Grassroots democracy at work

Background: A few weeks ago we learned that a developer was requesting a zoning change for 150 acres adjacent to our rural neighborhood. A creek that is a significant part of our watershed runs through the property. About 1/3 of the acreage is wetlands and cannot be developed. He wanted a change from estate zoning (about 1 house per acre) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with an average lot size of less than 9000 sq.ft. on the remaining land.

A group of us representing citizens groups, property owners associations, and the local watershed watch banded together to try and defeat this request. I won't go into all the details, but we identified several potential problems with the proposed high density PUD, sewer, stormwater runoff, vehicular traffic, pollution, hurricane evacuation, etc.

At last night's Planning Commission public comments meeting, it was standing room only. Here's the letter I sent to the mayor, commission chair, and our local newspaper this morning:



Praise for Foley Planning Commission

To: Mayor Russell and Planning Commission Chair Randa
Re: Zoning change to PUD for Owens Creek Subdivision

Last night I witnessed grassroots democracy in action, and it actually brought a lump to my throat. The ugly partisan political mudslinging in the last few years and the daily reports of the seemingly constantly deteriorating situation in Iraq have caused me to lose some faith in how our system works, or should work.

The reasoned discussion between reasonable people at the May 19 Planning Commission meeting has helped to restore that faith for me. We citizens are all too quick to criticize our elected and appointed officials when we disagree with their actions. Unfortunately, we are usually not so quick to praise them when we believe they have done the right thing.

Prior to the meeting, I heard comments of "We're spinning our wheels. This is already a done deal."
Well, we were not spinning our wheels, and it was not a done deal. A dozen or so citizens (in a standing-room-only audience) rose to speak against the requested zoning change. Several made the point that they did not object to the development of this prime piece of property (Co. Rd. 12 and Wolf Bay Drive), but that the high density of the PUD was just not appropriate for the area and neighboring properties.

I would especially like to thank the members of the Planning Commission, no matter how you voted. I understand that you receive no pay for this job. Your volunteer service is much appreciated.

I was very pleased when the citizens of Bay Forest Estates, Graham Creek Estates, and Wolf Bay Pines voted almost unanimously to be annexed to Foley a few years ago. I'm still glad to be a part of The Forward City.

it's high time for the whole plant.

"Reefer Madness"?

it makes me feel real real good.