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Give us back our county

Re: Developer's plan looks to avert impact requirements Jan. 23 letter to the editor

Is this another example of our county commission and building department selling out our county?

Your article states that a qualified geologist, referring to the cave, said it "contained some of the most spectacular formations in the Southeast."

The fact that residential-commercial building continues to be rampant in Hernando County shows us there is no concern for the taxpayers, but only for the pockets of those who issue all these permits.

We have just been subjected to a watering restriction limiting us to one day a week until the end of July! So, why do the houses grow? Where is the building ban? Why has not the Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a total building ban until this "crisis" has abated? Because there is no water problem!

Come on, commissioners, building officials, code enforcers, Swiftmud and anyone else involved, give us back our county. Stop selling us out to the highest bidder because that is what is happening, believe it or not.

No more destroying of our natural resources, including water and caves.

Elizabeth Wood, Spring Hill

Alert call could have been earlier 

Re: Code Red alert Jan. 12

As I applaud the premise of the system, I also, was not thrilled to get a call at 10:30 p.m. and again at 11 p.m. My understanding is the man was missing since 6 p.m. Why wasn't the alert sent out sooner? Why wait four hours?

My husband works out of state eight weeks at a time, which leaves me home alone. What makes you think I am going to answer my door after 10:30 p.m., even after receiving the Code Red call, when my husband is away!

Also, the alert gave only the name of the street the man was missing from, which gave me no clue as to the area affected. I have lived here 18 years and yet I do not know all the street names.

I am thankful the man was found safe.

Clara Ann Szabo, Spring Hill

So, just how much is the job worth?

The story about election expenses is making me wonder: How much does a gig like Nancy Robinson's pay? The article said she spent $62,613 on her losing bid.

How do you unraise one's eyebrows?

John Albert, Spring Hill

Editor's note: Hernando County Commissioners are paid using a state formula that increases along with the county's population. This year, each commissioner earns $58,408.

Development not compatible 

Re: Hickory Hill

I am so tired of reading letters in support of the proposed development from people not fully informed of all the facts concerning this project, our community, or the subdivision's supposed benefits to the residents of Hernando County.

I live in Spring Lake on Hickory Hill Road, and pay my share of taxes. Believe me, they are far from low. I also am unable to buy homeowners insurance because it is more than we can afford, and also because there is a possibility of a sinkhole on our property. Regardless of lack of insurance and high taxes, I live with all this happily for my rural lifestyle. I will continue to do all I can to keep it this way.

If the supporters of Hickory Hill would take the time to learn all the facts and become fully informed, they would learn that the residents of Spring Lake who are opposed to this project, are not against development of Mr. Thomas' property, but only require that any development be done in a manner that would be comparable to the surrounding area; that would mean upholding the Comprehensive Plan already in place and not changing it for the benefit of a wealthy developer.

Yes, our Comprehensive Plan can be reviewed for modification twice per year, but according to state growth management statutes, only changes to strengthen the plan should be made. Our county commissioners are legally obligated, and indeed have a fiduciary responsibility, to ensure that any new development in a rural area be rural in design and tract size.

I envision this property, with its rolling parcels and abundant wildlife, to be sold in 10- to 25-acre parcels or more, and it can still be beneficial to the owner, a challenge for the developer to build ranch homes in a style befitting the scenery and still benefiting the county and its residents without putting a burden on our precious water and overcrowding our schools and quiet country roads. If Sierra Properties is truly a talented developer as it portrays itself to be, a rural development with true open space and wildlife corridors should not be hard to design. I have seen developments of this type in many areas of the country, where they see the enormous value in maintaining areas suitable for a rural lifestyle.

Water it is a major problem in our area. One neighbor shares water with an adjoining neighbor, as he has none on his property. Another neighbor has had to pay in excess of $40,000 to sink a well. This, after having eight test holes drilled over a period of several years, none of which encountered clay, lime rock, or white sand. My neighbor's property perks directly into the Floridan aquifer. This neighbor also is adjacent to the Hickory Hill project and obviously there is not an impervious basin in this area.

For these reasons I urge the Board of County Commissioners to deny Hickory Hill. It is not compatible to our area, nor are the housing units needed, as required by our Comprehensive Growth plan. It is not a Comprehensive Growth "suggestion."

Irma Lupo, Spring Lake

Development would be an asset

In the past few weeks, I have read numerous letters to the editor in reference to the proposed Hickory Hill development in Spring Lake. This is a very emotional subject that has turned neighbor against neighbor in this once close-knit community.

Having friends and family in the Spring Lake area, I have tried to keep abreast of the facts and allegations that have been made by the letter writers. I am of the opinion that this proposed development would be an asset to Hernando County, particularly the Spring Lake area. Growth is a byproduct of progress and to think that hindering the development would in any way benefit Hernando County is not realistic.

I hope when the vote comes up in April that each of the Hernando County Commissioners votes his or her conscience and will not be unduly influenced by action-groups that have their own agendas. After speaking with numerous people who know Commissioner Rose Rocco, I believe she will be fair and impartial and her vote will be in the best interest of all Hernando County residents.

For years to come, this vote will be a legacy of all the county commissioners for the betterment of Hernando County.

Kimberly Pardo, Wesley Chapel

Gambling has too many drawbacks 

Re: A good reason to legalize gambling Jan. 23 letter to the editor

The letter writer has it wrong; you most certainly can have a mortgage and no sinkhole coverage. I have it right now for my home in Holiday. Forgoing sinkhole coverage was the only way I could afford to insure my home.

Legalized gambling is not the answer, unless the question is "How do I saturate my community with organized crime and prostitution in the most expedient fashion?" I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Thanks, but no thanks. I stayed one day in Las Vegas as a stopover to the Grand Canyon, and in Atlantic City I didn't even make it one day.

In Las Vegas, while walking down the street, my husband and I were approached by multiple prostitutes wanting to know if we wanted to have a good time. Adult papers offering every sexual vice litter the streets there. We have offshore gambling already and if one can't feed one's need for gambling on the high seas, I suggest a trip to one of the quaint cities that provide this service.

Legalized gambling to decrease our homeowners insurance would be the equivalent of the lottery to take care of our schools, and we all know how well that is working.

Shari Kotsch, Holiday

[Last modified January 26, 2007, 06:43:48]