To the Editor:
Desirable cities grow. You can’t stop it, but you can plan ahead for it. Napa Valley is beautiful and it has an airport. And like Napa has vineyards, Ocala has horse pastures. It takes room for horses and pastures just like it takes room for vineyards. This is why Napa remains beautiful and spread out, and the same can be true in Ocala. It can remain a beautiful place that people come to visit for many years. And if it remains horse country, and I’m sure it will, there will always be pastures and beautiful country. If planned correctly and anticipated properly, it can become even more beautiful than it is now with good roads and ample parking, more amenities, and neat places to visit with gardens and structures that show off the farms and horses. Just like Napa has wine, Ocala has pastures and horses. Just keep it spread out.
The problem occurs when you pack everything together. And things are usually packed together so builders can make the most money possible. Please stop allowing that. The problem isn’t an airport. It’s condos and apartments and townhouses and building lots that are only one-third of an acre (or smaller). People need room to live and packing everyone in is what causes congestion. Similarly, if you want to build in pasture areas, make it a minimum of 10 to 50 acres per dwelling, or something that makes sense for a pasture.
Ocala is a great location. It’s relatively safe from any hurricanes. It’s close enough to attractions and beaches for a day trip if you live here. It’s not built out like south Florida, Tampa, and Orlando. It will always have pastures so it will always be at least a little spread out. I would love to have airport access in Ocala. I sincerely hope that someone with vision plans well, and now, before it’s too late. Build with vision in mind, not quick millions. This place has so much potential. You will not be able to stop the growth. Let’s just plan well for it.
Don Greiner
Williston resident
Would you like to share your thoughts with us? Share them in a comment or by writing a Letter to the Editor.