Mayor Ayoub aims to define, preserve Safety Harbor’s ‘small-town charm’
By 
The City of Safety Harbor has been described as having ‘small-town charm’ for so long, it wouldn’t be surprising if the phrase was part of the original city charter drawn up 100 years ago.
Although, despite the many times it’s been uttered over the past century—by city leaders and residents, business owners and visitors—the saying, which typically evokes memories of ‘kinder, gentler times’ and ‘living back home,’ has never truly been defined.
Now, recently elected Mayor Joe Ayoub wants to change that.
During Monday night’s city commission meeting, Ayoub said he wants to define and preserve Safety Harbor’s small-town charm, long a hot button topic and a key point of his campaign as well as a recent goal setting session, and he tasked the Planning and Zoning Board and city staff with defining the parameters of the popular term.
“What I would like to propose is that we have the Planning and Zoning board come up with some ideas on how to do that, working with city staff,” Ayoub said during his Commission Report.
“I don’t have a mission statement,” he continued. “I thought we would actually kick it to them and tell them that our goal is to take additional measures to look after the small-town charm and make sure future homes that are being built are more compatible with existing homes and neighborhoods and to…come up with their thoughts on what zoning districts should be addressed.”
When the mayor asked if his idea had the support of his fellow commissioners, his question was first met with silence, and then with questions.
“My only concern is timing,” Commissioner Scott Long, a longtime P&Z board member prior to his election to Seat 1 in March, said, noting the board as well as city staff currently have a lot on their plate.
“There are a couple of times a year when they don’t have a meeting…but are you suggesting additional meetings?”
Ayoub responded by saying the process could be spread out over several months.
He added that after the board came up with a mission statement, it would be presented to the commission for approval, and further direction would be provided at that time.
“We could do a whole workshop trying to define the scope of the project, and that’s vague— ‘protect our small-town charm’,” Ayoub said. “The idea is to give it to the (P&Z) board and let them start off with it.”
After all four commissioners agreed to have staff initiate the process, the mayor spoke about the motivation behind his idea.
“One of my campaign promises was to protect the small-town charm, to make sure the issue of building new homes that aren’t compatible with existing homes and neighborhoods is addressed,” Ayoub said following the meeting.
“We have tools that we can use, such as offering incentives and setting architectural standards, so my idea is to let the P&Z board and city staff make recommendations and we’ll take it from there.”
When asked if he had a timeframe in mind, Ayoub said he understands it could take a while, but, staying true to another campaign promise, he added that he wants to make sure the process doesn’t drag out.
“It’s probably a few months down the road, maybe three months, maybe eight months, I don’t know,” he said.
“I don’t know how long it will take, but I know I want us to get started on it as soon as possible.”
Related content:
- SHCC agrees to increase setbacks in the downtown district
- Mayor Ayoub promises to move quickly on issues affecting Safety Harbor
“Grateful” Tom should also also post his name 🙂 If we don’t learn from the past, we are bound to repeat it.
You can’t learn from the past unless you are aware of it and that many of the same players are still involved.
Mary Ann– Why don’t you post your last name, so that we will know who believes the city’s official records are “fake news”.
Susan–I have not posted anywhere near as many “old and worn out” comments as Susan-No-Last-Name has. Why are you too embarrassed to post your comments with your last name?
ALL of the Residents look forward to the many new and wonderful improvements to the community that were promised by the new mayor. A more vital downtown area, better business opportunities for our merchants, protecting private property rights, preserving the character and charm of the city, caring for the environment, etc. We ALL are waiting to see how this will be accomplished, and we are ALL hopeful that it will actually be done. According to this connect article: “One of my campaign promises was to protect the small-town charm, to make sure the issue of building new homes that aren’t compatible with existing homes and neighborhoods is addressed,” Ayoub said following the meeting. So, yes, we are ALL pleased to hear that the mayor is promoting “compatible” new homes.
Majority do not post their last names especially with you. Who wants to be your kicking post on your page? My kids have even heard about you but I told them not to repeat hatefulness. I have been posting under my first name Mary Ann for years and just because you do not like what I or others have to say, you have no reason to call us out.
Mary Ann no need to post your last name. Many people know Sharon and Shelley are the town bullies and when they talk about you on their page and urge others to join in they wil make sure you are blocked from defending yourself. The Iron Age people can tell you about that. Total hate for newcomers. The condo is coming so lets be nice to the new people welcome their tax money and watch them support our merchants. You two keep talking about small town feel start by being nice to others and mind your own business and since you insist on people posting last names maby you can unblock people on your page as well.by the way my name is Diane Bouida and i try to remain quiet but i guess i reached a breaking point with these bully posts from you two. Such sad behavior from grown adults. Also Shelley your new home looks really close to the sidewalk and the oak tree at your other house is smaller than the iron age ones. You should practice what you preach. Sharon your front and back yard are looking like a jungle and all i see is a garage. I sure hope thats not what we want all future houses to look like
Diane Bouida, My opinions about the direction for new construction/development in Safety Harbor are not attacks on the people who will eventually buy those properties. (If somebody builds it, somebody will buy it.) I have never attacked you personally and I do not know you, (by any of your many names). But you continue to attack me and make untrue statements about me/my property. Why don’t you go to the city and check the official records and site plans that show the setbacks of my houses? You will find that both new houses exceed the minimum setbacks for front yards, and neither come close to being the “maximum” size allowed. Both are designed to compliment the neighborhood, coordinate with neighboring homes, and fit in by preserving the architectural character of small town Safety Harbor. And now, the new mayor and the Planning and Zoning Board have been inspired to take action, to establish guidelines, and to make sure that new construction compliments the neighborhood, coordinates with neighboring homes, and fits in by preserving the architectural character of small town Safety Harbor….Clearly my message has been heard, because it’s not just my message, but the opinions and desires of the majority of the residents of our small town. And YOU want to complain about MY trees? Then talk to the Arborist at the city and ask him what we have done to protect, preserve and replant trees. I only have sympathy for you because you are unaware of how you have been manipulated by your new best friends. You were blocked from my facebook page because you kept posting rants that did not help to Save Safety Harbor.
Parents should show their children how to take responsibility for their words. Posting an “anonymous” nasty comment is a verbal “drive by shouting”, and the writer’s message is negated by the writer’s inability to “own” their words.
And you should be telling parents how to raise their children?? That’s a joke. You were anonymous with Saving Safety Harbor for years until you were called out. Hypocrite and not very attractive. Meow
The recent completion of the 1st phase of the Waterfront park seems to have sparked new interest in our downtown area. More residents are seeing what bad planning can do (7story condo) and they finally realize that residents have to be involved to keep the town intact. Keeping Main Street facades true to the town’s age and attracting affordable businesses is important but our town consists of more than just Main Street. The residential areas North and South of Main are what makes this a “TOWN”.
In 1994 the City contracted for an extensive historic building survey (online with pictures, City website/Document Center). There WERE 177 homes (that’s a lot) built between 1865-1945. We have quite a variety of styles: log cabin 1865, 1920’s bungalows, 1920 frame vernacular, mission, Mediterranean Revival 1924, Colonial revival 1922, etc.
A huge part of why visitors come here is to see what a quaint, historic town looks like. We have the whole package but need to instill a lot more pride and awareness in residents and work as hard to spruce up homes as we do Main Street.
The City has failed to act on the advice they paid for. The Planning Department was advised to create a Historic Preservation Ordinance, aka “zoning overlay” and to put in place legal processes to review the “potential impact of a proposed project on historic resources”.
As a result of their inaction, some of these houses have been torn down and some are continuing to be altered in inappropriate ways.
The P & Z should add “Historic Preservation overlay” to their assigned to do list. Nothing else is more important to preserve what we have left. This is the only way the Mayor and Commissioners can show that they REALLY intend to protect our “small town charm”.
Not everyone is against the condo project. And not everyone is closed minded about them and other new homes coming into the downtown area. Old and new can mix well together. And yes the citizens did finally realize they have to be involved, hence the election results.
The citizens voted for Joe because Joe campaigned on a “preserve the character and protect the environment” platform. In addition, Joe claimed that he is going to “downsize the condo project”. That is what the voters wanted, and so now we will see if he keeps his campaign promises.
The citizens voted for Joe because he had a platform and offered ideas moving toward the future. Not “Do Nothing” as a campaign promise. And you can preserve character and the environment. Sorry your election year was a bust but if you don’t move forward you are moving backwards. Make Safety Harbor Great!
Maryann, totally agree with your comments. We are extremely tired of hearing from Shelly schellenburg and Sharon mcauley. They need to move on. That is why Janet lost, no vision. Joe Ayoub has a vision for our city. That is why he won. Shelley and Sharon, stop beating the old drum. Your time is up, we all want to move on and we are tired of your same old beat and comments. Very boring. This city is going to be great! Love the new leadership!!! Even Andy Zodrow is on board. Grateful!
Sharon, we are tired of hearing your “old and worn out comments”. The condos were approved many, many years ago. Not even when Joe was in office. Get over it already. Most are tired of hearing your weary comments. Let’s move on already. Stop living in the PAST. Live in the present. The present is good. Things happen for a reason. Stop complaining of what should or could of been done. Safety Harbor is moving forward regardless. All you can do is state what the city has failed to do….sounds like a broken record.. We are bored of your comments. It’s a new day, the sun is rising and happiness abounds. Let’s move forward!
It is true, we have to live with the monstrosity condo being built in the middle of downtown. I can only hope our elected officials have learned to listen to the taxpaying voters, & not let that happen again. I know of no one who wanted it, & it certainly goes against our desire to keep our small town charm. We must not let developers & greed brain wash us. Looking around the county at other towns is a must to get ideas on how we want Safety Harbor to look. I have lived in SH for over 25 years. I have seen many improvements, like adding parks, our great library, the beautiful fountain across from the SPA, road improvements, & many more. We do need to attract more small businesses downtown, through tax incentives, & the media. Thanks Joe for listening to us.
Well, if you really want to know who wanted the 7 story condos, you only have to look as far as Joe Ayoub who said: “I think this project is good for the city.” . He stated his opinion in 2008 when he was voting on the 7 story condos as a commissioner. (his statement is recorded in the city commission videos) As for the Mayor assigning his campaign promise of “keeping Safety Harbor quaint” to the P&Z , Paul (comment above) is correct: “It would be like Donald Trump saying, “I want to make America great again but I want Congress put together a plan that tells us what that means.”” But now Joe is the Mayor, and we will all just have to wait out 3 years to see if he keeps his campaign promises, or gives in to the profit motive that drives the development pressure in every small cute little gem of a town.
Your entire argument is based on mistruth. How many people have to keep telling you Joe Ayoub did not vote for the 7 story condo? No matter how many times you tell the lie it is not going to make it true.
Mary Ann, why do you think the VIDEO is lying when it shows Joe Ayoub saying: “I think this project is good for the city” ? You can WATCH and LISTEN to the video from 2008. His comment was made during a city commission hearing on the condo….and a vote on the condo project. Your entire comment is based on your failure to acknowledge the fact that the video of the city commission meeting exists, or do you just believe “alternate facts”?
But he did NOT approve the condos! Fake news Shelly, fake news.
Tired of your comments, move on already. Regardless, who cares, condo project approved many years ago. The voters saw thru all the BS and elected Joe Ayoub as the mayor. This is what the PEOPLE of Safety Harbor want! They want a visionary leader.
I like what Capt Irvin had to say. I agree with all his points. I am only a part time resident from NC, but I have been a full time taxpayer for 22 years and have seen the Harbor bloom into the great little town it is today. When I bought my place the spa was white with a lot of green slime covering the walls across from the marina, there were plenty of boarded up storefronts, a couple of restaurants, no gazebo, no downtown market, a tiny library, no linear greenway, no fountain at the marina.
I had considered a move to Dunedin in 2007 but with the addition of the streetscape improvements along S Bayshore, Philippe Parkway and Main St., the potential of the waterfront park, the emergence as a dining and bar destination with Green Springs, Parts of Paris, Southern Fresh, Bar Fly, 8th Ave Pub, Brady’s, Marker 39, Nolan’s, Whistlestop all within an nine block area there’s no way I’m moving. This is a great place to live and visit and will only get better if naturally stimulated development is allowed to proceed.
I can tell you though having been in the commercial real estate business and member of municipal planning board that if city planners and policy makers treat developers willing to invest money in a community as adversaries playing defense rather than partnering up with these folks to come up with solutions rather than roadblocks the developers will take their money somewhere else and the city will strangle with rising costs and a declining tax base. Don’t kill the goose that layed the golden egg.
Thank you Paul. Agree 100%
One complaint I have is loud music.
It is hard to have a conversation on third Friday due to excessive volume of music.
Does anyone else agree about this?
Diane Trayling
Apparently, Citizen input isn’t being asked for. Isn’t it the the Planning Board, City Staff, and Commission who the ‘citizens’ have to fight regarding issues on the course of development? Maybe they should include them, the taxpayers, in their determinations and decisions of “what is best for Safety Harbor”.
I believe the Planning & Zoning Board is being tasked to develop a scope or framework for a tool(s) to help preserve SH’s charm. The broader community should absolutely be involved in defining what makes SH charming and the characteristics to be promoted by using the tool. It’s a great idea to have P&Z get the ball rolling. Those folks have relevant technical backgrounds and can ferret out the issues and opportunities for the City Commission (and the rest of us) to review and consider prior to adoption.
I believe the future success of SH is to make our community as walkable, bike friendly and electric golf cart as friendly as possible. We should continue to look for and create people frindley destinations, art and music venues and places that engage residents and visitors to enjoy and return many times for the enjoyable experiences.
My ideas;
Friendly; tourists sights and maps , shaded benches , public restrooms and water fountains
Walkable; A car parking facilities, with rental bike stations in approporate locations, inproved sidewalks and bike / pedestrian trails
Music; A fold down removable storm proof Band Shell in Water Front Park.
With a huge lawn for blankets and folding chairs concert events.
Engaging ; Canoe and Kayak rentals along with Deck boats for for groups or family tours and sunset cruises.
Sponsored ; Historic tours , Art tours, Nature tours , these could be van tours, bike tours, knack tours.
Dining; Promoted restaurant events that offer diners a chef specials on a weekly are monthly basis .
Community Art; paint every blank wall in the city with colorful creative murals.
Look no further that St Pete’s Center Street from DT to SR19′
Let’s make our city a Mecca for landscape architecture, colorful native plants, along all of our Street Scapes , look at the shopping center at Curlew& Sr19 around Perkins Restaurant.
We don’t have to reinvent SH but let’s all look at the best, most creative, most pleasing, most intresting places in our region and bring them here and express them in our own SH way. We have all the components let’s barrow the best out there and incorporate in pot our city, lm willing to do my share to help.
Capt. Ray R Irvin; member SH Zoning Board former Finance Board member.
Well said Captain!
Some great ideas, Ray!
Love the walkable ideas! Hoping one day in the near future we will see another downtown market.
Great ideas!
Great ideas!! I want to live in that town!
These are all absolutely awesome suggestions outlined very well. Especially some kind of band shell or stage – and why make it fold-down and temporary? Looks like there’s plenty of room to put a permanent stage there. All kinds of events could be held, movies, talent shows, bands, theater and other performers, the list goes on… Hats off to you for these great ideas!
The sun won’t shine thru a 7 story building. ugh…. Much mitigation is needed.
Another significant aspect of small town charm is the presence of viable owner operated businesses that would appeal to residents and tourists as well. A vibrant downtown needs a mix of shops, services, restaurants and offices to continue to draw a broad group of citizens on a regular basis. Let’s toast to making Safety Harbor a happening place?
What about the addition of the 7 story mega building under construction at Main Street and Bayshore Blvd? Who allowed this? And who thinks this is in keeping with Safety Harbors small town charm!? I agree with Brenda. Has the ” dye been cast” already?
Why do people keep harping on something that was approved many years ago and is a done deal?! That condo is, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your outlook, happening whether we like it or not. Lets look past that, and try to focus on ways we can preserve “small town charm” while still looking to the future of Safety Harbor and finding ways to both enhance the way we grow, and find common ground upon which to build new and interesting ways to enjoy where we live.
Oops….I think you mean… “The die is cast”
Julius Caesar… January 10, 49 B.C
I think we all want to preserve Safety Harbor’s small town charm, but IMO kicking it to the planning and zoning board would show a lack of leadership. It would be like Donald Trump saying, “I want to make America great again but I want Congress put together a plan that tells us what that means.” I’m OK with the mayor and commissioners getting input from the P&Z board and anyone else in Safety Harbor for that matter, but ultimately each one of them should come to the table with their vision of what it means to preserve Safety Harbor’s small town charm.
Seems to me the ship has already sailed, the genie is out of the bottle, the toothpaste can’t be put back in the tube.
I believe the “small town charm” is for downtown Main Street which has many buildings needing attention. Many buildings are in bad shape, not maintained/ignored, outdated and vacant for way too long. How wonderful to put positive energy into making downtown the best “Charming Downtown” in the area with new facades, new buildings (3story and under) to bring new businesses.
I agree with you, Desanya! I also think Safety Harbor should become, a Green City and become environmentally friendly!!!!!
Love the idea of upping our green game. St. Petersburg residents, businesses, and city government are doing a lot to be a greener community (http://www.stpete.org/sustainability/docs/2011_Green_St_Petersburg_web.pdf) and the city is starting work on a Green Action Plan. Perhaps we can get ideas from their process/plan.