Herald Editorial on Scary Growth Bill in Tallahassee. By Geniusofdespair

The Miami Herald is pretty much always on target on growth management with the exception of their non-support of Florida Hometown Democracy (if this bill goes through I am sure they would change and support it.) The Editorial, Unrestricted growth no solution to state's stagnant economy OUR OPINION: Flawed bill would weaken oversight of development is well worth a read.

Let me give you an example. The Herald discusses State oversight on DRI’s (mega developments) which I find incredibly important. They say:

“We believe that DRIs should never be exempt from state oversight. Local governments too often are dazzled by the tax-revenue potential of big subdivisions to consider the negative consequences that such unsustainable growth can bring. The state can act as a more-neutral judge in these cases.”

If we look at Coral Gables, for example, let’s imagine that Gonzalo Sanabria won a Coral Gables Commission seat. If a developer were able to secure a large enough parcel by buying up a square block (like Merrick Park was put together, using City owned land as well) I would guess that Gonzalo would be the first to champion the development just as the Herald described. So we would be forced to rely on good people in office, not always easy with our stupid electorate. At least with the State of Florida as a second tier, we have another layer of government to turn to for sanity when our elected officials are dazzled by the lure of increased tax dollars and the opportunity to return favors to their pals.