State Must Enforce the Rules

The following is from the Orlando Sentinel written by Florida Hometown Democracy friend, Sandy Walters.

Too much fiddling with comp plans

Thanks to the Sentinel for the sharp and timely article, "Sunshine State Slowdown," on Sunday.

Why is it so timely? Because Florida's "eternal era of rapid growth" that's led us straight to statewide foreclosures, economic instability, job loss, neighborhood decline and population erosion is a fire that's been fueled, in large part, by local elected officials who sloppily amend their comprehensive plans to accommodate private interests.

Local officials routinely rummage through their plans, strip away appropriate and predictable land uses and exchange them for higher densities and larger commercial areas whenever asked to do so by landowners with influence. Whether the roads are in place, whether the schools are full, whether adequate water is available. Whether there is a need for more houses and more grocery stores for these phantom new people.

The need for an increase in houses or commercial properties is supposed to be a factor, at the state level at least, in deciding whether a plan can be changed.

But too often, this rule hasn't been enforced. The results are right outside our windows.

Here's hoping the state will take a stand for strict and consistent use of the "need" criteria. It should close a loophole that allows rural areas to bypass needs assessments. It should demand up-to-date population figures before approving density increases.

The state has to enforce the rules, because too many local officials give away the farm by just changing their comp plan.

Sandra Walters, Enterprise

VOTE YES ON AMENDMENT 4 NOVEMBER 2010