Originally Published Sept. 27, 2009

 

DAYTONA BEACH - Hometown Democracy Amendment 4, a state ballot referendum which would change the approval process for land developments, will be the topic of an "educational program" October 16.

The event is sponsored by the Volusia County Association for Responsible Development, the Volusia League of Cities and the Daytona Beach/Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce.

A key player in the issue will be missing. Leaders of Florida Hometown Democracy, the sponsors of the amendment, have declined to attend.

Lesley Blackner of Hometown Democracy said they will not attend functions sponsored by local chambers of commerce. She said chambers of commerce are opposed to the amendment.

"We've debated the chamber before, but in a more neutral setting," she said.

The amendment, set for the ballot in 2010, would require public approval, by referendum, of any new local government comprehensive land use plan or any changes to a plan.

Mary Swiderski, executive director of Volusia Council of Governments, said she was disappointed that Florida Hometown Democracy will not be there.

"We want to have every viewpoint," she said.

Dave Castagnacci, director of VCARD, said he also wants a well-rounded overview of all sides.

"We have an environmental leader, a head of a regional planning agency, and legal and economic experts on the panel," he said. "We are still trying to get a representative of Hometown Democracy."

Ms. Blackner said it would not be any benefit for her group to take part in the meeting, which she called a "developers' get-together."

"I would not reach the people I want to reach," she said.

The cost of the program is $30 including lunch. The program is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to noon (9:00 registration) at Indigo lakes Banquet Center, Daytona Beach. For information call (386) 255-0981, ext. 229.