To the Editor:
Residences need neutral buffer space from commercial areas. Traffic, noise, lights, odors, or other distractions are contrary to home-site tranquility. Zoning should promote “good-neighbor” boundaries.
An 18-acre parcel on Powell Road is zoned for recreation. It’s the neighbor behind several properties that The Villages sold for premium prices.
Today, Wildwood plans to rezone this portion of Millenium Park East to commercial. No doubt to maximize selling price and future revenue. As land-owner and controller of zoning, they have legal control. But city commissioners should consider a “good-neighbor” ethical “do-the right thing” in the best interests of the “public at-large.” Do they need to squeeze every dollar out of every parcel?
The “biggest turnout ever” (Planning Board public hearing Jan. 8) was for good reason: The change denies an adequate buffer from some 40 residences across the fence.
Please ask the Wildwood City Commissioners, ethically, to reject this land-use change.
Philip Schoonover
Village of Collier
