County commissioners are stooges for the developers, builders

Apparently, 87 residential developments in Manatee County are not enough for our beloved builders and county commissioners.

First, in Sarasota County, commissioners claim a win-win with the removal of the little wetlands at the corner of Honore and University. No other site would suit Whole Foods. So much for Whole Foods commitment to the environment. Or, was it because Fresh Market is across the street and it is simply a marketing ploy?

Now our dear friends Neal Communities has a great plan to remove a small 35-acre wetland and forest -- to build, get this, a gated community!

Don't our commissioners get it? No, they don't. Our local commissioner had stated at our HOA that we need to grow or die. Yeah, she said that.

They have become the stooges of the developers, agreeing to anything that will bring in more county tax dollars.

We need to turn out any elected official who thinks their job is to develop the county instead of managing it efficiently.

This area has a fantastic blend of homes, shopping and wildlife. That's why we are here, to enjoy all the amenities of the area, not just paving over as much land as we can.

Frank R. English

Sarasota

This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "County commissioners are stooges for the developers, builders ."