Letter to the Editor: Chunky Sunday Helps Struggling Community

The mayor keeps saying that they want to know who is responsible for Chunky Sunday... We all are because this is a community gathering for our community's enjoyment!

This has been going on for over 10 years and the mayor and the Clearwater Police Department just don't want to admit it! We have had less arrests at this gathering than they had on Clearwater Beach alone!

And there is no illegal parking because there is nowhere to park! And if there was a lot of illegal parking as they say, where are the tickets and why aren't cars towed? Because it is untrue, everyone parks legally where they can and neighbors and businesses have been making a profit by charging to park on their properties, which is a plus for our struggling neighborhood.

And as for the trash one might want to ask Chief Holloway, who clearly stated at one of the meetings, that the streets are immaculate after the gatherings!!

But what you don't realize is that Chunky Sunday is being used as the culprit to throw off what the residents are really complaining about. It's not just about us being able to gather in our own community (that we have businesses, have homes, and pay taxes for) but the issue of parking all together needs to be addressed. As well as some parks having no restrooms or the restrooms are constantly locked, children have to be escorted to our friends' or families' homes when they need bathroom privileges.

And mind you if we did plan or organize any so-called "event" we still don't have any parking for anything or the required bathroom facilities! And the only reason why they want us to have it at Coachman Park or elsewhere is to get their cut of the profits from all these people that attend. We say "No" to that because this happens in our neighborhoods for a reason and that's to share with our own culture and families and to bring money into our struggling neighborhood! I'd rather spend money with my people to help build up my community than to give it to someone else's area who doesn't need it!!!! 

- Chantala Simmons, The North Greenwood Community

Related coverage:

• Chunky Sunday Concerns Come to Council
• Are Chunky Sunday Parties Beach Bound?
• Parties Get Chunky, Sundays in North Greenwood

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