APP2009-00001 - Countryside Christian Center Appeal - Letters - E-mailFrom: Tom Olney [tjolney@verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 10:24 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy Sports Court issue
There is an issue on the docket for the Community Development Board for the
Tuesday, April 21 meeting regarding a complaint filed against CCC / CCA
regarding their Sports Court.
As a parent of four children who attend Countryside Christian Academy, I
strongly support the school's desire to continue to use the basketball /
sports court. The court was built using funds raised primarily from
parents' donations. Additionally, the court is not illuminated so there are
no evening or night events that I'm aware of that would interfere with the
neighborhood. If normal use of an external facility during daylight hours
represents a legitimate claim of "loss of quality of life," then that would
be a dangerous precedent for the city and the entire county. There are many
noisy things that happen in neighborhoods during normal work hours that
could now be considered grounds for a complaint or suit.
Please, as an elected official from the good people of Clearwater, quickly
dispatch this questionable complaint from the "neighbors" of the Countryside
Christian Center and vote in favor of the children.
Tom Olney
Concerned citizen and Countryside Christian Academy parent
From: cattaylor@ij.net on behalf of cattaylor [cattaylor@ij.net]
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 6:46 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Petition for Basketball court
Thank you.
Teresa Taylor
From: Jordan, Scott
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 2:17 PM
To: Chesney, Ed; Doherty, Steve; Elbo, Bennett; Garriott, Kevin; Gluski, Roberta; Jackson, Matthew; Josuns, Sarah; Keller, James; Kurleman, Scott; Lee, Catherine; Lopez, Michael; Maciolek,
Melvin; Maran, Robert (Bob); Melone, Christopher; Melone, Donald; Patni, Himanshu; Ray, Renee; Reid, Debbie; Rickard, Leonard; Schultz, Edward; Scott, Fitzgerald; Sullivan, Robert "Scott";
Tefft, Robert; Vo, Phuong; Wagner, James; Walker, Jeff; Wells, Wayne
Subject: RESPONSE TO COMMENTS FOR BCP2009-02118 ADDRESS 2655 ENTERPRISE RD
Leroy Chinn brought in response to comments for landresources for the above permit and address.
Thanks
Scott E. Jordan
From: Christopher Pope [c_spope@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 1:31 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew; Delk, Michael; robert.teft@myclearwater.com
Subject: Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
Mr. Jackson, Mr. Delk, and Mr. Teft,
I am writing in regards to the hearing scheduled tomorrow (April 21) concerning the basketball court at Countryside Christian Center/Academy. It is my understanding that a neighbor or
neighbors believe that the court has caused them a loss of quality of life. I understand that basketball and school children can be noisy and may present some inconveniences. However,
this basketball court is an integral part of Countryside Christian Academy's (CCA) physical education and extra-curricular programs.
As a parent of two children whom attend CCA and as a pediatric nurse practitioner I am requesting that the basketball court be allowed to remain. Athletics and physical education are
important in teaching our children the benefits of exercise, teamwork, competition, and helps develop character. It is my opinion that the removal of this basketball court would result
in a loss of quality of education and quality of health for the children at CCA.
I understand that this court may cause some inconvenience for a few local residents and I would not advocate its use late at night, but I feel strongly that the benefits of this court
far exceed any inconveniences.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Pope
From: Christalyn Johnson [christalynj@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:42 AM
To: Robert.Teft@myclearwater.com; Delk, Michael; Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center and Academy - Sports Court
To Whom It May Concern,
I recently learned of an issue that has developed with the sports court at
Countryside Christian Center and Academy and how a neighbor of the
church/school is claiming that his quality of life has been diminished due
to the court. I am writing in support of the sport's court. My two sons
have been at the school since K3. They are now in 2nd and 5th grades. This
sports court has been great for the kids of the school and the church. My
oldest son was on the basketball team this year and the court gives them a
place to practice and play their games. The school also has an annual
sports day and it is convenient for those activities as well. It is a vital
part of the athletic program for the school. In addition, the parents and
students of the school helped cover the cost of the court through
fundraising (approx $20,000), and it would be a shame if all that hard work
was for nothing.
Although I don't know the specific complaint, I would assume it would be a
noise related complaint. However, the sports court doesn't cause
noise.....kids cause noise. And, I can't imagine the noise of our school is
any greater than that of the larger Paul B. Stephens school that is adjacent
to our school, which also has a playground near by. The noise caused by a
group of kids can only be controlled so much, and by living next to two
schools, noise is something that has to be expected.
As you hear arguments tomorrow, I hope that you will also consider the
increased quality of life that the sports court has brought to many kids so
far and how many it will effect in the future.
Thank you,
Christalyn Johnson
From: Shawn Johnson [tshawnjohnson@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:10 AM
To: Robert.Teft@MyClearwater.com; Delk, Michael; Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center and Academy - Sports Court
To Whom It May Concern,
I recently learned of an issue that has developed with the sports court at Countryside Christian Center and Academy and how a neighbor of the church/school is claiming that his quality
of life has been diminished due to the court. I am writing in support of the sport's court. My two sons have been at the school since K3. They are now in 2nd and 5th grades. This
sports court has been great for the kids of the school and the church. My oldest son was on the basketball team this year and the court gives them a place to practice and play their
games. The school also has an annual sports day and it is convenient for those activities as well. It is a vital part of the athletic program for the school. In addition, the parents
and students of the school helped cover the cost of the court through fundraising (approx $20,000), and it would be a shame if all that hard work was for nothing.
Although I don't know the specific complaint, I would assume it would be a noise related complaint. However, the sports court doesn't cause noise.....kids cause noise. And, I can't
imagine the noise of our school is any greater than that of the larger Paul B. Stephens school that is adjacent to our school, which also has a playground near by. The noise caused
by a group of kids can only be controlled so much, and by living next to two schools, noise is something that has to be expected.
As you hear arguments tomorrow, I hope that you will also consider the increased quality of life that the sports court has brought to many kids so far and how many it will effect in
the future.
Thank you,
Shawn Johnson
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 10:27 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Watkins, Sherry
Subject: FW: Countryside Christian Academy Sports Court issue
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Olney [mailto:tjolney@verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 10:25 AM
To: Delk, Michael
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy Sports Court issue
There is an issue on the docket for the Community Development Board for the Tuesday, April 21 meeting regarding a complaint filed against CCC / CCA regarding their Sports Court.
As a parent of four children who attend Countryside Christian Academy, I strongly support the school’s desire to continue to use the basketball / sports court. The court was built using
funds raised primarily from parents’ donations. Additionally, the court is not illuminated so there are no evening or night events that I’m aware of that would interfere with the neighborhood.
If normal use of an external facility during daylight hours represents a legitimate claim of “loss of quality of life,” then that would be a dangerous precedent for the city and the
entire county. There are many noisy things that happen in neighborhoods during normal work hours that could now be considered grounds for a complaint or suit.
Please, as an elected official from the good people of Clearwater, quickly dispatch this questionable complaint from the “neighbors” of the Countryside Christian Center and vote in favor
of the children.
Tom Olney
Concerned citizen and Countryside Christian Academy parent
From: Glenn Davis [geaan1@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 9:17 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew; Delk, Michael; robert.teft@myclearwater.com
Subject: Basketball Court
Dear Sirs
I am writing concerning the sports court at Countryside Christian Center. I am a parent of teens who attend the church and one child who also attends the academy. The sports court
is vital to our school physical education program and we are asking for your consideration in saving it. The students at the academy helped raise most of the funds to build this sports
court. We are willing to do what is necessary to make sure the neighbors are not disturbed at night but we need this court during the day. We are asking for you to come up with a reasonable
solution to this issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely
Elaine Davis
_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync.
http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1a_explore_042009
From: Scotti Vaughan [scottivaughan@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 8:48 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew; Delk, Michael; robert.teft@myclearwater.com
Cc: 'Lan Vaughan'
Subject: Countryside Christian Basketball Court
We would just like to express our support of Countryside Christian Academy
regarding the use of their basketball court. I feel that any neighbors who
have an issue with this should have addressed this during the planning
stages before the school was allowed to invest the money building the court.
Where were these residents when this went through the initial zoning
approval? It is not fair to the school and the students to withdraw the
basketball court after it has already been approved and built.
Scotti & Lan Vaughan
From: Tracy Clarke [gavinsmom99@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 12:54 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy's Basketball Court
Mr. Jackson,
We, as parents, have been informed of a local residents desire to have the basketball court at Countryside Christian Academy removed. We feel that our son, as well as all of the other
children at the school would suffer tremendously from the basketball court being removed. All children need to exert energy throughout the day with various activities. The basketball
court is an excellent vehicle for exercise as well as important life lessons such as good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Until last year, when our son started attending Countryside Christian Academy, he did not enjoy sports. Through the school and the coaches dedication, he now loves all sports, especially
basketball.
Please consider all of the benefits that the basketball court offers the children at Countryside Christian Academy. It is an excellent school which produces outstanding current and
future members of society.
Thank you for hearing our concerns,
Dane and Tracy Clarke
(727)729-0255
_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync.
http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1a_explore_042009
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 9:47 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Watkins, Sherry
Subject: FW: Countryside Christian Academy Basketball Court
Importance: High
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jessica Lopez [mailto:JLopez@seniorcaregroup.com]
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 9:43 AM
To: Delk, Michael
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy Basketball Court
Importance: High
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Jessica and my son attends Countryside Christian Academy. I was recently informed of the issues residents seem to have with our basketball court at the school. I do not see
the harm this causes the residents that reside by it. The court is so far back that it is not like its outside these residents doors.
I believe that our children who attend CCA’S school are entitled to have an outdoor court just like the rest of the schools in the area. The children need to become athletic and run
around just like every other child. If the court was to be taken away where are the children’s extracurricular activities or PE classes going to take place??? I believe that is not fair
to the children or the school if the court is taken away because of some residents believing that it actually invades their peace and quiet.
I take pride in my child’s education and I believe that allowing the children to have afterschool activities as well…. Helps the children make better choices throughout their life. I
appreciate your time and thank you for listening.
Thank you, Jessica Lopez
From: Jessica Lopez [JLopez@seniorcaregroup.com]
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 9:42 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy
Importance: High
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Jessica and my son attends Countryside Christian Academy. I was recently informed of the issues residents seem to have with our basketball court at the school. I do not see
the harm this causes the residents that reside by it. The court is so far back that it is not like its outside these residents doors.
I believe that our children who attend CCA'S school are entitled to have an outdoor court just like the rest of the schools in the area. The children need to become athletic and run
around just like every other child. If the court was to be taken away where are the children's extracurricular activities or PE classes going to take place??? I believe that is not fair
to the children or the school if the court is taken away because of some residents believing that it actually invades their peace and quiet.
I take pride in my child's education and I believe that allowing the children to have afterschool activities as well.... Helps the children make better choices throughout their life.
I appreciate your time and thank you for listening.
Thank you, Jessica Lopez
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 8:32 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Watkins, Sherry
Subject: FW: Please keep the basketball court at Countryside Christian Center
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Michele Austin [mailto:maustin4@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 7:48 PM
To: Delk, Michael
Subject: Please keep the basketball court at Countryside Christian Center
Dear Mr. Michael Delk,
I am a parent of two children attending CCA. I have been made aware there is a complaint concerning the basketball court. I wanted to voice my concerns over this matter.
The school has 150 students who daily use this basketball court as part of their PE and athletic activities. The only other outdoor facility is a playground for small children. In my
opinion this would be a travesty if we were forced to remove the basketball court. It is the major center for the physical activity for these children. Surely there is a solution to
this problem that could make all parties happy.
Sincerely,
Michele Austin
From: Michele Austin [maustin4@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 7:46 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Please keep the basketball court at Countryside Christian Academy
Dear Mr. Jackson,
I am a parent of two children attending CCA. I have been made aware there
is a complaint concerning the basketball court. I wanted to voice my
concerns over this matter.
The school has 150 students who daily use this basketball court as part of
their PE and athletic activities. The only other outdoor facility is a
playground for small children. In my opinion this would be a travesty if we
were forced to remove the basketball court. It is the major center for the
physical activity for these children. Surely there is a solution to this
problem that could make all parties happy.
Sincerely,
Michele Austin
From: John Wise [jwise2@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:55 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Basketball Court
I am a parent of a CCA student who does not even like basketball, however, I myself live a block away from a middle school where traffic and noise are a daily occurrence. It is part
of living in a community.
I cannot imagine anyone wanting to take a basketball court away from children at a school. People worked hard to afford it.
Thank-you
Liz Wise
From: Maureen Tocco [m.tocco@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:09 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew; Delk, Michael; robert.teft@myclearwater.com
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy Basketball Court
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing in regards to the basketball court located at Countryside Christian Center. It has come to my attention that a complaint has been filed by a nearby resident. It's my understanding
that he is claiming that he and his neighbors have a "loss of quality of life" due to the existence of the basketball court. I am unclear as to what life quality could be lost due to
a basketball court that is quite a bit of distance away from the neighboring homes.
My child attends Countryside Christian Academy and I am very concerned about the request to have the basketball court removed. I feel it is very important for children to be able to
participate in sports and activities. My son is a diabetic and exercise is imperative for maintaining good health, not to mention the life skills that are taught when participating
on a team.
In my opinion, it is an unreasonable request. The basketball court is not utilized at unreasonable hours. What exactly does the basketball court keep him from doing? There is quite
a bit of distance between the court and the neighboring homes. It is not unreasonable for children participating in sports to generate noise. I do not feel his claim can be substantiated.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
If you have any questions for if there is any other information I can provide I can be reached at 219-741-5053.
Sincerely,
Maureen Tocco
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 4:31 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew; Tefft, Robert
Subject: RE: 1850 McMullen Booth - Countryside Christian Center Appeal
Good. I talked to their Attorney and told him I would not object to the continuation.
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jackson, Matthew
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 2:41 PM
To: Tefft, Robert
Cc: Delk, Michael
Subject: 1850 McMullen Booth - Countryside Christian Center Appeal
I spoke a few minutes ago with Mr. Gaylor and they want to request a continuance due to the pastor not being able to attend the scheduled meeting. After checking the code (4-405.A.2)
and calling the Clerk's office it is apparent that they are able to make this request. The Clerk's office is looking into the proper procedure into the continuance submittal.
Also, Mr. Gaylor is requesting another meeting to discuss the issue again in attempt to resolve the issue without CDB.
Matt Jackson
Planning Department
(727) 562-4836
matthew.jackson@myclearwater.com
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 3:58 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center Appeal APP2009-00001
Please see attached a letter from Mike regarding the above referenced
project. Thank you.
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: chantelle herman [chantelle8299@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:41 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Good Morning Mr. Jackson,
I am writing to you as a concern parent. My daughter attends Countryside Christian Academy and there is a petition to have our basketball court removed. The kids and parents raised
money to have that installed at the school. To give the kids an opportunity to play a sport. I think it is ridiculous that somebody has that much time to complain about children playing
a game of basketball. Or even that any other sport. This is sports court is very vital to our school. If you take away this sports court then you might as well take away any other
sports court basketball court in every school in Pinellas County. And for the people they should find something better to do then complain about kids who are doing nothing wrong
Thank you
Chantelle Herman
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:40 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Watkins, Sherry
Subject: FW: Countryside Christian Academy - Sports Court
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Eichenberger, Tonya [mailto:eich1110@nuvox.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:37 AM
To: Delk, Michael
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy - Sports Court
Dear Mr. Delk,
My daughter attends Countryside Christian Academy and you are going to be hearing the case on April 21st. The sports court has been there for over 4 years and was paid for mostly by
the parents of the school - which is a lot of money so our kids could have something for PE and after school sports clubs. I hope that you can see that this one person (whom stands
by the exit with a camera all the time as we are dropping our children off - which is weird) - be the sole case for dramatically affecting the so many kids at our school. Thank you
for your kind consideration in this matter.
Regards,
Tonya A. Eichenberger
Regional Director of Account Management - N. FL Gulf Coast Region
_____
This email and any attachments ("Message") may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the addressee, or if this Message has been addressed to you
in error, you are not authorized to read, copy, or distribute it, and we ask that you please delete it (including all copies) and notify the sender by return email. Delivery of this
Message to any person other than the intended recipient(s) shall not be deemed a waiver of confidentiality and/or a privilege.
From: Eichenberger, Tonya [eich1110@nuvox.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:36 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy - Sports Court
Dear Mr. Jackson,
My daughter attends Countryside Christian Academy and you are going to be hearing the case on April 21st. The sports court has been there for over 4 years and was paid for mostly by
the parents of the school - which is a lot of money so our kids could have something for PE and after school sports clubs. I hope that you can see that this one person (whom stands
by the exit with a camera all the time as we are dropping our children off - which is weird) - be the sole case for dramatically affecting the so many kids at our school. Thank you
for your kind consideration in this matter.
Regards,
Tonya A. Eichenberger
Regional Director of Account Management - N. FL Gulf Coast Region
This email and any attachments ("Message") may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the addressee, or if this Message has been addressed to you
in error, you are not authorized to read, copy, or distribute it, and we ask that you please delete it (including all copies) and notify the sender by return email. Delivery of this
Message to any person other than the intended recipient(s) shall not be deemed a waiver of confidentiality and/or a privilege.
From: tbspurr@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:24 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: High Concern
I have been a City of Clearwater resident for 28 years and am highly disturbed that my own?town officials would even consider destroying a playground facility for our children at Countryside
Christian Academy for the purpose of one complaint.
My backyard is the basketball courts and I find it a privilege?and highly recommend a church that would reach out to our community to provide and access this to us at no expense.?My
son attends the school and much effort was put forth in fundraising to be able to build this for our school children.? It provides needed?exercise and improves their "quality of life".?
We need to put our children at the front of this situation.
I look forward for you dropping this case right now.? Thank you.
Teresa Spurr
1831 Oak Forest Dr. S.
Clearwater, FL? 33759
From: Bobby Spurr [comfortcarebob@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 8:53 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Basketball Courts @ Countryside Christian Center
Dear Mr. Jackson,
My property line backs up to the same side of the Countryside Christian
Center Parking lot and basketball court as the person that complained. The
complainer does not represent my neighborhood officially in any way. At no
time, have those courts been an inconvenience or disruption to me or our
family, and except for him, I have never heard any complaints from my other
neighbors. I think those courts are an very important asset to the
community.
Along with my family, I do attend that Church, and my kids and grandkids
attend that Academy, and use them daily. I would be very upset at this
injustice to see them disappear. A large sum was invested to improve the
quality of life and fitness for our children.
Our son owns the house next door to us, so we represent two houses that back
up to that property. I am sure you will hear from him also. Thank you.
Robert Spurr
1831 Oak Forest Dr. S.
Clearwater, FL 33759
From: Dee Calandra [dcalandra@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 8:43 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Basketball Court
What do these neighbors mean regarding "loss of quality of life"? I'm not aware of any school that doesn't have a basketball court. This is ridiculous.
Giulio Calandra
From: holly & yannis [hconte2@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 5:50 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Academy Basketball Courts
hi.
I am a parent of two children who attend CCA and am just appalled by the frivolous complaint regarding the school's basketball courts. These are an asset to the school and vital to
the athletic program as well as the physical education instruction the children receive during the school year. It is wonderful that we live in a state where outside activity can be
enjoyed by children year round. My children so enjoy their recess, PE and after school activities that take part on those very courts. I would ask that you would weigh the importance
of these courts to the children versus the silliness of the resident's complaint.
Sincerely,
Holly Conte
From: Cynthia Mackintosh [cynthia.mackintosh@mackintosh-family.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 4:34 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Basketball Court at CCA
Dear Mr. Jackson,
I am emailing this letter to you because I am begging you to consider
strongly
to keep the basketball court. I have two boys at the school
(Countryside Christian Academy) and every student utilizes that court. There
is nothing wrong with our children playing sports outside. Back when I was a
child, we use to play outside all the time. The children need physical
activity to combat obesity in the U.S. and they also need afterschool
programs to keep them off the streets.
Removing this basketball court would be detrimental to the children, since
they are used to playing on it every day (during and after school). Not just
that, but we as parents have worked VERY HARD to raise funds to pay for that
basketball court and that would be a shame.
Please accept this letter as my petition.
Thank you,
Mrs. Cynthia Mackintosh
CCA Parent
From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 7:00 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
Thank you
_____
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:10 PM
To: cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com
Subject: RE: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center
Basketball Court
Mr. Cutting: I have just been informed that we have procedures for providing
such letters to the CDB. Therefore, this letter will be forwarded to the
Board members.
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Cutting [mailto:cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 2:44 PM
To: Tefft, Robert; Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Silverboard, Jill; Delk, Michael; 'Cutting, Fred'; Kathy Cutting;
tpb10@verizon.net
Subject: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center
Basketball Court
PLEASE FORWARD TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBEERS. - THANK YOU
References
1) Pinellas County Letter dated 12 June 1989 to Countryside Christian
Center Inc. (attached)
2) Countryside Christian Center Violation of RPD-5 Zone Special
Exception and Board of Adjustment on Lighting Case No. BA-18-9-87
3) Countryside Christian Center SP#3029 Revised Final Site Plan dated
13 September 1989
Countryside Christian Center Inc. is located in a low density residential as
delineated on the Pinellas Comprehensive Land Use Plan (RPD-5). Countryside
Christian Center Inc. was granted a special exception to construct their
facility in a neighborhood where the homes average about 1000 feet off Mc
Mullen-Booth Road. (See attached photo) There are 21 homes with the
backyards, family rooms, and bedrooms adjacent to the church property. My
wife and I have lived in our home adjacent to the church property since 1972
as have many of our neighbors. And we request the Community Development
Board support the Planning Department Staff decision to force the removal of
the basketball court from its' current location.
CURRENT SITUATION
The thump, thump, thump of the basketball and the associated yelling goes on
well past 10:30 at night. The 40 foot tall light poles with four 400 watt
high intensity halogen lamps each (i.e. 3200 watts) provide more than enough
light for 'midnight basketball' as Pastor Gannon coined it. He told me on
our initial meeting, more than a year ago, that the basketball court was to
be an evangelism outreach tool for the church. I mentioned to him; "It is at
the expense of the neighbors." I haven't seen any church officials out there
at the late night games. Up until a couple of months ago these ten 400 watt
high intensity halogen lights were on all night long - with the same candle
power as sixty street lights and in our backyards. And the lights are still
on all night occasionally.
I would hope Countryside Christian Center could find a place inside for the
basketball court. First Lutheran of Clearwater, 1644 Nursery Road has K-8
school and we built a gymnasium about four years ago. It is attached to the
other church buildings and therefore not interfering with the neighbor's
peace and quiet. Likewise Calvary Baptist has a gym integrated with their
school building. At Countryside Christian Center there was a school
sponsored basketball game on a recent Friday evening. About 100 folding
chairs were set up. The yelling and cheering is a healthy thing in an area
designed for it. But it was very disruptive to our dinner on our lanai which
is about a thousand feet off McMullen-Booth. This basketball court is a year
around attractive nuisance - especially in the summer. We hear the
basketballs bouncing, thump, thump, thump, in the dark, and the associated
yelling well after 10 PM in the summer.
If you were a drug pusher could you be given a better place to 'set up
shop?' The law enforcement patrols the public streets and do not come a 1000
feet off these streets to look behind a church. And even if they were to
come back there, you could see them in plenty of time to 'clean up your act'
before they could get to you. At the High Point YMCA where I've been a Board
member since 1997 we had to fence in our facility because of the 'midnight
basketball.' The dual purpose use in this case does not allow fencing the
basketball court.
HISTORY
In our opinion Countryside Christian Center has not been a good neighbor
since the original construction in the late 1980's. Before construction was
completed on their second building Countryside Christian Center had erected
nine forty foot poles behind the church buildings (west of) without the
required permits. The poles supported multiple 400 watt high intensity
halogen light fixtures- most with four fixtures per pole. The power in these
lights exceeded 14,000 watts. When they were turned on we could easily read
a newspaper all night long in all our back yards.
Reference 1, attached, is the letter that was part of the Pinellas County
Board of Adjustment decision on the violation sited in reference 2. An
important element in the letter portion of reference 2 was the lights were
to be turned off at night. This was never done, for nineteen years, until
well after we discovered the letter with the aid of Mr. Al Navaroli of the
Pinellas County Planning Department. We presented it to the City Planning
Department. Now one of the five lights on the 12 foot poles is turned off
and the ten halogens on 35 foot lights are turned off after 11 PM - most
nights. Below we've listed other violations to the conditions in reference 1
and the Final Site Plan #3029:
1) Shortly after the COO was issued they replaced 70 watt low intensity
sodium elements in the five 12 foot poles with high intensity halogen
elements.
2) All five 12 foot lights are on all night every night and at least
center 40 foot pole with four 400 watt halogen elements are on all night.
3) Two of the six poles the church agreed to remove, and did remove,
have been replaced in 2007. (Clearwater Planning Department forced the
removal of these two poles about a month ago)
More recently, the basketball court adjacent to our backyards was built
without any permitting and in violation of their special exception zoning.
Clearwater staff and the neighbors should have no guilt about forcing the
relocation of the illegally located basketball court. Countryside Christian
Center has a history of ignoring the governmental permitting process and
neighborhood well being. And we might add with some success! They have ten
high intensity 400 watt halogen lights on three poles. Had they gone through
the permitting process would Pinellas County have allowed that?
Responsibility for the additional costs of removing the two thirty five foot
light poles and the cost of moving the basketball court rest squarely with
the church officials who have chosen to ignore the governmental parking
requirements, permitting process, Pinellas County Board of Adjustment, and
the grace of the county to give them the special exception to this low
density zoned residential neighborhood in the first place. And that does not
consider the loss of quality of life for many neighbors for these many
years.
Thank you
Fred & Kathy Cutting
.
From: Fresk, Sheryl
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 1:02 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: FLS2009-01002
<<AERIAL.doc>> <<EXISTING.doc>> <<LOCATION.doc>> <<ZONING.doc>>
-----Original Message-----
From: Jackson, Matthew
Sent: Friday, April 03, 2009 10:01 AM
To: Fresk, Sheryl
Cc: Herman, Jason
Subject: RE: FLS2009-01002
Please see attached for the updated map request.
Thanks!
<< File: Map Request Form.doc >>
-----Original Message-----
From: Fresk, Sheryl
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 4:40 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FLS2009-01002
Matt, don't forget to send me an updated map request for this case.
Thank you
Sheryl A. Fresk
GIS Tech-Engineering
City of Clearwater
(727) 562-4763
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 11:13 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FW: Countryside Christian Center
Importance: High
Matt,
Just following up on status.
Thanks,
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 12:11 PM
To: 'Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com'
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Matt,
Does the City have any acoustic levels as maximum limits for anything
including basketball courts.
Mike
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 11:17 AM
To: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
Cc: michael.delk@MyClearwater.com; Robert.Tefft@MyClearwater.com
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Mr. Gaylor: I spoke with Sherry in our office who handles such matters as
getting customers public documents such as DRC tapes and she either has or
is going to contact you.
With regard to your question on acoustic levels and new development, it is
our position that better site planning could have been used in order to
ensure the acoustic levels of the basketball court use would not disturb the
surrounding neighbors.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:19 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Importance: High
Matt,
Please see the attached letter from Mike.
Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: Fresk, Sheryl
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 4:40 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FLS2009-01002
Matt, don't forget to send me an updated map request for this case.
Thank you
Sheryl A. Fresk
GIS Tech-Engineering
City of Clearwater
(727) 562-4763
From: Watkins, Sherry
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:27 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: 1850 McMullen Booth - Submitting Documents to the CDB
Matt All you need to do is make me a copy of the letter and hand it in I will handle the rest.
Thanks
Sherry Watkins
Administrative Analyst
Planning Department
727-562-4582
-----Original Message-----
From: Jackson, Matthew
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:23 PM
To: Watkins, Sherry
Cc: Tefft, Robert
Subject: 1850 McMullen Booth - Submitting Documents to the CDB
Sherry: A citizen requested that I submit a letter to the CDB members for an upcoming appeal. (April 21st meeting). What is the proper procedure to do so?
Thank you
Matt Jackson
Planning Department
(727) 562-4836
matthew.jackson@myclearwater.com
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:23 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
I think we have informed the church about their obligation under prior approval and I believe Robert put notes in Permit Plan to that effect. Church is supposed to be on notice about
compliance.
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jackson, Matthew
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:21 PM
To: Delk, Michael
Subject: RE: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
Had planned on it and thanks again.
Just for my knowledge, I understand that his issue specifically with the basketball court will be pertinent at the upcoming CDB appeal, but won't the light watt issue be dealt with during
building inspection?
-----Original Message-----
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:20 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
Matt - Check with Robert and Sherry as to how these are handled.
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jackson, Matthew
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 3:10 PM
To: 'Fred Cutting'
Subject: RE: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
Mr. Cutting: I have just been informed that we have procedures for providing such letters to the CDB. Therefore, this letter will be forwarded to the Board members.
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Cutting [mailto:cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 2:44 PM
To: Tefft, Robert; Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Silverboard, Jill; Delk, Michael; 'Cutting, Fred'; Kathy Cutting; tpb10@verizon.net
Subject: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
PLEASE FORWARD TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBEERS. - THANK YOU
References
1) Pinellas County Letter dated 12 June 1989 to Countryside Christian Center Inc. (attached)
2) Countryside Christian Center Violation of RPD-5 Zone Special Exception and Board of Adjustment on Lighting Case No. BA-18-9-87
3) Countryside Christian Center SP#3029 Revised Final Site Plan dated 13 September 1989
Countryside Christian Center Inc. is located in a low density residential as delineated on the Pinellas Comprehensive Land Use Plan (RPD-5). Countryside Christian Center Inc. was granted
a special exception to construct their facility in a neighborhood where the homes average about 1000 feet off Mc Mullen-Booth Road. (See attached photo) There are 21 homes with the backyards,
family rooms, and bedrooms adjacent to the church property. My wife and I have lived in our home adjacent to the church property since 1972 as have many of our neighbors. And we request
the Community Development Board support the Planning Department Staff decision to force the removal of the basketball court from its' current location.
CURRENT SITUATION
The thump, thump, thump of the basketball and the associated yelling goes on well past 10:30 at night. The 40 foot tall light poles with four 400 watt high intensity halogen lamps each
(i.e. 3200 watts) provide more than enough light for 'midnight basketball' as Pastor Gannon coined it. He told me on our initial meeting, more than a year ago, that the basketball court
was to be an evangelism outreach tool for the church. I mentioned to him; "It is at the expense of the neighbors." I haven't seen any church officials out there at the late night games.
Up until a couple of months ago these ten 400 watt high intensity halogen lights were on all night long - with the same candle power as sixty street lights and in our backyards. And
the lights are still on all night occasionally.
I would hope Countryside Christian Center could find a place inside for the basketball court. First Lutheran of Clearwater, 1644 Nursery Road has K-8 school and we built a gymnasium
about four years ago. It is attached to the other church buildings and therefore not interfering with the neighbor's peace and quiet. Likewise Calvary Baptist has a gym integrated with
their school building. At Countryside Christian Center there was a school sponsored basketball game on a recent Friday evening. About 100 folding chairs were set up. The yelling and
cheering is a healthy thing in an area designed for it. But it was very disruptive to our dinner on our lanai which is about a thousand feet off McMullen-Booth. This basketball court
is a year around attractive nuisance - especially in the summer. We hear the basketballs bouncing, thump, thump, thump, in the dark, and the associated yelling well after 10 PM in the
summer.
If you were a drug pusher could you be given a better place to 'set up shop?' The law enforcement patrols the public streets and do not come a 1000 feet off these streets to look behind
a church. And even if they were to come back there, you could see them in plenty of time to 'clean up your act' before they could get to you. At the High Point YMCA where I've been a
Board member since 1997 we had to fence in our facility because of the 'midnight basketball.' The dual purpose use in this case does not allow fencing the basketball court.
HISTORY
In our opinion Countryside Christian Center has not been a good neighbor since the original construction in the late 1980's. Before construction was completed on their second building
Countryside Christian Center had erected nine forty foot poles behind the church buildings (west of) without the required permits. The poles supported multiple 400 watt high intensity
halogen light fixtures- most with four fixtures per pole. The power in these lights exceeded 14,000 watts. When they were turned on we could easily read a newspaper all night long in
all our back yards.
Reference 1, attached, is the letter that was part of the Pinellas County Board of Adjustment decision on the violation sited in reference 2. An important element in the letter portion
of reference 2 was the lights were to be turned off at night. This was never done, for nineteen years, until well after we discovered the letter with the aid of Mr. Al Navaroli of the
Pinellas County Planning Department. We presented it to the City Planning Department. Now one of the five lights on the 12 foot poles is turned off and the ten halogens on 35 foot lights
are turned off after 11 PM - most nights. Below we've listed other violations to the conditions in reference 1 and the Final Site Plan #3029:
1) Shortly after the COO was issued they replaced 70 watt low intensity sodium elements in the five 12 foot poles with high intensity halogen elements.
2) All five 12 foot lights are on all night every night and at least center 40 foot pole with four 400 watt halogen elements are on all night.
3) Two of the six poles the church agreed to remove, and did remove, have been replaced in 2007. (Clearwater Planning Department forced the removal of these two poles about a month
ago)
More recently, the basketball court adjacent to our backyards was built without any permitting and in violation of their special exception zoning.
Clearwater staff and the neighbors should have no guilt about forcing the relocation of the illegally located basketball court. Countryside Christian Center has a history of ignoring
the governmental permitting process and neighborhood well being. And we might add with some success! They have ten high intensity 400 watt halogen lights on three poles. Had they gone
through the permitting process would Pinellas County have allowed that? Responsibility for the additional costs of removing the two thirty five foot light poles and the cost of moving
the basketball court rest squarely with the church officials who have chosen to ignore the governmental parking requirements, permitting process, Pinellas County Board of Adjustment,
and the grace of the county to give them the special exception to this low density zoned residential neighborhood in the first place. And that does not consider the loss of quality of
life for many neighbors for these many years.
Thank you
Fred & Kathy Cutting
.
From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 2:44 PM
To: Tefft, Robert; Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Silverboard, Jill; Delk, Michael; 'Cutting, Fred'; Kathy Cutting; tpb10@verizon.net
Subject: Problems with the Location of the Countryside Christian Center Basketball Court
PLEASE FORWARD TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEMBEERS. – THANK YOU
References
1) Pinellas County Letter dated 12 June 1989 to Countryside Christian Center Inc. (attached)
2) Countryside Christian Center Violation of RPD-5 Zone Special Exception and Board of Adjustment on Lighting Case No. BA-18-9-87
3) Countryside Christian Center SP#3029 Revised Final Site Plan dated 13 September 1989
Countryside Christian Center Inc. is located in a low density residential as delineated on the Pinellas Comprehensive Land Use Plan (RPD-5). Countryside Christian Center Inc. was granted
a special exception to construct their facility in a neighborhood where the homes average about 1000 feet off Mc Mullen-Booth Road. (See attached photo) There are 21 homes with the backyards,
family rooms, and bedrooms adjacent to the church property. My wife and I have lived in our home adjacent to the church property since 1972 as have many of our neighbors. And we request
the Community Development Board support the Planning Department Staff decision to force the removal of the basketball court from its’ current location.
CURRENT SITUATION
The thump, thump, thump of the basketball and the associated yelling goes on well past 10:30 at night. The 40 foot tall light poles with four 400 watt high intensity halogen lamps each
(i.e. 3200 watts) provide more than enough light for ‘midnight basketball’ as Pastor Gannon coined it. He told me on our initial meeting, more than a year ago, that the basketball court
was to be an evangelism outreach tool for the church. I mentioned to him; “It is at the expense of the neighbors.” I haven’t seen any church officials out there at the late night games.
Up until a couple of months ago these ten 400 watt high intensity halogen lights were on all night long – with the same candle power as sixty street lights and in our backyards. And
the lights are still on all night occasionally.
I would hope Countryside Christian Center could find a place inside for the basketball court. First Lutheran of Clearwater, 1644 Nursery Road has K-8 school and we built a gymnasium
about four years ago. It is attached to the other church buildings and therefore not interfering with the neighbor’s peace and quiet. Likewise Calvary Baptist has a gym integrated with
their school building. At Countryside Christian Center there was a school sponsored basketball game on a recent Friday evening. About 100 folding chairs were set up. The yelling and
cheering is a healthy thing in an area designed for it. But it was very disruptive to our dinner on our lanai which is about a thousand feet off McMullen-Booth. This basketball court
is a year around attractive nuisance – especially in the summer. We hear the basketballs bouncing, thump, thump, thump, in the dark, and the associated yelling well after 10 PM in the
summer.
If you were a drug pusher could you be given a better place to ‘set up shop?’ The law enforcement patrols the public streets and do not come a 1000 feet off these streets to look behind
a church. And even if they were to come back there, you could see them in plenty of time to ‘clean up your act’ before they could get to you. At the High Point YMCA where I’ve been a
Board member since 1997 we had to fence in our facility because of the ‘midnight basketball.’ The dual purpose use in this case does not allow fencing the basketball court.
HISTORY
In our opinion Countryside Christian Center has not been a good neighbor since the original construction in the late 1980’s. Before construction was completed on their second building
Countryside Christian Center had erected nine forty foot poles behind the church buildings (west of) without the required permits. The poles supported multiple 400 watt high intensity
halogen light fixtures- most with four fixtures per pole. The power in these lights exceeded 14,000 watts. When they were turned on we could easily read a newspaper all night long in
all our back yards.
Reference 1, attached, is the letter that was part of the Pinellas County Board of Adjustment decision on the violation sited in reference 2. An important element in the letter portion
of reference 2 was the lights were to be turned off at night. This was never done, for nineteen years, until well after we discovered the letter with the aid of Mr. Al Navaroli of the
Pinellas County Planning Department. We presented it to the City Planning Department. Now one of the five lights on the 12 foot poles is turned off and the ten halogens on 35 foot lights
are turned off after 11 PM – most nights. Below we’ve listed other violations to the conditions in reference 1 and the Final Site Plan #3029:
1) Shortly after the COO was issued they replaced 70 watt low intensity sodium elements in the five 12 foot poles with high intensity halogen elements.
2) All five 12 foot lights are on all night every night and at least center 40 foot pole with four 400 watt halogen elements are on all night.
3) Two of the six poles the church agreed to remove, and did remove, have been replaced in 2007. (Clearwater Planning Department forced the removal of these two poles about a month
ago)
More recently, the basketball court adjacent to our backyards was built without any permitting and in violation of their special exception zoning.
Clearwater staff and the neighbors should have no guilt about forcing the relocation of the illegally located basketball court. Countryside Christian Center has a history of ignoring
the governmental permitting process and neighborhood well being. And we might add with some success! They have ten high intensity 400 watt halogen lights on three poles. Had they gone
through the permitting process would Pinellas County have allowed that? Responsibility for the additional costs of removing the two thirty five foot light poles and the cost of moving
the basketball court rest squarely with the church officials who have chosen to ignore the governmental parking requirements, permitting process, Pinellas County Board of Adjustment,
and the grace of the county to give them the special exception to this low density zoned residential neighborhood in the first place. And that does not consider the loss of quality of
life for many neighbors for these many years.
Thank you
Fred & Kathy Cutting
.
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 11:56 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Rev Glen Gammon; Jon Moore
Subject: CCC
Matt,
Please see the attached letter from Mike.
Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 10:32 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Matt,
Please see the attached letter from Mike.
Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 12:11 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Matt,
Does the City have any acoustic levels as maximum limits for anything
including basketball courts.
Mike
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764
State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 11:17 AM
To: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
Cc: michael.delk@MyClearwater.com; Robert.Tefft@MyClearwater.com
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Mr. Gaylor: I spoke with Sherry in our office who handles such matters as
getting customers public documents such as DRC tapes and she either has or
is going to contact you.
With regard to your question on acoustic levels and new development, it is
our position that better site planning could have been used in order to
ensure the acoustic levels of the basketball court use would not disturb the
surrounding neighbors.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:19 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Importance: High
Matt,
Please see the attached letter from Mike.
Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 11:08 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew; Tefft, Robert
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Basic issue is site planning.
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jackson, Matthew
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 8:31 AM
To: Tefft, Robert
Cc: Delk, Michael
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Mr. Gaylor requested clarification on acoustic levels with regard to development. It is my understanding that the issue we have with the basketball court is simply poor choice of location
with close proximity to the neighbors. And also that no noise mitigation was provided.
Let me know your thoughts so I can provide Mr. Gaylor the correct information.
Thank you
Matt Jackson
Planning Department
(727) 562-4836
matthew.jackson@myclearwater.com
From: Tefft, Robert
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 8:51 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Watkins, Sherry
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Absolutely.
Sherry, how do we handle such requests?
-----Original Message-----
From: Jackson, Matthew
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 8:13 AM
To: Tefft, Robert
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Mr. Gaylor would like a copy of the DRC tape. Is this possible?
Matt Jackson
Planning Department
(727) 562-4836
matthew.jackson@myclearwater.com
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:19 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Importance: High
Matt,
Please see the attached letter from Mike.
Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 3:28 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Importance: High
Matt,
Please see a 2nd letter from Mike regarding C.C.C. Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 7:54 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Yes please send an e-copy to me. And Thanks
Fred Cutting 412 3777
_____
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 8:15 AM
To: cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
I am preparing it today. Shoot me a reminder email this afternoon or
tomorrow morning as a reminder and I will email it to you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Cutting [mailto:cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 3:17 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: 'Fred Cutting'; Kathy Cutting
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center
Thank you for keeping me informed. How can I get a copy of the Planning
Department decision?
_____
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 2:19 PM
To: cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
The applicant has decided to file and appeal with the CDB meeting on April
21st. With regard to the lighting concerns you have, during the inspection
period for certificate of occupancy, the issue will be addressed.
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 8:33 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center (FLS2009-01002)
Matt,
I assume we will get a determination on all of our flexible standard
submittal. If not, please advise.
Regards,
Mike
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylorlb@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 3:51 PM
To: Mike Gaylor
Subject: FW: Countryside Christian Center (FLS2009-01002)
Larry Bean
Gaylor Engineering
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
Office: 813-949-5599
Fax : 813-949-0818
Email: gaylorlb@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 3:38 PM
To: gaylorlb@tampabay.rr.com
Cc: michael.delk@MyClearwater.com; Robert.Tefft@MyClearwater.com
Subject: Countryside Christian Center (FLS2009-01002)
Mr. Gaylor: We appreciate and understand the church's position on the
basketball court from its purpose as an educational facility. However,
planning staff has made the determination that we will be governed by the
approved site plan which indicates an established and delineated parking
area utilized for meeting minimum required parking for the facility. Of
course, if the church decides to relocate the basketball court, planning
staff is ready and able to work with you through that process. Please note
that as we discussed we will work with you to ensure use of the new facility
prior to the Easter weekend notwithstanding what ever building code related
issues there may be that must be completed prior to occupancy.
Matt Jackson
Planning Department
(727) 562-4836
matthew.jackson@myclearwater.com
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 3:33 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Matt - I made some suggested changes.
Mr. Gaylor: We appreciate and understand the church’s position on the basketball court from its purpose as a physical and educational facility, an outreach tool and dual use as parking.
However, planning staff has made the determination that the approved site plan should have been amended to approve the basketball court and location. The church can appeal this decision
to the Community Development Board (CDB) and the planning department will provide assistance as needed. Of course, if the church decides to relocate the basketball court, planning staff
is ready and able to work with you through that process. Please note that as we discussed the planning department will not impeded the church from opening its doors prior to Easter.
As long as the Building Department does not have any issues, we will ensure the church opening on time through a temporary certificate of occupancy.
Mr. Gaylor: We appreciate and understand the church’s position on the basketball court from its purpose as an educational facility. However, planning staff has made the determination
that we will be governed by the approved site plan which indicates an established and delineated parking area utilized for meeting minimum required parking for the facility. Of course,
if the church decides to relocate the basketball court, planning staff is ready and able to work with you through that process. Please note that as we discussed we will work with you
to ensure use of the new facility prior to the Easter weekend notwithstanding what ever building code related issues there may be that must be completed prior to occupancy.
The church can appeal this decision to the Community Development Board (CDB) and the planning department will provide assistance as needed.
From: Delk, Michael
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 10:36 AM
To: Tefft, Robert
Cc: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FW: Countryside Christian Center Back Area Lighting & Basketball Court
If this is part of their original approval we probably need to address it as well.
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Cutting [mailto:cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 7:06 AM
To: Tefft, Robert; Jackson, Matthew; Delk, Michael
Cc: Garriott, Kevin; Silverboard, Jill; Clayton, Gina; 'Fred Cutting'; 'Kathy Cutting'; tpb10@verizon.net
Subject: Countryside Christian Center Back Area Lighting & Basketball Court
Reference: Countryside Christian Center Violation of RPD-5 Zone Special Exception and Board of Adjustment Case No. BA-18-9-87
Thank you for your decisions with respect to these issues. Thanks for your steadfast support of this position in light of the vigorous opposition from the builder. Two of the six-forty
foot poles removed in 1989 and returned in 2007 have been removed again – thanks to your efforts. Also thanks to you for getting most of the parking lot lights off most nights for the
last couple of months.
We feel very fortunate for, and appreciative of, the work you have done to date and, therefore, hesitate to ask about the following. Also we are not sure your written decision is the
correct venue for addressing the following issues. If this needs to be handled in a different way or at a different time that is acceptable to us. In any case the genesis of these questions
relate to the Pinellas County Commissioner’s Letter dated 12 June 1989 as a result of the above referenced violation.
Item one in this letter requires the lights on the twelve foot poles to be low intensity 70 watt sodium lamps. Shortly after Countryside Christian Center received their Certificate of
Occupancy for their then new education building these 70 watt sodium lamps were replaced with much higher wattage mercury vapor of halogen lamps. We would like the 70 watt sodium lamps
returned. Secondly item three requires all parking lot lights be turned off after hours. With the rare exception of Christmas Eve services we have never seen a service scheduled beyond
9 PM. Hence we would request these lights be turned off after hours as required by the county in 1989. This has never been done with all the parking lot lights. In the last couple of
months one of the twelve foot pole lights has been shut off after about 10:30 PM and the ten 400 watt high intensity lamps on the three poles behind the church have been turned off most
nights. But with the exception of the one mentioned the twelve foot lamps have been on all night every night for almost twenty years.
Finally one additional thought about the late night basketball games. They would be an excellent cover for drug marketing or any other illegal activity targeted to the youth. With the
courts well hidden from the normal patrol routes of law enforcement it has to be an attractive option to any drug pusher.
From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 7:06 AM
To: Tefft, Robert; Jackson, Matthew; Delk, Michael
Cc: Garriott, Kevin; Silverboard, Jill; Clayton, Gina; 'Fred Cutting'; 'Kathy Cutting'; tpb10@verizon.net
Subject: Countryside Christian Center Back Area Lighting & Basketball Court
Reference: Countryside Christian Center Violation of RPD-5 Zone Special
Exception and Board of Adjustment Case No. BA-18-9-87
Thank you for your decisions with respect to these issues. Thanks for your
steadfast support of this position in light of the vigorous opposition from
the builder. Two of the six-forty foot poles removed in 1989 and returned in
2007 have been removed again - thanks to your efforts. Also thanks to you
for getting most of the parking lot lights off most nights for the last
couple of months.
We feel very fortunate for, and appreciative of, the work you have done to
date and, therefore, hesitate to ask about the following. Also we are not
sure your written decision is the correct venue for addressing the following
issues. If this needs to be handled in a different way or at a different
time that is acceptable to us. In any case the genesis of these questions
relate to the Pinellas County Commissioner's Letter dated 12 June 1989 as a
result of the above referenced violation.
Item one in this letter requires the lights on the twelve foot poles to be
low intensity 70 watt sodium lamps. Shortly after Countryside Christian
Center received their Certificate of Occupancy for their then new education
building these 70 watt sodium lamps were replaced with much higher wattage
mercury vapor of halogen lamps. We would like the 70 watt sodium lamps
returned. Secondly item three requires all parking lot lights be turned off
after hours. With the rare exception of Christmas Eve services we have never
seen a service scheduled beyond 9 PM. Hence we would request these lights be
turned off after hours as required by the county in 1989. This has never
been done with all the parking lot lights. In the last couple of months one
of the twelve foot pole lights has been shut off after about 10:30 PM and
the ten 400 watt high intensity lamps on the three poles behind the church
have been turned off most nights. But with the exception of the one
mentioned the twelve foot lamps have been on all night every night for
almost twenty years.
Finally one additional thought about the late night basketball games. They
would be an excellent cover for drug marketing or any other illegal activity
targeted to the youth. With the courts well hidden from the normal patrol
routes of law enforcement it has to be an attractive option to any drug
pusher.
From: Denise Groesbeck [dmgroesbeck@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 05, 2009 8:52 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: FLS2009-01002
Matt: Thank you for taking the time to respond to my e-mail. I have no further questions. Denise
Subject: RE: FLS2009-01002
Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 08:16:41 -0500
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
To: dmgroesbeck@hotmail.com
You can view the plans here at our office between the hours of 8-4:30 Monday thru Friday except on Wednesday when we close for customer service at 2:30. The plans submitted did call
for the after the fact permit of two 35-foot light poles, but these have been removed from the property. Also, the application request involved the after the fact permit of an outdoor
basketball court and additional parking (29 spaces). Both of these are existing and located on the south west portion of the property.
Feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns.
Matt Jackson
727-562-4836
-----Original Message-----
From: Denise Groesbeck [mailto:dmgroesbeck@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 9:54 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FLS2009-01002
Matthew: My husband and I just returned from vacation and saw your notice of filing regarding this project. I attempted to access information about the project from your website, but
was unable to find any information using the search function. I am concerned about the potential for increased traffic in turning onto McMullen Booth from our neighborhood across the
street from the church. I am also concerned about how the additional lighting at the church will impact our backyards. From your notice, I was unable to ascertain where the parking
and additional lighting would be located relative to the church and the proposed basketball court. I assume that a site plan with these locations marked is available on the Clearwater
website as part of an agenda package. Can you please direct me to the link to find this information or send me a pdf copy of the plan so that I can determine if my concerns are justified?
Thank you for your assistance.
Denise Groesbeck
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From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 8:23 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Garriott, Kevin; Silverboard, Jill; micheal.delk@myclearwater.com; Tefft, Robert; Clayton, Gina; 'Fred Cutting'; 'Kathy Cutting'
Subject: LAST NIGHTS LATE NIGHT BASKETBALL AT COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN CENTER
Thump, thump, thump of the basketball and the associated yelling well past
10:30 last night. The center 40 light pole with four 400 watt high intensity
halogen lamps (i.e. 1600 watts) provide more than enough light for 'midnight
basketball' as Pastor Gannon coined it. He told me on our initial meeting,
more than a year ago, that the basketball court was to be an evangelism
outreach tool for the church. I mentioned "It is at the expense of the
neighbors." And the lights were still on at 2:20 AM - the last time I looked
last night.
From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 3:11 PM
To: Delk, Michael
Cc: Jackson, Matthew; tpb10@verizon.com; 'Fred Cutting'
Subject: RE: Requested Phone Call
That is true with reservation. I feel that church has abused the situation
by doing these things on their back property without obtaining the proper
permits. It is more important to get the light out but the nuisance is still
real.
That is if I can only have one thing then it would be get the light
situation back to what the county had required. But that still rewards the
church administration with 1/3 the lights and all the basketball court for
violating the law and being grossly inconsiderate.
_____
From: michael.delk@MyClearwater.com [mailto:michael.delk@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 8:22 AM
To: cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com
Subject: RE: Requested Phone Call
Mr. Cutting - When we met much earlier on this, you had indicated that the
court was acceptable in that location if not lit for night play.
Michael L. Delk, AICP
Planning Director
City of Clearwater, Florida
myclearwater.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Cutting [mailto:cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 8:18 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Garriott, Kevin; Silverboard, Jill; Delk, Michael; Tefft, Robert;
Clayton, Gina; 'Fred Cutting'; 'Kathy Cutting'; tpb10@verizon.net
Subject: Requested Phone Call
We did not get together by phone today. In Friday's message I mentioned the
two 40 foot poles were removed Friday. That is a good start. We want to see
the 70 watt sodium elements returned to the 12 foot poles and all lights on
poles shut off at 10 PM.
We also want to see the basketball court moved inside or moved to the
commercial area along McMullen-Booth. (Details in last Friday's email)
When is the meeting scheduled for on Thursday the 5th of March?
From: ajbnar@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 2:37 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: 1850 mcmullen booth road
________________________________
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From: Tefft, Robert
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 9:25 AM
To: Delk, Michael
Cc: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FW: CCC Basket ball Court
Importance: High
Michael:
I will be out of the office tomorrow at training, and Thursday is the DRC meeting for this case. We should meet today to discuss this - when would you be available?
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 9:16 AM
To: Tefft, Robert; Delk, Michael
Subject: FW: CCC Basket ball Court
Importance: High
Gentlemen,
Please see the attached photos regarding the Countryside Christian Center.
Thank you,
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Moore [mailto:JonMoore@moore2design.com]
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 8:18 PM
To: Mike Gaylor
Cc: Glen Gammon; Vicki Moore
Subject: CCC Basket ball Court
Mike,
Attached are the photo's!!
Warmest regards,
Jon Moore
From: Tefft, Robert
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 9:24 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FW: CCC Basket ball Court
Importance: High
FYI
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 9:16 AM
To: Tefft, Robert; Delk, Michael
Subject: FW: CCC Basket ball Court
Importance: High
Gentlemen,
Please see the attached photos regarding the Countryside Christian Center.
Thank you,
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jon Moore [mailto:JonMoore@moore2design.com]
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 8:18 PM
To: Mike Gaylor
Cc: Glen Gammon; Vicki Moore
Subject: CCC Basket ball Court
Mike,
Attached are the photo's!!
Warmest regards,
Jon Moore
From: Tefft, Robert
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 9:24 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FW: Countryside Christian Center Parking Area
FYI
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 3:25 PM
To: Tefft, Robert
Cc: 'Jon Moore'; Delk, Michael
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center Parking Area
Robert,
I apologize for that. Please see attached.
Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert.Tefft@MyClearwater.com [mailto:Robert.Tefft@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 3:21 PM
To: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
Cc: JonMoore@moore2design.com; michael.delk@MyClearwater.com
Subject: RE: Countryside Christian Center Parking Area
The letter attached to this email references an also attached drawing
depicting a parking layout; however no such drawing has been provided.
Please provide.
Robert G. Tefft
Development Review Manager
City of Clearwater Planning Department
Phone: (727) 562-4539 | Fax: (727) 562-4865
-----Original Message-----
From: Gaylor Engineering [mailto:gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 2:39 PM
To: Tefft, Robert
Cc: 'Jon Moore'; Delk, Michael
Subject: Countryside Christian Center Parking Area
Robert,
Please see the attached letter from Mike regarding the above-referenced
project.
Thank you.
Bren
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 8:18 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Garriott, Kevin; Silverboard, Jill; Delk, Michael; Tefft, Robert; Clayton, Gina; 'Fred Cutting'; 'Kathy Cutting'; tpb10@verizon.net
Subject: Requested Phone Call
We did not get together by phone today. In Friday's message I mentioned the
two 40 foot poles were removed Friday. That is a good start. We want to see
the 70 watt sodium elements returned to the 12 foot poles and all lights on
poles shut off at 10 PM.
We also want to see the basketball court moved inside or moved to the
commercial area along McMullen-Booth. (Details in last Friday's email)
When is the meeting scheduled for on Thursday the 5th of March?
From: Fred Cutting [cuttingf@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 2:15 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Garriott, Kevin; Silverboard, Jill; micheal.delk@myclearwater.com; Tefft, Robert; Clayton, Gina; Fred Cutting; Kathy Cutting
Subject: RE: NOTICE OF FILING AN APPLICATION FOR FLEXIBLE STANDARD DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL AT 1850 MCMULLEN BOOTH ROAD (FLS2009-1002)
References
1) Letter dated 12 June 1989 to Countryside Christian Center Inc.
2) Countryside Christian Center SP#3029 Revised Final Site Plan dated
13 September 1989
3) Countryside Christian Center Violation of RPD-5 Zone Special
Exception and Board of Adjustment Case No. BA-18-9-87
4) Many letters from neighbors, County Planning Department, church
lighting contractor all defining lighting agreement
5) Letter from Fred & Kathy Cutting 21 March 1989 to Rev. John Lloyd
outlining our agreements with him on Lighting.
These documents are on file with Clearwater Planning Department.
My wife and I live adjacent to the church property at the western most part
of the church property more than a thousand feet west of the McMullen-Booth
Road. We are both involved in church work and wish to see Countryside
Christian Center succeed in their primary goal of bring people to Jesus the
Christ. I recently finished a six year term as an Elder at First Lutheran
Church in Clearwater. For the last three years I have been involved in the
Kairos Prison Ministry. I am the current leader for our four day visit, in
April, to the Hardee Correctional Institution on Highway 62. I mention this
to assure all we are not opposed to the church or it being in our
neighborhood.
With respect to the 'Flexible Standard Development Approval' is not clear
where the change in set back from 20 feet to 10 feet is to be. But we are
assuming it to be south of the new sanctuary at the western limit of the
church property. At that location there is vacant property. I do not know
the future usage of that property but I would have to assume the impact on
the property value would be somewhat negative. The parking nearest to our
property is about fifty feet away but has had no negative effect on the use
or enjoyment of our property - I cannot speak for the neighbors who are
within about ten feet of the car stops and headlights.
Building of the basketball court without first obtaining the required
permits is consistent with this church's mode of operation. In 1988 they put
in and lit up thirty plus 400 watt high intensity halogen lights on nine
thirty-five foot tall concrete poles. (Total length 40 feet) After the
neighbors worked with the county for about a year the church was forced to
remove six of the poles. (Reference 2) Two of the six 35 foot concrete
poles, removed in 1989, were been brought back in 2007 - I presume without
permits. This was the reason Mr. Thompsons helped in 2007-2008 to attempt to
get these two poles removed. References 2 & 3 also included some very
specific requirements for the five low intensity lamps on twelve foot poles.
When Neil Thompson made a presentation to the Countryside Christian Center
in March of 2008 we were told the 70 watt sodium lamps specified by
reference 2 was not bright enough, in the church administration's opinion,
so they replaced them with the high intensity white lights. (I.e. in
violation of references 2 & 3) Mr. Thompson's presentation explained how you
don't need to use high intensity lighting to attain security.
An important element in the letter portion of reference 2 required that the
lights were to be turned off at night.
This was never done, for nineteen
years, until well after I discovered the letter (reference 3) with the aid
of Mr. Al Navaroli of the Pinellas County Planning Department. I presented
it to the City Planning Department. Now one of the five lights on the twelve
foot poles is turned off after 10PM and after 11 PM all ten lights on the 35
foot poles are turned off. The low intensity sodium light elements have NOT
been returned.
I would hope Countryside Christian Center could find a place inside the
sanctuary they will be vacating for the basketball court.( Please see the
attached photo for proximity to our homes.) First Lutheran of Clearwater,
1644 Nursery Road also has a K-8 school; and we built a gymnasium about four
years ago. It is attached to the other church buildings and therefore not
interfering with the neighbor's peace and quiet. Likewise Calvary Baptist
has a gym integrated with their school building. Even if Countryside
Christian Center does not want to locate the basketball court and associated
noise inside at least it could be located due south of the La Petite
Academy. That would be away from the neighbors, in alignment with the
nominal commercial strip adjacent to Mc Mullen Booth, and yet not that close
to the highway to present a safety hazard.
There was a school basketball game last Friday night. The school set up
about 100 folding chairs on the side lines of the court. The yelling and
cheering is a healthy thing in an area designed for it. But it was very
disruptive to our dinner on our lanai. Again our homes are about a thousand
feet off McMullen-Booth. This basketball court is a year around attractive
nuisance - especially in the summer. We hear the basketballs bouncing,
thump, thump, thump, in the dark, well after 10 PM in the summer.
Clearwater staff and the neighbors should have no guilt about forcing the
relocation of the illegally located basketball court. Anyone who has ever
been, even tangentially, associated with a church building program knows
that one parking space is required for roughly every 2.3 seats in the
sanctuary. Countryside Christian Center has a history of ignoring the
governmental permitting process and neighborhood well being in the area west
of their buildings. And I might add with some success. They have ten high
intensity 400 watt halogen lights on three poles. Had they gone through the
permitting process in 1988, would Pinellas County have allowed that? For
nineteen years Countryside Christian Church has never shut off any lights at
night and now is not shutting off all the lights specified in References 2 &
3. Countryside Christian Center removed the 70 watt low intensity light
elements and replaced them with high intensity white lights shortly after
the county provided their certificate of occupancy for their education
building. This was in violation of the agreement as delineated by the
Pinellas County Board of Adjustment letter. Again refer to references 2 & 3
and in violation of their special exception to the RPD-5 zoning.
Hence responsibility for additional costs of removing the two thirty five
foot light poles, replacing the 70 watt sodium elements, and the cost of
moving the basketball court rest squarely with the church officials who
choose to ignore the governmental parking requirements, permitting process,
Board of Adjustment decision, and the grace of the county to give them the
special exception to the RPD5 zoning in the first place. And that does not
consider the loss of quality of life for many neighbors for these many
years.
Therefore we request you disapprove their request for this 'Flexible
Standard Development'. The administration of this church has a long record
of abusing their original 'special exception' to the residential zoning
granted to these same people in 1988 and 1989.
Thank You
Fred & Kathy Cutting
1801 Oak Forest Drive South (since 1972)
Clearwater Fl 33759
From: Karen Stalter [kstalter14@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 2:29 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: Country Side Christian FLS2009-01002
Dear Mr. Jackson
Attached is a word document detailing our opposition to the proposals for
additional parking and basketball courts.
John and Karen Stalter
From: drwhite@tampabay.rr.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:18 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: Letter of Notification FLS2009-01002
RE: Notice of filing of an application for flexible standard development approval at 1850 McMullen Booth Rd (FLS2009-01002)
Dear Mr. Jackson,
As a surrounding property owner within 500 feet of the aforereferenced property, I am taking this opportunity to express my OPPOSITION to granting any approval for the addition of a
basketball court and two (2) 35 foot light poles on this property. I have no opposition to adding the 29 grass off-street parking spaces.
My opposition to the basketball court and light poles is based on the following facts gained from the experience of living next to this property. This property already contains several
basketball courts located in close proximity to the single family residences to the north, south and to a lesser extent to the west. These courts are already in use late into the night
several nights a week and screams and yells of the players easily heard several blocks away. The bright lights on the current poles are a constant annoyance for anyone whose home backs
up onto this property. Adding more courts and lights even closer to these residences is an even further unjust encroachment on those properties and owners who remember when this property
was a farm and McMullen Booth Road was a two lane country road.
We allowed the church, the parking and the courts to be built. We then allowed construction of the new gigantic cathedral building. And we contend with the huge volume of traffic on
Sundays and Wednesday evenings. But enough is enough.
David White
3017 St. Croix Drive
Clearwater, FL 33759
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylorlb@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 8:45 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Drew Copley; Mike Gaylor
Subject: Countryside Christian Center
Matt~
The Code standard that we need relief from is relative to the number of
required shrubbery in vehicular use areas or parking lots. Rob Teft told us
we need to apply for the variance because it was not compliant although we
did receive an approved site/landscape plan. I assume that the variance will
clear up the disparity from a paperwork point of view.
Drew Copley our Landscape Architect or I will contact you with the code
number or if you could help us out with the number we would be grateful. I
believe that the code number is Section 3.1202.E.1
Thanks for the help
Larry Bean
Gaylor Engineering
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
Office: 813-949-5599
Fax : 813-949-0818
Email: gaylorlb@tampabay.rr.com
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylorlb@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 11:29 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Cc: Drew Copley; Mike Gaylor
Subject: Countryside Christian Center Flex Std Landscape Variance
Matt~
After some discussion with our Landscape Architect the area of code that we
are requesting relief from is 3.1202.E1.
I hope this helps. Sorry for the omission if that presents a problem please
let us know. As you know from your conversations with our Mike Gaylor the
church is looking forward to completing the project very soon and is in
hopes that we will not have any real CO problems.
Please let us know if this information will suffice for this particular
variance.
Larry Bean
Gaylor Engineering
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
Office: 813-949-5599
Fax : 813-949-0818
Email: gaylorlb@tampabay.rr.com
From: Scott, Nancy
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 4:03 PM
To: Jackson, Matthew; Tefft, Robert
Subject: Meeting with Mike Gaylor of Countryside Christian
Matt/Robert
Mr. Gaylor phoned and I have set a meeting with you both and Michael for Thursday,
February 26th at 2 pm in Room 216. Thanks.
Nancy Scott
Planning Department
(727) 562-4579
nancy.scott@myclearwater.com
P Think Green - print only if necessary
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 8:42 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: FW: 1850 McMullen Booth Road (FLS2009-01002)
Matt,
Please forward COMMENTS today if any additional.
Regards,
Mike
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 11:45 AM
To: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
Subject: 1850 McMullen Booth Road (FLS2009-01002)
During a staff meeting this morning the following issues were brought up:
* The plans need to be cleaned up with regard to the line hatching.
* The basketball court may not be used as a drive aisle and all
parking spaces affect by the basketball court must be removed.
* The basketball court needs to be secured so that there are not
safety issues with those using the court and possible vehicular traffic.
Furthermore, securing the basketball court will remove possible damage to
cars from basketballs raveling outside the court limits.
* Provide need for the unapproved 35' light poles.
On Monday I plan on talking with Development Director to ensure that all
issues have been brought up. I understand your urgency in getting the plans
approved as quick as possible and I want to have all conditions to you as
quick as possible.
Matt Jackson
Planning Department
(727) 562-4836
matthew.jackson@myclearwater.com
From: Gaylor Engineering [gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 8:41 AM
To: Jackson, Matthew
Subject: RE: 1850 McMullen Booth Road (FLS2009-01002)
Matt,
Please forward County today if any additional.
Regards,
Mike
Michael J. Gaylor, P.E.
Gaylor Engineering
Osprey Cove Prof. Park
21764 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549
813-949-5599 (office)
813-949-0818 (fax)
E-Mail: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com
[mailto:Matthew.Jackson@MyClearwater.com]
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 11:45 AM
To: gaylormg@tampabay.rr.com
Subject: 1850 McMullen Booth Road (FLS2009-01002)
During a staff meeting this morning the following issues were brought up:
* The plans need to be cleaned up with regard to the line hatching.
* The basketball court may not be used as a drive aisle and all
parking spaces affect by the basketball court must be removed.
* The basketball court needs to be secured so that there are not
safety issues with those using the court and possible vehicular traffic.
Furthermore, securing the basketball court will remove possible damage to
cars from basketballs raveling outside the court limits.
* Provide need for the unapproved 35' light poles.
On Monday I plan on talking with Development Director to ensure that all
issues have been brought up. I understand your urgency in getting the plans
approved as quick as possible and I want to have all conditions to you as
quick as possible.
Matt Jackson
Planning Department
(727) 562-4836
matthew.jackson@myclearwater.com