DeSoto Sun-Herald (Arcadia)

May 26, 2005

Commissioners vote down housing

DESOTO COUNTY -- They had the money to build it. They had several government agencies' support to build it. They even had the donated land to build it.

But in the end, Catholic Charities Housing Diocese of Venice didn't have what they needed most: The support of the DeSoto County Commission and residents of DeSoto County.

The diocese, a not-for-profit corporation, came before the commission on Tuesday evening to request approval for a comprehensive plan to reclassify a little more than 60 acres from rural residential to suburban residential.

The reason?

The diocese had received millions of dollars from national and state governments, as well as local entities, to address the need of housing for poor farm workers in DeSoto County.

After the hurricane season of 2004 was gone, so were hundreds of structures that farm workers, mostly migrants, were using as living spaces. Almost all the structures were destroyed, but luckily citrus season was coming to a close, so they were mostly empty, leaving DeSoto County with only a few injuries.

Then Catholic Charities stepped forward, unveiling their plans to build farm worker housing for not only single workers, but for families as well.

The plans were to build the housing on a 60-acre tract at the corner of Cross Street and State Road 70, complete with a park, playground, clubhouse, computer rooms, health care and more.

FEMA, whose long-term recovery meetings indicated that farm worker housing was on the top of the list for DeSoto County, was on hand to support the project. So was Barbara Carlton, executive director for Peace River Valley Citrus Growers. She spoke about the need for clean farm worker housing and voiced her approval. Even members of the DeSoto County Ministerial Association were on hand, each coming before the commission to speak about the good intentions, extensive planning and intricate design behind the project.

But the problem that loomed before the commissioners on Tuesday evening wasn't the housing itself. That wasn't even on the agenda to be discussed. The problem was that the land use change that was being requested -- from rural residential to suburban residential -- was a drastic change for the face of the neighborhood if approved.

DeSoto County residents filled the commission chambers on Tuesday, all wanting to speak out about the issue. While several spoke in support of the plan, all those who live nearest to the proposed change were against it.

Crystal Westbrook was one such resident. As she appeared before commissioners, she held up two sheets of paper lined with names, addresses and phone numbers.

"These are my neighbors that couldn't make it tonight, and they are all against it," she said. With a slight turn and a wave of her hand, she requested all in the room who opposed the change to stand. Almost two-thirds of the room rose and faced the commissioners.

Other members of the audience stepped forward and voiced their concerns about increased crime, drug use and the safety of their children. While all who spoke against the project praised Catholic Charities for its efforts, the consensus was the same: "Not in my neighborhood."

So the commissioners sat, five men facing a decision that seemed to have no right or wrong answer. Farm worker housing that will save hundreds of migrants from living in slum conditions, or the residents who are fearful that the housing will ruin their own living conditions?

"This is the hardest thing I've had to listen to in a long time," Commissioner Felton Garner said. "Truly the hardest."

Commissioner Terry Welles echoed Garner's sentiments.

"There is no doubt the need (for farm worker housing) is there," he said. "There is also no doubt that no one will want it in their neighborhood. This puts us in an awkward position."

One by one, the commissioners voiced their minds, speaking softly and casting glances at each other. But Commissioner Delma Allen spoke the words that broke the tension in the room.

"Right project, wrong location," Allen said firmly. "I make a motion to reject the land change."

Felton Garner seconded the vote and the rest of the commissioners all agreed, declining the change-use request unanimously.