Purpose: To highlight the urgent need for a thorough environmental impact assessment, emphasizing the significant risks this project poses to local ecosystems, green spaces, wildlife habitats, and air quality in our community.
Message: Request a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and strongly express concerns about the potential harm to local ecosystems, the destruction of green spaces, the degradation of wildlife habitats, and the deterioration of air quality.
Email Template to Environmental Protection Agencies/Departments
To: naturalresources@mymanatee.org, kelli.polanski@mymanatee.org
Subject: Urgent Request for Environmental Impact Review – Proposed Home Depot at Lorraine & Rangeland
Dear Environmental Protection Division,
I am a resident of Lakewood Ranch, and I am writing to express my deep concern about the serious environmental risks posed by the proposed Home Depot development at the corner of Lorraine and Rangeland. This development threatens to cause significant environmental damage, including increased air pollution, disruptive light pollution, and the destruction of green spaces and vital wildlife habitats.
Given the potential for long-term harm to our local ecosystems and the broader environmental health of our community, I strongly urge you to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. It is crucial that these environmental risks are fully understood and addressed before any further action is taken.
Our community’s natural environment is at stake, and we depend on your expertise and commitment to protecting it from the detrimental effects of overdevelopment.
Thank you for your dedication to safeguarding our environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
The Environmental Protection Division is a key component of the larger Natural Resources Department in Manatee County, is responsible for protecting air, surface water, and groundwater quality in the county’s watersheds and estuaries. This division monitors ambient air and surface water quality to meet regulatory requirements and assess the effectiveness of regional environmental improvement efforts. They operate several programs, including local pollutant storage tank management, hazardous waste generator oversight, and water well construction. The Natural Resources Department as a whole oversees various environmental programs and activities throughout the county, including artificial reef construction, environmental protection, and other initiatives that promote community and environmental health.
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.