Department of Community Affairs Rejects "Mahan Massacre"

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today recommended against an amendment to Leon County's growth plan that would allow up to 500 residential units in a rural area currently zoned for 50. The decision came in response to community-wide pressure to halt the project, including nearly 1,000 petition signatures from concerned area residents.

"We applaud Secretary Tom Pelham and the DCA for supporting the people of Leon County, rather than the interests of one well-heeled out-of-town developer," said Damien Filer, Political Director for Progress Florida.

The Leon County Commission, which originally approved the growth plan alteration, is now slated for a final vote on the matter October 28th.

"We are confident that the Leon County Commission will do the right thing on behalf of the citizens they serve, especially now that everyone including the state of Florida has weighed in against this reckless development," said Filer.

Background

Located at the intersection of Mahan drive and Wadesboro road, the proposed 'Rockaway' development has been called “the poster child for urban sprawl,” by Tallahassee City Commissioner Debbie Lightsey.

The Tallahassee City Commission voted unanimously to oppose this massive new development located outside the Urban Services Area, and the Planning Department for the city and county said this level of development is out of compliance with our own comprehensive plan. The Leon County Water Resources Committee also recommended denial.

Despite this opposition, and the opposition of a dozen neighboring residents who waited for hours to testify against the development, the Leon County Commission voted 5-1 to move forward with amending Leon County’s growth plan to accommodate the wishes of one politically connected and deep-pocketed developer. Commissioner Cliff Thaell was the only one who voted against it. (Commissioner Bob Rackleff was out of town but strongly opposes this development.)

Progress Florida is a non-profit, statewide organization supporting progressive solutions for Florida. Visit us at www.ProgressFlorida.org.