- May 13, 2025
Dear Editor:
I support the opinion of the mayor that we are being run by the builders, or swamp peddlers. The fact that we have allowed building to outpace the construction of needed utilities such as the water treatment plant is evidence of this.
The fees for new construction should have more than covered any new expenses of the city. If they don't, then the builders must be the ones who are truly in charge. A moratorium on new construction is a reasonable response. In addition, the building of an athletic complex will be a huge monetary loss forced upon the public. It serves as further evidence of who is running things.
We've allowed the builders to get away with building cheaply made houses on miniature lots and sell them for high prices. Allowing this kind of construction doesn't provide more affordable housing, because the houses still sell at the top of the market.
In a few decades we will be burdened with overpopulated slums because the maintenance of these poorly constructed homes will not be feasible to their owners. The city should be setting higher standards for construction.
I don't want a mayor who goes with the flow and imagines pretty pictures. I want one who lives in reality and prepares for a better future.
Russell Monnin
Palm Coast
