LETTER TO THE EDITOR / Restore Growth Management Oversight to Protect the Environment

By Mark Songer

Florida’s surging population growth is increasing development pressure on rural areas. As builders look for low cost land, suburban sprawl increases infrastructure costs and congestion with workers commuting long distances in single passenger vehicles.

The Lower Keys are experiencing these same symptoms with proposals to construct dense housing developments that change the character of these rural islands and require lengthy commutes to job locations.

In 2011 Florida Legislature adopted the Community Planning Act that eliminated the Department of Community Affairs and significantly weakened the state’s growth management process. Only a small percentage of local comprehensive plan amendments, often necessary to allow new building projects, are now reviewed for compliance with state law. Challenges to plan changes by citizen activists have little chance because the standard for court review is extremely deferential to the local government.

Leaders in Tallahassee need to set the course for growth management practices that protect natural areas important to sustaining fresh water supply, Florida’s economic base and quality of life. They also need to identify lands on which urban development and redevelopment are appropriate over the next 50 years to guide the investment of state funds for infrastructure and conservation.

To accomplish this, the state land planning agency should be elevated to a separate, stand-alone department with funding and accountability to implement identified priorities. This agency should review a greater proportion of comprehensive plan amendments and provide technical support to local governments to comply with statutory standards.

Growth management will be more successful with increased state support for walkable development and transportation systems that provide alternatives to the automobile. Cities and Counties need greater ability to locally fund infrastructure improvements through strategies like higher local-option gas taxes, taxes on parking or sales surtaxes.

You can influence planning for Florida’s future by voting on November 6th for Governor, the cabinet and House District 120. Read the candidate’s positions and question them at local events. Make sure they share your priority to guide development in sustainable ways to preserve the health of Florida’s environment and economy.

 

Mark Songer

Last Stand

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]