The potential development of a large tract of woodland bordered by Blair Stone Road, East Orange Avenue, and Tram Road is stirring controversy. City of Tallahassee growth managers and the developer held an online question and answer session on Monday, March 21 in response to the concerns. Some area residents, along with environmental and community advocates like Max Epstein worried about their voices being heard.
"It's frustrating coming to these meetings because it feels like we get rebuffed with our concerns and really we're just trying to make things better," Epstein exclaimed.
The issues brought up during the hour-and-a-half meeting included potentially polluted runoff from clear-cutting, intrusive commercial development, and traffic congestion. Brad Parker, representing the property owner, insisted local input would be a vital part of the final project.
"We just want you to know that we don't mind working with you to answer your questions. There's been a lot written and said that is not true about this subdivision."
Stephany Cecil lives near the proposed 740+ acre parcel, called the "English Property" after the family that owns it. She's not impressed by the developer's plans.
"And I thought our comp plan was moving us away from those things and actually trying to design things that are more sustainable and more equitable for everybody to have access to natural areas and walkable shopping experiences. This looks like everything that's been done before and not in alignment with the comp plan."
The full City Commission will consider a rezoning request to allow the subdivision during Wednesday's meeting.
Tallahassee City Commissioners will address the possible rezoning of that portion of the English property slated for development at their meeting on Wednesday.
