Don’t ruin Peridia with apartment complex

As a Peridia resident, I have many concerns regarding the proposed construction of a 61-unit apartment complex to be built at the entrance of our community. This proposed development is not consistent with the existing development patterns in our area.

A 35-foot, three-story apartment building at the main entrance to Peridia does not satisfy the compatibility requirement that was set forth when the Peridia office park was developed, which is directly across Peridia Boulevard from the site in question.

Those recommendations included that only one-story buildings be permitted. Also, the additional noise from SR 70 once the property is cleared and developed cannot be fully mitigated by landscaping.

The FDOT will not approve a road from this property that would directly connect it with SR 70. If approved, the only entrance/exit to the apartments is through a church parking lot. I am concerned that this singular exit creates potential delays both for emergency personnel and residents in the event of a fire or an evacuation.

Peridia is a caring community that is comprised of full- and part-time residents, some working families but mostly retirees. This project creates many challenges for us that compromises our quality of life and is not compatible with our existing neighborhood. I want our community to continue to be a place that people want to call home, both now and into the future.

I am hopeful that other residents that share these or other concerns about this project will attend the board of commissioners meeting on Aug. 4 and share their comments.

This story was originally published July 29, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Don’t ruin Peridia with apartment complex."