As the retired 20 year Growth Management Director for Brevard County, land use planning, zoning, development standards & plans review, housing, building permits were all under my supervision. I cite that list to provide credibility to my comments, some of which might be controversial.
I am appalled at how development is being approved in Marion County. It never ceases to amaze me that a local government would allow one of its major reserves to be destroyed – it’s forests, it’s trees! One of Marion’s most beautiful resources are its deciduous forests and majestic oaks, all of which are being destroyed, one after another!
In Brevard County, we sought to preserve our natural resources by instituting a Landscape Ordinance that required all trees be retained, unless found to be in a approved ROW to be dedicated, or later within the footprint of a dwelling. The natural contours of the land, including its drainage ways. were required to be maintained. Associated with that, I find there appears to be an obsession with acres & acres of detention areas, which is quite unbelievable. It’s almost like Marion County is preparing for a biblical flood!!…