Having grown up in central Florida in the 1960s and 1970s, I witnessed the sad toll that explosive growth and land development extracted on the environment and quality of life. Since then, I have witnessed the impacts of poorly planned land development throughout Florida.

 

I have been extensively involved in advocacy of “growth management” issues, including years as a staff attorney for the Florida Department of Community Affairs responsible for land use planning matters, coastal zone management and emergency management.

 

I agree with the need for progressive land planning laws that respect both private property rights and the public interest. Better outcomes result when citizens inform land use planning and decision-making. Citizens need to help shape the long-term blueprint for their communities – to decide how they want their neighborhoods and communities to be for their children and for future generations.

 

A valid criticism of Florida’s planning efforts is the focus on accommodating short-term development interests, while poorly considering the long-term future uses of land, resources and public facilities such as water supply, schools and transportation systems. Plans have been amended too often to increase development density and intensity without regard for future demands upon natural systems and infrastructure.