Purpose:
To strongly oppose the proposed Home Depot development in Lakewood Ranch/Bradenton, FL, by highlighting the numerous risks it poses to the community, including traffic congestion, environmental damage, and safety concerns. The goal is to encourage Home Depot to reconsider the location and engage with the community to find a more suitable site.
Message:
Express your concerns about the proposed Home Depot development and its negative impact on the residential character of the area. If you are a shareholder or long-time customer of Home Depot, mention this in your email to strengthen your position. If not, feel free to remove or modify that portion of the email template. Highlight the potential harm to property values, local businesses, and the safety of residents, particularly near schools. Urge Home Depot to reconsider the location and engage with the community before proceeding with the project.
Email Template
To: investor_relations@homedepot.com, ted_decker@homedepot.com
Subject: Strong Opposition to Proposed Home Depot Location in Lakewood Ranch/Bradenton, FL
Dear Investor Relations Team,
I am a resident of Lakewood Ranch/ Bradenton, Florida where Home Depot is proposing construction of a new store in Lakewood Ranch/ Bradenton, Florida at the corner of Lorraine and Rangeland.
I am also a shareholder of Home Depot and long time customer.
A Home Depot store does NOT belong in this residential area. It will be a stain on the Home Depot brand and only work to create animosity toward Home Depot.
There are a large number of residents that are prepared to fight against this build. Over 1200 have signed petitions opposing this project.
I strongly oppose this project as it presents numerous risks to our community especially Residential Impact: The proposed site is not zoned for such a large commercial project and it is now surrounded by multiple high-end communities with over 2,000 homes and many schools. The development threatens to lower nearby property values and reduce property tax revenue.
Additionally we see the following problems with the proposed build:
1 Traffic Concerns: The existing roads are not equipped to handle the increased traffic, especially from large semi trucks. This will lead to congestion, safety issues, and a potential increase in traffic accidents.
2 Exacerbation of Flooding Issues: The area has recently experienced significant flooding, and the construction of a large building and parking lot will only worsen these conditions.
3 Zoning Changes: We fear that inappropriate zoning changes are being pushed through without adequate public input, setting a dangerous precedent for future developments and undermining community trust.
4 Visual impact: The proposed height of the Home Depot will significantly alter the landscape, obstructing residents’ views of the natural green spaces that are a valued part of our community.
5 Light Pollution: The 24/7 operation will bring significant nighttime light pollution, disturbing the peace of our residential community and impacting the natural night environment.
6 Noise Pollution: The constant activity associated with a Home Depot, including deliveries and customer traffic, will lead to a significant increase in noise levels, disrupting the quiet atmosphere that residents currently enjoy.
7 Environmental Damage: Continued development in this area contributes to the destruction of natural habitats, green spaces, and the local environment, which are essential to the character and health of our community.
8 Local Business Impact: The introduction of a big-box store like Home Depot could negatively affect local small businesses, which may struggle to compete, potentially leading to closures and a loss of community identity.
9 Long-Term Infrastructure Strain: Beyond just traffic, the development could strain local infrastructure, including water, sewage, and electrical systems, which were not designed to support a large commercial development.
10 Public Safety: The increase in traffic and activity could potentially lead to more accidents or crimes in the area, impacting the overall safety and security of our neighborhood.
11 Community Character: This project will fundamentally alter the character of our neighborhood, turning a quiet residential area into a bustling commercial zone, which is not in line with the community’s values and vision.
12. School safety concerns: The proposed Home Depot location is too close to several schools in our community. This location is 5 minutes from the new High School, 10 minutes from LWR Prep, B.D. Gullett Elementary School and Dr. Mona Jain Middle. The proximity of a big -box store like Home Depot raises serious safety concerns. Our children walk, bike, or scooter to school and should not have to navigate roads filled with semis, trailers and increased traffic from a commercial retail site.
This is a recipe for accidents, especially with new teenage drivers on the road. We are a community of parents and our top priority is the safety of our children, placing a Home Depot in our schools backyards endangers that safety,
I strongly urge Home Depot to reconsider this location and engage with our community to find a more suitable site that aligns with the residential nature of Lakewood Ranch.
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
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.