Dear Editor,
As a concerned citizen of our Walden Lake Community, I would like to add one more letter in regards to the rezoning issue.
There is a group of residents that are adamantly opposed to rezoning. They are quite visible, with many opportunities to explain their views, and they have opportunity to gain support.
With good strategy and an early start, their efforts are commendable.
However, there is another group, not so visible, that is for rezoning.
I am part of the latter.
There are some parts of the discussion that may be opinions, but are not factual. For instance, the front page of our community newsletter was devoted to an interpretation of what the current, submitted plan represents. There is no disclaimer, notation or comment to indicate that the contents of this article could/would be subject to change.
The article is representative of the very worst scenario that would transpire, should the rezoning pass.
Common sense and actual verbal confirmation has shown that there will be a revised plan submitted at some time. The property owner, Visions Golf, has not indicated in any public way that it would not take the opportunity to address and resubmit a revised, rezoning plan at some time.
All of the reports that are often referred to in the dialogue is an indication to what will be corrected in the hopes the rezoning will be passed by the Plant City Planning Board.
To listen to the side of those organized against rezoning, one would have to believe that the Walden Lake Community will never be the same if a very small portion, that is privately owned, is rezoned.
The fact is, we will still have our parks (with an additional park added), the walking trails will be in tact, and the lakes, ponds, wetlands, near the development will be better because the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County says they have to be to pass for rezoning.
The roads may be better if the city has some generated funds to repair them. There will be funds to rebuild the golfing community, including a new clubhouse and renovated golf course.
There is more, but any reasonable person needs to take the time and do the research, to find out for themselves. Those against rezoning may not be the best source to ask.
I would also like to mention that our community has been involved in rezoning lawsuits that have been filed, withdrawn, then refiled by an attorney representing the plaintiffs, which includes the Walden Lake Community Association. If not for an article in the Plant City Times & Observer a few weeks ago most residents would not even have an update regarding all of these lawsuits.
Carrine Narey, Walden Lake Resident