The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - July 29, 2009
Yankeetown Mayor s Report
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
A Guest Commentary by Dawn Clary
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Mediation - The mediation meeting with the Department of Community Affairs, Izaak
Walton Investor’s and the town was held on July 21st as scheduled. It was open to the
We live in an era when zoning is changed because of missing pages in official documents
public which is unusual, and there was a good turnout from the town. The mediation was
and records, selective enforcement of existing codes, and attempted power-grabs by very
concerning IWI’s disagreement with the DCA’s finding that our Comprehensive Plan was in
small minds that have incrementally eroded the foundation this country was developed on
compliance. IWI’s had several points of contention, such as they did not feel the town had
often prevail. Today, driven by the hatred of a few bed-wetting trouble makers that manage
adequately addressed storm water drainage in the Capital Improvements Plan.
the cool-aid stands who by attrition will not be here in a few years, have caused the futures
The town’s position, represented by Land Use Attorney Ralf Brooks and Council-
of others to become clouded in a way that is understood by only a few so far.
man Norm Shannahan appeared to be that we had addressed this issue to the extent possible.
As a municipal contractor having worked with, for, and listened to hundreds of com-
While many of IWI’s positions were agreed to, the major sticking point in the end was over
missions across this country tell their tales of woe and state how different that particular city
the allowed “Floor to Area Ratio” (FAR). The FAR is not as easily understood as other zon-
or county would have been if only…. This is quite different because it has been looking for
ing rules such as setbacks which are strait forward. The following is an informational only
the excuse to happen for years and you the citizens of Yankeetown, and the tax payers of
attempt to explain it, but for any real answers on this please see our Zoning Official Chris
not only Levy County but also the State of Florida need to open your eyes, ears, minds, and
Fineout.
focus, immediately.
The FAR is a ratio of all of the floor space, including multiple floors, to the lot size.
The combined efforts of the planning and town commissions here in Yankeetown with
Example, if the FAR is .5 per acre and you have one acre than you could have approximately
outside coaching have created a comprehensive plan that will burden the property owners
22,000 square feet of floor space which could be one floor of 22,000, if set backs allowed or
with real future tax increases as a result of stopping commercial development and tax base
a two story building of 11,000 square feet each or 10 floors of 2,200 square feet if height lim-
from evolving. Y-town’s current commissioners think this home town democracy is some-
its allowed. It gets complicated. The FAR that IWI was requesting was too extreme for the
thing new but what it actually is is the reworking of failed social experiments in a different
negotiating team which was headed up by Councilman Larry Feldhusen and also included
suit of clothes that have never worked anywhere and will pass the liability of the lost future
Planning and Zoning Chairman Larry Cohan. Unfortunately no agreement was achieved.
law suits on to you as property owners.
This is called an impasse. We will now go to an administration hearing in August. However,
Recently a letter of inquiry was sent to all Levy County Commissioners requesting
it was agreed that a committee would be set up to research the issues further. There would
a response regarding their feelings pertaining to this home town democracy with two re-
be members from both sides. This issue is scheduled for the August regular meeting.
sponding in two weeks. One in the enemy camp and one a patriot and believer in both the
Money, Money, MONEY – We have been holding budget meetings and have finished a
oath to serve and Levy County! I think the taxpayers in Chiefland, Bronson, Williston and
preliminary budget for the General Fund. Town finances are split into two funds the General
the state need to understand their tax dollars need to stay there because this town deserves
Fund and the Water Fund. The budget work tends to be like a state of the union exercise, be-
no support, period.
cause everyone is forced to examine the condition and needs of their area. One of the areas
When a town ceases to operate and think as a business and by design prevents tax base
in need is the future museum building at the WGP. The project has essentially stalled due to
from developing, they darn sure do not deserve any additional tax dollars from elsewhere
lack of funds. The building is in need of roof repairs, and other projects in the TLC category.
in the form of grants. As a matter of fact I believe people should have to take a test before
The Friends of the WGP accept donations even of things such as an old car which they can
voting.
then sell and raise money. If you can help, contact Councilman Larry Feldhusen, Board of
This week last I attended the schooling at WGP sponsored by the Dept. of Forestry
Trustees Chairwoman Linda Cohan or Ellen Klee Chairwoman of the Friends of the WGP.
with speakers from the power company and Dr. Ed Gilman. It was held in this corner of the
Good Night and Good Luck, Dawn Marie Clary, Mayor of Yankeetown
county for a reason and not one Y-town official bothered to attend.
Joe McDonald, Yankeetown 352.212.4951
Participateasks theA Newscaster Poll the proposed
In question: Are you in favor of or against
Comments On The Tarmac Poll
Our latest poll
Inglis Tarmac mine? Go to www.thenewscaster.com and click on the news page. You can
Via email:
also leave your comments at our hotline: 352-897-0381(Dunnellon). Be sure to leave your
My wife and I believe the approval of a new rock mine in this area ( Tarmac) would
name with your comments.
be detrimental to our Nature Coast environment. Poor little Inglis might be faced in dealing
with two rock mines and two power plant complexes in the years ahead. We thought the
Call The Newscaster Hotline with your opinion, leave your name
whole point of living here was to enjoy and preserve the nature and unique beauty of this
with a recorded message: 352-897-0381 Dunnellon
community. At some point, development will ruin the natural beauty of this area.
Gene & June Kiger, Inglis
Via Voicemail:
I’m James Fowler and I’ve lived in Inglis for 60 years. I’m totally against the
rock mine coming in on Canyon road out there. This is going to destroy the aquafier.
We’ve got problems now in Florida with the drinking water and everything else. And
when they build those two nuclear plants it’s gloing to ge even worse. I’m in total opossition
Restaurant the Border!
James Fowler, Inglis
to the rock mine near Inglis.
Via Voicemail:
The Best Mexican Cuisine South of
Charles DeGrove, Bronson, I completely supporter Tarmac’s efforts in Levy
445 NE 1st Terrace • Crystal River • North of Big Lots & East of Post Office
county. I’d be great for the area and if you deny them that opportunity they are just
Crystal Terrace Shopping Center
gonna go someplace else your money will go someplace else. Use your head.
Charles DeGrove, Bronson
Monday-Thursday
Via Voicemail:
11 am - 2 pm & 5 - 9 pm
Friday
Betty Burger, Inglis. I’m against the Tarmac mine and I don’t know anyone for it. So
11 am - 2 pm & 5 - 10 pm
count me as against it.
Saturday
Betty Berger, Inglis
Noon - 10 pm
Via Voicemail:
Sunday
John Wilkinson of Dunnellon left a phone number but left no comment.
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Noon - 9 pm
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Inglis
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