Thank you for your support on the UDB

Margaret Morales the South Florida Organizer of Clean Water Action/Clean Water Fund and Hold the Line member, said it best for all of us, thanking the residents who came out yesterday:

It was amazing to me to see how strong the Hold the Line campaign really is, with so many bright green stickers staring straight back at the Commissioners.

Although the Commissioners did go ahead and approve both Amendments 5 and 6, yesterday really was a big victory for HTL. Of course the developers pulling 4 on Tuesday was a BIG win. But even on 5 and 6, a number of additional measures and restraints were placed on both of these projects that made them items we can continue to monitor and work to reduce their impact, rather than complete losses that we have no ability to mitigate any longer.

County Commission Meeting Wednesday: Ask the Commissioners to HOLD THE LINE!

The UEL was a founding member of the Hold the Line group formed years ago to combat the onslaught of development applications to the County trying to move the Urban Development Boundary. Once again developers are trying to cross the line.

We are asking that you come to the County Commission chambers on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and voice your concerns. The address is 111 NW 1st Street. Can't get off work? Call Commissioner Rebeca Sosa: Phone: (305) 375-5696 and call Audrey Edmonson (305)-375-5393. Tell them both to HOLD THE LINE!

April 28th Application to move the UDB Line. By Fran Bohnsack

Dear UEL Friends,

I have something of great importance to impart. I have learned that there are several very controversial applications coming up for developments outside the UDB. These will be heard on April 28 at the County Commission Chambers at 9:30 a.m. We need to do our best to fill the Chamber and the time certain makes it easier. Since Commissioner Sosa is running for Mayor, she is likely to be influenced by the will of the crowd. We need your help to exercise that influence to protect the UDB. Will you help?

Let's do our part. Can you join me?

County Greenprint Assessment: Excerpt.

Is Amendment 4 the Right Answer?

There is an article in the Miami Herald today about Amendment 4. The author says:

In the complex world of comprehensive land-use plans, the public cannot vote.

However, this uneven balance of power could change in the 2010 elections. A proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution would give the public the final say on changes to a comprehensive land-use plan that have been approved by commissioners.

Given that changes to a development plan determine the fate of a community for future generations, it is vital that those changes reflect voters' interests, maintains Florida Hometown Democracy, which is promoting Amendment 4.

Contrary to the arguments of the amendment's foes, the objective would not be to ask voters to approve all changes, no matter how minor, like putting an addition onto a house. Instead, it would be limited to significant changes in development policies.

What is your opinion readers? Do you want to leave the last word with voters or politicians?

Florida Cabinet denies Lowe's move of Urban Development Boundary

According to the Miami Herald, the State Cabinet voted 3 to 1, siding with an administrative law judge, to reject the County Commission's move of the Urban Development Boundary for a Lowe's store.  The County Attorney signaled that it was over for the County. Lowe's might appeal. 

The Urban Environment League was a founding member and driving force in the  Hold the Line movement which was a broad coalition of people, government entities and groups in favor of holding the line on development in areas not served by infrastructure. The UEL agrees with the ruling, we don't think it is the time to move the UDB line.

The Miami Herald says:

Environmentalists and urban planners hailed the decision, saying it sets a precedent for dealing with counties that attempt to bend state growth management laws and allow sprawl. They hope the ruling will halt attempts by politically powerful developers who are seeking to move development boundaries in other counties, including the creation of a new suburb on the Everglades' doorstep in Miami-Dade called Parkland.

Who is this Meeting Really For?

Representative Erik Fresen (R-Miami) will be hosting a forum regarding Florida’s new growth management laws. Representatives from the development industry -including the Builders Association of South Florida (BASF) and the Latin Builders Association (LBA) - as well as those from local governments will be in attendance.

The forum will take place on Wednesday, July 8th at 6:00 pm in the City of Coral Gables Youth Center (402 UniversityDrive, Coral Gables, Florida).

"I felt it was important to create a forum whereby the development industry, local governments and citizens could discuss what this legislation actually does and how it affects current growth management practices. It's important for everyone to be on the same page"
Fresen said.

Fresen was a lobbyist before being elected and was working for applicants that wanted to move the UDB line.

The "Hold the Line Video."