The real truth?   (by: Been there  -   9/29/2009)

It is not up to Save Our Creeks to do the burden on the research to protect the Creek. The State agencies in charge have raised the questions and the County and the Developer need to address the issues, not sweep them under the rug with a wink and a handshake. Why has SWFWMD not been asked to comment? Half of this project is in the Peace River Watershed. And how does this relate to the new highways, as that has been mentioned in articles. I smell a very rotten fish here. Maybe the press can uncover before its too late for the nice citizens of Venus. Too bad their County Comissioners want to sell them out. And to a carpetbagging coastal developer. Sad.

property rights and democracy  (by: AuntieAlais  -   9/28/2009)

The issues here are property rights and democracy. Both the owners of Southern Farms and the Venus residents have the right to do what they want with their property. But, along with rights come responsibilities. This is why we have county ordinances to deal with such things as when a property owner doesn’t take proper care of their place and as a result cause their neighbors to live in discomfort or have their neighbors’ property values decrease. These ordinances cover the usual types of problems such as un-tidy yards, vulgar behavior, and general disruption to the neighborhood. The military training center purpose for which Southern Farms wants to sell its property is not the usual type of neighborhood disruption or county-wide burden, so there are no ordinances to protect the people of Venus and Highlands County from the problems it will inevitably cause. This is NOT a reason to let it go in the name of property rights and democracy, though! It appears that the majority of the Venus residents do not want the Training Center located in their neighborhood. The residents and property owners of Highlands County should be expecting their elected officials, the Commissioners, with the help of the Planning & Zoning staff, to take a much more thorough, in-depth look at this proposal before giving it their stamp of approval. A Cost Benefit Analysis needs to be done BEFORE the re-zoning is passed, with the results made public so that all can see the monetary benefits and costs. This needs to be a thorough, unbiased investigation. Not just a sales pitch from the parties involved. Issues involving future expenses and resource needs of the county need to be looked at, again BEFORE the re-zoning. Some very critical water use, storm-water runoff, county services and infrastructure questions can not be allowed to be waved off for “future consideration” after the re-zoning is passed. This is truly a case of the proverbial “Closing the barn door after the horse has run out!” We believe that after all aspects of property responsibilities are considered, it will be obvious that, acting in the county’s best interest, our elected representatives should represent us and vote no to this development.

Training Center  (by: mbaker  -   9/28/2009)

No J.C., the harm has not already been done. Groves don't have hard surface area's where water can runoff into the waterways and harm the environment. And has anyone thought about the escessive lead contaiminaton to the soil, surface water, and ground water from the live fire? Lead is difficult and expensive to remove from soil. Chances are concidering the large area being talked about, the lead contamination would be permanent and eventually would affect the groundwater. As far as using local contractors, especially specialized contractors that would be needed for this project, it is highly unlikely local contractors will get much of the work. For any permanent employment positions that would be available for the community, most of the people working at this facility will be professional exmilitary employees and not local employees except for maybe some minimun wage or low paying service positions.

Get a grip on it people  (by: JW  -   9/28/2009)

I can understand the residents being against a live fire area but you tree huggers need to get a grip on yourselfs.The land is already changed into groves. The damage ,if any, is already done. Bring on the facility and the jobs. Make them use local contractors though.

Fisheating Creek  (by: Ted Guy  -   9/27/2009)

I would like to see both sides of the story reported, not just one side.

Training Center  (by: mbaker  -   9/27/2009)

I have worked for corporations professionally in evironmental affairs in national, state, and in local regulations, including Highlands Co.,and I totally agree with the Save Our Creeks people. I am glad someone has finally looked at what the State agencies were saying. I have mentioned previously about water runoff from this facility and the affects on the environment. Take these issues seriously and know that it will drastically affect the area. This project is political and is not in the best interest of the counties environment or the residents. The county commisioners need to be questioned why they tried to rush this project and if they are for it then why.

DESTROYING THIS COUNTY  (by: MR.X  -   9/27/2009)

IF THIS GOES THRU HIGH LANDS COUNTY WILL A TOXIC DUMP. THE IDIOTS RUNNING THE GOVERNMENT ARE DESTROYING THIS PLACE INCH BY INCH,

Fisheating Sprawl  (by: Johnny Grey  -   9/27/2009)

Don't forget about this being the Swallow Tailed Kite primary roosting and feeding ground for over half of the US population. Don't forget about all of that damaging sprawl and stuff that comes with these impacting military complexes. And don't forget about the rights of the locals who live and pay taxes in Highlands and nearby counties who need their property rights protected from this unwarranted land use change, and by who - 3 X-generals and one too hungry Cape Coral land developer seeking easy profits in rural Highlands?