Fast-Growing Florida County Approves Controversial Long-Range Plan

After months of discussion, St. Lucie County Commissioners approved a controversial amendment to their long-range plan. The "Towns, Villages and Countryside" plan limits growth to towns or villages instead of subdivisions, and mandates open space.

1 minute read

May 17, 2006, 11:00 AM PDT

By David Gest

The Towns, Villages and Countryside Plan affects 28 square miles of land beyond the County's urban service area boundary, and will allow clustering of development in exchange for preservation of land as agriculture, neighborhood parks, civic buildings or workforce housing in excess of that required by the Plan. The Town or Village must be a specified minimum size.

Proponents praise the plan as an example of controlled growth. Opponents are concerned about the emergence of a development pattern "worse than Miami's", and undue restrictions on private property rights. One County Commissioner fears the impact on small family farms.

Thanks to Sheryl Stolzenberg

FULL STORY: St. Lucie to move ahead on TVC plan

Tuesday, May 16, 2006 in TCPalm Local News

Government / Politics Land Use Florida

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