On Tue, 22 Jul 2003, Lee Pinkoson wrote:

Dear Ms Schwab,

First let me reiterate our appreciation to all those who participated in this process. As has been mentioned many times, a significant amount of time has gone into the comp plan.

Basically my points were as follows.

The effect of the clustering component of the comp plan would have had a disastrous effect on the farmers in the county. They depend upon the value of the land in order to obtain the loans required in order to sustain operations until the crops are harvested, or the animals are sent to market. Like it or not, the value of the land is based upon his highest and best use which simply put is its developmental potential. By clustering the lots and leaving a significant portion of the property as conservation, the land does not have the same value as was confirmed by many of the lending institutions. Such being the case it would create a situation where the farmer would be limited in his/her ability to secure the cash necessary to continue the operation of the farm. I am not saying whether this is right or wrong.

Secondly, the Urban Service Line as it was drawn in the 2002 was already creating land value and housing prices to artificially soar. Documented sales showed that the prices in Alachua County had increased 16-18% as opposed to 6-8% in the rest of the state. The restricted the amount of land available, a situation had been created that would make affordable housing much more difficult and those in the lower economic realm would have had a much more difficult time getting their first home. The key to this issue was to attempt to find that point at which you minimize sprawl without sending the housing market to the point where only the most financially secure individuals are able to own their own home.

I also brought up the point about the will of the people argument. As you are undoubtedly aware, the two new commissioners were elected due to the dissatisfaction by the voters. The 2002 comp plan played a major role in the election.

Last, protecting our water. By far this issue was the most difficult because you pit environmental protection against property rights and that decision was hard. We did increase the setbacks substantially, but not as much as designed in the 2002 plan.

In closing the plan is still one of the best in the state and a document of which to be proud. I do very much realize that those who participate truly care about this county as much as I do and I am glad to have that input. I have learned a great deal. Feel free to respond, these decisions were not made lightly.

Lee Pinkoson