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My family and I have lived in Pinecrest since before its incorporation in 1996. We chose Pinecrest for the quality of life and safety it offered then and still does today.
Many of us have become aware of the petition that still looms and that I think it might turn our village upside down. It’s a big risk we need not take.
Some neighbors I have spoken to think this will help control growth, avoid development along US1 and give power to the people. Speaking as a resident and as a real estate developer, I think it will do the opposite. Neutering our Village Council and professionals will open us up to lobbying and development by those with the funds to push a project. Doubt this is possible? Look to DC.
In the past, our Council and police have made timely and considered changes to code to protect us from companies like Airbnb and adult entertainment whose continued presence would change the very nature of our community.
The petition would require all zoning and safety code changes in Pinecrest to go through a ballot referendum and pass with 60 percent of the vote! We elected council members to guide our village. Let’s tell them what we think, but don’t neuter our well-functioning village. I have spoken with a Council member who stated we will NOT do what Life Fitness did at US1 and Ponce.
Under the proposed system, our police or Council would not be able to act quickly to update codes in the interest of public safety. Public officials or citizens of Pinecrest would only be able to call for change every two years through the ballot referendum. This system favors companies and big money who can change the very nature of our village.
From what I have been told, this petition is NOT about over-development but would result in a costly system that favors big money over the people who are, in my opinion, well represented. I do not want a vacancy blighted US1 corridor because owners are prevented from applying to develop in a manner compatible with our Village.
Fellow Pinecrest community members, please join me with resolve to protect our quaint town. Do not sign the petition and tell your neighbors to do the same. It is up to us to protect one another from predatory outsiders.
I am willing to meet with any group, at any time, so we and our elected officials can talk though what is best for all of us.
Philip Leitman
A long time real estate investor, developer and a resident of Pinecrest since before incorporation of the Village of Pinecrest.
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