Pine Islanders input ignored!
To the editor:
Farm Worker Housing Units special exception declined and then approved??
For the third time Pine Islanders will be taking time off work, cancelling other appointments and meeting with Lee County officials.
In April of 2008, Pine Islanders met with a hearing examiner to testify as to why the 64 farm worker housing units on Stringfellow and Alcorn Street were:
– Not needed
– Unsafe as to traffic
– Added burden to schools
– Added traffic to Matlacha Bridge
– Put a strain on utilities
– Already harmful to the environment
– Not compatible with surrounding area
– Requirements of developer not enforceable
The Hearing Examiner rightfully declined the exception for a variety of very good reasons. However, the issue was then taken before a Special Magistrate with the claim that the Hearing Examiner was “unreasonable.” Therefore, another meeting was called allowing only those who spoke at the previous meeting to speak
Again, a room full of Pine Islanders met in the county offices and explained in very clear and concise terms why the exception was based on inaccurate market data. It was also explained just how it would put a heavy strain on traffic, utilities, services, schools, and the environment. The presentations were based on facts, with documentation and displays. One hundred percent of the testimonies were against the 64-unit exception.
Yet, as a complete surprise to everyone, the Magistrate decided to ignore the people and overturn the Hearing Examiners decision. Now another meeting before the Lee County Commissioners planned for Feb. 10 at 9:30 a.m.
It is also important to note that, even though this was expected to be paid for through the state with our taxes it was reported by the Florida Housing and Finance Corporation (FHFC) that “The project did not meet threshold in a number of areas and did not cure deficiencies in its application” The entire application is available online at https://wams.floridahousing.org/. The application is Palms at Pine Island application number 2008-052C.
Everyone is encouraged to attend this meeting on Feb. 10 at 9:30 and anyone will be able to speak if they wish. This is a very important issue to Pine Island. You are encouraged to talk to your friends and neighbors and attend these meetings.
Bob Long