Sarah Jacobs

Sarah Jacobs

Want to know more about Sarah? Check out her official bio, social pages, and blog articles!Full Bio

 

Proposed development would pour a road right through Hunsader Farms!

With all the growth in this area, we need places for people to live. I get it. And when a new neighborhood is built, there also needs to be a certain level of infrastructure to support it--roads, schools, fire stations, etc. But when that infrastructure threatens the livelihood of people who have been in this area for more than 50 years, I take issue with it.

A proposed development of over 5000 houses in eastern Manatee County could lead to devastating changes at Myakka Elephant Ranch and Hunsader Farms. The developer wants the land in that area to be rezoned from agricultural to residential, and add new roads to access the new neighborhood. The problem is, the areas where the new roads would be built are currently owned by Myakka Elephant Ranch and Hunsader Farms, respectively. In the case of the elephant sanctuary, the road would cut right through their habitat. As for Hunsader, it would run through a family farm operated continuously for 55 years.

Surely there is another route this road could take! Again, I understand growth is necessary, but it shouldn't come at the expense of people who've lived here, operated businesses here, and paid their taxes here for decades! The proposed road would crush the livelihood of these businesses. If you live in Manatee County and would like to express an opinion about the proposed development, the planning committee meets on Thursday, February 16th at 1:30 pm. You could also contact your county commissioner (though they say the county commission has nothing to do with the planning board...but I say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so go right ahead!). Links to more info below!

Info on the development from ABC Action News

Planning & Zoning committee (with contact info)

Manatee County Land Use Meeting Agenda

Contact your Manatee County Commissioner

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content