To the Editor:
I have been following this commentary on Ocala city growth ever since I purchased property in Ocala two years ago so I could retire and move my horses down to Florida from New York. I am a hardcore Republican farmer here that is ready to retire after owning a farm and another business here in New York for 30 years.
I think the government has gone insane here in New York and I am not okay with it. I have seen mostly New York City folks moving here for the past 20 years and they are kind of taking over my county with all their ideas. My husband’s health is what is preventing me from getting this huge overwhelming move done.
Now, about the growth in Ocala. Just to share what my town here did for many years: a comprehensive town plan was established, which works mostly on zoning, and how many houses per acre are allowed in all areas of the town. My zoning was changed 10 years back from two acres per home to 5 acres per home when the democrats used to want open spaces and very little development.
This is changing here in my small town which is located 65 miles north of New York City. The democrats have gotten more radical and stupid in New York, in my opinion. The new comprehensive town plan is now being discussed and changed. They are planning on putting over 100+ houses on 60 acres behind my property, which has been just wooded property forever.
My point is that if you want to keep your city growth in check, you need to keep after your city planning board and get active on those boards to stop or modify all these huge rezoning construction projects that I keep reading about: new construction getting rezoned and approved for hundreds of new housing units. High density housing has its pros and cons, but your city planners and board members should possibly work on zoning for open spaces and keeping them open.
Hey, I am just an outsider suggesting what was done in my small town to keep the growth in check here. They would not even allow a gas station to be put in the middle of the town center here, and I have to travel to put gas in my trucks.
I hope to someday be welcomed in Ocala with my miniature horses and my old retired show horses. It does not seem like Florida appreciates northern folks moving down there. I wish Ocala International Airport had a commercial carrier so I could get there easier to plan my move after my husband passes.
Bonnie Rin
New York resident and Ocala property owner
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