Letters

Hernando County needs smart growth

TBO.com
Published: November 24, 2011

Thank you Mr. Ross for your letter on Nov. 20. The Hernando County Commission decision of Nov. 15 showed just how much we need new direction in our county.

We need representatives who can think outside the box. Reducing impact fees to zero wasn't it. The same association that asked for this reduction was also the same association that convinced the public two years ago they weren't smart enough to make decisions relating to county growth. The bill that would have given the public more say was shot down by the voters. Our supposed lack of how things are done would tie up the courts with unnecessary litigation with the counties absorbing the cost.

Nice con job.

After the fees were reduced, a member of the builder association's proposed a project of 144 single family apartments with zero impact fees being collected. What do we need the most of in this county? Answer, jobs. What do we need less of? Empty houses.

If we are to reduce fees then the fees should represent the needs of the county. When I bought my home the impact fee was $9,000. Lets start there. Since we don't need more empty homes any residential construction, including apartments, should pay the full fee. Clear cutting the land and promising to build on all lots doesn't cut it any more.

The Villages of Avalon, on County Line Road, is a perfect example of this. If we do offer someone zero impact fees then offer it to the ideal business. One that is planning to be here long term and has, let's say, 30 full-time employees. Secondly, we don't need another half full strip mall like the one at Public's on U.S. 19 in Weeki Wachee or Ayers Road on U.S. 41. If they can't presale at least 60 percent, pay the full price. A straight across-the-board reduction say's "we don't care what you build in our county, just build something." That's not the message we should be sending to the community.

As the empty home inventory is reduced, property values will increase. When property values increase, so will tax revenue. An empty strip mall or apartment complex may provide a tax write-off for the investors, but it doesn't help Hernando County.

If this county is going to grow, then it should be smart growth. Go back to the "master plan" that we spent lots of money on, see where we are lacking and make the changes.

Change and growth is going to take some time. If nothing else, this policy would send the message of how we want change and how we want our county to grow.

Eugene O'Reilly

Weeki Wachee