Biscayne Times: Revolutionary Concept: Put Urban Sprawl to a Vote

Written by Frank Rollason

Amendment 4 would do just that, which is why developers hate it As residents in the City of Miami, as well as throughout Miami-Dade County, have been struggling to control unbridled growth and development on the local level, an opportunity to control it from the state level is coming our way in November of 2010 -- just 12 short months away. I’m speaking of the proposed Amendment 4 to the Florida State Constitution, as promoted by the grass-roots group known as Florida Hometown Democracy. Simply stated, Amendment 4 mandates that changes to a local growth plan, known as a “comprehensive development master plan,” approved by a city or county’s elected representatives must then go to voters for final approval or rejection. A local comprehensive plan, usually referred to as a “comp plan,” is the road map for a community’s future development, and theoretically is to be followed by elected officials to assure that development is compatible with the plan and with the community’s resources and desires. [Read more...] Hat Tip: Dave Smith