversity as under City scrutiny for 13 years. tive office. They contribute much of puters on more desks, and as he hired new writers Our country has made great strides Dartmouth grads does it take to screw in a light bulb? plete, in his head. Getting it into the computer was -Sanibel becomes more gentrified. Seventeen councilmen and women value through the different perspec- in removing or reducing the barriers he persuaded them to purchase their own lap-tops Ten, one to screw it in and the other nine to reminisce the small task left. Feet pounding on the floor, in Shouldn't we respect each other's have reviewed its performance; sup- tives their life experience brings to to elective office that people once about how good the old one was. The fact is, this has counterpoint to the rhythm of his fingers on the as their first investment in a successful journalistic opinions? Encourage constructive porting its continuance. At no time has bear. faced, and that effort is an ongoing been a darned good light bulb. keyboard, grunts and groans a la Ray Charles, he career. debate, not argument? the City asked to assume its manage- But I would not limit the practical one. But we do have to work with Sanibel and Captiva have been a part of my life played his stories into print. It is probably this elec- When he had installed a fine, personally owned, As a Councilman-citizen I must ment. In fact, it is my guess that the definition of diversity to what a per- what we have, and it would be sheer and education since long before I moved here 3-1/2 tric energy that puts such power in his writing. publishing studio in his office, he turned to refining abide by the result of the referendum. City dreads the prospect and would not son is (male, female, white, people of fantasy to pretend that Sanibel Island years ago. I saw my first movie, "101 Dalmatians," at When he became editor, one of his responsibili- the photographic equipment. Each reporter got a However, there cannot be a residual feel comfortable guaranteeing a cost color, ethnicity, etc. ). Especially is an exact demographic reflectior if Island Cinema when I was three. Soon after, I learned ties was to turn me into a journalist. This was not new Canon camera to supplement professional pho- good guy/bad guy attitude if we are to savings to the community should they when it comes to contributing to pub- the country as a whole—and that is to swim in the pool and in the gulf at the Surfrider. easy work. My writing naturally meanders into per- tographer Saul Taffet\s two days a week on the remain a healthy community. BMRH run BMRH. lic service, I believe diversity should government should thus be propor- Later my father taught me the rules of the water in sonal essay. After he applied numerous stick-em island. Ted, meanwhile, began putting together his should not insinuate itself into all Therefore, it is difficult to project also apply to what people do, what tionately representative of that fic- tion. boats rented from Tarpon Bay Marina. notes to my computer, copied and underscored own professional photographic equipment, perusing future island issues. changes in BMRH's administration paths they have chosen to take in Since I've worked for the Island Reporter, I've important material in the Associated Press catalogues and adding lenses and other refinements In my opinion, there is an important should it be forced on the City. In fact, terms of work, family and other So what can the citizens of this learned how to become a reporter, editor and manag- Stylebook, I sometimes remembered maybe one as the Visa card permitted. When Taffet was not question to be answered. Let's presume in a recent City review, CHR was major life decisions; and in particular community do to act on wha I believe is their essential fair-n^r .d- er. None of this was done without the help of the quarter of the stuff professional reporters like available, Ted stood in. described as "extremely well run" and what their values are and what fixed the State of Florida mandates a BMRH ness, and what can they do to move Island Reporter's wonderful—if at times transient— Hemingway used to good advantage. When cost-cutting dictums came down from program. How many units must a barri- "tightly run program." That doesn't star or compass (if any) they refer to in making decisions and moral or eth- the ball forward in terms of diversity staff and in particular the paper's mother hen, I look at clips of my recent work and see how er island (Sanibel) create? We must absolve the City from its future over- higher up, Ted took on more work and like magic ical choices. among our elected officials? Shirlene Grasgreen. For putting up with me over the much better it is than what I was doing in 1993. So determine that number because the dis- sight function. But — what would the got us all salary raises. Above minimum wage, but To bring this down to size, I One thing we can do—in our daily years, I thank them all, past and present. Ted is also a great editor. Of course, I always see cussion of the program's management City do differently now? not above poverty level. The desire to put out a fine believe diversity of opinion and per- lives, in our contacts with others, and As a newspaper editor it is not always easy to where I could have improved on a story. One could small-town newspaper was always more important may be secondary. spective is the critical element that in whatever public forum are avail- remain on the friendliest terms with everyone. At rewrite for as long as one had time. to him than money. truly contributes to the political pro- able to us—is to make known our times the only way to gauge how well you've done But the most important thing I saw in Ted was I've shared four of the greatest years of my life cess in any pluralistic society. support for the notion that anyone— your job is to make sure you've made all parties the giving of his whole self to the job. Not only was at the Island Reporter with Ted Kircher my editor. I Do we want our elected officials to involved equally irate. But it was just as much those the publication of an informative, interesting and know that he was responsible in large part for the Why run for City Council? look different but think the same? I •please see page 9A who hooted and hollered as those who praised the attractive weekly his goal, but the comfort and nur- satisfaction and joy I took in being a writer for our paper who ultimately contributed to my own learning turing of the editorial staff. A writer could always community. I'm very pleased that he is moving on veloped lands on the approach to the count on Ted's backing when needed. He never let By Andrew A. Reding experience and growth. I therefore thank those who to a higher level of responsibility and potential. causeway along Summerlin; have supported the paper and those who still refuse to up on nudging headquarters to improve our lot. He Sanibel City Council Candidate Norok! Ted, my friend. Good luck from the crazy Why, as a 43-year-old who still has • Act as an effectiv£-a,dv,acate-for- talk with us when we call. has grown to be a very effective manager and Sanibel's interests in Lee County. During this past week, I've found it's tougher to administrator. Romanian. I, too, will take this opportunity to try to work for a living, am I running for another path. an office that requires a large commit- Runaway regional growth poses the leave than I imagined. The outpouring of well wishes This included spiffing up the office with, over greatest challenge to Sanibel's ecology (Marianne Dila Strickland is a former staff writ- ment of time and effort without pay? has been flattering, and it is satisfying to know my the years, new linoleum, new carpeting, file cabi- and character since incorporation; work here had an impact—hopefully a positive one— nets, ergonomic chairs for everyone, and actually er for the Island Reporter.) Because, like so many others who have chosen to live here, I feel strong ties to • Pursue ways of making our demo- on residents, visitors and the island itself. wielding the paintbrush and roller himself to give cratic process still more inclusive and As I part with this light bulb, I rest assured that the the whole office fresh neutral-colored walls and this island, and to the people and wildlife that make it special. participatory, taking advantage of the light is not burnt out, and the Island Reporter will consider it proper for our non-profit's salary levels to To my mind, Sanibel is a model wealth of talent and experience among continue to shine brightly as the best newspaper on CHR efficient, cheap match the City staff salary package. As a result, the community. It is the only municipality our citizens; the islands. To the editor: CHR Board continues to set the CHR salaries well in America with a land use plan guided • Be an articulate voice for wildlife Distributed in the community beginning below those approved each year by City Council tor by ecological principles. It also stands and natural habitat on our "sanctuary September 27th were grossly inaccurate statements City staff. In the 1996-97 fiscal year alone, his out for the quality of its public goods island." regarding the City Council-approved FY 97 salaries means that the CHR salaries are 15 percent below from parks and bike paths to the library for the three Community Housing and Resources, City salaries. , . and recreation center. I'd like to con- My background and qualifications: Inc. staff. While saving the City and the taxpayers thousands tribute to making it even better. Born an American in Switzerland, My platform is SanibeFs new Vision I've lived in Geneva, Brussels, RalfE. "Ted" Kircher As Treasurer of the CHR Board, I want the truth to of dollars annually in salaries for the BMRH pro- Statement,, which gives primacy to the Chicago, Vermont, New Jersey, and A RESORT AT LOVERS KEY Editor be known. Because we work in the nonprofit world, •please see page 6A neither the CHR Board members nor the CHR staff island's character as "sanctuary." Next New York's Adirondack Mountains. comes the isjand's character as "com- Yet when asked where I'm from, I munity," which must conform to its always say Sanibel. No other place has GRAND OPENING SPECIAL meant as much, nor felt so much like island character as "sanctuary." Third is its STAY ONE NIGHT TTITl Tp T7< * Overseas perspectives role as tourist attraction, which must home. Two years ago, after years of 1 REPORTER respect both of the preceding values. searching for affordable housing, I got GET ONE NIGHT X MXJU XJ lucky, and have been a year-round resi- With this in mind, I'd like to: Enjoy the spectacular waterfront location of the all-new Rail Kircher • Make Sanibel more, not less, dent ever since. This May, I was finally Editor The Kremlin's Clinic: A crumbling castle able to purchase my first home., GrandVlew Resort on Lover's Key unique. I'll work to have our roads Each spacious suite features a living room, one bedroom, Mark S. Krzos supposed to be the glo- vegetated to preserve the island's rural All my life, I've been fascinated by News Editor It' doesn't take the fully-equipped kitchen and balcony with breathtaking views! rious monolith ot ambiance; our remaining on-road bicy- nature and by public service. I majored Take advantage of our Grand Opening Special, MIchellB Moran, Jill Goodman glass elevators or the in biology atMiddlebury College, then Staff Writers Russian medicine and cle paths separated from the roadway Stay one night, get one free! exotic plants in the Grand S. Giovanna medical research. with a vegetation buffer; vegetation obtained a masters degree in public For outdoor and nature enthusJaste, Saul Taffet Hotel style lobby of Lee Giacomazzi is a resi- policy from Princeton University. Photographer Its rooms and corri- .buffering of exposed commercial the resort is located adjacent to the HealthPark to guarantee dent of Turin, Italy Since then, I've been a self-employed famous Lover's Key State Park! Kim Crouthamel successful heart surgery. and a former resident dors are plunged into establishments and parking lots; and a Advertising Manager darkness with only one continuing exclusion of traffic signals consultant on democracy and human However, where Boris of Sanibel. She has rights. I prepare country reports and out of every three light and streetlights, to preserve our relaxed Patty Bauer Yeltsin will most likely seen America from the advise on political asylum for the Advertising Sales bulbs functioning. li»- way of life and spectacular night sky; undergo four by-passes in unique perspective of Department of Justice, run a project on Shirlene Graageen huge windows are cov- • Block development that is incon- the month of November living abroad for the democracy in North America for the Classified/Circulation past 17 years. Her col- ered with filth accumu- sistent with the Vision Statement, rec- has been described as World Policy Institute (http://worldpol- Liz Baxley umn, "Overseas per- ognizing that this will not only pre- !v..: sleeping beauty's castle lated over the years. icy.org/americas/), am an associate edi- Production Manager spectives," appears serve the character of our community mmmMSmis&s after the 100 year deep The radiators leak form-.; tor for Pacific News Service, and pub- ^ X ••'.* Janice Caron, Ben Fuller, S, Glovanna Glacomazzl, weekly. ing puddles on the m^ and environment, but also protect the m Peter Kelly, Jose Leal, Ada Shlssler, Charles Sobczak sleep expiration date. lish articles and opinion pieces in lead- Columnists The castle in ruins, ble floors. And stray-; very qualities that attract people to ing magazines and newspapers. dogs gather at the back Sanibel and ensure a good climate for better know as the Since moving to Sanibel, I have business; Cardiology Center of Moscow, is a crumbling and entrance hoping for some scraps from the # contributed my skills to the communi- • Explore ways to secure better con- dismal monument to one of the greatest conquests of And then, of course there are the co _ * Rate based on rack rate. Consecutive nights only. Certain restrictions apply. socialism; free medical service for everyone. Built in Their presence in the city hospitals would never rw j trol over the causeway and island •please see page 8A Thanksgiving week excluded. Subject to availability. access, and to protect remaining unde- the seventies under the direction of former Soviet •please see page 9| Premier Kosygin, this cement and glass palace was ISLAND REPORTER Q OCTOBER 4, 1996 Q7A 6A Q OCTOBER 4,1996 Q ISLAND REPOFVTER Island voices Island voices

no matter who administers this program. Moreover, •from page 6A same time reminding ourselves why it is so important the high cost of the BMRH program compared to the profit CHR than under governmental administration that the amendment be defeated. benefits, primarily due to the high cost of Sanibel liv- •from page 4A Sanibel's recent Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) states that 39 of these 41 rental units "are It really does have to do with Below Market Rate ing. However, the present concentration of effort by gram, the CHR Board and staff works diligently to committed to the BMRH program in perpetuity." ID-ing and elephant Housing. And it really does have to do with the way CHR supporters to get the voters to vote against the achieve other savings. Our staff actively seeks grants non-profits is not one of them! charter amendment has caused me to dig deeper into • Not BMRH volunteers They can continue to To the editor: we run government — and amending the charter is for the program and has obtained over $752,000 in KarenBeI1> the economics of our BMRH program. The results are offer their fine service and expertise to the City, Trying to get a handle on the issue of Below just not the way to do it! grant monies since 1991. The CHR Board members Treasurer, even more depressing than they were earlier. which has traditionally relied very heavily on volun- Market Rate Housing is like the blind man who is try- Rev. William P. Dodd, put in hundreds of hours of volunteer work yearly. CHR Board of Directors President, Actually I am forced to use estimates in order to teers. ing to identify an elephant by touch. So rather than These are clearly examples of a more efficient and trying to identify the whole, I would like to comment Community Housing and Resources, Inc. present this information, but the estimates are very cheaper operation of the BMRH program under non- • Not Sanibel's taxpayers. The September 1996 close to the actual moneys involved to verify my pre- staff report revealed that the City can administer the 1 on four parts which bear directly on what Vote Know C is trying to accomplish for the betterment of our com- vious decision - BMRH apartments are just too Who loses? BMRH program for 30 percent less than CHR. But A breather from politics expensive!! by far the biggest boon to taxpayers is that the charter munity. In fact these are four good reasons why we To the editor: To the editor: amendment prohibits the City from providing public should "Just vote no" on the proposed BMRH charter NEW UHING The charter amendment does not end Sanibel's amendment on November 5th. Please place this letter somewhere amid the fusil- Current annual cost of BMRH moneys to any private housing organization. lade of political correspondence (BMRH, RHC, Below Market Rate Housing program (BMRH). It 1. Research tells us that there is not one municipal City grant.of CHR So who stands to lose if the charter amendment CHR, Vote Know, et cetera) which seems to be filling only transfers the, administration of this program from body in the United States which does below market management expenses $160,000+ passes on November 5? Only CHR, the private cor- your pages these past few weeks. As Liza Minnelli costly Community Housing and Resources (CHR) to housing in residential units like we have here on CHR mortgage cost •4' poration that has administered our BMRH program said, "Reality is something you rise above." the City. Sanibel. Bureaucracy simply is not the vehicle to run paid by the City $107,000+ totally unchallenged since 1983 without ever becom- On a recent Sunday afternoon, after church service So who stands to lose if a majority of islanders a people oriented program. Total rental income ing self-sufficient — as it was supposed to be. and brunch, we were driven from the beach by an $160,000+ vote "Yes" for the charter amendment on November 2. Does anyone know of any program which a from CHR tenants Precisely what will CHR lose if the amendment afternoon squall and drove home. Of course, the sun Grants and cash gifts to CHR $150,000+ 5? passes? Its 13-year financial umbilical cord to the bureaucracy has engulfed into itself in which the cost • Not BMRH tenants. Their leases remain in force returned as soon as we arrived home. We spotted a Total funds for BMRH $577,000+ RIVERFRONT MASTERPIECE City. For passage of this amendment means that CHR of doing business subsequently went down? red-tailed hawk on the power line outside our house, Your leisure time can be comfortably enjoyed in the contem- 3. Why is it that while the majority of City Council porary Riverfront Estate Home. Every convenience and lux- will no longer receive any of the following: its wings and tail spread in a beautiful display as they Annual funds retained members are saying that the proposed amendment is a ury has been incorporated in the design of the home. Your 1. The free office space at City Hall, free office dried in the sunlight. Behind us, in a small tree were a by CHR for future use -$100,000+ pleasure is increased by the panoramic views of the river, bad idea, City staff has not moved to publicly tell us supplies, utilities, telephones, liability insurance, etc., cardinal, a red-bellied woodpecker and a mockingbird Total funds annually spent $477,000 exquisitely landscaped riverfront swimming pool, terraces NOTICE the true costs of buying the 34 units covered by the and koi pond and a tennis court. The main living area is two that were previously provided by Sanibel's taxpayers. only a few feet apart, still unsure of the squall's pass- bonds and possibly the additional units now owned stories high with floor to ceiling windows and glass doors, Lee County will hold a workshop to dis- 2. Sanibel's taxpayers will no longer foot the bill ing. And next door, on a telephone pole, were two This amounts to $12,500+ per apartment for the 38 dramatic fireplace and adjoining glassed walled media room. by CHR, should the CHR Board even agree to sell? cuss amendments to County regulations for CHR's,annual administrative expenses (over $ 1 pileated woodpeckers, eyeing us uneasily. units owned by CHR ($1,050 per month per unit). Four of the five bedrooms are riverfront, each has a deck and (And I quickly add that is not something we have dis- three have private baths, plus formal dining room, gourmet pertaining to size limitations of hotel/motel million to date). My wife and I looked at each other and said, Since CHR actually receives an average rent of $350 cussed.) If you want to know what this program will kitchen and "playroom". The property is 1.78 acres, and has units on Captiva Island. Interested per- 3. The City will no longer lend CHR any public "Wow! And we live here!" per month from the tenants, the city is paying $700 265 feet of river frontage. Priced below appraised value at look like in some four years, cost wise, look at the $975,000. Call Marsha Clifford, Prisdlla Murphy Realty 472- moneys (over $2 million to date). Frank L. Palaia, Jr., Ph.D., per month for each of these units in addition to the sons are encouraged to attend. Sanibel Sewer System. 1511 or 472-2902 for your private viewing. No wonder CHR and its Vote Know supporters Sanibel rent paid by the tenants. By coincidence, $700 is the Date: October 8,1996 oppose the charter amendment. 4. And on a more subjective level, why would you lowest private rent for a two bedroom apartment on Time: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Maggie Greenberg, take a program which has received national acclaim, Sanibel as reported by the CHR private rent survey in MOULDER IEAION which probably represents the best of the democratic Location: Room 618, Chairman, BMRH apartments 1995. Be sure to vote "Yes" on the Charter process and neighbor helping neighbor, and give it to Responsible Housing Committee Amendment. Lee County Courthouse a bureaucracy in which there is so much mistrust? too expensive Elmer Stilbert, Administration Building •please see page 7A Finally, on behalf of the CHR Board and staff, I To the editor: 21.1.5 Second Street, Member, wish to thank each and every Vote.Know member for When I originally wrote a letter about this in early Responsible Housing Committee Fort Myers, FL. the personal effort you are putting into the task of 1996,1 did not try to suggest any lack of efficiency in defeating this amendment in November, and at the CHR's operations. I was especially concerned about •please see page 8A

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