Development vs. Community

On December 13, 2022, the Pinecrest Village Council convened to discuss Ordinance 2022-16 (referred to as “Tab 11”) and Ordinance 2022-15 (“Tab 12”). These two ordinances were the first items on the meeting agenda, and the complete video of the session, including public comments, can be accessed here.
During the meeting, several Pinecrest residents voiced their concerns regarding the proposed amendments, particularly focusing on the implications of increased building height and density along the US-1 Corridor. Despite these comments from the community, there was no response from Councilmembers. Tab 11 was passed without any discussion or debate, and only one Councilman asked questions regarding Tab 12. A complete copy of Tab 11 can be found here, Tab 12 can be accessed here, and a complete copy of the minutes from December 13, 2022, can be found here.
Shannon Del Prado made the motion to pass Ordinance 2022-15 and voted to pass Ordinance 2022-16. These amendments primarily serve to open Pinecrest's US-1 Corridor to larger-scale, higher-density development that prioritizes developer flexibility over traditional neighborhood characteristics. This shift allows developers to maximize project heights, density, and commercial space along the US-1 Corridor, leading to a more urban environment that will come at the expense of Pinecrest’s quieter, suburban quality of life.
Consider the question: why is Shannon distancing herself from these decisions, and who truly represents the residents' concerns?

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- Ralph Sanchez, 10/31/2024