By Bryce Abshier – Contact Bryce@voiceofsouthmarion.com
At a recent meeting of the Belleview City Commission, one city official brought up a topic that has been top of mind for many residents: rapid development throughout Marion County. While addressing his fellow City Commissioners, Ron Livsey stated, “I’d like to put up for discussion, at the next meeting, the residents in Belleview and Marion County are up in arms in the building of housing projects here and in the county.”
“Marion County just approved 312 multifamily units up at On Top of the World and are on their way to approve another 312 unit development just south of Belleview on 92nd loop and Baseline Road,” Ron Livsey went on. “We have been proactive with our codes and ordinances… What I’d like to discuss at one of our meetings is should we be proactive with this situation by imposing a temporary moratorium on the approvals of any new PUDs for a short period of time that this commission feels fair.”
Recently, signs that have sprung up across South Marion, signaling an upcoming public hearing convened by the Board of Marion County Commissioners. Set for May 21, 2024, at 2:00 pm, the hearing is slated to look into a proposed planned unit development accommodating 304 multi-family units. This expansion site is earmarked near the convergence of SE 92nd Loop and Baseline Road in unincorporated South Marion County. The idea of another planned unit development, across social media and neighboring communities, has not been met with open arms. Social media channels echo with the discontent of residents. “What happened to the ‘Horse Capital of the World’? The paddocks are disappearing, the grass is gone, all replaced by apartments on every corner. And now, car washes,” said one resident.
While speaking to the commission about a temporary moratorium, Belleview City Commissioner Livsey continued, “I know there are a lot of pros and cons in doing this… We owe it to the residents we represent, they’re our taxpayers and they deserve to be heard.”
Others on the commission stood on the ground of personal property rights. Commissioner Mike Goldman said that, “I’m a big fan of personal property rights, and if a landowner wants to develop their property, I certainly don’t think it’s the government’s position to tell them they can’t.”
Livsey replied, “I believe in personal property rights also, but what I’m saying is we need a discussion on how we can just control what is going on in our county and city today.”
Commissioner Bo Smith expressed thoughts shared by many in the community, regarding the Marion County area lacking proper infrastructure for all of the recent development. “We don’t have the roads for it. We don’t have the schools for it,” said Commissioner Smith. “We could double their (impact) fees… but if the roads aren’t getting built then it is not doing any good.”
Reportedly, the topic of development and potential proactive measures will be addressed more at a future meeting of the Belleview City Commission.
