The Lens and its WEAKNESS , is $50 million of tax payer funding worth gambling with ?

1. The Aluminum panels

The original design that people were sold on, were designed to be made of reinforced  concrete . That was an expense the $50 million budget could not support. The material that fits the budget is 'Aluminum panels'. Everyone knows that when a storm hits , aluminum structures are the first to be ripped to pieces. This , regardless of the quality of any aluminum materials. Winds from a storm rolling in from the bay are at their highest until the winds get slowed down by land. The lens would be a target for every storm that rolls in. $50 Million is a big gamble to risk multiple times monthly per year , with a sudden storm that could take it down in an instant.

2. Maintenance

The Lens design, is designed to be built with several materials that will need annual maintenance that cost the City money. With No real money making activity's to do on the Lens, the tax payers will be left to pay for these maintenance issues. The supporters of the Lens feel that We don't need a pier built to interest 'Tourists'. Yet with a still badly broken economy and weak housing value market, how can the residents of St. Petersburg afford to reduce or at worst take away tourism from this City?

3. Activity on the lens

The activities that are proposed to be done on the Lens do NOT accommodate the masses. Seems like the supporters of the Lens are trying to eliminate Our elders from enjoying them selves out on Our bay. With NO WHERE to relieve yourself from the heat and humidity while out on the Lens , will keep folks that have a hard time being in those conditions from even exploring the option.  Some of the activities are limited to use like , Skate boarding will NOT be aloud , and fishing will be aloud ONLY in certain areas.

These 3 'Weaknesses' are just the surface of the issues, We that support the "VOTE YES to STOP THE LENS" Campaign are concerned about.

The Lens is NOT a design concept that will satisfy or help St. Petersburg Florida grow and move forward.