News You Can Use...The Apopka Update

News You Can Use...The Apopka Update

Dear Friends,

As Summer begins, there are several exciting projects well underway in the city of Apopka that will put us at the forefront of economic development and job creation.

The first is our newly designed City of Apopka Web Site
Now much more comprehensive and user friendly, it provides citizens and new businesses alike with in-depth information about our community and how to do business in our city.

Many of you have heard me say, "I do not believe government creates jobs (except for government jobs), but we create the opportunity for businesses to create jobs." Part of creating this "opportunity" is to ensure that proper zoning and land use changes are in place. The City has taken a very proactive approach on this issue which means we are poised to meet the needs of potential new businesses and streamline the process from recruitment to opening day.

In the past 18 months, we have approved 18 small scale comprehensive plan amendments and zoning changes. We have also approved Ordinance #2145, Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment (which includes the Wekiva Parkway Interchange Plan) and Ordinance #2173, Water Supply Facilities Work Plan.

So even though there are times when it appears that nothing is happening to promote economic development, quite the opposite is true. It's just not as obvious, but the less obvious still plays a critical role in our city's future.

Until next month, let's stay in touch!

Commissioner Kathy Till

407-484-3597

kathyspud@aol.com

Council Update

At the April 20th meeting, the Council gave final approval for the annexation of various properties totaling 56.04 acres.

At the May 4th meeting, the Council approved the Comprehensive Plan Amendement for Center of Faith Church (previously annexed) from County Low Residential to Professional Office/Institutional and also approved the second reading for a change of Zoning on the same property from County A1 to City PO/I.

At the May 18th meeting, the Council approved the Preliminary Development Order for construction of a 17,899 square foot Aldi Food Store south of S.R. 436 (East Semoran Blvd., east of Suggs Rd.)

The Council also heard a presentation by Florida Central Railroad, requesting a financial committment of $307,000 for railroad track improvements. The Council is still researching this issue and a final decision is pending.

Legislative Update

SJR 958 - Revenue & Expenditure Cap -passed the House and Senate and is now scheduled to be put before the voters on the November, 2012 General Election Ballot if approved by the Supreme Court. This proposed constitutional amendment would cap state revenues starting in FY 2014/2015 to revenues received in FY 2013-2014 plus a formula for inflation and population growth.

SJR 658 - Assessment Cap - passed the House and Senate and is now scheduled to be put before the voters on the November, 2012 General Election Ballot if approved by the Supreme Court. This proposed constitutional amendment would reduce the annual non-homestead property assessment cap from 10% to 3%. The cost to cities is expected to be $2-$2.3 billion each year.

HB 4087 & SB 672 - Traffic Infraction Devices passed the House in a 59-57 vote, but failed to reach the floor of the Senate. As such, the bills didn't pass. They would've repealed the 2010 state legislation governing the use of red light cameras. The state is estimated to received $70 million in revenue from these devices in 2011 and $100 million in revenue in 2012.

ECONOMIC UPDATE...WHAT'S HAPPENING IN APOPKA

Signs of an economic recovery are happening everyday in our city:

Winn Dixie in Errol Plaza is undergoing a $4+ million rennovation that will create 65 new jobs
The preliminary development order was approved by the city council for Aldi Food Stores. This business (if given final approval) is expected to bring several jobs to our city.
Cooper Commerce Park is working to recruit three new companies that will provide 100 jobs within the next year
On May 20th the City of Apopka and Apopka Chamber of Commerce hosted the Career Advancement & Training Expo. Six of the area's largest employers participated in this event. While many are not currently hiring, ALL expect to begin hiring in late 2011 and early 2012. Email me for more details!

As further details on all of these exciting initiatives become available, I will send out special announcements so you can stay informed of what's happening in your community!

YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

QUESTION OF THE MONTH.

The city of Apopka currently has an ordinance that prohibits the use of any type of tobacco product within 100 feet of any city owned playground apparatus or equipment. Violators of this ordinance can be charged with a civil infraction and subject to a $25.00 fine.

What is YOUR opinion about amending this ordinance to prohibit the use of any tobacco products in all areas of any city park or recreational facility owned and operated by the city of Apopka?

Email me with your comments