In today's Orlando Sentinel (Sunday 9/4) the paper reported that Florida business lobby via support from the Republican party and by making false claims concerning the Hometown Democracy Initiative voted on in the 2010 elections. The Initiative was defeated and as a result real estate developers can operate unencumbered. For instance

Local governments won't need state approval to change their growth maps anymore unless changes would affect important state resources or facilties

State requirements that local governments or devlopers provide roads, schools and parks to accomodate new development is abolished. They also no longer need to show that the development is needed because of future growth o rthat they have a financial feasible plan to pay for future roads or infrastructure.


It will be harder for third party groups such as environmentalist and homeowners to challenge local government comprehensive plans changes in court

Local efforts to put comprehensive plan amendments to public votes are banned.

I am a registered Republican but was an adamant supporter of Hometown Democracy.

I believe the 190 page billl passed to dismantle florida's growth plan and hence allows free and perhaps irresponsible reign over future development by developers is unconstitutional.

Perhaps I am wrong and so I would like your opinions.