2005 CONA Priorities

CONA has announced their list of priorities for the coming year. Compiled and voted on at the January and February meetings, they are listed below in order of importance to CONA members. For more information or to join in our effort, please access our website or contact a CONA Officer.

Police Staffing Levels

St. Petersburg has not increased the number of police officers in more than 10 years. We continue to lose many officers each year, using the CPOs to fill the gaps, and we never achieve a department fully staffed by trained officers. Many believe the lack of police officers results in a lack of police enforcement and safety.

Quality of Life Laws

There are a series of laws that the city chooses not to enforce, usually based on policy or lack of personnel. These include traffic laws/speeding, noise ordinances, illegal signs, loose dogs, yard parking and the Òno chaseÓ policy. The net effect of non-enforcement is like having no law at all.

Vision 2020 and LDRs

We want the Vision 2020 plan implemented with LDRs that reinforce both traditional and suburban neighborhoods. The new system should provide protections that make variances the exception rather than the norm. Neighborhoods should have a place on the City Boards and Commissions that enforce this vision and the new codes.

Sidewalks, Alleys, Bike Plans

The Tampa Bay area is among the most dangerous in the nation for walkers and bike riders. While old sidewalks are being repaired, large sections of the city lack sidewalks. Many alleys remain in poor condition or are unpaved. Very few islands of safety or crosswalks exist across our major roads except at major intersections.

Green Cities

A comprehensive plan being implemented in other Florida cities to change how local governments use energy, protect air and water quality and develop more efficient policies for both the city and the community.

Underground Utilities

The hurricanes proved that undergrounding utilities is about more than eliminating visual blight and protecting trees. WeÕve called on our Legislature to begin the transition in the coming session.

Homelessness

We want the city/county governments to help reduce homelessness - not simply provide feeding locations. Free food without alcohol, drug and mental health help has a negative impact on surrounding neighborhoods, our parks and public spaces.

CONA
P.O. Box 13693
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
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Banner photo courtesy of the city of St. Petersburg.