Letter: Commission stands tall

Editor, Daily News:

Bravo, bravo! I congratulate the Collier County commissioners in standing their ground, refusing to change the Abaco Bay zoning.

Attorney Clay Brooker claims the Collier commissioners are only hurting the new owners. What about the former and current tenants? Day after day we hear of the need for affordable housing; yet, this attorney would have us shed tears for real estate speculators who now can rent at a sufficient level to cover their carrying costs.

Brooker would also have us applaud the developer for having created affordable housing. If the developer was so intent on presenting affordable housing, why the high price? At more than 100 units and a purchase price of $7.37 million, that's less than $73,700 per unit. Why then the $120,000 to $260,000 sales price? I'd love a piece of that action.

Further, why not insert a deed restriction imposing a hardy penalty to prevent flipping? More importantly, why not seek the zoning change first?

All too often we read of developers doing their thing and, after the fact, saying oops, sorry and paying a minor penalty. I say no more penalties. Right the wrong, then we'll talk. Years ago, a neighboring new construction in Bristol, Conn., extended past the set-back. The solution: cut a 3-foot-by-3-foot jog out of the back corner of the house.

Stand tall and tough, commissioners. While you're at it, postpone any approvals to Ronto until they've return Parklands to its natural state. If you make it hurt, they'll come to you first.

Ed Welch , Naples