Day: January 21, 2015

I write as a member of the Winter Park Planning and Zoning Board and in the spirit of the duty of the board to keep the “public informed and advised as to” matters impacting development in our city. I encourage readers to explore the various links to source information below. Fear and frustration of many citizens was evident this past summer in the “no density” reaction to a proposed change in our comprehensive plan related to planned developments, or “PDs.” This change was not approved by the city commission. Objections to the proposed PD changes were founded in reactions to…

I offer the following points about development to share some of the realities I have learned as a member of the City of Winter Park Planning and Zoning Board. Much of the reaction to development approvals has been based on incomplete understanding of the city’s role in development. While there will always be political differences on where private property rights begin and end, the Federal and State Constitution, Federal and State statutes, Federal and State Court rulings, the City Comprehensive Plan, and local codes define the width and shading of the gray areas. Interested citizens may wish to learn more…