Florida City’s Future Community Growth Plan Approved by State
Florida City’s 2008 Comprehensive Plan Amendments, approved by the Florida Department of Community Affairs, includes many goals and objectives aimed at benefiting residents and businesses while protecting the environment.
Florida City, Florida (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE), April 2, 2008 – The Florida Department of Community Affairs (FDCA) has issued its Notice of Intent to find the comprehensive plan amendments, adopted by the City of Florida City on November 27, 2007, in compliance with state law. The proposed EAR-based amendments represent a very extensive update of the comprehensive plan, and include many new goals and objectives which will guide future development and make the City a leader in innovative Green Planning.
A major issue addressed by the plan amendments is the development of a cost-effective water supply plan to provide for future growth, working hand-in-hand with the South Florida Water Management District and Miami-Dade County.
Also, included in the amendments are several new future land use categories, which provide for the mixing of uses to reduce the impacts of new development, the redevelopment of downtown Florida City, and the conservation of park lands. In addition, the amendments include raising the City’s standard for the provision of parks from 2.75 acres/1,000 population to 3 acres/1,000 population, which is higher than the County parks standard. This will ensure that as the City grows, there are abundant park facilities for the residents and visitors to enjoy.
“This is a big step forward for the City. The Mayor and Commission have made serious commitments in the new plan to enhance the city’s quality of life, meet the needs for roads, water supply, wastewater, and parks, and protect the area’s unique natural environment,” said Henry Iler, AICP, Florida City Planner.
The amendments also meet several new state requirements helping the school board provide for adequate school facilities, guaranteeing new city capital projects are financially-feasible, and ensuring developers pay their fair share of road, water, and park improvements to support new development.
Every city and county in Florida is required to maintain a comprehensive plan, a document which establishes the goals and objectives of the jurisdiction related to capital improvements, land development, transportation, environmental conservation, and public facilities. Pursuant to state law, the plans are to be updated every 5-7 years, through a process referred to as the “Evaluation and Appraisal Report” (EAR).
This two-step amendment process requires cities or counties to examine whether the comprehensive plan is up-to-date with current state requirements and community growth trends, and how effective the community has been in achieving the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan.
About Iler Planning Group:
IPG is a locally recognized firm providing planning, community visioning, and urban design services throughout Florida. IPG is the largest sole planning firm in South Florida and a leader in Green Planning, helping communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions and do more to conserve resources. At the core of IPG’s success has been a dedication to feasible and successful planning; a desire to improve communities; and a commitment to protecting the planet and the environment. For more information please visit www.ipgplan.com.
Contact:
Zach Graeve, Marketing Manager
Iler Planning Group
Harbour Point Plaza
11000 Prosperity Farms Road, Suite 206
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
www.ipgplan.com - 561 626 7067 | 561 626 5292 fax