Comments on: Escambia County Approves Change To Loosen Regulation On Rural Growth

By: Short memories

Short memories — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 00:07:32 +0000

Back on the early 1990s, the State of Florida, through the Growth Management Act, required local governments to adopt comprehensive plans. These plans required, among many so-called mandates, densities in land use districts.

Local residents were adamantly opposed to these restrictions. Militias formed. Effigies of state officials were tarred and feathered. “Takings!” “Eminent Domain!” “Property Rights!” “South Florida imposing its will on our lives!” These we’re battle cries against land use planning. Rural residents were furious at how the government could restrict any use of their property. Supporters of growth management were deemed liberals, socialists, and worse.

Now, from everything I read below, everyone is up in arms about INCREASING land use densities, and losing rural uses, character, and quality of life.

My, my. There is hope that today’s common sense proposals opposed by the 40% (universal health care, sustainable communities, renewable energy) might actually be supported in 25 years!

By: Joshua

Joshua — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 04:07:44 +0000

The county commission is just getting the people in the north area ready for another Charter Government vote. They tried to push it about 20 years ago, here it comes again. All of Escambia will be the City of Pensacola. So, you will get to pay the city tax and live in Walnut Hill, 43 miles away from the actual city…..

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:55:26 +0000

Believe it or not, the revenue generated by the farms in the north side of this county are vital to our local economy. I believe our local government should actually be more protective of the farm land to insure that it remains farm land. If not, we will find ourselves not able to grow our own food in The U.S.

By: Watcher

Watcher — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 23:13:00 +0000

I believe D5 commissioner had to make the call for the person to enjoy his property rights. If farmers still want to farm or tree growers still want to grow trees on their property they can.

Commissioners have to make some tough decisions and people are quick to capitalize on it for their own political gain.

So now because this is lifted, they can go and request a zoning change on the property they own. I think one house per five acres.

If one wants to see farm and trees buy the property and plant it.

Is there anyway a conservation movement can be made and the State buy up land for farmers who are ready to sell?

Florida Forever buys land at times. They bought a good deal from the ST Joe company. It was planted pines..1000s of acres in Bay and maybe Calhoun and Gulf.

The commissioners were asked to make adecision and they made it.

People don’t understand the complexities of their job and are quick to have a knee jerk reaction. By home rule they took it out, yes it opened up choices.

It is not nefarious.

By: Sam Stewart

Sam Stewart — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 03:53:34 +0000

How about all you city folks and county commissioner just stay South of Molino and leave the Farm and Forestry Land Alone .Cause if it was not for farmers there would be no food and clothing

By: David Huie Green

David Huie Green — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 01:31:33 +0000

REGARDING:
“You seem to have chosen to ignore the point that some people are of the opinion that building these pop-up communities and pressing forward urban sprawl is less desirable than seeing the natural growth of nature.”

The point ended with “in quest for the Almighty Dollar $ $ $ $.” Maybe it was foolish of me to think that was related to the point, just as questioning whether cotton fields are natural is missing the point. My bad.

This could be a bad thing, allowing people to live outside of Pensacola — like we get to do. It seems a bit greedy to ignore the needs of others for our selfish desires but maybe not.

David for treating others as we would like to be treated

By: CW

CW — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 15:57:44 +0000

I wouldn’t think very many people with kids would want to buy a new house in Escambia County because of the poor schools. Isn’t that why Santa Rosa County’s growth has been so high in recent years?

By: Bartender

Bartender — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 11:57:52 +0000

If this continues we will be eating from other countries for sure.these people want to use farm land for profit only.why dont they invest money for making food for people an not filling their pockets with money.wonder who got a kick back for that.not right

By: Watcher

Watcher — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 03:08:26 +0000

Well here comes Doug Underhill never missing an opportunity to try to make everyone else look bad, while he slips in 2million dollar projects in under the radar with ECW covering for him. How bad is it to let someone who owns property be able to use it?

By: StraightShooter

StraightShooter — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 02:00:16 +0000

This came about because someone is trying to subdivide timberland on Atmore highway just above the old feed store for a subdivision The zoning change signs have been posted for a couple months. It was turned down because the comprehensive plan requirement for ag is one dwelling per 20 acres. Now this change will allow it, and will be the beginning of the end of the north end as we know it. Not sure if the 4 commissioners are seeing more dollar signs or want the north end to look like nine mile rd.