The Lens is Falling Apart

Mayor Bill Foster can't decide if he is for the "Lens" or against it.

The designers now admit the design is flawed and all of which probably mean more money.

Plans for an upland restaurant are now being criticized by at least one council member who wants to "protect" Beach Drive restaurateurs, the very group the Pier was supposed to support.

The funding numbers can't seem to come together.

Local marine interests and experts put the kiss of death on the underwater "garden", a key selling point in the "Lens" decision and questioned its viability in a hurricane. Imagine that thing crinkled up on Spa Beach, or worse yet wrapped around a couple of hundred boats in the marina. Talk about liability.

The design is in a state of flux and the architect is on the defensive.

Almost asking to vote on the project.

You would think the elected representatives would be getting the message. The "Lens" is not going to work and it appears the people don't want it.

It is time for Mayor Foster, City Council and staff to quit worrying about what the Tampa Bay Times thinks. They will probably leave St. Pete pretty soon, anyhow.

Admit the process was flawed from the start and just let it go.

As this mess drags on the public continues to lose any confidence they have left in those desperately clinging to the "Lens" for art's sake. It's time for Curran, Danner and Kennedy to get on the train (or maybe that Trolley) before it leaves the station and help shut this project down.

But no, the City is putting the worst possible face on the existing Pier at Pier Facts. Using the City web site as a propaganda tool to reinforce the "Lens" project. Not providing alternative information. Still trying to turn an albatross into art and sell it to people that don't want it.

I have heard about going down with the ship, but going down with the Pier is a new one to me.

e-mail doc at dr.webb@verizon.net, or send me a Facebook Friend Request