Lee County in the Year
2035 - Back to the Future?
"The Governor and the
legislative leadership have indicated that they want to get excessive, duplicate regulation out of the way of businesses that will produce
jobs," said Linda Shelley, Fowler White Boggs attorney and former
Secretary for the Department of Community Affairs "We expect that to
translate into significant changes in the state's role in growth
management."As an attorney with extensive experience in environmental and
land permitting before state, regional and local entities, Shelley knows how
the regulatory environment can shape our communities' future.
Shelley spoke to a crowd of
more than 300 at the Harborside Convention Center as part of a Southwest
Florida Symposium dedicated to planning a stronger, more sustainable Lee County
for the future, one where land use and transportation needs are more closely
linked.
A host of panelists, including
economists, educators, health care providers, land use and transportation
planners all spoke about a shifting paradigm from continued urban sprawl to
more densely developed communities within walking distance of shops, movie
theaters and a social scene.
"Generation X is looking
for a 24-hours city with things to do within walking distance," said real
estate adviser Woody Hanson. "In the future, we must recognize that
an era of less has replaced an era of bigger and more."
Jim Nathan, President of the
Lee Memorial System, told the crowd that America has become used to seeing
people who are 'super-sized' and that obesity only makes the top five chronic
health problems even worse: diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary
artery disease, asthma and depression. Livable neighborhoods that include
basic needs and other amenities within walking distance will promote a
healthier lifestyle.
Close to 150 high school honor
students took part in the event, which was
hosted as a community service
by the law firm of Fowler White Boggs to promote a stronger economy for
Southwest Florida.
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