Preserve Our Historic Neighborhoods
The proposed future land use map (comp plan) threatens most historic downtown neighborhoods by providing the impetus for tear-down and rebuild.
The new Land code is the Legal basis for zoning until 2050
What is the intent?
This new land use map (comp plan) will DRASTICALLY alter the face of our city and change the nature of available housing. Our single family housing in the city - Indianhead Acres, Los Robles, Meyers Park, Lafayette Park, Griffin Heights, Bond, French Town - all are being threatened with a code for at least double the density that also allows commercial uses and opens the door to tear-down and development.
The city planners reassure citizens that neighborhoods do not have to participate in the land code even once it is adopted. City officials call this "opt in" protection. But the land code is the legal document that will be used in zoning decisions for the next 50 years. One or two people who want to profit from the development of their property can undermine entire neighborhoods.
Example: The proposed code's language as currently written does not require a majority of homeowners to approve, or "opt in," to the new density or commercial intrusions into residential neighborhoods. Not even a majority of the homeowner's association board is required. The language of the legal document seems to only require a vote by the city commission on a plan "that was developed with neighborhood participation. The implementation of the plan shall also incorporate neighborhood engagement." What defines "neighborhood participation?" What if a builder buys the 2 houses around yours and submits a plan since he is part of "the neighborhood?" Is that enough to be "neighborhood participation"? You, as a neighbor, will not have a voice since the zoning change will be in compliance with the approved land code. Don't be mislead - ask why the planners want to change the code if they aren't intending to enforce it? Why not leave the protections currently in place?
Look at what has been done along North Adams and Duval Streets where affordable homes for first time home buyers are being rapidly replaced with multi-story, multi family units that cost 3 times as much. The "protections" from the planners lack the protection of our current land codes and provide opportunities for developers to come in and override the traditional neighborhoods to build commercial spaces with increased traffic and parking demand and converting low density single-family homes to tightly packed multi-family townhouses, and quadplexes,
Lafayette Park residents worked hard for our Residential Preservation classification which clearly protects low density, allows no new non-residential uses and requires multi-family units be designed to blend with the neighborhood character. Under the proposed code, our neighborhood will be marked along with other downtown gems as Urban Residential Preservation where all building types will be integrated into the neighborhood.
What can you do?
Active citizens can make a difference. Read the plan and listen to the city planners with healthy skepticism. Bring your wisdom to the table to determine how we can grow without destroying. Ask that our classification as Residential Presesrvation with the current definitions be kept.
Write a letter using a link below.
Talk to your neighbors about the issues. Call the city commission and Artie White, the planning director. This is urgent.
Future Plan Link: https://www.compplantlc.com/
Tallahassee City Commission: https://www.talgov.com/cityleadership/citizeninput
What Can I do?
Attend June 3 meeting, 6-7:30 PM
Attend June 3 meeting, 6-7:30 PM
Attend June 3 meeting, 6-7:30 PM
Artie White, Director of Planning, Land Management and Community Enhancement will answer questions at:
Los Robles Women's Club
1513 Cristobal Drive, 6 to 7:30 PM
City Commissioners and planners
Attend June 3 meeting, 6-7:30 PM
Attend June 3 meeting, 6-7:30 PM
Contact city commissioners at 850-891-8181. Write city commissioners online at
www.talgov.com/city leadership/Citizeninput
Susan Poplin, Poplin, Principal Planner, can be reached at (850) 891-6400.
The decision will be made
Attend June 3 meeting, 6-7:30 PM
The decision will be made
June 11 at 3 PM, the city commission meets in City Hall for the discussion and vote on the Future Land Use Map and Comp Plan. Please make your opinion known in advance and then attend the meeting to repeat your position.