- Continued population growth
- Increased traffic congestion
- Protecting our environment
- Revitalizing our downtown
- Homestead Exemption Amendment Article
Increased Traffic Congestion & Protecting Our Environment
As our population continues to grow, we face another challenge…the increase in traffic congestion through our city. A study commissioned by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority revealed that currently, there is between 40-50,000 cars per day that pass through our downtown! For all of us that have had to fight through this congestion, we know the frustration it can bring and with the rapid growth of our population this will only continue to increase. The Expressway authority study has estimated, that if no alternative roads are built in this area that the downtown congestion will increase to 70,000 cars per day by the year 2025! That is why I believe we must look for, and support alternative roadways to relieve this congestion, starting with the building of the Apopka Bypass. This must continue to be a top priority for our city.
As we build these roadways, we must also take every step necessary to protect our natural resources and green spaces through moderation of development in the Wekiva River Basin. But we need to support this for more than just a method to relieve congestion. The safety of our citizens in the downtown business district is at risk! With such a high traffic density, pedestrians are reluctant to walk in and around the downtown area and go to the businesses located there. Therefore, businesses are reluctant to locate there.
Another very important challenge is the on-going redevelopment of our downtown district. The Community Redevelopment Plan adopted by the City in 1993 recommends several programs for our leaders to revitalize our downtown, as a viable place for families. Not just a place for families to live, but to work, shop and play! I commend the City for all of their hard work and the tremendous strides they have taken to complete this project, as evidenced by the new streetscapes, sidewalks, lighting, and city gateways. However, there is still much to be done. As a current member of the Apopka Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and Chairman of the City/Business Relations Committee, I am committed to bringing the Chamber and City together to actively recruit businesses to our downtown, and foster a positive relationship between our City and those businesses.
We should not look to recruit just large companies, but small businesses as well that will greatly benefit from the characteristics that our city has to offer. It is very important that you…the citizens of Apopka share your input with your elected officials regarding the types of businesses you feel are important for our community. Business growth is a key element for Apopka. As our population grows, it is critical that our business community continues to grow as well to meet the needs of our citizens. A vibrant, economically sound business community improves the quality of life for all citizens of Apopka. It is definitely time for Apopkans to have a variety of restaurants, shops, and community activities where they can take their families and spend their disposable income in our city, instead of going somewhere else!
Meeting these challenges will not happen overnight. After all, Apopka did not become the second fastest growing city in Orange County overnight. But we can embrace these challenges and look for an ever-brightening future for our city, our children, and our families. It will take strong, proactive leadership, working together with our citizens and businesses to meet these challenges. Together, we can make Apopka the envy of every city in Central Florida.
Homestead Exemption Ammendment Article
HIGH COURT STRIKES HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AMENDMENT, SALES TAX AMENDMENT FROM BALLOT
Associated Press, 7/15
TALLAHASSEE, Fla - A proposed ballot measure to double the state's $25,000 homestead exemption and another that could have lead to the revocation of some sales tax exemption are flawed and can't be on the November ballot, the Florida Supreme court ruled Thursday.
But the high court approved six other citizen initiatives, including one that would create a $6.15 minimum wage, one that would repeal a high-speed train project voters ordered the state to build four years ago and four measures dealing with medical malpractice.
The Supreme Court reviews citizen initiatives to judge if they're clearly explained and deal with just one subject. Those are the only two issues the high court addresses.
The property tax amendment was bankrolled by a Vero Beach millionaire who promoted it as property tax relief for homeowners, but critics argued it was really a tax shift onto commercial and industrial property. And local government officials and Gov. Jeb Bush said they worried about the $2 billion price tag on the proposal.
The sales tax review amendment was pushed by former state Senate President John McKay, who tried unsuccessfully to force a revamping of the state's sales tax system two years ago before leaving office.
None of the proposals have the half a million signatures needed to
make the ballot but most seem poised to meet the Aug. 3 deadline.
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