The organization was established in late 2017 with the goal of giving District 1 residents a bigger voice and greater visibility with the City Council and City administration.

 

Our Mission statement

Preserve the City’s unique heritage while continuing to improve the quality of life in historic Punta Gorda, Florida.

What We've Achieved concerning land development regulations

  • Advocated and led development of the Historic District overnight on-street parking permit - allows City to ticket and then tow abandoned or unauthorized vehicle from City streets.

  • Identified a Waiver of Parking Ordinance, ignored since 2005, that requires a public hearing before the City can waive onsite parking. The City has agreed to follow the ordinance and our president, Donna Peterman, had the Ordinance placed into the bylaws of the Historic Preservation Advisory (HPAB). The ignored ordinance is verbatim in the proposed LDRs

  • Discovered language in the proposed LDRs that would, in effect, require no onsite parking. City staff actually said "good catch "and agreed to rework this section.

past achievements

  • Established unified historic district with branding from Cooper St. to Fishermens Village.

  • Active participation in the development of the Citywide Master Plan and named partner of the City in its implementation.

  • Advocated for increased investment in District 1 infrastructure to be funded by the new 1% sales tax.

  • Requested by the City to provide a representative to both the citizen group making recommendations on the new 1% sales tax projects and the citizen group interviewing candidates for the City Manager position.

  • The City Council agreed to develop a policy for relocation/preservation of historic structures based on HPGCA recommendation.

  • Led the development of a compromise regarding pickle ball play in Gilchrist Park.

  • Won City Council support for a mechanism to manage on street non-resident overnight parking in District 1.

  • Prevented the City from imposing new restrictions on the parking of boats and recreational vehicles on resident’s property.

  • Actively support the annual downtown Halloween and Tree Lighting celebrations.

  • Recognized by City Council and staff as a way to communicate with District 1.