Purpose: To strongly express our opposition to the rezoning changes and the construction of a big-box store in our residential community, and to ensure that the Manatee County Planning, Development, and Zoning Departmentthoroughly considers the technical and environmental aspects of the proposed Home Depot development.
Message: Emphasize specific technical concerns, including increased traffic, environmental impacts, school safety risks, and the lack of compliance with existing zoning laws. Strongly express your opposition to the proposed zoning changes and the development of a big-box store in our residential community, and request a thorough and detailed review of these critical issues.
Example Email to Manatee County Planning and Zoning Department
To: revieweroncall@mymanatee.org
Subject: Strong Opposition to Zoning Changes and Proposed Home Depot Development at Lorraine & Rangeland
Dear Planning and Zoning Department,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed zoning changes from residential and agricultural to commercial for the three parcels at the corner of Lorraine and Rangeland, as well as the development of a Home Depot in this location. This area was intentionally zoned for residential and agricultural use to preserve the character and integrity of our community, and a large commercial project like Home Depot is entirely inconsistent with this purpose.
Our community has already experienced significant flooding, notably during Tropical Storm Debbie, due to overdevelopment in the area. The construction of a big-box store will exacerbate these drainage issues, increasing the risk to our homes and properties.
Additionally, the proposed site is alarmingly close to several schools, including the new high school, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, Gullett Elementary, and Dr. Mona Jain Middle School. Increased traffic from semis and trailers near these school zones presents a serious safety risk for children who walk, bike, or drive to school.
Moreover, the 24/7 operations of a big-box store will bring increased air pollution from vehicle emissions and diesel exhaust, as well as light pollution, further disrupting the character and peace of our residential community. The development will also negatively impact local wildlife habitats, worsening the existing environmental challenges in our area.
For these reasons, I strongly oppose the zoning changes and the development of a Home Depot at this location. I urge the department to conduct a thorough review of these factors and consider the significant impact this project will have on our community. It is vital that all technical, environmental, and safety concerns are addressed before any decisions are made.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
The Planning, Development and Zoning Department, which is part of the larger Development Services Department in Manatee County, focuses on providing professional, knowledgeable, and quality service utilizing all available resources. This department is responsible for front counter operations, assisting customers with land development regulations, site plan intake and review, building permit zoning review, and addressing. It oversees the Comprehensive Plan and Development Review, primarily dealing with public hearing-related land development applications. The department includes several sections such as Development Review, Agenda, Comprehensive Planning, and GIS Mapping. Their work involves balancing growth and development while protecting and preserving the county’s natural resources through environmental review processes.
While you’re at it, also send email to these key officials and departments:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Express your environmental concerns, including the impact on wildlife and air quality.
County Commissioners: Share your opposition to the zoning changes and emphasize the importance of preserving our community’s character.
Planning and Zoning Department: Highlight technical concerns such as traffic, flooding risks, and compliance with zoning laws.
Local Education Officials: Raise school safety concerns, particularly the risks posed by increased traffic near school zones.
County Planning Commission: Urge them to recommend against the proposed zoning changes and development, emphasizing the risks to community safety, environmental health, and overall quality of life.
Home Depot Investor Relations: Voice your concerns directly to Home Depot’s leadership, emphasizing how this development will negatively impact the community and potentially harm the company’s reputation. Encourage them to reconsider the proposed location and engage with the community to find a more suitable site.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Express your environmental concerns, including the impact on wildlife and air quality.
County Commissioners: Share your opposition to the zoning changes and emphasize the importance of preserving our community’s character.
Planning and Zoning Department: Highlight technical concerns such as traffic, flooding risks, and compliance with zoning laws.
Local Education Officials: Raise school safety concerns, particularly the risks posed by increased traffic near school zones.
County Planning Commission: Urge them to recommend against the proposed zoning changes and development, emphasizing the risks to community safety, environmental health, and overall quality of life.