More residents across Ocala, including a future Ocala resident, recently submitted letters to share their thoughts and concerns regarding growth in Ocala/Marion County.
“The comments from Bonnie Rin, which compared her experiences in her hometown in upstate New York to Ocala, are good food for thought for our committee people. We are snowbirds from New Jersey, a state that had been covering every square foot of land with anything. If not multi-family housing, then Wawa’s. We have been coming here for 14 years. We read the paper daily. In the last five years, daily, we have read about the expansion in Ocala. Our area of SW 200 is now being referred to as the SW 200 corridor. The construction is tremendous and I feel it should be checked. One of the fears of our neighbors about the influx of people to our area is that they will bring with them the politics that changed their areas and persuaded them to relocate here. I don’t believe that the Rin’s will fit that description. Welcome,” says Ocala resident Stewart Weiner.
“This area has so much to offer. It is growing like crazy. I live in a 55-plus community. I love the horse farms and I usher at the Ocala Civic Theatre. I love Light Up Ocala and the Arts Festivals. I do believe that we need an international airport. I live off Baseline and would like to see more businesses on this side of town,” says Rita Miller, Ocala resident.
“We are missing out in Ocala without an ice rink. Youth hockey would be a great thing. Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) support youth hockey to the east, west, and south of Orlando. Without a rink up in the Ocala area, though, there is no future for any ice sports, let alone hockey. There are no high schools up here with hockey. Come on Ocala, let’s step up to the future and get an ice rink,” says Ocala resident Donald Carey.
“I would hope Costco is soon added to the Ocala community. I am moving to the area and know a Costco would help the community. They have the best products, employees (they are loyal and have the ability to grow in their jobs), and the best prices for their products. Please try to get them there and settled before I arrive,” says Jack Bradford from Deatsville, Alabama.
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