Sheridan Stationside Update
The Broward County Planning Council voted 11-4 to approve the Sheridan Stationside "transit oriented development," sending the proposal on to the county commission for its consideration of the project.
Below are (1) a brief recap of what happened at the Planning Council and (2) information about what you can do to help change the law so that voters have more power in determining what gets built in our neighborhoods.
Planning Council Recap
On the plus side, the developer announced a voluntary commitment to give the City of Hollywood six acres of oak hammock for a park. This acreage will include the coral rock house in its present location which the developer promised to restore for use as a community center.
On the negative side, Hollywood residents' testimony about unacceptable levels of traffic was ignored. Just two days before the hearing, a traffic consultant produced a document purporting to show that the traffic would be better on Taft Street as a result of 1,050 new homes plus retail, office and hotel development at the Sheridan Tri-Rail site. This "improvement" would be achieved by adding two turn lanes and a stop light. All but four of the Planning Council members apparently relied on this document to approve the project.
Some members of the Planning Council wanted to leave for lunch, so the majority voted to cut off public comments before everyone had an opportunity to speak. They then rushed through their approval, holding virtually no thoughtful discussion on the project. This meant that several residents were not allowed to speak although they had been sitting in the chambers for two and a half hours waiting for the opportunity. A low point in the proceeding occurred when Hollywood Commissioner Fran Russo, who is a member of the Planning Council, voted with the majority to prevent several Hollywood residents from speaking. At least one of those who had been patiently waiting to speak was from her own district. Ignorning residents' concerns, she then voted to approve the project.
Hollywood cartoonist MK Jarolmen has been following Sheridan Stationside and provides his own comment on Commissioner Russo's vote.
And the Sun-Sentinel's Ihosvani Rodriguez reported in part as follows on the same subject:
"Russo is seeking re-election in 2008 and has reported receiving at least $4,000 from companies and individuals associated with the Sheridan Stationside developers."
Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment
Florida voters from the Panhandle to the Keys have become increasingly disaffected by over-development. We all know about the ever increasing traffic and the condo canyons that are transforming paradise. But the growth industry is by far the most powerful force in local government, and we, as members of the public concerned about a diminished quality of life, have been powerless to stop the relentless march of construction in our state.
A petition is being circulated throughout Florida that would amend the Florida Constitution to give voters more say in what gets built. This is the Florida Hometown Democracy Petition. If the petition drive is successful, any project that requires an amendment to the city's comprehensive land use plan (like Sheridan Stationside, for example) would have to be approved by the voters. In this manner, residents would gain a seat at the development table. As was so clearly evident at the Planning Council meeting, the developers and the government officials hold all the cards now and the public counts for little or nothing. The Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment would reduce that advantage.
Concerned citizens should not only sign the petition but also get at least five friends and family members to do the same. Collecting sufficient signatures is an urgent matter requiring that we act NOW. If you have not already done so, please go to the FHD website and download a petition so you can sign it and mail it to the FHD office in New Smyrna. And spread the word. Here is the link to the Florida Hometown Democracy website.
