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Today's Letters: Time for Spring Hill to be city

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published April 22, 2007

Fire district in voters' hands, April 18 story

Is it time now for the city of Spring Hill to emerge? After sitting through five hours of political suicide by Commissioners Dave Russell and Chris Kingsley, now might be the time.

The Spring Hill Fire Rescue District issue barely survived the onslaught and "The City of Spring Hill" was mentioned several times by various residents. The establishment of a city might be a very cumbersome and difficult process, but Russell fanned the flames a bit (pun intended).

The fire department issue brought the community together. I didn't hear a single person who was on the wrong side of the issue speak (other than some commissioners and Kingsley stating that supporters of the ordinance sent him e-mails and were afraid to come and voice their opinions.) Huh? Where is there a safer place to speak than the courthouse, with 25 sheriff's deputies on hand?

I think it brought the people of Spring Hill together. I would like to thank the three commissioners who did the right thing in voting against the Russell-proposed ordinance to disband the Spring Hill fire board. It might as well have been an ordinance to paint all of the fire trucks pink, because that is how passionate the residents stood behind the fire department.

I would support an effort to establish Spring Hill as a city and I also would support J.J. Morrison, the fire district chief, if he wants to run for mayor.

Charles Pullen, Spring Hill

Commission overcome by mob 

Fire district in voters' hands, April 18 story

I was appalled by the angry mob that congregated in and around the Hernando County Commission chamber April 17. I was also appalled by the commission being taken over by the mob.

There comes a time when elected officials must make difficult decisions and not worry about political consequences. The commissioners failed to do so. Instead, Commissioners Diane Rowden and Rose Rocco looked like they were running for re-election. And the chairman (Jeff Stabins)? Well, I guess he also was running for re-election and allowed the mob to take over the meeting by ignoring outbursts and speakers' time limits.

There are more than 70,000 people residing in Spring Hill. The commissioners heard from about 50 people and completely disregarded the silent majority by giving in to those who have a vested interest in the status quo.

By their actions, the commissioners failed to discharge their responsibility as elected officials; instead, they "dumped" it on the general public by proposing a referendum. Or was this a political strategy?

No matter what happens, the commissioners can always say: "We did not do this, the people did it."

To those commissioners who were running for re-election on Tuesday: You may have the mob's vote, but what about the 70,000 in the silent majority?

Anthony R. Palmieri, Spring Hill

Hickory Hill is wrong for area 

Re: Can project be green and clean? April 15 story

My family has been living in Spring Lake for almost 30 years. We have paid our taxes here and played by all the rules that residents and landowners are asked to play by. Why is it that the folks proposing the Hickory Hill development feel as if they should have special rights and privileges?

They are asking for 1,450 more homes in their development than the rules say are appropriate. If the Hickory Hill development can't be built within the guidelines of our county's comprehensive plan, then it should not be built at all.

I support one fair, equitable set of rules for everyone. Hickory Hill could be a development project with 300 homes and be built within the same rules and policies everyone else in eastern Hernando County has to follow. We have a comprehensive plan for a reason. Our community likes and wants a rural lifestyle and families buy here and stay here because that is what our comprehensive plan establishes for Spring Lake.

The folks proposing Hickory Hill want 1,750 homes and 63 holes of golf, in addition to 50,000 square feet of retail/commercial space. That sounds like a project better suited for Spring Hill or a part of the county where that type of development is appropriate. Spring Lake and eastern Hernando County should not be the next New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. Hickory Hill is the wrong project in the wrong place and the Hernando County Commission should vote no.

Nancy M. Murphy, Spring Lake

Project is good plan for property

After reviewing the proposal for the Hickory Hill housing project, I feel it is a well-thought-out plan that will have a positive effect on our community. It includes a high-end subdivision that will generate higher tax dollars and provide beautiful landscape to the area. It also provides plans for a wildlife corridor and equestrian trails, including designs for roads to route traffic to main roads away from local roads, and utilizes ground-water protection from state authorities.

It is not reasonable to expect the owners of this property not to develop their land. What better use could there be for this land?

Sierra Properties is an experienced developer with a proven record of developing quality residential properties. I live on Hickory Hill Road and I support the project.

Carol Cansler, Brooksville

Stores choose sites for a reason 

Who allows stores so close?, April 16 letter to the editor

In response to Lillian Fischer, as to the need for another Wal-Mart Supercenter in the area, may I provide some food for thought to her opinion that it is another "ill-conceived idea." She includes the reference to the closeness of the Home Depot and Lowe's improvement stores on U.S. 19.

When a business feels its product or service is comparable or superior to their competitor's, it is to their advantage to be located close to their competitor, thereby usually guaranteeing them at least half of their competitor's business, and maybe more. That's why you usually see a CVS Pharmacy across the street from a Walgreens, a Burger King down the street from a McDonald's, etc.

Do you not think that large corporations spend millions of dollars for demographic and sales studies before adding a location? Also, another corporate entity in the area provides another revenue source for the city or county, thereby mediating other individual taxpayer expenses. Businesses do not thrive if they cannot make money; be thankful they are here and helping with your tax bill.

Roger Colucci, Spring Hill

[Last modified April 22, 2007, 07:04:42]