Originally Published on September 14th, 2009

 

Joyce Tarnow, president of Floridians for a Sustainable Population, thinks so.

Tarnow called a press conference this afternoon to ask Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet to postpone their decisions on any comprehensive plan changes until voters decide on the so-called Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment in November 2010. The amendment would require comp plan changes to be approved by votes.

Tarnow said the amendment was essentially to save what’s left of Central and North Florida.

“Some people of South Florida say, ‘It’s too late. Everything is already gone,’” she said. “But the Treasure Coast, north-central Florida, northeast Florida - there are a lot of places that still have a lot to lose.”

Asked about that sentiment, 1000 Friends of Florida President Charles Pattison said, “We don’t agree with that.”

The 1000 Friends board initially opposed the Hometown amendment, saying developers would have more money to sway an election than any citizens group.

But the board is rethinking that decision.

“They were disappointed with the outcome of Senate Bill 360,” Pattison said. “Given that and other setbacks in the last couple years, it was time to re-look at that position.”

1000 Friends and Tarnow’s group, however, both share concerns about a Marion County project before Crist and the Cabinet on Tuesday morning. Both say the outcome could have statewide impact.

The issue is whether or not a comprehensive plan amendment is in compliance with state law. The Department of Community Affairs has reversed its original position and is recommending the amendment does not comply with state law.

Crist and the Cabinet sided with DCA in a similar case in July. Two more similar development proposals from Palm Beach County — one on Lantana Farms land and another on Northlake Boulevard known as the Balsamo property -- have not yet been scheduled for a Cabinet meeting.