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Here is a link to a video that details some of the issues caused by a local ordinance in St. Pete Beach modeled after the proposed Amendment 4. click here
Skipper Hanzel, a local supporter of Amendment 4 (which will be on the ballot in November) recently came on Free For All Fridays to make his case. If approved, it would require a vote of the Citizenry before any proposed changes to a Comprehensive Plan could be enacted. Surprisingly he could not cite a single problem with the City of Palm Coast's Comprehensive Plan. He did mention two specific developments he did not like (European Village and the Palm Coast Resort).
Contrary to his intentions, he helped make my point. He illustrated that he really doesn't understand what would happen if Amendment 4 is passed. While many supporters believe we will be voting on specific projects, that is not the case - just mundane details of the City's or County's Comprehensive Plan. I urge you to go to the Flagler County website as well as your City's website and review their Comprehensive Plans. Learn what is in them & decide if you have any issues with the plans.
My questions to you are: If what supporters seek is greater accountability or a balance of power for the electorate; why focus on Comprehensive Plans, which are very broad in nature? Why not require this of all local ordinances? Why not the City or County budget, which has a much more direct impact on all of us? Why do so many people who have moved to Florida for the quality of life that attracted so many of us, want to keep others from doing the same?
Unlike Mr. Hanzel, I grew up right here in Flagler County. The development he lives in was pristine forest when I was a kid. I used to waterski in the Intracoastal when there were no homes on the western bank from Lambert Ave. northward in Flagler County. Back then Island Estates was known as Rattlesnake Island. The true long-term residents of Flagler County have not sought to stymie development in our home town. We understand that you can't stop it. The only thing we can do is elect folks we trust to craft a manageable plan for growth, and then be watchdogs - attend City Council & Planning Board meetings and let our voices be heard.
Here are links to both the group supporting the Amendment and one of the groups opposed:
http://www.floridahometowndemocracy.com/
http://www.florida2010.org/home.php
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