ANSWERS embedded you may distribute with attachments to objectors
1. Can they change the application without notice and up until what date
The applicant will attempt to add and revise the application right up to and even in the hearing. We can and should object at the hearing.
2. We are concerned to get prepared for one location on the grounds and then they change it.
They might will have to keep up to date, by checking online Optix submittals or checking with County Planner to see if any new information is submitted.
3. Have you requested all the correspondence on this issue from Steve Hegerty, Hillsborough County Information Officer (school, community and collier. Etc.)
I will file public records request with your school principal and with School Facilities Director and District Administrator. The school officials did not respond in the request for Buchanan records so we filed a public records lawsuit which is still pending and still not all records have been produced.
4. Are signatures on the petition still valid if they are not from a neighboring community?
Petitions are helpful but not "legal" grounds for denial - better to have individuals show up at the hearing or submit individual letters with objections referring to the specific LDC #s or Comp Plan Policies (attached).
5. We would like to put up some banners in the area of the school which would be on Plantation common grounds and visible to Nixon, Village Hill and the school.
OK
a. Is it proper to put the principals (or anyone’s) email address on it?
Best to get permission first before you post principal's email even public employee email. Have them email School District Elected-Members and the County Elected Officials.
b. Are there legal limits for this type of display?
Check with County Building Department regarding need for a "banner" permit to meet County sign ordinance requirements, if any.
6. What is the best way to use our time at the Feb 16th hearing?
Have as many individuals as possible show up at the hearing or submit individual letters with objections referring to the specific LDC #s or Comp Plan Policies (attached).
a. How much time will you take
as long as they allow me to speak, last time they limited speakers to 3 or 5 minutes
b. How much time is available
code says 15 minutes total but Hearing Ex allowed each person 5 minutes last time
c. Should someone from each of the 3 communities speak?
Yes, as many as possible should speak as group and/or as individuals show up at the hearing (or submit individual letters) with objections referring to the specific LDC #s or Comp Plan Policies (attached).
d. We have a spokesperson for the community, how much time should he prepare for and what items should he speak on?
Plan on about five (5) minutes individuals objections referring to the specific LDC #s or Comp Plan Policies (attached).
7. My concern is will you have what you need to stop the re-zoning to prevent the building of the structure on the school grounds, period?
Please make photos and a 3-minute DVD of video to show site-specific location specifics (lack of trees, buffers, etc...) because Hearing Examiner will not do a site visit and relies on what is shown or submitted at the hearing.
We must show that the tower where sited does not meet the Comp Plan compatibility and LDC wireless requirements. See attached last denial where helpful videos and photos proved useful.
Ralf Brookes
Ralf Brookes Attorney