Dear Source:
I visited your lovely island of St John in 1987. I am saddened to see the developers taking over. I live in Sarasota, Florida where developers have almost destroyed our once lovely area. Mega mansions and luxury condos are going up on every key, taking up entire lots, blocking views, etc. The traffic is out of control. Nothing but construction trucks and cranes and unbearable noise all day long, probably throughout my retirement years. The trees are all but gone. I sympathize much with your future there. You must put your foot down and elect officials who will fight against all-powerful developers and their lobbyists.
Our own Florida legislature is trying to unconstitutionally change all condo owners' contracts, retroactively, so the developers can get their foot in the door for tear down and rebuilding of copious luxury condos. They will simply kick us out of our homes! Against our will and contracts!! This is not even in the event of a hurricane, they slipped it into a hurricane relief bill hoping no one would notice it, but we did! We have been writing the Governor non-stop for a veto of this horrendous SB314 but the developers and their lobbyists are pushing hard for its passage. It passed both our house and Senate 2 years in a row, unanimously, except for one negative vote this year. This will force thousands out of the state because we cannot afford to buy again due to tax issues and higher prices. It is sinful what money and power can do to so many. It is ok to change contracts retroactively, just look how much more revenue the state will get from 500 luxury condos instead of 120 old ones! !! This is eminent domain and they are getting away with it!
My thoughts are with you and keep up the fight.
Gayle Wardner
Sarasota Florida
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