The Coming Land-use War

The Coming Land-use War

LAW by Dave Szymanski | Tampa Bay Editor

REVIEW SUMMARY

Executive: Attorney Ronald L. Weaver

Industry: Real estate and environmental law

Key: Help government, land owners and companies strike the balance between growth and protecting the environment and peoples' lifestyles in Florida

Tampa attorney Ron Weaver has been involved in some of the largest development projects in Florida and says companies need to get involved in shaping the future of Florida.

If you don't know Tampa land-use attorney Ron Weaver, a smiling, gracious, seemingly ever-present icon in business and community circles on the Gulf Coast, you may soon.

Weaver, who chairs the Environmental and Land Use Law Department in Tampa for Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A., has been invited to speak around the state about the Hometown Democracy movement, which would give citizens the right to vote on land-use changes.

Besides his role as firm rainmaker, he has represented clients from governments to land-owners to developers, on environmental law, property rights and land-use issues for four regional malls, 30 hotels, four resorts, downtown planning, road projects, a people mover and other issues. Weaver has participated in the acquisition and development of more than $2 billion in Florida property in 20 counties.

A 1974 Harvard University graduate, husband and father, Weaver has written more than 200 articles in national, local and regional publications, law journals and newsletters. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal on growth management, concurrency, property rights and takings cases.

The Gulf Coast Business Review caught up with Weaver to ask him questions on business, government, transportation and other issues affecting you. Here is the conversation, edited for length:

Does Hometown Democracy have a good chance of passing in November?

"It's a formidable threat. It does have a significant chance of passing."

Why do you disagree with it?

"The idea is an overreaction to the pressures and consequences of growth. This could've been done with a statewide forum where all objectives could be heard. There should've been a careful sharing. Let's call in everyone and have a confab. We don't leave until we moderate the differences. This unnecessarily polarizes the whole state. Former Gov. Jeb Bush called it, 'Good name. Bad idea.'"

What impact will it have on economic development?

"It will severely interfere with economic development. Hundreds of thousands of projects got done because people amended the comprehensive plan. One year, Palm Beach County had 1,200 plan amendments."

Will the proposed Heartland Parkway road, which would run north-to-south from Winter Haven, to Naples to Alligator Alley, happen?

"Eventually. It would create a dynamic opening of the state as Interstates 75 and 95 did, for recreation, access and eco-tourism. It will help agriculture and development. It will create a similar dynamic to other corridors, where you see cars, then rail transportation."

Are the water wars over in Florida?

"Yes. Every once in a while there's thunder. In 1996 we created new water sources. Everyone is cooperating about 95% of the time. People are working together regionally."

What are the main economic challenges facing Florida?

"Property taxes and insurance. I think we need to work on these as the price of insurance is skyrocketing and as property taxes are increasing. In many jurisdictions, it's been devastating. We need to bring this under control."

Are Floridians serious about reining in development sprawl?

"A bank paid for a study that showed it was 30% more expensive to provide water service, sewers and roads when things are allowed to sprawl. A bank did this. A lot of people paid attention. But there is this issue: Do people want to live with higher densities? Studies show, when you over-regulate growth, you increase prices in the urban service area. It's a certain fairness issue. Development is not allowed to proceed."

Do you agree with the job being done by Tom Pelham, secretary of the Florida Department of Community Affairs, which manages growth and development?

"I do. I don't agree with everything. I've lectured with him about 12 times. I've come to respect him. I agree with him on about 80% of the issues such as a vision for the state, land use, environment, real estate and finance."

Where do you see the hottest land-use activity occurring in Florida?

"Within an hour of the Tampa and Sarasota airports. There will be continual development. There are now 2½ million people in the Tampa Bay area. There's still an enormous amount of land, such as the openings along the Suncoast Parkway. The opening of the Suncoast Parkway brings new development opportunity as far north as Hernando County."

How would you contrast the markets?

"The difference between Tampa and Miami is stark. In vacant land, in Tampa, there is 50,000 acres for residential, 7,000 for commercial and 2,000 for industrial. Miami has 25,000 for residential, 3,000 for commercial and 7,000 for industrial. Fort Myers has 102,000 for residential, 10,000 for commercial and 3,000 for industrial. And Sarasota has 49,000 for residential, 4,000 for commercial and 800 for industrial. In commercial growth (in the next five years), you'll see about 15 to 20% in Orlando, because of job creation, and about 12 to 15% in Sarasota, Jacksonville and Tampa and 9% in Miami."

When will residential real estate pick up again?

"It's a question in respect to supply. It will be late 2008 before we come back to 2002 levels. We need to get through the supply. There will be tightened lending and restraint by companies. Lenders and banks are tightening up."

Is the governor doing a good job in helping the Florida economy?

RW: "I agree with about 80% of what he does. He's a very responsive governor, bright and resourceful. He mobilizes the resources of the office very well. We need some solutions to the property tax and property insurance costs."

Why don't you run for office?

"I'll leave that for Charlie Crist and Tom Pelham."

What advice would you give Florida companies?

"Get involved. There's never been a moment in history where more help is needed - personal, financial and otherwise. Get involved. In Florida Hometown Democracy. Get involved either way. You might shape it. It's a real balancing act. On the trip back to your office, come out where you conclude that there are four or five issues that can be solved."

Why is spirituality important to you?

"It's essential. It's impossible to appreciate the opportunities of business without it. I appreciate God for all He's done for me, for my family. It's been great. I watch with appreciation and know how blessed and fortunate we are, especially for the last 30 years."