Agree or not this is what makes our country great!

It is great to see all of these Safety Harbor residents who came out to protest the development plans for the Firmenich Property. All of these people cared enough about their community to come out and hold a sign to let our City officials know what they think about these proposed changes for our City. In most other cities, people are not so passionate or care as much about their city as they do here in Safety Harbor.

Love your comment Desi, I couldn't agree more :)

great to see the town spirit! Does anybody know what can be built here if we are successful in stopping this project? Is it possible that a new larger factory will be built?

So maybe a good question to ask is: what would residents approve?

I like Christina Jackson's idea of a smaller residential area and a recycling center. What ever happens, good for Barbara, Sheryl and Sandy et al for getting people involved, talking and thinking.

GREAT JOB Harbor family!!! So proud to be a part of a community that loves it's town as much as I do. I like the idea of single family homes, and that leaves many possibilities for the developer. Such as the recycling center, or a small strip mall at front with a restaurant, or even a small park. Similar to Harborwoods neighborhood, single family homes and a small park w/soccer field (shared with adjoining subdivision). Being smart and environmentally sound is also a huge plus. Being a leader in the county is a great idea. Yes, many things "can" come along for that property, but there are developers who can follow along with surrounding areas. If this Group can't then the city should wait for a better deal period. This is zoning and later the county then state. There are known wetlands or environmental type directly behind that land. So smaller is a must. Thanks to all who have commented, great to see involvement.

Glad to see the support from our small town! If I'd know about the protest I would've been there! Love the sign in your yard Barbara...we def don't want an apt complex here way to busy and transient.

I think the best thing for this land would be single family homes like the Glencairn Cottages in Dunedin, which by the way half of these quaint cottages is sold out so why for heavens sake would a upper middle class individual or family with good credit would want to rent when they can easily qualify for a loan to own a home when you rent you are throwing your hard earned money out the door & nothing to show for it in few years down the road, also I like to remind everybody the housing market is still low enough to be able to afford a nice home again the major question in all minds why would anybody want to rent, now next point I like to make is when potential new comers visit our beautiful city and prefer to buy instead of rent, our hard working real estate professionals will prosper therefore real estate values will go up, therefore improving the economy, improving the revenue & the business community in the downtown corridor & surrounding areas, isn't this what we all want but if an apartment complex goes in which we all know in case they are not able to lease to upper middle class professionals or families with good credit, they are going to turn to Section 8 & low income individuals which will not help help our business community next thing will happen is our sales will stay the same while our taxes will be higher & before long that burden will cause many business owners to close their businesses, lets all seriously think about the outcome before approving any deal!

I would also like to add along with single family homes would be very nice is there was a country club & golf course which we all know Safety Harbor doesn't have a golf course nearest one is Chi Chi Rodriquez in Clearwater or Innisbrook Resort & Golf Course so what happens is our beautiful Safety Harbor Resort will lose potential golfers who will prefer to stay at Innisbrook again our beloved city loses, I want to see Safety Harbor Resort benefit & be around for years to come, their success is the business communities success for generations to come...

Now lets take a look at "Compare owning vs. renting" There are many advantages of owning a home, both financial and emotional. But there are a lot of responsibilities, too.
Benefits of Owning:
1. The house is yours — you can do what you want to it.
Renters are usually extremely restricted; sometimes they can't even repaint the walls. If you own your home, the only restrictions are local building codes.
2. You may be able to have more stable housing costs.
With a fixed-rate mortgage, you'll be able to predict your monthly payment amount. Property taxes and insurance are the primary things that can change the monthly cost of your home. Renters, on the other hand, could face big rent increases each time they move or if their lease is renewed.
3. You may be able to reduce your income tax costs.
You can deduct mortgage interest and your local property taxes at tax time. That could save you a lot, especially in the early years of your mortgage, when your payments will be mostly interest. Renters don't get this tax break. Consult a tax advisor about your personal situation.
4. Eventually, you will own a home free and clear, with no payments required. Whether you get a 15- or 30-year loan, at the end of that time, the house will be yours. Renters will have to pay rent every month indefinitely.
5. A house can increase in value.Depending on where your house is located, what kind of house you have and economic conditions, your house may become worth more than you paid for it.

Now here's the advantages of renting but remember the money spent is gone forever, so lets analyze the rent scenario:
Benefits of Renting;
1. You don't have to handle the repairs and upkeep.
If you have a leaky sink in a rental property, all you have to do is call the landlord to fix it. If you own the home, you have to hire a plumber, or fix the leak yourself. (Not necessarily true if the leak was caused by your carelessness then you are responsible).
2. You may not have to cover insurance and utilities.
These costs can add up quickly and strain your budget. Renters are often buffered from these costs, or the costs are rolled up into their rent. (In most cases the costs are rolled up in the rent whether you want it or not).
3. Moving is a lot less complicated.
A lease is a shorter-term commitment and when it expires, renters are free to go. As a homeowner, you'll have to worry about finding someone to either rent your house or buy it. (Not necessarily free to go, the deposit in most cases are not returned so wherever you go you will have to pay a non refundable deposit).
4. A house can lose value.
While your house could go up in value, it can also go down, as many did during the housing crash that began in 2006. If your house loses value and you need to sell, you'll need to repay the full amount of your mortgage even if your house is worth less in the current market. (that's a risk you take, a real estate agent can help you tremendously to make the right choice)...

I would also like to remind that if you are a pet lover like I am most rental properties will not allow pets or require at least a $200 non refundable pet deposit & if your beloved pup or kitty has an accident you are responsible for the clean up which can get very expensive that's more money out of your pocket :)

How about a new stadium for the Rays? Ha, I just needed some comic relief...

Hope everyone makes it to the city commissioners meeting on 2/4 @ 7:30 @ City Hall. The more the merrier and will certainly be an impressive showing to appeal to the good senses of our city...