THURSDAY…REVIEW OF THE BUILDING MORATORIUM

Thursday, the Planning Commission of Collier County will review and discuss the newly proposed ordinance that will effect future growth in Collier County, especially to the east of Collier Boulevard. The ordinance was in response to the DCA (Florida Department of Community Affairs) stating that, in their opinion, the county’s capital improvements were not financially feasible. When plans for services are drawn up, the counties, as well as cities are required to update the DCA.

Following a vote by the Collier County Commissioners (3 to 2 vote) staff was instructed to draft a proposed ordinance. The proposal will effectively put the brakes on future development, and the key word is ‘future’, because development in process will be allowed to continue. The county attorneys have said that in order for the ordinance to pass, it must be by a Super Majority, which means that 5 out of the 6 commissioners must vote for it.

One of the voices not so muted in discussing the issue is that of Michelle Harrison, the president of the Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA). She stated that no matter what you call it, a building moratorium or planning moratorium, it will have the same effect of totally crippling the local economy. To date, there has been no analysis of the economic impact such an ordinance would have on the local economy.

What an enormously hot political issue potato this is for the county and it will be interesting to see the turnout, especially builders and developers who may show up to vehemently protest!