Exploring the Issues: Home Depot and Our Community

Stay informed and engaged with our collection of articles that delve into the potential consequences of the proposed Home Depot development in our residential community. From the risks of increased traffic and environmental degradation to the broader implications for our neighborhood’s character, these articles provide the context and details you need to fully understand what’s at stake. Explore the insights below to learn more about why protecting Lakewood Ranch is so important, and how similar developments have affected other communities.

Manatee County Property Locator
Use Manatee County’s Property Locator by searching for the address 5504 LORRAINE RD and zooming in to view parcel details and surrounding properties near Lorraine and Rangeland. Other parcels in this zoning request: 5428 LORRAINE RD and LILAC SKY ST

Planning Records for the Home Depot Development Project
Current planning record documents for this project as well as instructions on how to search the Manatee County website for updates and changes.

Home Depot Abandons Plan for New Store in Lakewood Ranch
tl;dr (AI Generated): Home Depot has abandoned its plan to build a new store at the intersection of Rangeland Parkway and Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch. After facing significant opposition from local residents and encountering land development challenges, the corporation dropped its proposal. The pre-application meeting scheduled for September 13 has been canceled. Residents had mobilized quickly, forming groups and organizing a petition that gathered over 2,300 signatures. Many opposed the store due to concerns about traffic, environmental impacts, and the effect on the residential community. (Dawn Kitterman, The Bradenton Times)

When Home Depot Comes Knocking: What Could This Mean for Lakewood Ranch?
tl;dr (AI Generated): Home Depot plans to rezone a 15.86-acre plot in Lakewood Ranch, causing concern among residents. While the store might offer convenience, potential downsides include increased traffic, environmental impact, noise, light pollution, and the loss of the community’s character. Similar developments in other towns have led to negative outcomes, including traffic congestion, local business closures, and environmental degradation. Residents are encouraged to oppose the project to protect the community’s unique charm and prevent Lakewood Ranch from becoming another cautionary tale. (Sari Lindroos-Valimaki, Sari’s Substack)

Home Depot plans to build another store in Manatee County, records say. Here’s where
tl;dr (AI Generated): Home Depot has filed a request to rezone 15.86 acres at 5504 Lorraine Road in Lakewood Ranch from general agricultural to planned development commercial. This site, near Rangeland Parkway and north of State Road 70 E, would host a new Home Depot store, adding to the three existing locations in Manatee County. (Jason Dill, The Bradenton Times)

Savanna developers and residents settle after 4-year battle
tl;dr (AI Generated): After a 4-year dispute, residents of Savanna at Lakewood Ranch and developers reached a compromise about developing a 5.23-acre tract at the community’s entrance. Initially labeled as “passive open space,” the land will now include a daycare and limited commercial buildings, but a gas station is no longer allowed. The agreement includes a 12,000-square-foot daycare and 10,125 square feet of retail space. Despite opposition, the community accepted the deal to avoid further conflict with the developer-friendly county commission. Traffic concerns were addressed by routing traffic from State Road 64, and the community was promised $18,000 for a gate. (Lesley Dwyer, The Observer)

Is 3H Ranch Pat Neal’s Water-Loo?
tl;dr (AI Generated): Pat Neal’s proposal to build 6,576 homes on 3H Ranch in Sarasota, vastly exceeding the 386 homes allowed by current zoning, was approved by a County Commission that has been criticized as being overly influenced by Neal’s political donations. The approval process was marked by a lack of debate and concern for the potential flooding risks in the area, with the Commission reducing open space requirements and granting numerous exceptions to environmental regulations. Critics argue this decision prioritizes Neal’s profits over the community’s welfare, especially given Sarasota’s recent severe flooding issues. (The Detail by Cathy Antunes)

Wetland Policy Banana Republic Style
tl;dr (AI Generated): This opinion piece, written by a longtime local journalist, critiques a proposal to weaken Manatee County’s wetland protection policies. The author argues that the policy, driven by developers, poses a threat to the environment and public interest. Despite the Planning Commission voting against it, concerns about corruption and regulatory capture persist. The piece urges residents to oppose the changes, warning of long-term negative impacts on water quality and the community (Dennis “Mitch” Maley, The Bradenton Times)

Not In Our Hometown: The Orange Wars
tl;dr (AI Generated): Despite being dubbed “America’s most admired retailer,” Home Depot faces widespread opposition from community groups across the U.S., who see the company’s expansion as a threat to local businesses and neighborhoods. The company’s aggressive tactics, saturation strategies, and monopolistic tendencies often result in the displacement of smaller competitors, environmental degradation, and negative impacts on local economies. Critics argue that Home Depot’s “orange-blooded” corporate culture, which emphasizes dominance and expansion at all costs, ultimately harms the communities it enters, leading to battles dubbed the “Orange Wars” by those seeking to protect their hometowns. (Al Norman, Sprawl-Busters)

The Stop Home Depot Community Group
The SHDCG opposes the construction of a new 135,975-square-foot Home Depot store in North Hills/Granada Hills, replacing existing retail and a movie theater. Concerns include increased traffic, noise, exhaust, and safety risks, especially for nearby schools. The group calls for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under California law. They encourage residents to sign petitions, send letters to the LA Planning Department, and stay informed through public hearing notifications. The website offers project documents, reports, and updates, and invites community involvement.